lvin Vogtle’s life would have been a great subject for a major motion picture. 9 Actually, a significant portion of his life already has been portrayed in film.
Vogtle, a Mountain Brook resident who died in 1994, managed six escapes from several German prisoner of war camps during World War II. His exploits were the inspiration for Capt. Virgil Hilts, played by Steve McQueen in the 1963 hit movie “The Great Escape.” After his war experiences, Vogtle went on to become president and
Mountain Brook War Hero Honored in One-Man Show
By Lee Davis
chairman of the board of Southern Company, headquartered in Birmingham and one of the largest electricity holding companies in the nation.
Now Vogtle’s life during WWII is the subject of a one-man play. “Alvin Vogtle’s Escape” will be presented April 26 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens as part of Vulcan Park and Museum’s Birmingham Revealed Series. The show, will last approximately 45 minutes, with actor Dane Peterson portraying Vogtle. Show time is 6 p.m.
The playwright for the production is Lee Shackleford, a professor of playwriting and screenwriting at UAB who teaches via internet
See VOGTLE, page 7
BUFFET, BEER AND GIRL POWER BSC’s First Female President to Speak at GirlSpring’s Hump Day Hops Event. PAGE 6
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
GRACIOUS LIVING PlantationStyle House Is This Year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse. PAGE 22
PHILANTHROPY BECOMES PERSONAL Corporate Community Supports Kidney Foundation and Fundraising Walk. PAGE 32
Several buildings in the state will turn their lights to blue and green on April 21 to mark part of National Donate Life Month and encourage Alabamians to become organ donors.
On National Blue & Green Day, these local landmarks will be transformed for the cause: Vestavia Hills Southern Gateway and Sibyl Temple, Children’s of Alabama, The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital Fountain, the iconic Birmingham Sign at Regions Field, and REV Birmingham’s “Birmingham Lights,” four tunnels at 14th, 18th, 20th and 22nd streets.
Residents also are encouraged to wear blue and green to show their support.
The Alabama Organ Center is teaming up with Donate Life America to celebrate the month.
“One of the greatest gifts we can leave our fellow man upon death is an opportunity to extend the lives of others by donating our organs and tissues to those in need,” said Chris Meeks, executive director of the Alabama Organ Center.
You can register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at alabamaorgancenter.org.
Also to commemorate the month, Donate Life America creates artwork that illustrates the power of donation. The 2017 National Donate Life Month art uses pinwheels to tell the donation story. Each Donate Life pinwheel has four sails supported by one stem. The one stem symbolizes the power of one person to save and heal lives through donation. The four sails represent organ, eye, tissue and living donation, the four ways one person can save and heal more than 75 lives.
Pinwheels also symbolize transformation, turning obstacles into opportunities.
Nationally, 54 percent of adults are registered donors, but that number in Alabama is only 34 percent. The number of people who need transplants continues to outpace the number of organs donated.
More than 119,000 people were waiting for a transplant in January, according to data supplied by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. On average, 22 people die each day because the organ they need is not donated in time. ❖
Ihave some sad news: Harold passed away a few weeks back. I miss him terribly, but he had been very sick for a very long time and now he is free from pain and at peace. When you love someone, what more could you ask?
It was cancer, and he’d been fighting it for years, and I know, I should have told you, but I didn’t. Denial perhaps, or wishful thinking, but I think the real reason was that here, in this space, Harold was always happy and whole.
I have some sad news: Harold passed away a few weeks back. I miss him terribly, but he had been very sick for a very long time and now he is free from pain and at peace. When you love someone, what more could you ask?
I have to tell you something else: His real name was Bill, William Patrick Murphy, to be exact, and he was every bit the Irishman that the name implies. I dubbed him “Harold” early on in my writing career to give him room to deny all of the antics that I wrote about even though, with the exception of a tiny bit of literary blarney, every word I wrote about him was true.
Actually, Bill enjoyed being Harold. Whenever I was stumped for something to write about, he’d say, “Write about Harold. People love that.” And they did. People liked Bill, too. Whenever he walked into a room, he owned it. He was the life of every party, the one people looked for at every convention or family reunion. Even at the end, when his only stage was an operating room or infusion center, he was charming the nurses and lab technicians. When Bill died, we got a fruit and cheese tray and a candle from the staff at the hotel where we stayed during his treatments. He was loved.
He lived 10 years after his diagnosis, more than he had been officially allotted, and he set out to make the
There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit otmj.com for more stories and photos.
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most of every one of them. When he felt good, we traveled. We saw Germany and Australia and Italy and Ireland. When his energy waned, we sat on the screened-in porch and listened to the latest oldies album he had purchased with the ITunes cards the girls bought him for birthday and Christmas. It was all good. He lived long enough to walk both of his daughters down the aisle. He was there to share popcorn with all four of his grandchildren. That last day, he waited to leave until the girls and I and his brother were all gathered around him. We were truly blessed.
He spent his final months trying to teach me the things that I would need to know when he was gone, like the intricacies of his checkbook balancing system, the way to program the lawn sprinklers, and how to drive in downtown Atlanta traffic. When I honked at someone who was veering into my lane near the I-285 interchange last month, he was so proud I thought he was going to cry.
I’m still working on programming the sprinklers. I’m still working on a lot of things, but I have a lot of good help around me, people who have stepped in and stepped up to make sure I stay afloat. People sent cards, they sent meals. My peeps still call to check on me every day, so I know I will be OK.
It’s a weird road, though. I’ll be moving along just fine and then I’ll dust the cologne bottles on Bill’s dresser and burst into tears. It will come in layers, I know that, but I’m committed to moving forward, even if some days, I’m just whistling in the dark. ❖
What’s your favorite outdoor activity this time of year?
“Going for a run and anything outdoors that involves eating and hiking.”
Laura Delo Mountain Brook
“Pool time, anything by the pool.”
Jenna Petrocchi with daughter Zoey Birmingham
“Running around at the park.”
Sarah Baggs with daughter Charlotte Homewood
“Hiking in the mountains.”
Lindsay Rosser
Los Angeles
BIRMINGHAM
Be the One Gala
Metropolitan Church
School Ministries of Birmingham will host its fundraiser gala from 6-8 p.m.. The evening will include a presentation by keynote speaker former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Drayton Nabers Jr. For more information, visit schoolministriesbham. org.
BIRMINGHAM
“The Marvelous Wonderettes”
Virginia Samford Theatre
The theatre will host a production of this Broadway musical set at a 1958 high school prom. The music includes 20 chart-topping hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s, such as “Lollipop,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “It’s My Party.” Tickets are $30-$35. For more information, visit virginiasamfordtheatre. com.
BIRMINGHAM
Rivals for Wishes
Haven
Make-A-Wish Alabama will host its annual Alabama vs. Auburn themed event from 6-9 p.m. In addition to wish kids and athlete appearances, the evening features gourmet tailgating fare and complimentary drinks, photos with collegiate and pro athletes, and silent and live auctions. This year will also feature a brand-new interactive gameshow, Sports Game Night, in the style of current television show, Hollywood Game Night. Individual tickets are $100. For more information, visit alabama.wish.org/rivals.
MOUNTAIN BROOK
Steeple 2 Steeple Run
Canterbury United Methodist Church
United Methodist Children’s Home will host its third annual 10k and 5k run at 6:30 a.m. The 10k course will begin at Trinity West Methodist Church and the 5k begins at Trinity Methodist Church, both ending at Canterbury. For more information, visit runsignup.com.
BIRMINGHAM
Curtain Call Ball
Birmingham Children’s Theatre
The theatre will host its annual fundraiser ball from 4-8 p.m. Adults and children are invited to dress as their favorite characters and enjoy music, a live and silent auction, showinspired food, art activities and a private performance of “James and the Giant Peach”. Tickets are $175 for a family, $75 individual adult and $25 individual child. For more information, visit bct123. org.
VESTAVIA HILLS
First Responders Celebration
Vestavia Hills City Hall
The Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club will host its 7th annual celebration from 3-6 p.m. The family-friendly event features a low country boil, live
entertainment, inflatables, a game truck, corn hole competitions and clowns along with fire engines and rescue equipment. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit vhsr.org.
BIRMINGHAM
Gumbo Gala
Sloss Furnaces
The annual gumbo cooking competition will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and benefits Episcopal Place, which provide seniors and disabled adults affordable residence.
The event will feature a children’s play area, music, dancing, souvenirs, arts and crafts, a beer garden, food
From left,
BIRMINGHAM
Lebanese Food Festival, April 21-22
St. Elias Maronite Church
The church will host a twoday event celebrating the food and culture of Lebanon. Food will include kibbee, grape leaves, tabouleh, baked lemon chicken, homus, baklawa and more. There will be guided church tours, performances and a 5k and fun run on Saturday. The event times each day are10 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, visit stelias.org. ❖
trucks and more. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, visit gumbogala.swellgives. com.
HOOVER
Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris Veterans Park
This family-friendly walk and run will be held from 2-5 p.m., raising awareness of diabetes and funds to send children with diabetes to Camp Seale Harris. For more information, call 402-0415 or visit campsealeharris.org.
Enjoy an Adventure Expo featuring local fitness and outdoor exhibitors plus a fly-fishing demo.
Thursday, April 27th from 5:30 to 7:30pm
Thursday, April 27th from 5:30 to 7:30pm
Join us for Adventure Panamera! See the unveiling of the all new Porsche Panamera at Porsche Birmingham, Thursday, March 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
Enter to win door prizes, including a One Day, One Person Porsche Sport Driving School Experience! Elegant hors d’ oeuvres by Kathy G, complimentary spirits and live entertainment will be provided.
Enjoy an Adventure Expo featuring local fitness and outdoor exhibitors plus a fly-fishing demo.
Enjoy an Adventure Expo featuring local fitness and outdoor exhibitors plus a fly-fishing demo.
Enjoy an Adventure Expo featuring local fitness and outdoor exhibitors plus a fly-fishing demo. Enter to win door prizes, including a One Day, One Person Porsche Sport Driving School Experience! Elegant hors d’ oeuvres by Kathy G, complimentary spirits and live entertainment will be provided.
Just a few of the vendors to be present: Alabama Outdoors, Orangetheory Fitness, Team Magic, Lupus 5k Fitathlon, Pure Fitness, High Point Climbing, On River Time, Helen H20 Kayaking, Quarry Crusher Run, Levite Jewish Community Center, Red Mountain Park, Resolute Running, Porsche USA Sport Driving School, Black Watch Sports
Enter to win door prizes, including a One Day, One Person Porsche Sport Driving School Experience! Elegant hors d’oeuvres by Kathy G, complimentary spirits and live entertainment will be provided.
Enter to win door prizes, including a One Day, One Person Porsche Sport Driving School Experience! Elegant hors d’oeuvres by Kathy G, complimentary spirits and live entertainment will be provided.
Make an appointment now to schedule your test drive.
Just a few of the vendors to be present: Alabama Outdoors, Orangetheory Fitness, Team Magic, Lupus 5k Fitathlon, Pure Fitness, High Point Climbing, On River Time, Helen H20 Kayaking, Quarry Crusher Run, Levite Jewish Community Center, Red Mountain Park, Resolute Running, Porsche USA Sport Driving School, Black Watch Sports
Just a few of the vendors to be present: Pure Fitness, Helen H2O Kayaking, Porsche Sport Driving School, Team Magic, Orangetheory Fitness, Levite Jewish Community Center, The Fitness Center, Resolute Running, Red Mountain Park, Lupus 5k FITathlon, Aero Joe Pilates Studio, Alabama Outdoors, and more!
Just a few of the vendors to be present: Pure Fitness, Helen H2O Kayaking, Porsche Sport Driving School, Team Magic, Orangetheory Fitness, Levite Jewish Community Center, The Fitness Center, Resolute Running, Red Mountain Park, Lupus 5k FITathlon, Aero Joe Pilates Studio, Alabama Outdoors, and more!
Make an appointment now to schedule your test drive.
Porsche Birmingham
3001 Tom Williams Way Birmingham, AL 35210
205-397-2700 / 800-571-6399 https://birmingham.porschedealer.com
Birmingham 3001 Tom Williams Way Birmingham, AL 35210 205-397-2700 / 800-571-6399
https://birmingham.porschedealer.com Join us for Adventure Panamera! See the unveiling of the all new Porsche Panamera at Porsche Birmingham, Thursday, March 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
VESTAVIA HILLS Spring Baseball Clinic, Tues., April 25 Wald Park
April 23 - May 7
VESTAVIA HILLS
60th Anniversary Celebration
Vestavia Hills Baptist Church
The church is celebrating its 60th year with special morning services on April 23, April 30 and May 7 at 10 a.m. which reflect on church history. The May 7 service will include an anniversary celebration. On April 23, the church will host the 10th annual Betty Sue Shepherd Memorial Concert at 6 p.m., featuring performances by choirs from Vestavia Hills High School, Enterprise State Community College, the church and Southeastern Chamber Orchestra. For more information, visit vhbc.com.
BIRMINGHAM
Remembrance Reading LJCC
The community center will host a program at noon in the Butterfly Garden to honor the late Elie Wiesel, Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor. The event is possible due to the LJCC’s membership with the National Jewish Theater Foundation- Holocaust Theater International Initiative Remembrance Readings for Holocaust Remembrance Day. For more information, visit bhamjcc.org.
BIRMINGHAM
Hear the Hope Haven
The 26th annual spring celebration banquet will be held from 6-8 p.m. The evening will include dinner and a program featuring inspirational stories from King’s Home past and current residents, house-parents and staff. Individual tickets are $150. For more information, contact Valerie Goodman at valerie@kingshome.com.
NORTH SHELBY
Book Signing
North Shelby Library
Dr. Drew Huffman, a Birminghamarea rheumatologist, will host a signing for his first published book “Screw This!” a candid guide to restoring self-worth in order to resolve hurt, pain
and suffering. The event will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and books will be available for purchase. For more information, visit northshelbylibrary-al. org.
BIRMINGHAM Taste for a Cure Haven
The Parkinson Association of Alabama will host its annual fundraiser featuring food, beer and wine pairings prepared by a team of local chefs as well as live and silent auctions. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and admission is $75. All proceeds benefit the medical research towards a cure for Parkinson’s disease. For more information, visit parkinsonalabama. com.
