OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

Alan and Lisa Engle and Donna and Gary Schiff were near the Jaffa Gate into the Old City of Jerusalem. “Our yearnings as Jews and Christians were woven together throughout Friendship Journey Five, creating a tapestry much stronger than either group could create alone,” Lisa said.

Dr. Morissa Ladinsky, Dr. Mitch Cohen and Dr. Bernis Simmons listen to UAB neuropsychologist Dan Marson play blues on the harmonica outside their hotel in Tel Aviv. Marson’s musical contributions provided a soundtrack for the two-week trip.

Friendship the best

Souvenir A Life-Changing Journey to the Holy Land Bonds Travelers

By Barry DeLozier

I

Photos by Barry DeLozier

n 25 years of marriage, my wife, Cathy, has rarely asked for anything significant (I know. I’m a lucky guy). So, in late 2016, when she told me she wanted to travel to Israel with two Bunko girlfriends and their spouses, how could I refuse? My parents had often described their 1999 trip to the Holy Land as “life-changing.” OK. Two weeks in Israel, plus a few days in Jordan. We signed up to participate in Friendship Journey Five and I blocked 16 days on my calendar in April 2018. At a meet and greet of Christians and Jews at Temple EmanuEl in spring 2017, it became obvious our trip would be different from a sightseeing vacation. Rabbi Jonathan Miller predicted seeing this special place together would magnify our views. See FRIENDSHIP, page 16 INSIDE

CAMP LIFE AT 70 Life Lessons and Fun Among the Pines at Camp Mac PAGE 14

A GARDEN FIT FOR A KING OR A COMMONER Local Garden Designer Highlights Parterre Gardens PAGE 28

MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE Events Honor and Support Soldiers PAGE 12

2 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

MURPHY’S LAW

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

D

Extracurricular Activity

Heritage Christian School Community Packs 10,000 Meals for Feed the Need Approximately 10,000 meals were packed May 8 as Hoover’s Heritage Christian Academy held a Feed the Need packing party. Students, parents, faculty and volunteers gathered together to package, seal and box meals that will help feed hungry children in Haiti. Lower school students enhanced the boxes before they were sent off, decorating and taping them with hearts and words of encouragement. In addition to organizing the meals, the school has been raising funds for Feed the Need, with an ongoing fundraiser having currently raised more than $44,000. To make a donation, visit app.mobilecause.com/vf/hcachristian. ❖

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN 3 PEOPLE 8 NEWS 10 LIFE 14 SOCIAL 20

WEDDINGS 27 HOME 28 SCHOOLS 31 BUSINESS 32 SPORTS 36

ON OTMJ.COM

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

May 17, 2018 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Sarah Kuper, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Blake Ells, Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, Jordan Wald, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Sam Prickett Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Laura Lane Vol. 27, No. 20

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2018 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.

Namaste Right Back At Ya

quiet and played on a flute or sitar. arius Rucker’s new song says, What I did not know was that this “When was the last time you was a higher-level yoga group, one did something for the first where everyone already knew the time?” He probably meant something poses and could move between them like motocross or bungee jumping, at a self-confident pace. I had seen but it motivated me to try (drumroll, downward dog on TV, but I had no please) yoga. idea about the other animals, so I Not goat yoga. Apparently, some spent the hour quietly shifting my people find it relaxing or fulfilling or limbs so as not to draw attention to whatever to practice yoga with a myself and returned the next week for hooved animal cavorting nearby, but what the instructor promised would that sounded like a stretch for a be a more sedate yoga experience. beginner. I’ve been to several classes now, Yoga was going to be a stretch for and I do love it. The instructor has me, anyway. I’d started a dance been very patient with me, which I fusion class back in January, but that Sue Murphy appreciate, and I am doing a little was just a fancy update to my old better on the poses. What I’m havZumba group. The instructor puts ing trouble with is the quiet. on high-energy music and we, the Yoga was going to be a When, in the dim lighting, the fusees (fusers?), flail around instructor encourages us to clear behind her as best we can. On stretch for me, anyway. our minds, it becomes clear to me Tuesdays, they throw in little how cluttered my mind has maraca hand weights, which is I’d started a dance With a great deal of coneven more fun. fusion class back in become. centration, I can shoo away my All that moving, moving, moving fits right in with the rest of my January, but that was grocery list and the last episode of Cabin Builders,” but that life. There’s a part of me, however, just a fancy update to “Maine just makes room for other things that longs for a little serenity. I picture myself being peaceful and my old Zumba group. like, “Who makes this background music? At the end of the studio calm and centered, as they say, and session, does someone say (in a yoga looked like a good place to peaceful voice), ‘Let’s try that one start. again. I didn’t hit REM until after the second chorus?’ To be truthful, I had tried yoga before, but that And where is the chorus? Are there words to this was a long time ago, and I didn’t know how much song?” And then, of course, because I cannot let it go, stretch I had left in me. But what the heck? If I ended I begin to make some up. Maybe this is where the up in traction, it would get me out of cleaning the goat is supposed to come in. Maybe if you’re worried garage. about an animal stepping on you or leaving behind OK, deep breath. (I’d heard that’s where the class something you might downward dog into, you don’t started.) I walked in the first day carrying my new have time for such nonsense. yoga mat and sporting a pair of official yoga pants. Yoga. I will soldier on. Of course, now being Oh yeah, and I’d made sure that my bare feet were peaceful and centered and calm is an item on my presentable. First impressions are so important. to-do list. Really, I can’t help myself. The room was dimmed and the music playing in Namaste, y’all. ❖ the background was of the spa variety, you know,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What is your dream summer vacation trip? “Cape San Blas near Panama City Beach, Florida. There are fewer tourist there.” Cathy and Lila Melvin Homewood “Fire Island in New York, it’s a small beach community and there are no cars so everyone walks or rides bicycles. It’s a very pleasant place.” William and John Dekas Homewood “I want to visit our friends in New Jersey and maybe go all the way up to Maine while on vacation.” Catherine with kids, Jeremiah, Columbia and Daniel Cashio Homewood “Staying at the Fairmont Hotel in Banff, Alberta Canada. Hiking, skiing and sightseeing.” Rory Hartley Homewood