MOUNTAIN BROOK
Scholarship Celebration
Mountain Brook Community Church
The Legacy League will host it’s 9th annual Scholarship Celebration featuring Annie Moses Band. The event will begin with a 5:30 p.m. and includes a seated dinner and a 90-minute concert. In celebration of Samford’s 175th anniversary, event proceeds will support a new scholarship for students with financial needs. Individual tickets are $100. For more information or reservation, visit legacyleague@samford.edu.
April 27-29
HOOVER Spring Plant Sale
Aldridge Gardens
The gardens will kick off its annual sale with a membership sale on Thurs. from 4-7 p.m. The public showings will be Fri. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat. from 9 a.m.-noon. The membership sale will include 10 percent off. Pass Along plants will be featured at bargain prices all weekend. For more information, visit aldridgegardens.com.
HOOVER
Bargain Bash and Carousel Baptist Health System, PrincetonHoover Campus
The Junior League of Birmingham will host a Bargain Bash on April 27, featuring early access to Bargain Carousel merchandise, food, beverages, auction items and private
Leadership Vestavia Hills will host its sixth annual Birmingham Barons baseball clinic from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The clinic is open to Vestavia Hills High School students with disabilities as well as participants from the Exceptional Foundation. Barons players will coach students on batting, fielding and base running, ending with a lunch in the park. For more information, contact Brent Irby at birby@mhcilaw.com or 824-7767. ❖ Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
shopping. The public sale will be held April 29 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with tickets at $10 and $5. On April 30 from 1-5 p.m. all merchandise will be half off and admission is free. For more information, visit bargaincarousel.net.
HOMEWOOD
Derby Days and Book Signing
Homewood Public Library
Bartender and writer Clair McLafferty will kick off Kentucky Derby season with a discussion of bourbon’s role in the annual event. Guests are invited to wear Derby hats for a chance to win a prize. This event is for ages 21 and over and tickets are $10. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
BIRMINGHAM
Tails in the Trails
Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo Junior Board presents this event from 6:30-10:30 p.m. featuring food by Happy Catering Company, a cash bar featuring Cathead Vodka, a silent auction and live music by Gentleman Zero. This 21 and up event is casual.Tickets are $25 through April 28 and $30 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit birminghamzoo.com.
BIRMINGHAM
Moore Life to Live
Pine Tree Country Club
The fifth and final annual golf tournament benefiting ovarian/gyn cancer survivors will begin with check in at 7:30 a.m. and an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Registration is $125 per player, $500 per team and $20 for luncheon tickets. For more information, visit thinkoflaura.org.
Sat., April 29
BIRMINGHAM
Night of Hope Gala
B&A Warehouse
The Junior Diabetes Research Foundation of Alabama will host its annual gala beginning at 6 p.m. This black tie-optional event will feature an open bar, seated dinner, silent and live auctions and speed painting by Tim Decker. An after party will feature virtual golf, a live band, jewelry pull and more. Proceeds benefit the lives of people with type 1 diabetes. Tickets for the gala are $300 and after party tickets are
$100. For more information, visit jdrf. org.
MOODY
Tour de Blue
Moody Middle School Complex
The Urology Health Foundation will hold its 10th annual Tour de Blue: Cycling for Prostate Cancer Awareness event at 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s prostate cancer screening and awareness efforts across Alabama. For more information, visit tourdeblue. com or contact Sherry Wilson at swilson@urologyal.com or call 4450117.
MOUNTAIN BROOK
Antiques & Treasures
Emmet O’Neal Library
John Jones, of the Antiques Roadshow, will be at the Emmet O’Neal Library for two sessions, from 10 a.mnoon and 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available for purchase at the reference desk. Each ticket holder may bring 3 items (no jewelry) for appraisal. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library. For more information visit eolib. org.
BIRMINGHAM
Pathways Pancake Palooza
409 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N.
Pathways will be hosting its inaugural Pancake Palooza Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, benefitting the organizations mission to end homelessness for women and children in Birmingham. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children or $100 for a flapjack sponsorship. For more information, visit pathwayshomeorg.presencehost.net.
HOOVER
Hope for Autumn Crawfish Boil
Ross Bridge
The Hope for Autumn Foundation will host its annual crawfish boil to benefit children battling cancer at Children’s of Alabama and the Alabama Center for childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. The event will be held from 3-9 p.m. on the main green and features music by Pioneer Chicken Stand and Divines, crawfish, hamburgers and hotdogs, bounce houses, face painting and ballon artists. Tickets are $30 online and $35 at the door. Children 5-12 are $5. For more information, visit hommpeforautumnfoundation.ticketbud. com.
BIRMINGHAM
March for Babies
Uptown Park
This 2.2 mile walk to benefit the March of Dimes will kick off with registration at 8 a.m. Festival activities and award announcements will continue unit close at 11:30 a.m. There will also be a Superhero Sprint, fun run for kids. For the suggested donation of $20 per child or $30 for the family, all kids receive a cape. For more information, visit marachforbabies.org.
Tues., May 2
HOMEWOOD
Names, Not Numbers
Homewood Public Library
The N.E. Miles Jewish School and the Birmingham Holocaust Educational Center will present a screening of Names, Not Numbers from 7-8 p.m. This is a student oral
history project featuring conversations between the students and Holocaust survivors. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
Sat., May 6
HOMEWOOD
We Love Homewood Day
Homewood Central Park
Homewood Parks and Recreation will host a community celebration beginning with a 5k and fun run at 7:30 a.m. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the park will transform into fairgrounds featuring rides, music, a silent auction and a vendor expo. There is no admission, but a $15 wristband provides all-day access to attractions. for more information, visit homewoodparks.com.
BIRMINGHAM
Garden Art Party
Iron City
Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama will host its 21st annual party from 7-10 p.m. The event will include both a live and silent auction. Bob Straka will serve as auctioneer of the live auction featuring trips, entertainment and dining packages, artwork and jewelry. Tickets are $95 and proceeds benefit the foundation’s efforts to support research and provide support services for local families affected by alzheimer’s and dementia. For more information, visit alzca.org. ❖
President to Speak at GirlSpring’s Hump Day Hops Event
Viridian offers all the charm of a vintage neighborhood with the latest energy -efficient green homebuilding technologies. These authentic, one-of-a-kind homes are tucked in the woods in a unique gated community off Tyler Road, with prices starting in the $600s. Two lush parks and an abundance of green space provide privacy and a sense of history for this significant property.
By Sarah Kuper
GirlSpring was created in 2010 as an online platform empowering girls to relate in a positive way to the world around them.
Content is largely written or created by teen girls from the Over the Mountain area.
“It’s different than, say, Teen Vogue. It isn’t run by corporate,” said Kristen Greenwood, executive director. “The articles are about fun topics but also things including equal pay. Ten years from now, these girls want those things changed,” she said.
Bearing their mission in mind, GirlSpring organizers and board members saw Linda FlahertyGoldsmith, first female president of Birmingham-Southern College, as the clear choice for speaker at this year’s Hump Day Hops fundraiser.
Flaherty-Goldsmith and her eight siblings were raised by a single mother in Pontotoc, Miss. Growing up poor, she said, it was her mother and her grandmother’s strength that shaped her into the successful woman she is today.
“My grandmother was my greatest mentor. She taught me that girls should learn to shake hands with a man. At that time women didn’t do that. It showed me that she thought she was on par with them.”
After graduating from the University of Alabama and earning her master’s in business administration at UAB, Flaherty-Goldsmith went on to hold numerous C-level positions in higher education, finance and administration.
She spent many years at UAB working in various roles including CFO of the hospital system, university budget director and interim vice president for finance and administration.
While Flaherty-Goldsmith has received a lot of attention for being the first female president of BSC, she
said that fact isn’t such a big deal in her mind.
“I’ve been the first female in a number of roles I’ve had in my career.
‘My grandmother was my greatest mentor. She taught me that girls should learn to shake hands with a man. At that time women didn’t do that.’
I used to feel the weight of all the female population, that I can’t screw up or I will mess it up for everyone. I was always overly productive to prove myself but now it has become
commonplace.”
Nevertheless, it doesn’t escape her that women don’t succeed at high levels frequently enough.
“The data all show it is much more difficult for girls to promote themselves, even at a young age. We should start teaching youth from the time they are very young that there is no difference in expectations.”
That’s one reason FlahertyGoldsmith is eager to speak at the Hump Day Hops event.
She said movements like GirlSpring are necessary to teach girls to be more resourceful and to be stronger advocates for themselves.
Flaherty-Goldsmith said she will speak about her experiences, the importance of self-advocacy and one other topic close to her heart.
“I’ve done work in New York and D.C. dealing with human trafficking. It came to me that it is the greatest threat to young women and girls all over the world.”
This will be the first year for the Hump Day Hops fundraiser. The event will be Wednesday, April 26, at Cahaba Brewing.
“We wanted to have something at a cool venue. Our goal was that it would not be another rubber chicken, listen to a lecture and then go about your day type event,” Greenwood said.
Through this event, Greenwood hopes to raise a general awareness about GirlSpring and engage with the community about issues facing young women, including bullying, trafficking, entrepreneurship and mentoring.
Hump Day Hops begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 and include a buffet lunch and beer.
For more information visit humpdayhops.swellgives.com and girlspring.com. ❖
from his North Carolina home.
Shackleford previously has written one-person plays about Birmingham civil rights activist Virginia Foster Durr and author/philosopher Walker Percy.
Most one-man plays are better if they center on one particular event in the subject’s life, according to Shackleford.
“I once wrote a play about (Birmingham pastor) Brother Bryan and tried to tell his life story,” he explained. “It’s very unusual to do that. I’ve found it’s better to focus on an incident or defining moment. In this case, the POW experience is perfect for Mr. Vogtle. He was truly a fascinating man and this captures his essence.”
Shackleford gives much of the credit for his research to Katie Kurtley, Vogtle’s granddaughter who is a writer in Chicago.
“Katie is the family historian and
‘Alvin Vogtle was a true American hero and patriot. I’m honored that I was the one that had the opportunity to tell his story.’
LEE SHACKLEFORD, PROFESSOR OF PLAYWRITING AND SCREENWRITING AT UAB
had Mr. Vogtle’s record of service,”
Shackleford said. “He kept a ledger of his 28 months in Stalag Luft III. I had access to that.”
Vogtle was piloting a Spitfire when his plane ran out of fuel over Algeria. His squadron was captured, and Vogtle was moved to various camps. On his sixth escape attempt, he reached Switzerland and freedom in March 1945.
“The most intriguing thing about Mr. Vogtle was that he was going to do things his way,” Shackleford said. “He refused to be kept in a cage. He wasn’t going to do things the same way every one else did.”
This type of thinking later benefited Vogtle in the business world, Shackleford said. “When he was facing a tough business situation, Mr. Vogtle wasn’t afraid to change the ways things had been done. He was always think ing of his own solution.”
Shackleford said that Vogtle’s out side the box thinking also made him a contradiction.
“In one way Mr. Vogtle was an independent thinker, but on the other hand he was a devoted rule follower,” he explained. “His devotion to the rules of grammar and mathematics were proof of that. He was a very smart man – he started college at the age of 15.”
While doing research for the play,
ter, British Lt. Robert Hendley, was more like Vogtle,” Shackleford said. “He was known as the scrounger. When they needed something to facilitate an escape, Vogtle, as was the case with Hendley, was the one who came up with it.”
Shackleford said that, from a technical standpoint, writing prose is very
you are writing prose, the next consumer is the reader as the author attempts to paint word pictures. In script writing, the next people to see it are fellow artists who may have their own suggestions about how it can be changed.”
Where to begin? The process of our selling and buying a home was not your typical scenario for us. With Katherine’s guidance our home sold in 3 days in the late Spring. Throw in some unexpected hospital stays and a crazy market for purchasing a home, and 6 months later we landed a home with Katherine’s unwavering assistance. No curve-ball was too big for Katherine, and believe me, there were curveballs. Above all, she listens! She is a professional, in a profession where sometimes there are not professional actions. Trust is a big word in real estate, and I continue to trust Katherine in helping us make big decisions. If you are looking for a “homegrown” representative for real estateKatherine is your girl - she probably knows more about your home or potential home than you probably do!!
- Chris & Fran Hershey
Shackleford hopes that the play will help people to understand Vogtle’s www.realtysouth.com
By Annie HowArd
Heather Skaggs knows her roots.
An author and history buff, she grew up in the Mountain Oaks neighborhood, which would be incorporated into Hoover.
“The history that I know, I grew up with,” she said. “This is my home.”
Her passion for Hoover shines through in her three books: “Images of America: Bluff Park,” “Images of America: Hoover,” and “Images of Modern America: Riverchase.”
Each book reaches back into the history of Hoover, piecing together a place through photos, memorabilia and stories.
Skaggs found her niche in history early. Growing up, she enjoyed the History Channel, along with frequent family museum trips. In school, she took to “history, geography, world history – subjects like that,” she said.
Skaggs found her path when she discovered journalism.
“That’s when I learned how to tell a story,” she said. “I was always pretty good at creative writing, but journalism and media was where I learned how to let someone tell their story through me, through the words I put on paper or video.”
Skaggs turned her storytelling to Hoover with her first book, “Images of America: Bluff Park,” published through Arcadia Publishing.
To put together each book, Skaggs taps multiple sources.
“I start with talking to local churches, local schools. I’m looking for historical photographs that they have or memorabilia,” she said. She’s asked for everything from original photos of groundbreakings to old church bulletins. Long-time residents are another valuable source.
She also uses some good, old-fashioned sleuthing.
“Sometimes I’m not necessarily looking at what’s in the foreground of the picture,” she said. “I’m looking at what’s in the background.”
In older photos, the background offers a glimpse of a Hoover from days gone by.
“There was one picture of a person standing at City Hall,” Skaggs remembers. “In the background, you could see a business called Children’s Palace.”
Skaggs had fond memories of the store, a toy shop for children with a cas-
The Italian American Heritage Society is sponsoring a raffle for a 10-day trip for two to Italy: Naples and the Amalfi Coast, to Verona, hosted by native Italian Andrea Traina. Departs October 28, 2017, returns November 6, 2017. Donation, $50 (tax deductible). Trip value, $7,900. Drawing date July 9, 2017.
For more information call Leon Chiarella 205/999-8570 or Joe Lovoy 205/230-1127.
tle-like exterior.