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 3

ABOUT TOWN

Hardball in the Heart of Dixie

MAY 17 - 31

New Book Hits on Alabama’s Rich Baseball History and Players

baseball in Alabama. Former Auburn baseball coach Hal Baird wrote the foreword, describing When author and baseball historihis experiences on the diamond in the an Doug Wedge was trying to get his state.  first book published, he sought out a “When you think about Alabama, publisher in Charleston, South you think Alabama and Carolina. Auburn and college footBut The History Press ball and the Iron Bowl,” informed him that it wasn’t Wedge said from his home interested because the book in Edmond, Oklahoma. “I wasn’t regional enough. also see images of Nick So, Wedge turned to Saban holding up that Texas A&M University Waterford Trophy with Press to get his book “Cy confetti raining down Young Catcher,” co(after Alabama wins a authored by former major national championship) league catcher Charlie and Bo Jackson going over O’Brien, published in 2015. the top to beat Alabama in Doug Wedge At the same time, the Iron Bowl. But baseball Wedge came up with a has a rich heritage in Alabama, too.” book idea that would meet The Wedge conducted in-person interHistory Press’ requirements. On May 28, “Baseball in Alabama: views with each of the 10 players featured and pored over newspaper artiTales of Hardball in the Heart of cles and box scores to come up with Dixie” will hit bookshelves, released some other interesting details. by Arcadia Publishing & The History Among those stories is Hank Press. The book retails for $22.99. Aaron’s final at-bat, when the Mobile Wedge profiles 10 players with native and former home run king was Alabama roots and connections and with the Milwaukee Brewers and their rise to the major league. Players pinch-hit for catcher Charlie Moore, such as Birmingham’s Ron “Papa who’s from Adamsville. Jack” Jackson, Hall of Famer Billy Wedge also details how Jay Tibbs Williams and former Atlanta Braves from Huffman High School in pitcher Tim Hudson share their keys to success, career highlights and anec- Birmingham was with the Cincinnati Reds as a teammate of Pete Rose’s dotal stories. The 176-page book also when Rose broke Ty Cobb’s hits examines minor league and college

record. Plus, the book includes Trussville’s Mike Mordecai batting twice for the Miami Marlins in the infamous “Bartman Game” against the Chicago Cubs in the 2003 National League Championship Series. “Doug Wedge does a great job of telling you about the Alabamians who made their mark in the big leagues and shares good stories about college and minor league ball in Alabama,” said former Birmingham Barons and major league pitcher Jack McDowell. Wedge lived in Mountain Brook for six years, from 2010 to 2016, before returning to Oklahoma, where he now lives with his wife and four children. His new book will be available at Church Street Coffee and Books in Mountain Brook and on Amazon as well as other online outlets. Wedge will be selling copies of it during the Rickwood Classic on May 30, when the Barons take on the Chattanooga Lookouts at 12:30 p.m. Later that day, he will be selling books at 5:30 p.m. at the Good People Brewing Company. Wedge will be at Emmet O’Neal Library in Mountain Brook at 2 p.m. on May 31 for a discussion and book signing. He hopes “Papa Jack” will be able to join him. “I’m trying to coax him to be there and talk,” Wedge said with a laugh. ❖

A SALE THIS BIG ONLY HAPPENS ONCE A SALE THIS BIG .. A YEAR ONLY

Thurs., May 17 Saint Mark UMC Farmers Market

What: Every Thursday through growing season the church will host a farmers market featuring food trucks, snacks and treats, fresh vegetables, fruit, canned goods, baked goods, dog treats, candles that melt into a soothing body/hand lotion and more. When: 4-6:30 p.m. Where: The grassy area in front of the bridge at Saint Mark UMC Website: “Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Birmingham” Facebook page

May 17- August 8 Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Farmers Market

What: VHUMC continues its Vestavia Hills Farmers Market, featuring seasonal vegetables, baked goods and fruits from local producers. The market has moved to a new location and will be held through August 8, with new hours. It will be closed July 4. When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Scout Square on Hwy. 31 (where the Boy Scouts sell their Christmas trees every year) Website: “Vestavia Hills Farmers Market” Facebook page

HAPPENS ONCE A YEAR.

P R E - M E M O R I A L DAY S A L E P R E - MThursday, E M OFriday R I Aand L Saturday. DAY S A L E Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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Photo special to the Journal. File photos

By Rubin E. Grant

Nick Saban is among the celebrities scheduled to play the NCR Pro-Am on Wed., May 16.

May 16-20 Regions Tradition Golf

What: The Regions Tradition brings together 78 of the top PGA TOUR Champions players and World Golf Hall of Fame members to compete for a major championship. A spectator village open to the public will offer food, cocktails, beer, music and more. Primary beneficiary of the tournament is Children’s of Alabama. When: Gates open at 7 a.m. May 17-18 and 8 a.m. on May 19 and 20 Where: Greystone Golf & Country Club Website: regionstradition.com ❖

4 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

When: Fun run at 3:00 p.m., carnival at 3:30 p.m. Where: Emmet O’Neal Library Website: eolib.org

May 17-Sept. 3 Dinosaurs in Motion

Kids Rock Summer Reading Kickoff

What: Hoover Library presents its free summer reading kickoff featuring music, games and crafts. When: 7-9 p.m. Where: Hoover Public Library Website: hooverlibrary.org

May 18-19 Do Dah Day

What: The annual dog parade will kick-off at Highland Avenue with with festivities continuing at both Highland Caldwell and Rhodes parks until 6:01 p.m., including a full line-up of music, a kid’s zone and an awards ceremony, crowning canines the king and queen of Do Dah Day alongside awards for best floats and costumes. All proceeds benefit local animal charities. When: Parade starts at 11:01 a.m. Where: Along Birmingham’s Highland Avenue Website: dodahday.org

May 18-20 PCA Club Race

What: Porsche Club of America will hold its “24 Hours of Barber” presented by Peachstate Region National Club Race. The race will feature the “Trophy East Series” for Cayman GT4, 911 Cup cars and 901s. Porsche Club of America’s Club race program allows all owners of any Porsche mark to race. When: Check the website for events and times Where: Barber Motorsports Park Website: peachstatepca.org