“I have looked everywhere for a picture of that,” she said. “It just happened to be that I was flipping through some scrapbooks, and in the background, there it was!”
She’s found other surprises in her writing and research. At a particularly memorable book-signing, a woman approached her with 15 books.
“She turned to a page in the book, and it was a picture from a church groundbreaking,” Skaggs said. “And she pointed to it and told me, ‘That’s my husband right there.’ Her husband had passed away and she had never seen the picture. So she got one to give all her kids and her grandkids.”
Skaggs connected with her own past through a book similar to her own.
“It wasn’t too long after “Bluff Park” came out that my mom had picked up another Arcadia book,
‘Images of America: Hueytown,’” she said. “She was looking through it and we saw a picture of my grandad and her grandparents, my great-grandparents.”
Skaggs’ mother had never seen the picture before.
“It’s like, ‘That’s them!’” Skaggs said.
She said it can be humbling to connect with others over the common history of the community. Reminding others of that shared history is a way for her to give back.
“Knowing the history of where you are helps you to appreciate what or who came before you,” she said. “And if you appreciate something more, you take care of it.
“Especially for younger folks, and even school-age children and high school, it’s very important for them to know the history of where they are. There are lessons there.”❖
Four members of Boy Scout Troop 1, chartered by Southminster Presbyterian Church in Vestavia Hills, were recognized at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on March 5. The ceremony was held in the sanctuary at Southminster.
Chase Adair joined Troop 1 in 2010, crossing over from Cub Scout Pack 1. During his scouting career, he has earned 22 merit badges and the Arrow of Light award, and he served in various leadership positions, including troop guide.
In 2013, Adair was among the members of his troop’s contingent to Seabase.
For his Eagle project, Adair built benches and planter boxes for the Christian Service Mission at a community garden in Tarrant. Adair designed the benches, raised the funds through donations, and organized a work crew to build and install the benches at the site.
Adair is the son of Traci and Riley Adair of Vestavia Hills. A senior at Vestavia Hills High School, Adair is a member of the school’s track team and the Business Honor Society. He is involved with the youth program at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, participating in mission trips and the Student Worship Choir. He will be attending the University of Alabama this fall.
Justin Bara joined the troop in 2010, crossing over from Cub Scout Pack 1. During his scouting career, he has earned 29 merit badges, the Arrow of Light award, completed BSA National Youth Leadership Training and is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow. Bara has served in several leadership positions, including senior patrol leader, and has earned the Triple Crown of High Adventure through troop trips to Seabase in 2013, Northern Tier in 2015 and Philmont in 2016.
For his Eagle project, Bara helped improve a heavily eroded trail between the main camp and high ropes area at Camp Winnataska. He led a team of workers over several weekends to install 30 railroad ties to reduce erosion and to regrade the trail to improve walkability.
Bara is the son of Kristyn and Stasi Bara of Vestavia Hills. He is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School and is active in the school band. He will be attending Auburn University this fall.
Dylon Cleveland joined Troop 1 in 2012, crossing over from Cub Scout Pack 311. In his scouting career, Cleveland has earned 29 merit badges and an Arrow of Light. Cleveland has served in several leadership positions, including
assistant senior patrol leader. He has completed BSA National Youth Leadership Training and has earned the Triple Crown of High Adventure by attending Philmont in 2014, Northern Tier in 2015 and Seabase in 2016.
For his leadership project, Cleveland built six outdoor benches for Spring Valley School, four for the school’s arbor and two for the playground area. He designed the benches and led a crew of workers over several weekends to build and transport them.
camping trips, as well as trips to Sea Base in the Bahamas and Camp Parsons in Washington State.
For his Eagle project, Thomson constructed a stone walking pathway and planted more than two dozen hydrangeas and two trees at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm in Bluff Park. He donated the excess funds he raised to the farm.
Thomson is a junior at Mountain Brook High School, where he is a member of the varsity lacrosse team, the track team, the Interact Club and the National Honor Society, and he is vice president of the Spanish Honor Society.
Cleveland is the son of Trish and Eddie Cleveland of Vestavia Hills. He is a sophomore at Spring Valley School and enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time.
Daniel Rhodes joined Pack 1 in 2010, crossing over from Cub Scout Pack 1. Within his scouting career, he has served in several leadership positions, including senior patrol leader. He has earned 25 merit badges and an Arrow of Light. He is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow. He also was a member of the troop’s contingents to Seabase in 2013 and Northern Tier in 2015.
Rhodes’ Eagle project included building visitor benches for the council ring at Camp Winnataska. Previously, visitors had to sit on old tree stumps while attending campfire events, so Rhodes designed the benches and led a crew of workers over several weekends to build the benches and transport them.
Rhodes is the son of Laura and John Rhodes of Vestavia Hills. He is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School and is a member of several service clubs and honor societies. He will be attending Auburn University this fall.
Mac Thomson, a member of Boy Scout Troop 28 at Independent Presbyterian Church, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was recognized in a Court of Honor Ceremony on January 8.
During his scouting career, Thomson earned 23 merit badges and held leadership positions such as assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leader, chaplain’s aide and troop guide. He participated in many service projects, hikes and
In his free time, Thomson coaches eighth- and ninth-grade boys recreational league basketball and is active at Independent Presbyterian Church, where he serves as an acolyte and a member of the Youth Grant Team.
On April 2, members of Girl Scout Troop 31004 visited The Greater Birmingham Humane Society to make a special delivery.
Using their Girl Scout Cookie Program proceeds, the troop bought and delivered 150 pounds of cat litter and eight deluxe stainless steel pet food bowls.
Girl Scout Julia von Herrmann expressed how she enjoyed making the chew toys.
“Everyone had a bunch of ideas (on how to spend their cookie money) then voted,” von Herrmann said. “Most people voted for dogs and cats.”
After making their delivery, the girls helped shred newspapers, make chew toys from fleece and make towels to donate. The girls also donated their last three boxes of Girl Scout cookies to staff.
“We collected newspapers and towels for them because we care about animals,” said Girl Scout Rebecca Moore. “I just really wanted to help animals since I got a cat from here and I wanted to help animals that are homeless.”
AMW Inc. is pleased to present an exhibition by acclaimed landscape photographer Lois Conner. She has been awarded a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation grant and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. Conner's work has been shown at museums internationally and included in such collections as the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C., the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the British Library.
What I am trying to reveal through photography in a deliberate yet subtle way is a sense of history. I would like my photographs to describe my relationship between the tangible and the imagined, between fact and fiction. I’m a born traveler and adventurer, and an obsessive collector and observer of landscape, attempting to twist what the camera faithfully describes into something of fiction.
Opening Reception Thursday, May 4th 5:00 to 7:00 pm
1829 29th Avenue South, Homewood (205) 870-3588 • Mon.-Fri. 10-5
Carl Fleck led the girls on a tour of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, where he explained the steps it takes to process a new animal. Fleck also explained how the organization reduces euthanizations by using the T.A.R.A. trailer, which stands for transport, assist, rescue and adopt, taking animals to bigger cities where they have a better chance of getting adopted.
“I wanted the girls to see that they could make a difference,” said Assistant Troop Leader Michele Morgan, adding that their efforts helped the girls, “connect actions to impact.”
enjoy 11/2 well-organized acres of shrubs, trees, groundcovers, vines, herbs, veggies, perennials, and annuals as well as a knowledgeable, helpful staff
ENJOY 1 1/2 WELL-ORGANIZED ACRES OF SHRUBS, PERENNIALS, ANNUALS, HERBS & EDIBLES AS WELL AS A KNOWLEDGEABLE, HELPFUL STAFF
By Emily Williams
The city of Mountain Brook will celebrate its 75th anniversary, and events honoring the milestone are planned throughout the community.
The month-long commemoration of the anniversary will include a festival, scavenger hunt, concert and birthday celebration.
The celebration marks the anniversary of the city’s incorporation on May 24, 1942.
Though originally developed in 1929 by Robert Jemison Jr., the city wasn’t incorporated until May 24, 1942. It was the first Alabama city to
Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch recalls his family, along with families in the neighboring homes, keeping horses to take advantage of miles of trails through the heavily wooded area.
use a council-manager form of government, with a mayor and city council overseeing legislation and a city manager and administrative heads overseeing operational functions.
Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch, while new to the title, is not so new to the city.
When he was born, in the early 1950s, Welch was taken to his family’s new home on Abingdon Road in Mountain Brook.
He recalls his family, along with families in the neighboring homes, keeping horses to take advantage of miles of trails through the heavily wooded area.
“It was a Norman Rockwell youth,” Welch said. “Much has changed and our city has grown in wonderful ways.”
The neighborhood kids would play football, jump on trampolines and play games together.
“When I was young, I played Tarzan in the woods. As I got older, I hunted squirrels,” he said.
What is different now is the development. There is road access to every home in the city and 40-plus miles of trails and sidewalks. In 1966, the city’s award-winning Emmet O’Neal Library was formed.
“The three villages – Mountain
Brook, Crestline and English Village – have always been there but, obviously, have grown into the great social gathering spots we know today. One of my fond memories as a youth was getting a cherry limeade drink at the counter of Gilchrest Drug Store in Mountain Brook Village,” Welch said.
The city has since included two more villages, Cahaba Village and Overton Village.
“Looking back, I can see just how idealistic my childhood was,” Welch said. “I was always having a great time and was never in fear of everything.”
Welch moved away for college, but not too far, attending the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. After graduating, he returned to his hometown when his father asked him to help with the family insurance business.
“Since he was also my best friend, this seemed like a natural opportunity,” he said. “A college friend and I found an apartment and, with so many high school and college friends moving back to the area, it was almost like we never left.”
With a community of returning friends, Welch found that the city was the perfect place to base his businesses. The Welch Group remains a Mountain Brook business today. Regardless of how involved he found himself in Mountain Brook’s business community, he said he never had much interaction, or much interest, in the politics of city government – until he was approached to run for mayor last year.
“While I’m acutely interested in things that affect our economy and the markets, which would include politics, I’m not a ‘political person,’” he said. “But I must say that I have found my role as mayor to be both fun and intellectually stimulating.”
While he has had a lot to learn, Welch said his job is easier thanks to the wealth of knowledge his department heads and council leaders offer, including city manager Sam Gaston, Director of Finance Steve Boone, City Council President Virginia Smith and City Council President Pro Tem Billy Pritchard.
In his newfound appreciation for politics, Welch said he hopes to use his influence to retain the qualities he loved about his youth in Mountain Brook.
“My hope is that the children I see running around today will be our homeowners of tomorrow and that we retain that Norman Rockwell feeling and atmosphere,” he said.
As mayor, he said, he wants to open the lines of communication fur-
Mountain Brook’s first mayor, Charles Zukoski established both the police and fire departments in 1942 after the city’s incorporation. Pictured above in 1943, city manager Charles Webb and city clerk Dorothy Hoyt pose with the fire department in front of the original firehouse. From the book “Images of America: Mountain Brook” by Catherine Pittman Smith.
ther between residents and city government so everyone is aware of city activities and opportunities.
“Most citizens, young and old, don’t have a good feel of how government operates,” Welch said.
Organizations such as Leadership Mountain Brook, offered to high school students, are ways city government is connected with its younger residents. The group will host its Little Leader Day on April 23, giving even younger students in elementary school a glimpse into the inner workings of Mountain Brook’s government operations.
“It’s easy to imagine these young leaders one day serving as mayor, city council members or as a member of one of our many commissions,” he said.
Providing yet another opportunity to have the younger generations interested in local government, the “Why I Love Mountain Brook” essay contest asked Mountain Brook Junior High students to write an essay about their home city. The winner of the competition, Tess Patton, will get to serve as mayor for a day.
Patton was chosen as winner by a selection committee, but Welch said he made sure to read Patton’s entry and looks forward to having her take over as mayor.
“First, I hope she has fun!” he said.
She will cut the celebratory ribbon at the 75th Birthday Celebration Festival May 7, kicking off a monthlong celebration.
The event will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the front lawn of City Hall, with cake and ice cream, live music, a dunking booth and inflatables. The city will also release “The Great Mountain Brook Scavenger Hunt,” available at Emmet O’Neal Library and the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce.
The city of Mountain Brook should invest in improvements to traffic flow management and maintenance of streets and city facilities to keep resident satisfaction strong, ETC Institute told the City Council in its April 10 meeting.
The recommendation comes after the company completed a satisfaction survey, which involved responses from 962 residents, and compared those results to a similar survey conducted in 2014.
Overall, the survey showed a population of highly satisfied residents.
When the findings were compared to the satisfaction ratings of other U.S. cities, Mountain Brook placed among the highest in the nation in many of the categories.
The following Monday, May 8, Patton will help Welch lead a City Council meeting as part of her Mayor for a Day duties.
“Tess will be seated with the members of the City Council in the council chambers, where she’ll offer a proclamation commemorating our 75th. It will be fun and educational,” Welch said.
The chamber will host its quarterly luncheon May 17, in honor of the birthday and Memorial Day, at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Keynote speaker will be Chris Tanner, Mountain Brook native and decorated veteran who served under Gen. David Petraeus.
The party will continue May 21 at Emmet O’Neal’s annual Summer Reading Kickoff, beginning at 3 p.m., followed by a Magic City Smooth Jazz “Jazz in the Park” concert at Crestline Field from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A Birthday Celebration Finale will be held May 24 at the library. The party will include cake, lemonade and balloons, and at 5 p.m. the winners of the scavenger hunt will be announced.
For more information or to register for the luncheon, visit welcometomountainbrook.com. ❖
The chamber will host its quarterly luncheon May 17, in honor of the birthday and Memorial Day, at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The most notable achievement, according to ETC, is resident satisfaction with the overall quality of city services, at 48 percent above the national average.
Of residents who participated, 99 percent rated the city as “an excellent or good place to live.”
One of the major purposes of the survey was to identify areas for the city to improve to keep residents satisfied. The results suggested the city continue to place a high priority on improving the quality of its public services, as well as its parks and recreation programs and facilities. The most significant decreases in parks and recreation satisfaction were found to be with the city’s youth soccer program and outdoor athletic fields.
The Hoover Public Library is conducting a community survey through April 26 as it plans to improve technology services.
According to library officials, the survey will help identify the ways in which the community benefits from technology services offered along with areas that can be improved.