Sat., May 19 Cahaba Lily Fesitval

What: The Cahaba Lily Center will host its annual celebration of the Cahaba Lily, which usually blooms once a day between late May and early June. The event features a morning program, presentation by botanist Larry Davenport and lunch for registered guest. Festivities include $20 canoe rentals, storytelling and musical entertainment. When: 8 a.m. registration Where: Cahaba Lily Center in West Blocton Website: cahabalily.com

Cory Pesaturo

What: Alabama Accordionists’ Association presents two free concerts to showcase how powerful and versatile the accordion is. The performance

What: In addition to the traditional recognition of the graduating choristers, join the Choir in celebrating 40 years under the direction of Susan and Ken Berg. The performance will feature junior choristers, as well as senior and graduate choristers. When: 4 p.m. Where: Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Website: birminghamboyschoir.com

Tues., May 22

Blast From the Past Brenda Ladun to Host Decade Dash

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will get a blast from the past June 23 as runners don attire from their favorite decade, spanning from the ‘50s to the ‘90s, and take on Brenda Ladun’s Decade Dash. The annual run is hosted by Ladun, of ABC 33/40, and the American Cancer Society’s junior executive board. It raises funds for the society and its efforts to support patients and fund research to find better treatments and cures for cancer. “Since battling cancer twice and losing many friends from the disease, I am more determined now than ever before to reduce pain and features World Champion accordionist Cory “C Pez” Pesaturo, left, the only person ever to win championships on acoustic accordion, digital accordion and jazz accordion.

When: 1 and 6:30 p.m. Where: Birmingham-Southern College Hill Recital Hall Website: bamaccordionists.com

ASYO Spring Concert

What: Join the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra for a concert featuring Bernstein’s “Overture to West Side Story”, Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” Overture-Fantasy, as well as a performance by ASYO oboist and Concerto Competition winner Tanner Bowman. When: 2 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center’s Jemison Concert Hall Website: alabamasymphony.org

Sun., May 20 Homewood Library’s Friends $5 Bag Sale

What: Fill a grocery bag, provided by the Friends of the Homewood Public

Guests who feel suffering caused from this they’re dressed the best illness,” Brenda Ladun can compete in a costume said in a released statecontest at the block party ment. “We are all in this after the race. The festivifight together. I have faith ties will include a kids’ that the human spirit is zone, music and a barbemuch stronger than cancer. cue dinner. I also believe if we join For a donation of our forces, we could soon $100, the names of cancer put an end to this deadly survivors can be submitdisease and raise that last ted through June 3 to be dollar needed to find a Brenda Ladun printed on the back of the cure. We need you to be official race T-shirt. For more inforon the team!” mation, contact Julia Meyers at Julia. Races will begin with a one-mile color run at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Meyers@cancer.org. To register, visit fightcancerbhm. 5K race and ending with a block com/decade-dash. ❖ party. Library, with books, movies and other items for only $5 per bag.To donate books or for more information, contact the Friends Bookstore at 332-6651. When: 2-4:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Public Library, room 101 Website: homewood.libnet.info

Emmet O’Neal Library Summer Reading Kickoff

Carnival

What: A rain or shine event, this fun run and carnival will include more than 40 games, train rides, free popcorn, cotton candy and a Mountain Brook Fire truck. A $25 wristband will include access to the fun run, a t-shirt (while supplies last), all booth games, one ice cream, one pucker powder, one drink and one try at the claw game.

Celebration Tea

What: The Library will hosts a tea in honor of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, which will have taken place May 19 at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in England. Niki Sepas will discuss royal romance and marriage Windsor-style. Bring your tea cup and saucer. Prizes will be awarded for most unique tea cup and best hat. Attendance is free but advance registration is required. When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium Website: homewood.libnet.info

Downtown After Sundown

What: Join WZZK and the Outlawyer for a free concert supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Trey Lewis Music will open for the headliner Mitchell Tenpenny. Admission is free but donations to the Ronald McDonald House of Alabama are encouraged at the door. When: Trey Lewis Music at 6:30 p.m. and Mitchell Tenpenny at 7:45 p.m. Where: Rogue Tavern Website: rmhca.org

Wed., May 23 Vestavia Hills Spirit Night

What: Support the Vestavia Hills Public Library by dining with Chick-fil-A.

Wed., May 30 Rickwood Classic

What: The Birmingham Barons and the Friends of Rickwood will host the 22nd annual game celebrating “The Fabulous Fifties.” The game will feature the Birmingham Barons against the Chattanooga Lookouts. Special guest for this year’s classic will be former Southern Leaguer and World Series MVP Bucky Dent. When: 12:30 p.m. Where: Rickwood Field Website: rickwoodclassic. com ❖

Photo courtesy Friends of Rickwood

Fri., May 18

Birmingham Boys Choir Spring Concert

Photo courtesy American Cancer Society

What: Dinosaurs in Motion engages and educates the visitor using, fully interactive, life-size, metal dinosaur sculptures created by North Carolina artist John Payne. An amazing blend of science, art and innovation, these life-sized metal sculptures will captivate visitors while their exposed mechanics illustrate science and technology principles. When: 9 a.m.-5p.m. Where: McWane Science Center Website: mcwane.org

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thurs., May 24 Cahaba Cycles Summer Reading Sign Up

What: Join Homewood Public Library at Cahaba Cycles for live music and cookies and sign up for summer reading. When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Cahaba Cycles, Homewood Website: homewood.libnet.info

Vestavia Hills Public Library Summer Reading Kick-off with Global Movement Project What: Global Movement Project will be back to kick-off Libraries Rock Summer Reading with their circusstyle performance. Be entertained by acrobats, jugglers, silk performers and more. A free hot dog dinner will be served followed by popsicles. When: 6-7:30 p.m. with the show to start at 6:30 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills Public Library Website: “Summer Reading Kickoff with Global Movement Project” Facebook page

Thurs., May 31

Homewood Library Rockstar Summer Reading Kick-off

What: Gutsy the Flying Fox is getting pumped for reading with his acrobatic tricks. Sign up for summer reading, decorate your own pet rock and have a snack. When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Public Library Large Auditorium Website: homewood.libnet.info ❖

Photo special to the Journal

Download the Planet Fundraiser app and dine-in as 15 percent of sales will go towards their fundraising goals. When: 5-7 p.m. Where: Chick-fil-A, 513 Montgomery Hwy. Website: “Spirit Night: Vestavia Hills Public Library” Facebook page

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 5

ABOUT TOWN

Sat., May 26 Baby Bird Shower 2018

What: Alabama Wildlife Center hosts a shower to benefit the 1,000 baby birds that will arrive at the Center this summer. Enjoy crafts, games, refreshments, tours of the Center and bring a gift for the babies. Visit AWC’s wish list at awrc.org/Wishlist. When: 11.a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Alabama Wildlife Center Website: “Baby Bird Shower 2018” Facebook page 

Salsa Showdown

What: Spire presents a tasty fundraiser benefitting Sidewalk Film Festival featuring salsa, guac, queso and specialty dip tastings from restaurants across Alabama. Included will be activities for all ages, live entertainment, kids’ activities, Piñata smashes and a hot pepper eating contest. When: 2-6 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Co. Website: sidewalkfest.com

Don’t Let Your

Hip or Knee Slow You Down

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

Mon., May 28

This highly-advanced, robotic technology transforms the

Guided Moonlight Canoe Trip to the Cahaba Lilies

way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy.

What: The Cahaba River Society hosts a moonlit evening on the Cahaba. Outings begin at dusk. Paddle two hours in the 280 pool, enjoy a flatwater portion of the river and return to the same place. When: 8-10 p.m. Where: The old Highway 280 bridge Website: cahabariversociety.org

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

Thurs., May 31 Vestavia Hills Public Library Summer Reading Kick-off with Musician Zak Morgan

What: Grammy nominee Zak Morgan, pictured, encourages children to read and use their imaginations through witty songs that entertain all ages. Free Kona Ice after the performance. The first 500 children to sign up for summer reading will receive a goody bag with coupons and treats form Summer Reading sponsors. When: 10:30 a.m.-noon Where: Vestavia Hills Public Library Website: “Summer Reading kick-off with Musician Zak Morgan” Facebook page.

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology tm

NOW AT

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

6 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

Crawl at the Mall

SAVE THE DATE Sat., June 2

Birmingham Art Crawl Moves to Brookwood Village, Begins May 18

Lakeshore’s Amazing Race

Birmingham Art Crawl is moving from downtown to Brookwood Village. The event series starts May 18 and continues each Friday for six weeks. The Art Crawl is designed to showcase local artists, celebrate the area’s rapidly growing art scene and serve as an incubator for new artists discovering their craft. It is making the move to Brookwood to give it a more central and accessible location, according to an announcement. Each Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine, dozens of local artists will display their work on the sidewalks of Brookwood Village. Attendees also will be treated to live music and dessert food trucks. The series runs through June 22. ❖ Photo special to the Journal

What: Lakeshore Foundation’s Junior Board presents an event modeled after the popular show to benefit Lakeshore Foundation. Teams of four will complete fun and interactive challenges specifically designed to promote the programs and resources available at Lakeshore. The event includes food, drinks, live entertainment, awards and prizes. When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Lakeshore Foundation Website lakeshore.org

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN/PEOPLE

Birmingham Burger Fest

Wing Ding Challenge

What: Leadership Vestavia Hills presents a hot wing challenge and festival. Enjoy chicken wings from competing chefs, live music and a children’s area full of games and activities to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. When: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Where: Vestavia HIlls City Hall Website: leadershipvestaviahills.com

Wed., June 6 Flicks Among the Flowers

What: The Gardens presents a showing of the movie Hitch. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is encouraged which benefits educational programming at the Gardens. Bring a blanket. No pets or alcoholic beverages. When: 6 p.m.

Mountain Brook’s Kent Earns Eagle With Project for Mitchell Place

Artwork by Molly Raymon courtesy Birmingham Art Crawl

What: The ALS Association Alabama Chapter Junior Board hosts the 2nd annual Burger Fest benefiting the ALS Association Alabama Chapter. The event will feature Birmingham’s best burgers battling it out to be named top burger along with live music, family friendly activities, raffles, craft beer and more. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Avondale Brewery Website: webal.alsa.org

Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens in the formal garden in front of the Conservatory. Website: bbgardens.org

Fri., June 8 Alabama Young CPA Charity Golf Tournament

What: The Alabama Young CPAs presents a golf tournament to benefit the Exceptional Foundation and the

Alabama Society of CPAs Educational Foundation. The tournament will kick off with participants form the Exceptional Foundation on the putting green and driving range, followed by a shotgun start and drinks, food, music and tournament awards. When: Registration and light breakfast at 8 a.m., shotgun start at 9 a.m. Where: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley Website: ascpa.org ❖

IT'S TIME TO

2828 Linden Ave. Homewood • 870-4060 • alabamagaslightandgrills.com

Robby Kent of Boy Scout Troop 320 in Mountain Brook has achieved the rank of Eagle. Kent, a graduating senior at Mountain Brook High School, passed his final Eagle Board of Review on May 10. For his Eagle project, Kent designed and constructed two food truck playhouses for Mitchell’s Place. He coordinated with two businesses, Taco Mama and Steel City Pops, and was allowed to put their logos on the food trucks to give them an authentic, local look. Kent raised the money needed to complete the project and was able to give a $1,000 donation to the organization. The son of Sam and Lanie Kent, he served in many leadership positions during his scouting career, including as senior patrol leader. Kent attended a Sea Base High Adventure trip in the Florida Keys last summer, and he will attend a Northern Tier High Adventure expedition late next month. Kent plans to attend Auburn University in the fall.