The library offers free Wi-Fi access, public computers and computer classes. E-books, audiobooks, movies, music and magazines can be downloaded by library users. Online classes offer homework help, test prep and language instruction and more. In addition, the library offers online catalog access and job search tools, as well as documents on topics ranging from auto repair to legal forms and genealogy to academic subjects.
The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed at the library on a public PC, through the library’s wireless network or by printing a copy and completing it at the library. Participants have the option to enter a drawing for a gift card to a Hoover restaurant.
For more information, contact Patricia Guarino at 444-7828. ❖
From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the center will host a variety of educational programs and activities to showcase the history and culture of Israel. There will also be games, arts and crafts, Israeli street food, inflatables and more.
By Emily Williams
The Levite Jewish Community Center is inviting the community to join in on a family-friendly celebration of the state of Israel on April 30.
The annual Birmingham Celebrates Israel will honor the country’s 1948 independence and 69th birthday.
The center boasts a diverse community of members, LJCC Director of Programming Mindy Cohen noted, and all are welcome to join in on the festivities.
“This will be a fun day with dancing, food, games for the kids … It’s a chance for the community to come
together and show our support,” she said.
From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the center will host a variety of educational programs and activities to showcase the history and culture of Israel. There will also be games, arts and crafts, Israeli street food, inflatables and more.
“Israel is just about one of (the Jewish faith’s) only allies left in the Middle East and one of the few democracies in the region,” said Cohen. “This is a way to celebrate our Jewish roots and a chance to honor Israel’s birthday.”
With a strong educational aspect to the day, the celebration will be an opportunity for individuals to learn more about Israel and its role as “homeland for the Jewish people.”
The country is a haven for many people of the Jewish faith who fled surrounding Arab nations to avoid
religious persecution. But being a state that incorporates a major portion of the Holy Land, surrounding Islamic nations have and continue to pursue occupation of the nation. As a result, Israel has little to no diplomatic relations with the countries that surround it, save Egypt.
“Now more than ever we need to come together and support Israel,” Cohen said.
This summer, the LJCC will welcome members of Jewish community centers from across the country as it
‘This will be a fun day with dancing, food, games for the kids … It’s a chance for the community to come together and show our support.’
LJCC DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING MINDY COHEN
hosts the 2017 JCC Maccabi Games, July 30-Aug. 4. The event is a teen athletic competition that promotes community involvement, teamwork and pride in the Jewish faith. This will be the first time the games have been hosted in Alabama.
Local teens can register to play on a team and adults can sign up to be a coach, volunteer, sponsor or host of a family traveling to town for the games.
For more information, visit bhamjcc.org. ❖
“Mechelle
When Edna and Quiddy Wilson were looking for a second home, they enlisted ARC Realty agent Mechelle Wilder to help direct their search. “Mechelle is a consummate professional,” says Edna. “She really listens and she’s responsive to our needs.” Quiddy says Mechelle obviously loves her work. “We would recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”
For more information on working with Mechelle and to see all of ARC Realty’s listings, visit www.arcrealtyco.com
By Annie HowArd
After nine years on the job, Vestavia Hills’ fire chief said he is moving on to “the next big thing.”
James “Jim” St. John will retire from the Vestavia Hills fire department at the end of April to work with the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency.
He served as fire chief for nearly a decade, but he’s been involved with Vestavia’s fire department for 29 years.
“I was an engineering student at UAB in 1985,” he said, recalling his early days in fire service. “It wasn’t what I wanted to do, and I could tell that. I stopped by a Birmingham fire station one day and said, how do you get a job here?”
St. John started off at the Pleasant Grove fire department and soon knew he was “in the right place and doing the right thing.”
About 1988, an opportunity to transfer to Vestavia opened up, and the rest
UAB Medicine teamed up with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for Birmingham’s annual Purple Stride 5K, held April 1 at Veteran’s Park.
The event raised more than $75,000, benefitting the network’s mission to support pancreatic cancer research and patients.
Serving as emcee for the event, Javante Ingram, of ABC 33/40 “Talk of Alabama,” helped kick off the 5K run/ walk. Festivities included children’s activities, music, refreshments, a ShopPurple store and more.
The overall winners of the 5K included Jake Harned, first place and male winner; Sydney Settle, second place and female winner; and Daniel Holloway, third place. ❖
During his stint in fire service, St. John has dealt with a variety of situations, from fielding calls during the 2001 anthrax scare to handling response to the 2011 tornadoes.
“The threats that people customarily associate us with is why we have a big red truck,” he laughed. But work in fire service involves a variety of situations beyond fire response. Tornadoes, flooding, hazardous materials response, technical rescue – he and his department have prepped for a lot more than fire.
“There’s an attitude in the fire service that firefighters can’t walk past a bad situation without stopping to try to correct it,” he said. “I’m proud to have been in a field where we’ve never left anything in worse shape than when we got there. We’ve always been able to help somewhat.”
He’s seen just about every corner of the job. Before his time as chief, he worked on both the fire engine and the rescue truck – first as a dual-role paramedic and firefighter, then as a company officer, directing firefighters on the engine and truck.
In 2002, he became battalion chief, overseeing all stations in the department on a 24-hour shift. During that time, he
also supervised technical rescue and hazardous materials response as a special operations chief. He moved to the department’s training office in 2007, documenting training requirements.
In 2008, he was promoted to fire chief.
On top of a career in the fire department, St. John also served in the Army Reserves.
“I think that most people that know me and have known me for a long time tend to think ‘firefighter,’ but I think
what’s more in my core is solder,” he said. He was master sergeant in the infantry and trained soldiers for stations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Firefighters and soldiers have different uniforms, but he sees the same essence in both jobs.
“There’s a spirit of service there that transcends clothing or job,” he said.
“People are drawn to those jobs because they have a desire to serve others and make a positive change. And a lot of times, they’re willing to do that at the
at Annual Fido Fest
Fundraising went to the dogs on April 1 as the Summit hosted the second annual Fido Fest. The petfriendly affair benefitted Hand in Paw and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
Adoptable pets were on parade as well as informational tents by Hand in Paw, Adopt-A-Golden and Cavalier Rescue.
Festivities included music by the Elliott Davis Band, a Mountain High Outfitters rock-climbing wall, pet-friendly vendors and artists, face painting, pet caricatures, balloon art and a pet photo booth. ❖
expense of comfort or pay.”
St. John certainly has that spirit of service. He has strong roots in Vestavia; he started school at Vestavia Hills Elementary East and graduated from W.A. Berry. He’s stayed engaged in the community as a firefighter, but he also serves on the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club and in 2013 took on the role of interim city manager.
“I started in Vestavia and Vestavia’s always been dear to my heart,” he said.
As his time with the fire department comes to a close, he feels he’s made a difference in his community.
“I’ve seen a lot of things that were tragic that we couldn’t fix when we got there. We just had to handle the situation the best way that it could be handled,” he said. “But conversely, I’ve also seen a lot of calls where we were able to stop the bleeding or extinguish the fire or stabilize the situation and save or preserve life. And that’s been very gratifying.”
After retiring from fire service, he plans to work at the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency.
“I’ve got another career coming and I’m excited about the challenges that I’m going to meet there,” he said. He will continue to use the skills he’s acquired over the years to help the greater community.
“The Jefferson county region has always been home to me,” he said. “I want to help make my home a safer place.” ❖
By Annie HowArd
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church is serving up an easy way to make a difference.
From April 23-25, the church will host Rise Against Hunger, a foodpackaging volunteer event open to the community.
“What we do is, we package grains and they feed schoolchildren or other people in need of food,” said Bo Porter, team leader for the event. “It’s grains and vitamins and other minerals that are healthy for the children or the individuals that consume it.”
The local event is organized through the Rise Against Hunger international hunger relief organization. Meals will ship across the world. Last year’s VHUMC meals went to schoolchildren in Haiti. The international organization will announce where this year’s meals are headed as the event nears.
Each meal combines soy, barley, rice and a vitamin packet. It cooks up into a “rice stew,” Porter said, to create a healthy meal that costs only 29 cents.
Armed with “lively background music” and scoops for the grain, volunteers will put together meals assembly-line style in high-energy two-hour shifts. Once the meals are put together, they’ll be bundled six to a package. Each time volunteers package a certain number of meals, someone sounds a gong – apparently a favorite job for the younger crowd.
It’s an event for anyone and everyone. VHUMC members will attend, but it’s a community event; all are welcome, including kids four years and up.
Volunteers in the past have included Boy Scouts, third-graders from Vestavia Hills East and students with Unless U, an organization for adults with developmental disabilities.
“We reach throughout the community,” Porter said.
This is VHUMC’s third year to hold Rise Against Hunger, but its history goes back further.
“We first became familiar with the program when it was being conducted at another church in the Birmingham area, the Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook,” Porter said. Several VHUMC members vol-
unteered at Canterbury’s program, and interest grew. In time, VHUMC decided to host its own event.
The event pulls together churches as well as individuals.
“The partnership at Canterbury was five churches, and then when we began to develop our own event –we’ve built partnerships with about 13 or 14 churches in the Vestavia Hills and Hoover areas,” Porter said. Congregation members from multiple churches will lend a hand over the course of VHUMC’s three-day event.
With each year, output grows a little more. VHUMC is aiming for 300,000 meals this year, up from 270,000 last year. According to Porter, Canterbury’s Rise Against Hunger puts out about 500,000 meals. In time, the Birmingham area may be sending out roughly a million meals a year.
Porter encouraged anyone interested to register at vhumc.org/riseagainsthunger/. Twelve two-hour shifts are offered; they run 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. ❖
By Emily Williams
Ed Wilson of Mountain Brook said he isn’t a lifelong painter so much as an accidental one.
It was Wilson’s career in pathology that brought him to Birmingham. He was a pathologist at Children’s of Alabama, and after his retirement from Cunningham Pathology in Mountain Brook, he stumbled upon painting as one way to stay active.
“The joy of painting caused me to realize that retirement can be an active career change rather than a prolonged rest period,” he said.
An oil painter of primarily realism, he enjoys depicting landscapes, portraits and the odd still life.
“For me a portrait is a way of remembering impressive people that I have met,” Wilson said. “They aren’t for sale and they weren’t commissioned.”
He finds his subjects through life experiences, from trips home to his native Mississippi all the way to Guatemala.
“Travel is a great privilege and allows me to see dramatic landscapes and interesting people for portraiture,” he said.
Initially, Wilson joined the Mountain Brook Art Association to meet other artists. Along the way the MBAA has given him opportunities to further his skills through demonstrations and workshops.
“The visual experience of art feels natural, but creating a satisfactory painting requires technical knowledge that comes from study and experience,” he said.
Having embraced his time with the association, Wilson now serves as a leader of the group. He considers himself best suited to provide adminis-
Assistance League Honoring Metcalf for Volunteer Work
By Emily Williams
For Darwin Metcalf, success in business doesn’t mean as much if you don’t give a little back.
“We owe a debt to the other people in our community who don’t have as much,” he said. Serving as president and chief operating officer of Western Supermarkets, Metcalf leads the company every day. But for years he has been lending his leadership and business skills to charitable organizations around the Birmingham area. It is leadership in both realms of his life that have led the Assistance League of Birmingham to name Metcalf, a longtime board member for the organization, as the honoree of its inaugural One Starry Night gala April 27.
As an honoree of the event, he sees his role as an opportunity to expand the scope of the league by reaching out and educating the people in his community of peers and co-workers about the Assistance League.
“We all have something to offer,” he said, “Whether you’re packing hygiene kits for school children or helping with a water stop at the Mercedes Marathon.”
A member of the Homewood Rotary Club, Metcalf came across the Homewood-based league years ago. He has volunteered with the organiza-
trative assistance within the pack, since he is a newer artist, and currently serves as presidentelect, on his way to the highest administrative position.
Right now, Wilson and his more than 200 fellow MBAA members are gearing up for Art in the Village on April 22, one of the associations two major shows of the year.
“The mutual support helps those of us who are relatively new gain experience in marketing our art,” Wilson said. “More experienced artists have the opportunity to connect with their local base at each show.”
The show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Crestline Village on Crestline Elementary’s sports field.
The annual art show, which is open to the public, will feature the works of more than 85 association members.
Though music is always a festival staple, this year the association is adding activities on the lawn of City Hall. There, guests can listen to music by the Mountain Brook Jazz Combo and Mason Music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., browse art by Mountain Brook Junior High students and have their faces painted by Magic City Face Painting.
Studio By the Tracks also will be stationed on the lawn, offering art created by the adults with disabilities who participate in the organization.
For more information, visit mountainbrookartassociation.com. ❖
said. “It’s getting to the grass roots. When you look at the funds and the numbers, you know how much really gets to the kid. The league is putting it directly in that child’s hand.
“They’ll look at the numbers and say, ‘Well, if we cut back here and save this amount of money, that’s one more child we can clothe,’” he said.
One of the things he respects most about the women who lead the organization is how mindful they are of where every last dime is spent.
Magic City Art Connection Returns to Downtown Birmingham
By Emily Williams
The 34th annual Magic City Art Connection will fill Linn Park with artists, vendors and the annual Corks and Chef tasting event.
The juried art show, to be held April 28-30, will feature 200 local and national artists and benefit the Foundation for Art and Cultural Connections, which promotes arts and cultural outreach in Birmingham through programs, projects, exhibitions and festivals.
Festivities will include live music and dance performances, art workshops for kids, a largescale art installation created by future artists and special exhibitions hosted at the Birmingham Museum of Art across the street.
A number of festival lounges will provide shaded space for visitors, and the Park Place Cafe will be open and free of admission for the public.
The 10th annual Corks and Chefs tasting will return, featuring food and beverages served up by local restaurants, seminars and cooking demonstrations from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More than 15 local restaurants are scheduled to participate.
A new addition this year is an expanded focus on wine and craft beer. Through a partnership with Southern Wines and Spirits and International Wines and Craft Beers, the event will include a tasting of a series of craft cocktails created by Birmingham’s The Collins Bar.
The event also will add a separate demonstration space with a focus on cocktails and spirits.
Seminars and demonstrations will feature Clair
Artwork by Hoover’s Bruce Holwerda will be on display at the show.
tion since then and for the past 10 years has been on the league’s advisory board. What originally drew him to the organization was hearing the stories of the children who benefit from the league’s Operation School Bell program.
Through that program, the league outfits elementary students in need from across the greater Birmingham area with hygiene kits and new clothes for school. Metcalf noted that he can relate to many of the kids who benefit from the programs. Having grown up at a financial disadvantage, Metcalf recalls a time in his youth when he had only two sets of clothing.
The stories Metcalf has heard and seen as a volunteer range from an 8-year old receiving the first toothbrush of his own to a child asking for his first coat to be a few sizes larger so he could share it with his older brother.
“That is what I love about the league,” Metcalf
Proceeds from the upcoming gala will benefit the league’s three philanthropic efforts. It provides clothes and books to nearly 2,000 area students through its Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy projects, and it gives seniors the opportunity to sell goods for a profit through PrimeTime Treasures.
One Starry Night will be held at The Club and will feature music by Total A$$ets, silent and live auctions, dinner and more. The event is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and tickets are $250.
According to event chairwoman Cindy Wade, one of the highlights of the evening will be the items up for auction. Items include big ticket packages such as a trip to Tuscany, Italy, a dove-hunting adventure in Argentina, a vacation in Orange Beach, and, for the speed racer, three motorsports packages taking the winners to Talladega Superspeedway, Barber Motorsports Park or Autobahn Indoor Speedway.
For more information, visit Shops of Assistance League in Homewood or online at assistanceleaguebhm.org/.
McLafferty, local bartender and author of “Classic and Craft Cocktails;” Steva Casey, bartender at The Louis at the Pizitz Food Hall and coordinator of Tiki by the Sea; and Gia Bivens, liquor and Back Bar specialist for International Wines and Craft Beers.
Tickets to Corks and Chefs are $35 in advance and $45 at the door, which includes admission to the festival.
Festival entrances will be on the Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard side of the park and at Park Place and 20th Street North. Show hours will be April 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 at the gate and kids ages 15 and under enter for free. Advance three-day passes are available for $10.
On April 28, Birmingham Park and Recreation will sponsor a lunch hour ticket special at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. with $2 admission. For more information, visit magiccityart.com and corksandchefs.com. ❖
On April 13, a crowd gathered at Mountain Brook Baptist Church to celebrate the life of an influential member of the congregation and community, Mary Anne Glazner.
Though Mary Anne passed on April 7, her giving spirit lives on through the impact she has had on countless members of the Mountain Brook and greater Birmingham community.
Though a resoundingly strong presence in the community through her (now Crestline Village) store, Smith’s Variety, I first knew Mary Anne as my preschool music teacher.
Nearing the twilight of my twenties, I can still recall a fair amount of early memories. Anything past five is good as gold, but I have to dig a little deeper for my three- and fouryear-old self.
One of the sharpest of those memories is of Mrs. Glazner’s music class, located at the former Blue Roof Church on Montclair, now a community of grey roofed homes. Our chorus of 4-year-olds sat “crisscross, applesauce” on the floor learning a new song. For the sake of the story, I’ll pretend we were learning my favorite, a song where we pantomimed daily activities as we sang. Making a popping noise with our tongues as we “opened a milk bottle” was a real crowd pleaser.
While singing the song at just about mid-morning, I noticed a ringing in my right ear beginning to drown out the sound.
My toddler’s memory, akin to that of a goldfish, made every illness seem like the end of the world. So, I began to cry uncontrollably. I was going deaf. I was sure of it. No more popping noises for me.
Luckily, Mrs. Glazner was there. She held a kind hand to my flaming outer ear and spoke softly. I listened to everything she said and once I put two and two together – if you can hear teacher, you probably are not deaf.
The story is easy to recall as I had the pleasure of having it recounted by Mrs. Glazner herself this past November when I found myself interviewing her for an article.
Once she had finished helping the line of customers awaiting her particular assistance, Mary Anne called me by name. She asked me if I remembered Pilgrim, recounted a
few of her memories of toddler Emily.
I would have given her some of the highlights of adolescent Emily and post-graduate Emily, but she seemed to be up to date. Perhaps my grandmother hit her with the main points as they waited out the first moments of the Snowpocalypse together at Smith’s.
Before I left she hugged me and gave her signature, “Love you!” as I made my exit.
Whether you sat alongside her at West End High School, studied with her at Howard College, learned from her in preschool, received an Easter basket reminder from her, worshipped with her at Mountain Brook Baptist, or volunteered alongside her in the community, Mary Anne Glazner loved you and told you without hesitation.
It’s people like Mary Anne who can make a town of any size seem a bit smaller, allowing a feeling of home to extend beyond a person’s immediate family and friends.
In a tribute to a tradition Mary Anne created and continued, supporting community members and causes by selling large bows to be displayed on mailboxes and street signs, Smith’s is handing out free black and white bows. In addition, the store is accepting donations for Children’s Harbor and Smile-AMile, two organizations that were close to Mary Anne’s heart.
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Emily Williams
Rotaract Club Celebrates Foundation’s 10th Anniversary
Young professionals put on their black-tie best April 1 for the annual Foundation Ball, hosted by the Rotaract Club of Birmingham. The event served to celebrate 10 years of the Rotaract Club of Birmingham Foundation.
The Haven venue set the scene for an evening of music, dancing and fundraising. Festivities included dancing to music by the Schmohawks, a photo booth, food catered by Everything Iz and drinks, including a signature Magic City Mule cocktail. A dessert lounge filled with sweet treats featured a wall of donuts ripe for the picking.
The proceeds from the event benefit the club’s foundation, which furthers community service initiatives such as its Ready 2 Read classroom libraries, ACT prep for the Ready 2 Succeed program and Achieve Alabama scholarships.
Helping coordinate the event were members of the board of directors, including Jeris Gaston, president; Mary Meadows Livingston, vice president; Lora Terry, chair; Mary Roberson, communications; Martha Miller, treasurer; Cameron Shevlin, membership recruitment; Will Hardison, membership development; Brandon Glover, programs; Marcus Carson, service; and Avani Patel, social. ❖
Annual Spring and Summer Jazz Series
Kicks off in Homewood
Kicking off its 2017 concert season, Magic City Smooth Jazz held the first Jazz in the Park installment April 9 at Homewood’s Central Park.
Co-hosted by the Homewood Arts Council, the free concert celebrated Jazz Appreciation Month.
Guests were invited to take blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to the park and food trucks were invited, providing additional eats for attendees.
and our clean, contemporary office will put your mind at ease.
Come see why patients in Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, and the greater Birmingham area trust Dr. Petznick and his team with their smiles. Please call today to make an appointment.
GENERAL AND AESTHETIC DENTISTRY
GENERAL AND AESTHETIC DENSTISTRY
GENERAL AND AESTHETIC DENSTISTRY
JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE May 3-4th from 11am-2pm or 4-6pm
The dentist you know and trust in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility.
The event featured music by Birmingham artists Bo Berry, playing the trumpet, and Kim Scott, performing the flute. Local author, radio host and Spain Park High School teacher Burgin Mathews shared the new book “Doc: The Story of a Birmingham Jazz Man,” co-authored with Dr. Frank Adams and based on interviews with local jazz legend Frank “Doc” Adams. ❖ To: Paul and Eliza From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246
Date: April
The dentist you know and trust in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility.
For nearly 30 years, Dr. Paul Petznick has been caring for dental patients in the Birmingham area. Now, at his new facility, you can experience a first-class quality of care backed by the most advanced equipment and procedures that the industry has to offer.
The dentist you know and trust in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility. For nearly 30 years, Dr. Paul Petznick has been caring for dental patients in the Birmingham area. Now, at his new facility, you can experience a first-class quality of care backed by the most advanced equipment and procedures that the industry has to offer.
For nearly 30 years, Dr. Paul Petznick has been caring for dental patients in the Birmingham area. Now, at his new facility, you can experience a first-class quality of care backed by the most advanced equipment and procedures that the industry has to offer.
From the moment you walk through our doors, your comfort and care are our highest priorities. Our highly skilled team is focused on meeting your general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry needs, and our clean, contemporary office will put your mind at ease.
From the moment you walk through our doors, your comfort and care are our highest priorities. Our highly skilled team is focused on meeting your general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry needs, and our clean, contemporary office will put your mind at ease.
For nearly 30 years, Dr. Paul Petznick has been caring for dental patients in the Birmingham area. Now, at his new facility, you can experience a firstclass quality of care backed by the most advanced equipment and procedures that the industry has to offer.
From the moment you walk through our doors, your comfort and care are our highest priorities. Our highly skilled team is focused on meeting your general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry needs, and our clean, contemporary office will put your mind at ease.
The dentist you know and trust in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility. For nearly 30 years, Dr. Paul Petznick has been caring for dental patients in the Birmingham area. Now, at his new facility, you can experience a first-class quality of care backed by the most advanced equipment and procedures that the industry has to offer.
From the moment you walk through our doors, your comfort and care are our highest priorities. Our highly skilled team is focused on meeting your general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry needs, and our clean, contemporary office will put your mind at ease.
Come see why patients in Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, and the greater Birmingham area trust Dr. Petznick and his team with their smiles. Please call today to make an appointment.
Come see why patients in Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, and the greater Birmingham area trust Dr. Petznick and his team with their smiles. Please call today to make an appointment.
CLEANING • WHITENING • RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
From the moment you walk through our doors, your comfort and care are our highest priorities. Our highly skilled team is focused on meeting your general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry needs, and our clean, contemporary office will put your mind at ease.
JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE May 3-4th 11am-2pm or 4-6pm
Come see why patients in Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, and the greater Birmingham area trust Dr. Petznick and his team with their smiles. Please call today to make an appointment.
Come see why patients in Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, and the greater Birmingham area trust Dr. Petznick and his team with their smiles. Please call today to make an appointment.
JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE
May 3-4th from 11am-2pm or 4-6pm
May 3-4th 11am-2pm or 4-6pm
JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE
Come see why patients in Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, and the greater Birmingham area trust Dr. Petznick and his team with their smiles. Please call today to make an appointment.
We are located in the Brookwood Dental Arts Building 2045 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, Suite 6 Homewood, Alabama 35209
For an Appointment: 205-326-7444
JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE May 3-4th 11am-2pm or 4-6pm
We are located in the Brookwood Dental Arts Building 2045 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, Suite 6 Homewood, Alabama 35209 For an Appointment: 205-326-7444 www . petznickdental . com CLEANING • WHITENING • RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
www . petznickdental . com
We are located in the Brookwood Dental Arts Building 2045 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, Suite 6 Homewood, Alabama 35209 For an Appointment: 205-326-7444
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 20th issue. Please email approval or changes to 824-1246. Please make sure all information is correct, Including address and phone number!
For
The
Spring was in full swing at the Southern Museum of Flight on April 8 for the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery. The organization hosted a Spring Fling party, taking guests back in time to the swinging ‘50s and ‘60s.
A silent auction featured a wide variety of items up for grabs, including a one-hour ride in a vintage Army Birddog Vietnam-era combat plane, golf packages, passes to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, art, jewelry and more.
Guests were invited to dress in themed costumes and bring their dancing shoes to fully enjoy the music of the Easy Street Band, performing hits from decades past.
Proceeds from the event will support the committee’s Overlook
Charades Dance Club Hosts Annual Dinner
The Charades Dance Club hosted its annual dinner dance Feb. 18 at The Country Club of Birmingham. The event was hosted by Pat and Wimberly Miree.
Members on the party committee planning the event with party chairman Pat Miree were Milner Phillips, Susan Pitts, Becky Powell, Leslie Puckett, Mary Putman, Carolyn Reed, Susan Reeves, Helen Robin, Becky Rollins and Sara Ruiz de Molina. Also attending the party with the committee members were Allen Phillips, David Putman, Lee Reeves, Ty Robin, Doug Rollins and Eladio Ruiz de Molina.
Socializing during the cocktail hour were club President Dorothy and Gerry Hodges, Margaret and Eason Balch, Judy and Adrian Bewley, Susan and Bill Bowman, Jeannie and Harry Bradford, Evelyn and Steve Bradley, Patsy and Stanley Burns, Betsy and Frank Canterbury, Anne Carey, Judy and Jim Carns, Mary and Bobby Cobb, Carol and Jerry Corvin, Ellen and Russell Cunningham, Naomi and Kirk Cunningham, Judy and Andy Daniel, Lyndra and Bill Daniel, Deanna and Timothy Davis, Anne and Ken Dawson, Enid and Bill Dean, Sara Lynn and Fox DeFuniak, Brad and Katie Dunn, and Louise and Durham Ellis.
Dancing music was provided by SK5 and decor was
arranged by Stems and Styles. Each dining table held its own unique centerpiece of colorful flowers as guests dined on Caesar salad, filet, salmon, asparagus, petite potatoes and crème brulee with berries.
Guests in attendance included Carolyn Featheringill, Anne and Rick Finch, Diane and Tom Gamble, Cathy and Vic Gilmore, Claire and Pat Goodhew, Annie and Maurice Green, Laurie Hayworth and Roger Mills, Delmar and Carolyn Hill, Dale and John Holditch, Loretta and Hugh Hood, Mary Ann and Bill Jones, Pam and Rick Kilgore, Anne and Tom Lamkin, Gordon and Gibson Lanier, Karen and Keith Lloyd, Barbara and Cliff Lynch, Verna and John Lyons, Pam and Joe Morad, George Ann and Alton Parker, Helen and Ty Robin, and Becky and Doug Rollins.
Madelon and Fred Rushing, Karen and Brant Sanders, Carolyn and Bill Satterfield, Emily and Tom Scarbrough, Katy and Rick Sexton, Marianne and Paul Sharbel, Lou Ann and George Sherling, Lynn and Wheeler Smith, Rita and Cliff Spencer, Nancy and Bill Stetler, Susan Strickland, Barbara and Cris Stone, Marsha and Eddie Terrell, Lana and Harry Thompson, Janie and Bud Trammell, Diana and Bill Turnipseed, Karen and Charlie Watkins, Kathleen and Ray Watkins, and Diane and Allen Weatherford. ❖
Fashion Fundraiser Benefits Baptist Health Foundation
The inaugural Wine, Women and Shoes event brought guests to The Club on April 13 to shop, sip and support the Brookwood Baptist Health system.