Vestavia Hills Troop Gains Three New Eagles

Boy Scout Troop 4, chartered through Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, announces that Ben Barrentine, Rob Barrentine and Wesley Parker have earned the rank of Eagle. The troop will celebrate their achievements at a Court of Honor on May 20. The boys are twins and the sons of Steve and Gana Barrentine. They are rising seniors at Vestavia Hills High School. Ben has held leadership positions including patrol leader and quartermaster, and he was a project leader for Stop Hunger Now. He attended summer camps at Camp Daniel Boone and Camp Rainey Mountain and completed National Youth Leadership Training. For his Eagle Project, Ben reconstructed 19 steps leading up to mine #11 at Red Mountain Park. Ben is involved in Youth Leadership Vestavia

Hills and is a co-chairperson for Relay for Life. Rob’s leadership positions in the troop have included senior patrol leader, patrol leader, troop guide and librarian. He also attended summer camps at Camp Daniel Boone and Camp Rainey Mountain and completed National Youth Leadership Training. For his Eagle project, Rob reconstructed 16 steps leading up to mine #11 at Ben Barrentine Red Mountain Park. Ben and Rob participated in a High Adventure trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. During their trek through Philmont, their crew Rob Barrentine backpacked 80 miles over 10 days, summiting the peaks of Mount Phillips and Baldy Mountain. Wesley Parker is the son of Bill and Sarah Martha Parker and is a rising senior Wesley Parker at VHHS. After receiving the Arrow of Light in Cub Scout Pack 352, Parker has held numerous leadership positions in the troop and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Project, Parker refurbished the outdoor classroom amphitheater at Pizitz Middle School, also replacing the stairs to the class area. This allowed the school to once again use the space that was not accessible due to the unsafe condition of the stairs and disrepair of the amphitheater area. ❖

PEOPLE

Astronaut Larry DeLucas Celebrates OLS Ultimate Author Day

The sky was the limit as Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School celebrated its 10th annual Ultimate Author Day, organized under the theme “Oh, the Places We Will Go!” Dr. Lawrence “Larry” James DeLucas, Aerospace Corp.’s principal scientist and astronaut, was this year’s speaker, kicking off the educational event with an assembly in the Family Life Center. “We were so excited to have Dr. DeLucas as our keynote speaker for our 10th anniversary of Ultimate Author Day,” said OLS Principal Mary Jane Dorn. “His amazing accomplishments are such an inspiration for our students and our staff.” DeLucas is the first civilian NASA scientist-astronaut and is internationally known for his work. He has a long history of accomplishments, including being named in The Sunday Times of London’s top 18 scientists predicted to make a major impact on the 21st century, inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame, awarded NASA’s Public Service Medal and awarded Brazil’s Order of the Rio Branco. During the assembly, he shared his experiences with students through pictures and videos as he gave inspirational advice to aim high, work hard and persevere. He intertwined his story of how he was selected to travel to space and all the work that was involved in getting to that point to illustrate that even the sky is not the limit when you are determined to achieve your goals. Ultimate Author Day honors each

Wisely Joins POP Staff as Director of Family Life

Prince of Peace Catholic Church has hired Dr. Dale Wisely to be director of family life. He begins in the position in July. Wisely joins the church from Mountain Brook City Schools, where he currently directs counseling and guidance, nursing and student health, at-risk programs, and parent and community education, among filling duties.  He has been a child and adolescent clinical psychologist for nearly 35 years. In the new position of director of family life, Wisely will work on expanding Dr. Dale Wisely adult education and family programs on wellness and mental health. He has worked with similar programs at POP over the past few years. Pastors may also refer parishioners to him when they need counseling.   Wisely holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and a master’s in theology. He is planning to pursue a certificate in spiritual direction at Spring Hill College.

student in grades Wee-K3 through eighth grade as an author. Students work throughout the school year to write, illustrate and publish their own books or other written medium. During the event, professionals shared their expertise and experiences with the students in breakout sessions, workshops and performances. “This year’s theme told the story of 10 years of student writing and exposure to various forms of language expression,” said Cindy Westbrook, OLS kindergarten teacher and chairwoman of Ultimate Author Day. “Through the hundreds of dynamic and insightful local, state and national guests who have shared their expertise with OLS students, we know that our children are achieving beyond measure, realizing their potential and feel(ing) empowered as writers.” Other professionals who attended Ultimate Author Day included Patti Callahan Henry, a New York Times-

bestselling author who has written 13 novels; Ginny Phillips Ashe, an awardwinning author of five novels and recipient of the 2009 Barnes & Noble Discover Award; Mike Hale, sheriff of Jefferson County; Dr. John Lowman, UAB associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy; Dr. Jennifer Ray, University of Montevallo technology professor and recipient of the Montevallo 2017 Adjunct Teaching Award; Janice Nelson, Catholic author of children’s books; Jared Danks, chef, teacher and program director at Virginia College; Mika Thornton, missionary to Uganda and president of Tendo Ministries; Laura Tucker, Homewood Public Library storyteller; Missy Litton, local artist; Melvin Upchurch, CPA, real estate broker and entrepreneur; Angie Wagner, rehabilitation specialist for the visually impaired; and John Scalici, award-winning teaching artist, drum circle facilitator, musician, author and speaker. ❖

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 7 Dr. Lawrence “Larry” James DeLucas

Photo courtesy OLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

8 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

The Ballet Guild’s annual Ball of Roses will be held June 2 in the East Room of the Country Club of Birmingham. The presentation begins at 9 p.m. and the event is sponsored by Carlton Posey Fountain, the president of the Ballet Guild of Birmingham, and Executive Vice-President Ann Bailey Pritchard White.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

PEOPLE

Since it was first held in 1961, the ball has been sponsored by the Ballet Guild of Birmingham, which is an invitational organization of young women dedicated to supporting the ballet in Birmingham through fundraising and volunteer work. Founded in 1959, the Ballet Guild was organized to promote and foster development of ballet in Birmingham in addi-

Garden of Roses

78 Young Women to be Presented in 59th Ball of Roses

Ann Emma Abele, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Karl Abele.

Catherine Wheelock Giti Ahmad, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jaffar Ahmad.

Regan O’Connor Aland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bennett Aland.

Sarah Walker Alford, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. David Wiley Alford.

Mary Lucile Baker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kenneth Baker.

Evalyn LeBlanc Bargeron, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Charlton Bargeron Jr.

Chaise Taylor Belt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Keith T. Belt Jr.

Anne Grey Cook, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ralph Cook Jr.

Kendall Elizabeth Crumbaugh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chalmers Crumbaugh III.

Ellen Elizabeth deBerniere Given, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sommerville Wilkerson Given.