The Baptist Health Foundation hosted the fundraiser to benefit its patient assistance fund, ensuring that patients of Brookwood Baptist Health hospitals who cannot afford medical care receive take-home medications, transportation, food supplements and more.
Throughout the evening, “Shoe Guys” circulated to each table greeting guests, offering designer goodies and selling raffle tickets. The group was composed of Birmingham area men who competed to see who could raise the most funds and be crowned the King of Sole.
Coordinating the evening’s festivities was event chair Renee Fenn, and local style expert Megan LaRussa served as emcee for the evening.
Guests savored unlimited wine tastings, a live and silent auction and wine and apparel raffles. A photo shoot area offered guests the opportunity to commemorate the evening with complimentary portraits. ❖
Plantation-Style House Is This Year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse
STORY BY DONNA CORNELIUS • PHOTOS BY LEE WALLS JR.
FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, the Decorators’ ShowHouse has been a spring highlight in Birmingham.
Those who rarely miss the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s event are accustomed to seeing a showstopper of a house with creatively designed rooms and expansive grounds. This year’s ShowHouse, the Johnston-Clark Estate, is no exception.
‘I think the decorators think the house is grand. There’s so much openness and spaciousness. In the living room, you’ve got a wall of windows looking out on the gardens. When you go upstairs, there’s another grand view. This is a very family-oriented house. It’s livable.’
Participating designers found no shortage of inspiration in the plantationstyle house on East Briarcliff Road, said Nan Teninbaum, publicity chairwoman for the Symphony Volunteer Council’s annual fundraiser.
“I think the decorators think the house is grand,” Teninbaum said. “There’s so much openness and spaciousness. In the living room, you’ve got a wall of windows looking out on the gardens. When you go upstairs, there’s another grand view. This is a
very family-oriented house. It’s livable.”
The festivities started March 16 with an Empty House Party, but the 2017 Decorators’ ShowHouse officially throws its doors open April 29. An opening day celebration with an ASO French horn fanfare and a ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 10 a.m. The house will be open through May 14.
ShowHouse hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
The Johnston-Clark Estate is the second owned by Laura Clark to host a ShowHouse. The first was Villa Wofford Clark, a house on Salisbury Road that Clark bought from Dr. and Mrs. James Andrews.
Clark purchased this year’s ShowHouse for her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Furnie Johnston. The Johnstons moved to Birmingham from Dothan, where Johnston was that city’s first orthopedic surgeon. They’ve since moved to a retirement community on Lake Heather.
This year’s ShowHouse chairwomen are Char Bonsack, who’s also the Symphony Volunteer Council president, and Molly Bee Bloetscher.
“I love the house’s windows and the lighting –there’s so much natural light,” Bloetscher said.
The 10,000-square-foot house, which was built in 1996, has had lots of work. Teninbaum said each
SHOWHOUSE page 27
Floors Plus Lots More
Issis & Sons Takes on Three Rooms at Decorators’ ShowHouse | PAGE 24
Issis & Sons Takes on Three Rooms at Decorators’
THIS YEAR’S DECORATORS’ SHOWHOUSE would have a very different look without Issis & Sons.
Those who attend the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s annual fundraiser will see three rooms designed by the retail flooring and furniture company. Issis & Sons also refinished original hardwood floors throughout the house and added new and prefinished wood in other spaces.
“We came to look at the house and became friends with the owners,” said Steve Issis, the company’s owner. “We were asked to do a second room, and we thought that if we were going to do two, we might as well do three.”
Issis & Sons’ ShowHouse rooms are the library, which is on the house’s main level just off the foyer, and two upstairs bedrooms.
In the library, the star of the show is a hand-woven, 100-percent wool rug from India.
“It’s not a traditional Oriental rug design but is more contemporary,” said Nancy Gowens, Issis & Sons’ operations manager. “Vegetable dye gives it a patina of age.”
The rug is blue with other muted colors “but will blend with many things,” Gowens said. “Navy blues and bright blues are coming in strong in 2017.”
To set off the room’s original wood paneling and bookcases, grasscloth that covered the walls was painted a rich, dark blue. Blue also is a predominant color in some of the fabrics used in the room, including the draperies framing French doors that open onto the front
porch.
“The draperies are a poly-cotton blend with a linen look,” Gowens said.
Artwork and other decorative pieces in the library are from Issis & Sons.
“But we worked with some of the homeowner’s things,” Gowens said. “For example, the light fixtures were already here. Because they’re gold, we pulled that color out by adding gold frames and other accents.”
Issis & Sons made the room inviting with a handsome brown Chesterfield sofa and two comfortable linen chairs with classic lines. Bookcase doors can be opened to reveal a large-screen TV.
“This room has a clean, classic look,” Gowens said.
The two upstairs bedrooms each were designed with different family members in mind. One of the rooms would be a great space for a daughter who’s maybe away at college, Gowens said. But the room could easily accommodate guests as well as girls.
“The room has two dormer windows with window seats, and we tried to emphasize the architecture,” Gowens said. “You need to take that into consideration with any room design, to take the architecture and highlight it as the builder intended it.”
The bedroom’s walls are painted in Pratt & Lambert’s Argent, a pale blue shade. A chandelier is draped with wooden beads rather than crystal pendants for a fresh look, and an elegant lamp on the bedside table has an alabaster pillar.
A long white table serves as a contemporary-style desk. On the opposite wall is a painted wooden chest with
bathroom has been gutted, and other rooms have been updated and renovated. Issis & Sons refinished original hardwood floors throughout the house.
French doors open across the front of the house onto the gracious porch. Dormer windows, twin chimneys and two staircases lend Southern charm to the exterior.
A winding driveway leads up to the house through a sprawling front yard. The backyard is centered by a large patio. On one side of the patio is a hot tub; on the other side is a swimming pool, which has had extensive work.
Laura Clark and her two daughters, Madison and Abigail, will move into the house once the ShowHouse ends.
This year’s designers and their spaces include Blackjack Gardens, front porch; Summer Classics, pool, terrace and fountain; Urban Home Market, foyer and gallery; Interiors by Kathy Harris, dining room; Issis & Sons, library and two upstairs bedrooms with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom; Umphrey Interiors, living room and bar; At Home Furnishings, kitchen and breakfast room;
dovetailed drawers.
“It has a vintage look, but it’s a new piece,” said Anne Borland, manager of Issis & Sons’ Vestavia Hills store. “You can come in and choose the colors for the paint.”
Some of the furniture is from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines. Borland said the line, created by the star of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” series, is very popular. Magnolia Home pieces in the room include a bed made of shiplap, a type of wooden board commonly used for exterior siding, and a
‘The room has two dormer windows with window seats, and we tried to emphasize the architecture. You need to take that into consideration with any room design, to take the architecture and highlight it as the builder intended it.’
French-inspired side table with a piecrust-edged top.
The light-colored carpet is Karastan’s SmartStrand, which Steve Issis said “has all the bells and whistles” when it comes to a product that’s both durable and easy to clean.
“It has a warranty of up to 20 years,” Issis said.
While this bedroom has a feminine slant, the second one is geared toward a masculine occupant.
The designers incorporated wooden accents, metal artwork and a map of London in shades of brown. A cowhide rug on the floor comes in several colors.
Atmosphere Home Essentials, powder room; Habitation, master bedroom and bathroom; Four Corners Gallery, upper gallery; Chickadee, upstairs bedroom and bathroom; Scandinavian Design, martini lounge; and Lynne Coker Interiors: upstairs bedroom and bathroom.
A few years ago, the ShowHouse added an extra attraction: decorator seminars. Those sessions continue this year. Speakers and their topics are: Bill Aroosian of Habitation, “How to Design Your Bedroom Like a First-Class Hotel Room,” on May 3, and “Designing Your Outdoor Room,” on May 10; James Pace of Rainbow Paint and Decorating, “Window Treatments,” on May 4; Perry Umphrey of Umphrey Interiors, “But It Matches the Sofa,” on May 5; and Lynne Coker of Lynne Coker Interiors, “Design: Step One, Finding Your Inspiration,” on May 12.
All seminars start at 1:30 p.m. Other special events are planned for this year, too. There’s a fashion show from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 10. The show coordinator is Darlene Higginbotham from Chico’s.
ShowHouse-goers are invited to wear hats for Derby Day on May 6, with prizes awarded. On Mother’s Day, May 14, moms, grandmothers and mothers-to-be will get flowers,
“We also have antelope, deer and elk rugs,” Issis said.
Magnolia Home pieces in this room include the bed and a metal chest of drawer, which has an industrial, utilitarian look.
“For this room, we had in mind a boy who’s a biker, a traveler,” Borland said. “We kept things neutral here with blue-gray undertones in the paint.”
The two bedrooms are connected by a Jack and Jill bathroom. Issis & Sons Bath installed the tiling on the floor and in the shower.
“It’s a porcelain tile that looks like marble,” Steve Issis said. “It’s easy to clean, wears well and is stain resistant.”
Many of the designers who participate in the ShowHouse have to spend lots of time and effort pulling furniture, rugs and accessories from different sources. That wasn’t a problem for the Issis & Sons team.
“Everything here in the ShowHouse is done by our people and with our products,” Steve Issis said. “The thing that makes us unique is that we offer a wide variety of things for the home. We’re not a typical furniture or carpet or tile store.
“It’s all in-house management. We can easily coordinate work schedules. It’s all one company, so everyone’s working together.”
Issis, a Birmingham native, started the company in Pelham in 1983 with the help and support of his father, Odeh. The two worked together until Odeh Issis’ death in 2001. Steady growth over the years has led to four Issis & Sons locations: flooring galleries in Pelham and Greystone and furniture galleries in Pelham and Vestavia Hills.
“We have the largest rug showroom in the South,” Steve Issis said. For more information, visit www. issisandsons.com. ❖
and the Alabama Youth Symphony will provide music.
The all-new Margaret Alford Tea Room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunches are $15. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more; call 991-2712.
Another ShowHouse staple, the Symphony Shop, will sell handmade items from Birmingham-area artisans as well as antiques and gifts. The Decorator Sales office will be open daily in the house’s garage area. Price lists for items featured in the ShowHouse are available from room hostesses.
ShowHouse tickets are $15 until April 28. Visit the council’s website at svcalabama.com to buy tickets online and for a list of places where you can buy them throughout the Birmingham area.
After April 28, tickets are $20 and are available at the house. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $15.
As always, there’s no parking at the ShowHouse. Parking is at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church, 3405 Brookwood Road. Shuttles run continuously during regular ShowHouse hours. The last shuttle leaves for the ShowHouse one hour before closing time. No children under age 8 are
Francis Bryant Construction is building an eight-home development in Shoal Creek, called Troon Hamlet.
The house designs range from 3,000 to 3,600 square feet and are listed on the market in the $800,000s.
“It is a great honor for Francis Bryant to be selected by Shoal Creek Properties to serve as the general contractor for such a vibrant new addition to its community,” Kevin Gann, principal of Francis Bryant Construction, said in a statement.
The luxury houses will have custom finishes; open, main-level living space with additional second-floor living space; covered outdoor patios; spacious bedrooms and spa-quality bathrooms with custom marble vanities, according to the statement. The development is across from Inanda Stables in the Shoal Creek community.
“We are delighted to be working with Francis Bryant. Their workmanship, craftsmanship and trusted professionalism are second to none and on par with the quality our residents have come to expect and appreciate,” Caroline Little, president of Shoal Creek Properties, said in the statement.
Francis Bryant Construction is the general contractor on the project, with Nequette Architecture & Design working as the architect and Lorberbaum & Odrezin handling landscape design. Pam Ausley of ReMax Southern Homes is the listing agent.
This year’s tour will feature more than 50 homes ranging from 1,000 to 4,500 square feet scattered across the Birmingham metro area. After an April 18 judging of the homes, the tour will be open April 21-23 and April 28-30.
Headlining the parade will be the 2017 Ideal Home, at 997 Willow Branch Trail in Chelsea. The 2017 Parade of Homes is free and open to the public and will be held April 21-23 and April 28-30. Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
A kickoff party will be held April 20 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Ideal Home.
For more information, visit gbahb.com.
allowed, and those who attend shouldn’t bring umbrellas, cameras, large purses, large tote bags or backpacks.
The Decorators’ ShowHouse benefits the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and is sponsored by the Symphony Volunteer Council. For more information, visit svcalabama.com or call 914-9084. You also can follow the ShowHouse on Facebook and Instagram. ❖
—Emily Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Robert McCraney of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Rose Caldwell McCraney, to George Malcolm Taylor IV, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Malcolm Taylor III of Birmingham.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lee Berry Jr. of St. Simons Island, Georgia, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anton McCraney of Birmingham.
Miss McCraney is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Jolly and Mr. and Mrs Keith Moody of Austin, Texas, announce the engagement of their daughter, Hannah Lauren Jolly, to Anderson Michael Barnett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Barnett of Vestavia Hills.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lawrence Jolly and Mr. and Mrs. William Edison Taylor of Austin.
To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you please call Stacie 205.823.9646
University of Alabama, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta fraternity. She is completing her master’s degree in education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and teaches science at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School. Miss McCraney was a member of the Birmingham Debutante Club and was presented at the Heritage Ball, the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball and the Ball of Roses.
The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Harry Claypool Howell Jr. and the late Mr. Howell of Dothan, and the late Mr. and Mrs. George Malcolm Taylor Jr. of Prattville.
Mr. Taylor is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a summa cum laude graduate of The University of the South, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and served as president of the Order of the Gownsmen and as president of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After graduation from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine in May, he will begin a surgical internship at Tulane.
The wedding is planned for May 27 at Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham.
Miss Jolly attends the University of Alabama, where she will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in English. She has been involved with Young Life, where she is on staff as a student leader for college ministries.
Miss Jolly also has led various camps and Bible studies as well as mentored college students.
The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Charles Phipps, the late Mr. and Mrs. Amel Barnett and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Payne, all of Birmingham.
Mr. Barnett attends the University of Alabama, from which he will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He is a member of Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity and is involved with Young Life, where he is on staff as a student leader for high school ministries. Mr. Barnett leads Bible studies and mentored young men from Northridge High School.
The wedding is planned for May 29 in Austin.
The couple will work and live in Birmingham.
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Larry Summerlin of Montgomery, announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth Shea Summerlin, to Charles Roden Terry III, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Roden Terry Jr. of Mountain Brook.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Waverly Summerlin, Mrs. William Darrell Sasser and the late Mr. William Darrell Sasser, all of Montgomery.
Miss Summerlin is a 2011 graduate of Trinity Presbyterian School and a 2015 graduate of Samford
Despoina Danae Renieri of Trikala, Thessaly, Greece, daughter of Dimitris and Charikleia, maiden name Makri, and John Mark Glasscock of
University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She was tapped for membership in Phi Lambda Sigma, Omicron Delta Kappa and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies. Miss Summerlin served as a Samford Ambassador and as Miss Samford. She is currently pursuing a doctor of pharmacy degree from the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford.
The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Roden Terry Sr. of Mountain Brook and the late Mr. and Mrs. Harry Davidson Poole Sr. of Greenville.
Mr. Terry is a 2009 graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a 2014 graduate of Samford University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance. He was a pitcher for the university’s baseball team and was a member of the 2012 Southern Conference Championship Team. Mr. Terry is pursuing a doctor of medicine degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine.
The wedding will take place May 20 at First Baptist Church in Montgomery. The couple plans to reside in Birmingham.
Birmingham, son of Jeff and Lailah Harris Glasscock were married Feb. 22 in Athens, Greece.
The bride is a photographer who graduated in 2016 with a master’s degree in photographic history from De Montfort University in Leicester, England. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in finance awarded in 2010 by the University of Athens, Greece.
The groom graduated from Oak Mountain High School in 2008 and received his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University in 2013. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity and served as a Cupola Engineering Ambassador. He is employed as a technical sales engineer with the oilfield services company Schlumberger in Dallas, Texas.
The couple will reside in Dallas.
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Conger Madden Jr. of Atlanta announce the engagement of their daughter, Laura Carson Madden, to Carlton Reid McFarland, son of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Keith Miller and Mr. and Mrs. James Carlton McFarland, all of Birmingham.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Conger Madden and the late Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Carson Edwards, all of Atlanta.
Miss Madden is a 2010 graduate of the Lovett School in Atlanta and a 2014 graduate of the University of Alabama, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She is a kindergarten teacher at Dunwoody Elementary in Atlanta.
The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Carlton Ralph Cook and the late Mr. Carlton Ralph Cook of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. James Edward McFarland of Birmingham, formerly of Montgomery.
Mr. McFarland is a 2010 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a 2014 graduate of Auburn University, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He is a logistics planner at WestRock in Atlanta.
The wedding will be June 17 in Atlanta.
Students and many members of the Homewood High School staff and faculty were surprised recently with news that the school’s Patriot Marching Band has been chosen to march in the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Macy’s Parade officials surprised members of the band with the news on April 17, noting that the Patriot Band is one of 10 marching bands chosen in a nationwide search.
An invitation to participate in the annual event was delivered by Wesley Whatley, creative director of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and head of the parade’s band selection committee. The Macy’s parade staff worked with HHS band director Ron Pence to keep the invitation a secret and organize a special surprise gathering to deliver the news. ❖
Mountain Brook’s Chalmers Advances to
Mountain Brook Elementary School sixth-grader David Chalmers has qualified to compete in the Alabama Geography Bee.
Chalmers won his elementary school’s bee, competing against fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders, and he went on to score among the top 100 students statewide on a written test to qualify for the state bee.
In addition, Chalmers finished third in the Mountain Brook City Schools Spelling Bee this year.
Students at John Carroll Catholic High School raised thousands of dollars to help charities in Alabama through their annual Queen of Hearts Dance fundraiser.
Seniors Grace Kehoe and Chris D’Entremont were crowned queen and king of the event for raising the most money.
During the evening, students were entertained by the Moonshine Rhythm Band and a special lead-out announcing all fundraiser contestants who were nominated from each grade.
The following students were recognized as princesses and princes for raising the most money in their grades: juniors Kennedy Carlisle and Andrew Jones, sophomores Harper Simmons and Anthony Marino, and freshmen Avery Martin and Nicholas
The Homewood City School Foundation will host its fourth annual Homewood Grown fundraiser on April 20, from 6-9 p.m. on the terrace at SoHo Square. The celebration includes a seated dinner, live music, remarks from HHS alumni and the presentation of the 2017 Teacher Impact Awards. Tickets are $125. For more information, visit homewoodcityschoolfoundation.com.
The church will host an evening of dinner, dancing and jazz featured by the jazz bands of Vestavia Hills High School on April 20 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 each and proceeds benefit the high school’s band program. For more information, contact Kristie Chandler at vhhsjazz@gmail.com.
Simmons Middle School honored its 2016-17 Finley Award winners with an awards ceremony March 23.
Twelve students were chosen from the school’s 875 students, based on overall positive behavior and outstanding character.
Newton.
The dance was sponsored and organized by the Carroll Students Modeling Christ club. All proceeds will benefit the John Carroll Scholarship Fund and organizations such as Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center, the Catholic Center of Concern in the Birmingham Diocese, and the Edmundite Missions service work in Vredenburgh.
Mountain Brook’s Crestline Elementary School held its Celebrate Writing Festival on Feb. 24. Students from Birmingham’s Brookville Elementary School visited for the occasion.
Festivities were coordinated by the school’s PTO and included presentations by five authors, among them local authors Charles Ghigna and Sheila Booth-Alberstadt.
“The parents, teachers and kids at Crestline Elementary know how to put on a writing festival,” said Ghigna. “I do author visits throughout the U.S. each year and I can tell you this one is something special. I’ve had the privilege of participating in the Crestline event several times over the years, and I always return home grateful for being a part of that day-long love fest of reading and writing.”
Authors shared their writing experiences and how they come up with characters and stories.
“I’m sitting here right now in the treehouse reading stacks of poems, stories, thank-you notes and artwork from the Crestline students,” Ghigna said. “I only hope I left them with nearly as much inspiration, love and motivation as they gave me.”
In addition, visitors from the Desert Island Supply Company in Woodlawn, a non-profit that provides creative workshops, conducted mini-workshops for sixth-grade students.
The Hoover City Schools Foundation will host its second annual fundraiser April 21 from 6:3010 p.m. There will be Jim & Nicks BBQ, music, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $50-$65. For more information, visit hoovercsf.org/ denim-and-dining/. ❖
Five Liberty Park Middle School sixthgraders were selected as semifinalists in the fourth- to sixth-grade state division of the Letters About Literature contest.
The students are among 131 students who made the semifinals. The first-place state winner in each division will move on to compete in the national competition.
The semifinalist students are Ryan Yancey, Tucker Ward, Maia Szaflarski, Madison Miller and Hannah Vallely.
The contest is sponsored by the Library of Congress National Reading and Writing Promotion Program.
The 2016-2017 SMS Finley Award winners are: sixth-graders Tyler Black, Audrey Hankins, Dylan Lunsford and Haley Rich; seventh-graders Andrew Childs, Claire Manering, Phedra Peter and Fernanda Valdez Padilla; and eighth-graders Corinne Crawford, Bobby Mosely, Caroline Schock and Blake White.
Amanda Sutter, a speech language pathologist at Simmons Middle School in Hoover, recently was honored by the
According to school officials, the award honors individuals whose kindness and dedication reach beyond the classroom.
The Finley Committee selected three individuals – each representing either elementary, middle or high school teaching – to receive the award. Sutter was chosen as a teacher who influences the lives of students and builds strong relationships with students, parents, colleagues and community members.
Competing students are asked to read a book, poem or speech and write a personal letter to the author, whether living or dead, explaining how the
work changed their view of the world or themselves. Entries are judged on audience, purpose, grammatical conventions and originality. ❖
Author Visits VHEW
Award-winning author and illustrator
Mike Artell visited Vestavia Hills Elementary West on Feb. 7. During his visit, Artell talked with students and teachers and gave interactive drawing demonstrations. A native of Louisiana, Artell has written or illustrated more than 35 books. His book “Petite Rouge – A Cajun Red Riding Hood” was named the 2009 Read Aloud Book of the Year by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. ❖
Approximately 15,000 students nationwide have been named National Merit Finalists this year, but that number represents only 1 percent of the 1.6 million students who took the PSAT test this year. Each of the finalists is now eligible for a variety of National Merit scholarships, worth thousands of dollars. According to the National Merit organization, at least 190 universities around the nation extend scholarship offers of their own to students who are named finalists.
“We are proud of these students for all they have achieved as Rebels and as outstanding young men and women of character. We look forward to watching them achieve even more as our alumni in the years to come,” Vestavia Hills High School Principal Tyler Burgess said in a released statement.
To become a finalist, students must score high enough on the standardized test to be recognized as semifinalists. The next step is to submit an applica-
tion to provide information about their academic performance, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment and honors awards that they have received.
“Earning the recognition of National Merit Finalist is a tribute to their hard work and exceptional abilities, and we wish them the best as they compete for National Merit scholarships this spring,” said Indian Springs Head of School Dr. Sharon Howell of the school’s four semifinalists. ❖
Everything moves so fast these days. There always seems to be somewhere to go, something to do, or something to see. Instant communication is the norm not the exception. You need to Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat what you are doing at any given moment (FYI – I’m sure guilty of this). Alcohol and drugs seem almost custom made for this lifestyle. “Sorry I’m late. Child 3’s t-ball game ran late. Let’s do some shots of Jagermeister so I can catch up with y’all!” or “I just need to go to sleep. I’ll take a couple of these with a glass of wine to knock me out.” or “I’m going to have to pull an all-nighter to get this done.”
We self-medicate to wake up, to go to sleep, to stay awake, to relax…or we get actual prescriptions to do all of the above. If a doctor prescribes it, it must be okay, right?
The downside to living like this is a lot like driving your car too hard for too long. The engine in your car isn’t made to go 90+ mph day in and day out. Eventually, it will break. That’s a fact. Running yourself too hard for too long will also cause you to break. That’s another fact.
If any of this sounds like you or a loved one, maybe it’s time to take yourself or that loved one into the shop (see what I did there?).
Let Bayshore Retreat be your mechanic. We’ll tune you up and teach you how to take care of your engine so it will last a long time.
‘You know, the foundation was out of sight out of mind until we got exposed because of Leo’s (pictured) diagnosis. But now we are part of the survival family and we know it is important to be an advocate.’
ARC REALTY CHAIRMAN TOMMY BRIGHAM, THIS YEAR’S KIDNEY WALK HONORARY CHAIR
By Sarah Kuper
“Birmingham is a very philanthropic town. We are givers.”
That’s according to ARC Realty Chairman Tommy Brigham, this year’s Kidney Walk honorary chair.
Brigham has been a fixture in the Birmingham real estate market for decades, and he said he has seen the corporate community unite over common causes.
“I think we understand as a community that we all have to support each other for whatever reason. The Birmingham business culture, generally speaking, understands the model of giving. It has seeped into the fabric of our DNA,” he said.
Brigham cites a culture of reciprocity as he helps raise funds for the Kidney Walk.
“I guess when you are old and have been around a long time and people have asked you to support things – they know it is time to reciprocate,” he said.
Although Brigham is this year’s honorary chair, it wasn’t until a few years ago that he knew about the Alabama Kidney Foundation.
When Brigham’s grandson, Leo, was born with kidney disease, Brigham quickly felt the need to use all the foundation’s resources.
“You know, the foundation was out of sight out of mind until we got exposed because of Leo’s diagnosis. But now we are part of the survival family and we know it is important to be an advocate,” Brigham said.
Leo is doing well now, but his first year of life
was full of hospital stays, feeding tubes and fervent prayers from his parents for a kidney transplant. Fortunately, once he gained enough weight, he was able to receive his mother’s kidney and he has been doing well since.
Brigham is one of the foundation’s largest fundraisers. For the 2017 walk, he already has raised more than $38,000, partly due to a matching campaign plus a surprise donation from his ARC Realty family.
“I had no idea. It was completely out of the blue and so touching,” Brigham said.
Being able to share his family’s personal journey with kidney related disease has helped him raise money, as well, he said.
Proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the Alabama Kidney Foundation’s financial assistance program. The initiative helps kidney patients in need of assistance with bills, prescriptions and transportation to dialysis.
“After you look into what they are doing and the impact they are having, it is very impressive. This is a chance to tell the story of those with kidney disease more effectively and raise awareness and funding for the estimated 400,000 people in Alabama suffering from it,” he said.
Brigham said he is thankful for the support of all those who may not have a personal connection with kidney disease but have donated anyway.
He is hopeful the value of philanthropy will be passed down to the next generation.
“We are benefactors of the people who came before us. It is really important that we model that for future generations,” Brigham said.
The Kidney Walk is April 29 at Samford University’s track and soccer stadium.
Registration for the race begins at 8:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 9:30 a.m. In addition to the walk, there will be games and food for all ages.
For more information and to donate or register a team, visit birminghamkidneywalk.org. ❖
By June MathewS
Some of Dr. Stephen Russell’s earliest memories are being read to and hearing bedtime stories told by his father.
With a love for spoken stories instilled in him from a young age, it’s only natural that he would enjoy verbally sharing stories with others.
In fact, Russell now reads and interprets stories for his kids in the “Dad’s Summer Book Club” he organizes for them each year. He assigns each of the four children an age-appropriate book that he reads to them over the summer.
“I make up voices for each character in the story as I hear them,” he said. “I read the ‘Harry Potter’ series to them that way, and they loved it.”
Russell has done essentially the same thing but for a broader audience with his third book, “Control Group,” released in print March 21 and as an audiobook the first week in April.
“I find it interesting that most authors whose books are recorded don’t read it themselves,” he said. “But I thought it would be a fun challenge and another way I could communicate the story.”
Russell first began to seriously consider recording an audiobook when, shortly after publishing his second book, two people on two separate occasions suggested that he might record his next novel. His cousin, who also happens to be a trained voice talent, recommended that he contact Homewood’s Boutwell Studios for help.
But Russell didn’t make the call before putting a lot of thought and research into the idea.
“It took from Thanksgiving 2015 to Thanksgiving 2016 for me to get up the courage to do this,” he said. “The delay gave me time to think about it and decide that, if I was going to tell this story, how I would want to represent the characters and what they would sound like. That sort of became the momentum
for the recording of this book.”