Margaret Elizabeth Howell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Allan Howell.

tion to raising funds for its support. Since its inception, the Ballet Guild has raised more than $1 million for the Alabama Ballet. This year, the Ball of Roses celebrates its 59th anniversary and continues to serve as a vital fundraiser for the Alabama Ballet. The Ball of Roses chairman Emory Richardson Ratliff and Ball

co-chairman Mackin McKinney Thompson have collaborated with Carole Sullivan of Lagniappe Designs on a dreamy palette of lavender and cream for the ball decor. The Men’s Committee Dinner chair, Frances Ellen Byrd Morris, has planned a formal seated dinner for donors before the presentation of this year’s 78 presentees. ❖

Mary Calloway Anderson, daughter of Mr. Scott David Anderson and the late Mrs. Chappell White Anderson.

Mary Douglas Anderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Locke Anderson.

Mary Seldon Andrews, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Seldon Andrews.

Elinor Clay Anthony, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eland Anthony Jr.

Sarah Louise Bragg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Reneau Bragg.

Sally Kale Bussman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brett William Bussman.

Elizabeth Coles Calvin, daughter of Ms. Michele Matsos Calvin and Mr. Joseph Hiram Calvin III.

Amanda Delight Carmichael, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Donald Carmichael Jr.

Carter Anne Cheatham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wart Cheatham.

Mary Rives Drake, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Alpheus Drake IV.

Caroline Gilchrist Dunn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stacey Alan Dunn.

Katherine Gail Durkee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rucker Agee Durkee.

Elizabeth Benton French, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Paul French.

Lucy Elizabeth Gardner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Huey Gardner.

Anna Catherine Gillespy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Palfery Gillespy.

Margaret Allyn Pratt Given, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Perry Given Jr.

Leigh Hampton Gorham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary McRoy Gorham.

Kara Nicole Gravlee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Macon Washington Gravlee III.

Margaret Ellison Gray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Edward Henderson.

Catherine Brevard Harmon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Brame Harmon.

Elizabeth Freret Harmon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Edward Harmon Jr.

Katherine Dryden Harris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Douglas Harris III.

Elizabeth Britton Hurley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Milton Hurley.

Camille Elizabeth Jernigan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edgar Jernigan Jr.

Claudia Rose Keating, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Terence Keating.

Caroline Frances Kennedy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Heflin Kennedy Jr.

Kaylor Elizabeth Kidd, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Bradford Kidd.

Lillian Judith Kilgore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Allen Kilgore Jr.

Anna Strong LaRussa, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Bruno LaRussa.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 9

PEOPLE

Chandler Thorogood Law, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Herschel Law Jr.

Sarah Grace Lindsey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cooper Lindsey Sr.

Morgan Ann Dommerich Lineberry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Dice Lineberry.

Helen Oliver Little, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Brawner Little III.

Kathryn Toy Littleton, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Byrne Littleton.

Mary Lee Bard Livingston, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hartridge Livingston II.

Mary Clark Logan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Scott Logan.

Sarah Hayden Logan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Christopher Logan.

Caroline Goodwyn Luckie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas George Luckie.

Isabelle Walet Mulkin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Pearce Mulkin.

Eleanor Elizabeth Naff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Blevins Naff.

Lowry Elizabeth Neil, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Joseph Neil.

Ellen Wakefield O’Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Mark O’Mary Sr.

Elizabeth Fairlie Outland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Kendall Outland.

Anne Genevieve Pickering, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Mark Pickering Sr.

Caroline Sanders Reed, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Andrew Reed.

Mary Patton Rodrigues, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Rodrigues.

Chancellor Taylor Rogers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Taylor Rogers.

Alice Brantley Sanders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Gillis Sanders Jr.

Mary Findlay Shelfer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carey Bryan Shelfer II.

Anne Kinsman Simmons, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Winn Simmons.

Emily Dean Sink, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lee Sink.

Josie Corinna Slaughter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Howard Slaughter.

Julia Wittichen Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Augustus Smith.

Paley Robinson Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henley Jordan Smith III.

Mary Evelyn Sprain, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Henry Sprain Jr.

Walton Leigh Stivender, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Richard Stivender.

Mildred Eugenia Stutts, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Gillis Stutts.

Margaret McGinley Swain, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Matthew Swain.

Catherine Sullivan Toomey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Dobbin Toomey.

Brooke Frances Tucker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Craig Tucker.

Catherine Claire Turner, daughter of Mrs. Catherine Smith Turner and the late Mr. Jon M. Turner Jr.

Jordan Marie Tynes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hubbard Tynes.

Mimi Elizabeth Waggoner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Thomas Waggoner.

Lydia Murphy Pauline Wilbanks, daughter of Ms. Lydia Caffery Wilbanks and Mr. George Eugene Wilbanks.

Lucy Barrett Wolter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Serenus Wolter.

Antoinette Dunn Wyatt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hunt Wyatt.

Samantha Earle Yates, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Earle Yates.

From left, Mackin Thompson, ball co-chair; Emory Ratliff, ball chair; and Frances Ellen Morris, Men’s Committee dinner chair.

PHOTOS BY DEE MOORE

NEWS

10 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Cities Attack Potential Sales Tax Losses From Online Shopping

Shopping is now as convenient as clicking a tab on your home computer screen. But this modern way of shopping is not as convenient for city coffers. As more consumers shop online, some cities are starting to feel the pinch through declining revenues. Hoover is feeling the impact to a greater extent than its smaller Over the Mountain neighbors. Long envied for its abundant retail footprint, including the Riverchase Galleria, Hoover traditionally has given shoppers more retail options. But with the trend toward internet shopping, that has meant Hoover has a bigger portion of its budget at risk. Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato acknowledges that the city’s coffers aren’t as full as they could be. He estimates that the city has lost “in the millions” of dollars of tax revenue to online shopping over the past few years. “We believe online sales have affected our revenue, particularly when you think about Hoover as a regional shopping destination,” Brocato said. “We have a lot of big box stores here, and those particular types of stores have been impacted by internet sales.” When a Hoover resident buys products online, Hoover does not get as much in tax revenue as it would from a purchase made at a store in the city. In some cases, online shoppers can bypass paying local taxes altogether. When shoppers buy from services such as Amazon, which do collect sales taxes, cities still do not get as much as from local purchases. For example, Brocato said that for every $1 million a local store generates, Hoover gets about $30,000 in sales tax. If an online store generates that much in sales, Hoover gets about $550, he said. “You can see there’s a huge discrepancy in the amount of revenue that we get,” he said. If a Hoover resident purchases something from Amazon, it is taxed at an 8 percent rate. The sales tax goes directly to the state. The state takes its 4 percent cut. The county gets its 2 percent cut. But the other 2 percent is divided among municipalities based on population, Brocato said. However, if the sale was made at a Hoover store, Hoover would get its 3 percent share of the sales tax and wouldn’t have to split it with other cities. “We’re working with our legislature to increase our revenue and to increase the way taxes are distributed,” the mayor said. Brocato also said the city is trying to combat its revenue losses by attracting more businesses.   “We’re continuing to work very hard to diversify our economy,” Brocato said. “We’re bringing some really quality retail establishments to

Journal photo byWilliam C. Singleton III

By William C. Singleton III

With its large retail footprint anchored by the Riverchase Galleria and stores with products more favorable to online shopping, Hoover is losing tax revenue as more and more people opt to buy online than in store.

our city to really bump up our income. We’ve got some great new restaurants that are opening up. We’ve got some tremendous grocery stores opening in our area.”

Local Stores Aren’t as Endangered

Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook haven’t experienced the same magnitude of tax losses. Officials with those cities say the shopping experience in their cities is different than it is in Hoover. Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer said the trend to online shopping hasn’t hit Homewood’s bottom line yet. He suspects it’s because of unique shops such as Jack n’ Jill Infants and Children’s Wear and Homewood Toy and Hobby and because of the overall shopping experience found in the city. “We have a true downtown where you can get out and walk and do all those kinds of things that’s in stark contrast to what other municipalities have to offer,” McBrayer said. “It’s just the way Homewood was built and how we’ve operated for a long time. I just think people like that shopping experience in Homewood that you don’t get online. I mean, moms want

their child’s first pair of shoes to come from Jack n’ Jill. They’re going to take them in there and try them on. That’s part of the experience.” Vestavia Hills city manager Jeff Downes said sales tax revenue has actually improved over the past three years compared to the three years prior. He attributes that to an economic development strategy that plugged the “leakage” in the city’s economy, which he said was a lack of grocery stores. Vestavia Hills now has a Sprouts and a mini-Walmart along U.S. 31. “Vestavia’s retail community doesn’t have giant shopping destinations like others,” he said. “Clothing big box stores like Wal-Mart or Target, Vestavia never had those and those are the biggest opportunities for online shopping.”

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em …

The trend toward online shopping has caught the attention of the Mountain Brook and Homewood chambers of commerce. Both chambers recently had a representative from OutKlick speak to their members about the potential of online sales and how embracing e-commerce could take their businesses to new

levels. OutKlick is a Mountain Brookbased company that helps businesses make the transition into e-commerce. “Mom and pops are facing a challenge with growing Internet sales,” said Molly Wallace, project manager for the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. “But that is why some-

‘Mom and pops are facing a challenge with growing Internet sales.’ MOLLY WALLACE, PROJECT MANAGER FOR THE MOUNTAIN BROOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

thing like OutKlick is so important. It doesn’t do away with mom and pops, but it supports mom and pops and allows their customers to shop online outside normal business hours.” Homewood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Meredith Drennen said, “The sales our local merchants are losing to the potential Amazons, we’re trying to capture a little bit of that. We’re concerned about the impact on sales tax revenue. But we’re also interested in

the effects it has on merchants who might be losing out on business, too.” Blake Patterson, OutKlick cofounder, said e-commerce is the wave of the future, and businesses need to adapt or be left behind. “What we’ve seen happening is brick and mortar stores are struggling, malls are struggling to the convenience of online shopping,” he said. Patterson said he’s found that businesses aren’t quick to embrace e-commerce because they feel it’s too expensive, time-consuming and complicated to build a website and keep their inventory updated. Patterson’s company helps businesses build websites and promote their inventory using a platform similar to Amazon’s, but that caters to local shops. When local stores develop online platforms to sell their merchandise, it keeps money in the community, he said. “Shoppers want to shop local, but they just don’t have the time with what’s going on in their lives from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every single day,” Patterson said. “At the end of the day, they just want to be able to click. So, we’re giving them that home-grown convenience of buying online but from their local shop.” ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

On Top at Last

Highlands Wins Big at James Beard Awards By Donna Cornelius Ten years of nominations culminated in one special night for Highlands Bar and Grill. The Birmingham restaurant won the James Beard Foundation Award for the most outstanding restaurant in America. The award was presented during a ceremony May 7 in Chicago. Executive chef Frank Stitt accepted the award with Pardis Stitt, his wife and co-owner, by his side. They were surrounded on the stage by quite a few Highlands team members – including one who had just earned her own share of the spotlight. Dolester Miles, the restaurant’s pastry chef, was named most outstanding pastry chef. Highlands had been a finalist for the prestigious award for nine years in a row before taking home the top prize this year. Miles had been a finalist for the pastry chef award for the past two years. Foodies from Birmingham and beyond took to social media to congratulate Alabama’s newest national champions. “The country’s biggest food destination this year is Birmingham, Ala.,” Bloomberg’s Justin Ocean wrote on the news organization’s website. Twitter lit up with congratulatory messages, including tweets from U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, Fine Cooking magazine, the Atlanta Journal-

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 11

NEWS

Executive chef Frank Stitt, above, accepted the award with Pardis Stitt, his wife and co-owner, by his side.

Constitution’s Atlanta Dining and a host of folks who are Highlands fans. Miles got a shout-out from a highprofile baker who won the Beard best pastry chef award in 2015: Christina Tosi, the chef, founder and owner of Momofuku Milk Bar and a host of TV’s “MasterChef Junior.” “Congratulations to Dolester Miles – looking at her menu and thinking I need to get to Alabama to try it all,” Tosi tweeted the day after the awards ceremony. Birmingham native Warren St. John, an author best known in these parts for his book “Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: A Road Trip into the Heart of Fan Mania,” may have summed up the state’s pride in the awards best. “Old news to many of us, but Highlands Bar and Grill is officially the best restaurant in America,” St. John wrote on Twitter. ❖

OTM Schools Earn High Marks in U.S. News & World Report Ranking

The 2018 U.S. News and World Report’s Best High Schools list, released May 9, included one gold, 38 silver and 78 bronze medal schools in Alabama. Earning silver medals in the Over the Mountain area were Homewood High School, Hoover High School, Mountain Brook High School, Oak Mountain High School, Spain Park High School and Vestavia Hills High School. Mountain Brook High School was recognized as the number two school in the state and 519th in the nation. Homewood High School ranked third in the state and 520th in the nation. Oak Mountain High School was listed fifth in the state and 804th in the nation.