By the time the project was done, Russell had read all 307 pages of the book, spending almost 20 hours in recording sessions. As he read, he caught some minor mistakes in the printed version of the book, so the process was helpful in terms of further editing.
And, he said, it turned out to be as much fun as he’d thought it would be.
Third in a series of medical thrillers featuring Dr. Cooper “Mackie” McKay, “Control Group” was preceded by “Blood Money” and “Command and Control,” released in early 2014 and late 2014, respectively. The most recent book is a prequel in which Russell takes McKay back in time and creates a bit of a history for him.
Russell wrote “Control Group” 12 years ago with a different character as the protagonist, but publisher Blue Jay Media encouraged Russell to turn it into another Cooper McKay story.
Russell drew on his own experience as a physician and his related knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry to write the McKay books. An associate professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he has been recognized as one of the Birmingham area’s top doctors, as well as one of the top instructors at UAB’s School of Medicine.
He began writing as a way to process what he was going through during his residency 18 years ago and has continued with “this little hobby of mine” ever since.
One of the greatest side benefits of that hobby? According to Russell, it’s seeing the influence it’s had on his kids.
“One of the absolute joys of this writing journey I’ve been on since 2014 is seeing them become readers and writers,” he said.
The “Control Group” audiobook is available on Audible, iTunes and Amazon.com. For more on Dr. Russell’s books and writing journey, visit authorstephenrussell.com. ❖
‘I find it interesting that most authors whose books are recorded don’t read it themselves. But I thought it would be a fun challenge and another way I could communicate the story.’
DR. STEPHEN RUSSELL
The Birmingham Independent Insurance Agents recently presented a donation of $20,000 to United Ability, formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Birmingham.
The funds were raised through BIIA’s annual gala, held Jan. 27 at LincPoint. More than 150 people attended the annual event, which included food, music, a silent auction, casino style games and door prizes.
Each year, the beneficiary of the gala proceeds is chosen by the BIIA president.
Margaret Ann Pyburn of Cobbs Allen, current BIIA president, chose United Ability, stating that the organization offers many valuable programs that benefit kids and adults in the Birmingham community.
“I have personally seen the results
of their services since my niece has spina bifida, so I have a real heart for the work that they do,” Pyburn said.
“When asked to select a charity to benefit the Gala, United Ability was an easy choice.”
The adults who participate in United Ability’s Adult Day Program contributed to the gala festivities by hand painting floral clay pots for centerpieces on the dinner tables.
“What a tremendous honor to be this year’s recipient of the BIIA gala proceeds,” said Dr. Gary Edwards, United Ability CEO. “Every dollar received will support the advancement of medicine, technology and therapies for people living with all types of disabilities from birth throughout their lives. Thank you, BIIA, for helping transform lives.” ❖
Steven M. Hudson of Vestavia Hills has been named one of America’s Top 1,200 Advisers: State-by-State, published by Barron’s Magazine.
Hudson serves as a private wealth adviser with Hudson & Windle Private Wealth, a practice of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc.
According to a release, the annually published list recognizes outstanding financial advisers who represent the highest levels of ethical standards, professionalism and success. The rankings are based on data provided by more than 4,000 advisers across the nation.
Barron’s officials stated that Hudson was chosen based on assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record and quality of practice.
Taylor Burton Company Inc., a Vestavia Hills custom home building company, recently was awarded the Best in Show title for the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards.
The Home Builders Association of Alabama Remodelers announced the results of its annual competition at an April 8 banquet at the Capital City Club in downtown Montgomery.
Taylor Burton was given the highest award in the competition for its remodel of a home in Vestavia Hills. The project, named House of Trees, won
the category of Space Renovation. It involved a total renovation that turned a dated kitchen and a separate den area into one large living space.
According to AREA officials, the House of Trees was chosen from the top five highest-scoring projects in all categories, which had a total of nearly 100 entries. ❖
By Lee Davis
Briarwood baseball coach Steve Renfroe knew from the beginning that he probably would have a good team in 2017.
In fact, the 2016 season had barely ended when Renfroe caught himself looking ahead.
“Normally after a long season, everyone is pretty much exhausted,” Renfroe said. “But after last year, I was so excited about what was coming I didn’t go to sleep until about 4:30 in the morning.”
As March has turned to April, Renfroe’s early excitement about the Lions has proven to be more than justified. Briarwood completed spring break with a 21-3 record and number one ranking in the Class 5A poll. Even more impressively, the team started with a perfect 12-0 on the road.
“Baseball is a pretty simple game,” Renfroe said. “It all begins with pitching and defense. We’ve also had great leadership. Every player on this team has accepted their roles. Whenever we’ve needed a big hit, someone has always come up with it.”
Renfroe is getting some good help in the dugout as well. Two former major leaguers – Matt Guerrier and Wes Helms – have joined the Lion coaching staff.
If quality pitching is the key to success in baseball, it’s understandable why Briarwood is off to such a strong start. The Lion pitchers have been outstanding from the beginning. Sam Strickland leads with a 7-0 record, with 60 strikeouts and a tiny ERA of .718. Michael Hiers is 4-0 with 23 strikeouts and an ERA of .887. Logan Whittlesey has compiled a 4-1 worksheet while striking out 35 batters with an ERA of .442.
“Our pitching staff has done a tremendous job,” Renfroe said. “It’s a
The Lion pitchers have been outstanding from the beginning. Sam Strickland leads with a 7-0 record, with 60 strikeouts and a tiny ERA of .718.
confidence builder for our team to know that we’ve got several guys who can go in there and throw strikes.”
It’s also a plus when pitchers realize they are probably going to get plenty of runs on their side. Briarwood’s bats are as hot as any in metro Birmingham, with the roster dotted with players batting above .300. With only eight home runs for the year, the Lions aren’t a tremendous power team, but they make up for it with consistency.
Kolby Kwarcinski is hitting .413 with 19 RBIs. Briarwood completed spring break with a 21-3 record and number one ranking in the Class 5A poll. More photos at otmjsports.com
Kolby Kwarcinski is hitting .413 with 19 RBIs. Cole Steadman is batting .405 with 25 RBIs. Carson Eddy, Will Brumback, Hudson Hartsfield, Strickland and Whittlesey are among other Briarwood players with averages above.300 with double-digit RBI totals. The Lion scoring machine has scored more than 10 runs in no fewer than a dozen games. In their first five contests, Briarwood scored an eyepopping 77 runs. Perhaps the most impressive offensive effort was a 14-6 pounding of powerful Pelham in early March.
“We really don’t have a weak spot in our lineup,” Renfroe said. “We’ve got a lot of guys who are good at getting on base. That’s where it all starts on offense.”
Briarwood is aligned in Class 5A’s Area Eight with Moody, Shelby County and Sylacauga, but its overall schedule more resembles a Class 6A or Class 7A slate with large public school powers as Oak Mountain and Mountain Brook filling many of the dates.
“We really appreciate those schools playing us, because they don’t have to,” said Renfroe. “Those tough games against larger schools help us get ready for the playoffs.”
The coach said his players weren’t intimidated by larger schools. “They get excited about going against the bigger schools but it’s not really a big deal,” he explained. “In baseball, you just go out and play.”
Although prospects for a memorable season are excellent, Renfroe is philosophical about Briarwood’s chances for a state title. “I think we have the arms and the bats to go a long way,” he said. “Once you make the playoffs, it all depends on the match ups.”
Anything can happen in the post season, but for the moment the Lions are still keeping their coach awake at night for all the right reasons. ❖
don’t reach the Final Four, many of their fans will ask what went wrong. And that’s the sign of a strong program.
Sometimes in baseball, you get the classic matchup of a legendary batter and pitcher such as Sandy Koufax vs. Willie Mays in the 1960s or Greg Maddux vs. Mark McGwire in the 1990s. Area softball fans got a high school version of that magnitude in a game between Oak Mountain and Spain Park last week.
The Lady Eagles and Lady Jaguars were tied 0-0 in the 10th inning when Oak Mountain senior slugger O’Neil Roberson came to the plate to face Spain Park pitching phenomenon
Annabelle Widra, an eighth-grader who has befuddled batters with more than 150 strikeouts. The tension in the air was real as the two all-stars battled. In the end, seniority prevailed. Roberson smacked a two-run homer to give her team the walk-off victory.
Producing heroic finishes is noth-
ing new for Roberson, who is batting .420 this season with 27 RBIs. She hit an eye-popping 21 homers as a junior in 2015-16. She plans to play college ball at Mississippi State next season.
Widra may have lost her most recent confrontation with a high-profile hitter, but she’ll be back for many more in the next four-plus years. As the Jaguar program continues to roll, Widra will win more than her share.
Almost overshadowed by Roberson’s home run was the play of Lady Eagles pitcher Clara Fuller. She pitched 10 scoreless innings and held the potent Spain Park batters to just three hits. Fuller also helped her cause with three hits.
In every way, it was a classic battle.
Area soccer teams continue to dominate the Alabama Sports Writers Association polls. In boys Class 7A, Oak Mountain holds the top spot followed by Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. Hoover and Spain Park hold the sixth and seventh positions, respectively.
In Class 6A, Homewood is number nine while Briarwood holds down the number six spot in Class 4A-5A. Indian Springs is number one
in Class 1A-3A and Westminster-Oak Mountain is second.
In girls soccer, Vestavia continues as number one in Class 7A with Oak Mountain ranked third and Spain Park fourth. Mountain Brook is in the seventh position, followed by Hoover in ninth place.
John Carroll Catholic is number one in Class 6A, with Homewood in the second spot. Briarwood is ranked second in Class 4A-5A. Class 1A-3A shows Westminster-Oak Mountain in the top position with Indian Springs third and the Altamont School seventh.
Poll rankings are nice, but ultimately the champions will be determined in the playoffs. That’s what makes the month of May so much fun.
The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama returns to Barber Motorsports Park this weekend.
Pack a cooler or picnic and experience one of the best outside parks in Birmingham, along with the opportunity to watch some of the world’s greatest INDYCAR drivers.
For weekend schedule and ticket information, visit barbermortorsports. com. ❖
Earliest Joy League Players Help Launch 60th Consecutive Baseball Season in Homewood
indicates. One of the ties came against out-of-state power North Gwinnett of Georgia. The lone loss was a 1-0 squeaker at the hands of HewittTrussville.
The Lady Rebels’ offense has been potent as Vestavia has scored at least eight goals in three different contests. On the other end, the defensive effort has been phenomenal. Vestavia has posted 12 shutouts and has not yielded more than two goals in a game all season.
For veteran Lady Rebel coach Brigid Littleton, 2017’s success has been a continuation of the foundation that was built last season.
“The team has a great work ethic and will to succeed,” Littleton said. “Our defense has been tenacious and our attack has come along. We know that toward the end of the season we will face our greatest tests. Our team chemistry and how willing we are to ‘be there’ for each other will be a leading factor in how far we go.”
The coach knows what it takes to win. Littleton has posted a 239-62-26 record in 17 years at Vestavia, along with three state championships.
“Defense is always a big reason for our success,” Littleton said. “But in the past two years our offense has improved. If you’re playing well both offensively and defensively, you can be difficult to beat.”
ting its best effort together offensively and defensively came in a 3-1 win
over highly regarded Spain Park last week. The Lady Rebels scored on a corner kick from Katherine Savage, followed by goals from Taylor Korn and Caroline Silvio. The sturdy Vestavia defense held the strong Lady Jaguar attack to just a single goal.
Korn leads Vestavia scorers with 17 total goals, with Caroline Causey contributing 10. Silvio has added six goals. No less than 17 Lady Rebels have contributed goals this season.
Midfielder Anna Hogewood leads the team with 10 assists.
“The midfield continues to be the heart of our team,” Littleton said. Faith Hauberg is second with eight assists.
A.G. Darty earning 12 and Haleigh Hollard getting two.
As imposing as the numbers are, Littleton believes the intangibles are her team’s greatest strength.
“Our girls play unselfishly, and this drives them to perform because they don’t want to let one another down,” she said. “They always have each other’s back on the field. If one falls or fails, there are 10 more on the field and 11 on the bench there to pick her up. I’ve always asked them to give more than they think they have, and that’s what they do. It’s all about our girls’ commitment, work ethic and discipline.”
It may be far too early to mention
Early Spring: Briarwood Baseballers off to Fast Start PAGE 34 OVER
Vestavia is ranked number one in the most recent Alabama Sportswriters Association polls. Taylor Korn (6) leads Vestavia scorers with 17 total goals. More photos at otmjsports.com.
By Lee Davis
Most people in athletics are cautious when they use the word “dynasty,” but there may be one brewing in Vestavia Hills.
The Lady Rebels girls soccer team
Vestavia Girls Hope to Add Another Title
broke Oak Mountain’s two-year stranglehold on the state 7A soccer title last season by winning their first blue trophy since 2007. The fact that Vestavia was chosen as the number one girls high school soccer team in America by MaxPreps was icing on
the proverbial cake.
Now the Lady Rebels would like to have a stranglehold of its own.
Ending last week with a 15-1-3 record, Vestavia is ranked number one in the most recent Alabama Sportswriters Association polls, and
the team is an early favorite to win a second consecutive championship.
A closer inspection shows that the Lady Rebels record is even more impressive than the won-lost mark
See REBELS, page 35
LEE DAVIS
More than a month has passed since Mountain Brook won its third boys state basketball championship in five years, but the Spartans are still raking in the awards.
Sophomore forward Trendon Watford was named to the MaxPreps boys basketball sophomore AllAmerican team last week. Watford, a key player in Mountain Brook’s successful title run, previously had been named Birmingham Area Player of the Year and Over the Mountain Player of the Year. He was also the runner-up for Mr. Basketball in the state of Alabama. Watford averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds per game in 2016-17.
And incredibly, he still has two more years of varsity competition remaining.
It’s still hard to quantify the impact Bucky McMillan has had on basketball in Alabama since he moved from coaching the junior varsity to being head coach of the Spartans in the spring of 2008. Mountain Brook had a respectable program before McMillan’s promotion, but he elevated it to probably the finest in the state. With the constant influx of young talent, the Spartans have a chance to dominate basketball much the way that Hoover dominates in football.
Of all the sports Mountain Brook has excelled in over the past five decades, boys basketball might have been the one where – before the McMillan Era – the expectation level has been lowest. Now, if the Spartans
See DAVIS, page 34