Sixth in the state was Vestavia Hills High School, which placed 1,004th in the nation. Additionally, Spain Park High school placed 14th in Alabama and 1,472nd in the country and Hoover High School placed 26th in the state and 2,087th in the nation. The magazine’s rankings included data on more than 20,500 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. The top 5,948 public high schools earned gold, silver or bronze medals. “The methodology for identifying the Best High Schools was developed with a core principle in mind: that the best schools must serve all students well and must produce measurable academic outcomes that support this mission,” the organization stated in a release. ❖

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12 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

NEWS MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY MAY 28

In Memory

Alabama Veterans will be celebrated during the annual Memorial Day Remembrance on May 20 at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Day Park. The free event is from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A reading and dedication of the newest StepStones, including ones for Dr. Arthur Freeman III and his father, Dr. Arthur M. Freeman Jr., will take place at 2 p.m. For more information, visit alabamaveterans.org.

Helping the Heroes Counseling Troops Returning From War Had Its Rewards, Doctor Says

By Rubin E. Grant

rated with orthopedic surgeons who were caring for soldiers who had been injured in battle. “We had a lot of young men who had their limbs Dr. Arthur Freeman III doesn’t consider himself blown off and needed protheses,” Freeman said. “My to be a hero. Instead, he believes the true heroes were the mili- job was to be a cheerleader and help them get over their anxiety. tary servicemen and doctors he worked with during “These were strong guys and I was trying to get the Vietnam War. them back on track any way I could. I Freeman was a lieutenant commander didn’t use much medicine, but group with the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from therapy and individual therapy. I was 1972 to 1974. As a psychiatrist, Freeman working with heroes, trying to help them treated prisoners returning from the war. get it back together. “It was interesting work,” said “They had to learn how to use their Freeman, who’s now 75 and lives in prosthetics, so I learned about how to use Mountain Brook with his wife, Linda. prosthetics and how everything worked “They brought the returning POWs to a with the surgeons and patients. To me big hospital, Oak Knoll in Oakland, Calif. that was rewarding to see how they were We would get patients all the time, coming fighting hard to get back to life.” back from being locked up in the ‘Hanoi Freeman also taught young doctors Hilton’ (Hoa Lo Prison) or Beijing. They came back after experiencing years of tor- Dr. Arthur Freeman and residents how to use therapy to help III was a lieutenant soldiers deal with the trauma and mental ture and having food pushed under the commander with the anguish of war. door. Even though he wasn’t in combat, “It wasn’t like I was under fire like my U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1972 to buddies were. I had a friend in the Army 1974. His father, Dr. Freeman experienced the horrors of war who was practicing in a small group in Arthur M. Freeman and witnessed what post-traumatic stress could do to someone in the military. Vietnam. He was a surgeon and was fired Jr., also served in the military, during “I must say one terrible thing that on every day. It’s hard to be doing an World War II. breaks your heart is the god-awful torture operation with a knife in the wound and they endured in China and North bombs going off. I’m no hero. He’s a hero. He was a terrific guy, but the experience he had Vietnam,” Freeman said. “It makes you sick to your stomach. I had to help them get past it. Sen. John left him with brain dysfunction and he had to stop McCain has talked about it a little bit, but he won’t practicing medicine.” go into many details. “I served two years, which is typical. If you did The Rewards of Helping Heroes three, four or five years, you’d have emotional damFreeman’ said his work was rewarding. age. It was the perfect time for me to leave. It didn’t “I realize one of the things that was working for get me down, but it could have if I had done it for me in the Navy was I had a terrific commander and four years.” boss,” he said. “My experience was something I felt good about, working with unbelievable warriors and A Family Legacy colleagues.” Freeman’s father, Dr. Arthur M. Freeman Jr., also Freeman didn’t just treat POWs. He also collabo-

served in the military, during World War II, but unlike the younger Freeman, he faced the heat of battle. “He served in the United States Army Medical Corp from 1941 to 1945, mostly in Italy,” Freeman said. “He was on the front lines much of that time. “Many people have said that war is hell. My father strongly agreed with this. He loved the men, the chance to help them medically, the country and the prospects of winning the war, but he knew that war was hell, and he didn’t try to glorify it.” Following his military service, Freeman III taught at Stanford for several years. Later he was vice-chair of psychiatry at UAB, where he was a professor for 14 years. He then became chair of psychiatry and later dean at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine-Shreveport. He also served as chair of psychiatry at the University of Tennessee School of Medicine, Memphis. Freeman is a graduate of Harvard University and received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He practiced medicine for 50 years, including six years as an adult psychiatrist for Pitts and Associates in Birmingham, before retiring earlier this year. He is also a clinical professor of psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine. Freeman believes his time in the military was beneficial to his work. “It was good to have my war experiences and medical experiences in the Navy,” Freeman said. “I think it helped me even more than I realized. I think it made me a better doctor.” It is also why Freeman holds Memorial Day in such high regard. “We have to continue to pray for our veterans and soldiers who have given their lives for the country and honor the service of those who died years ago,” he said. “When we lose people, we should celebrate and respond with the highest esteem, memorializing them for the sacrifices they have made.” ❖

Just more than one year after their son Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas Rivers Jr., died in Afghanistan, Thomas and Charon Rivers of Hoover hosted a memorial dinner to benefit Support Our Soldiers, an organization they founded in his honor. On May 31, they will be hosting that dinner for the seventh time. The keynote speaker the event will be Scheduled for Dr. Jack Hawkins to mark the Jr., a combat vetMemorial Day eran of the U.S. holiday, the Marine Corps and chancellor of Troy dinner, at University. Briarwood Presbyterian Church, will raise funds to send care packages to troops who are serving abroad as members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines. The couple said the organization was birthed from their desire to help young men and women who, like their son, dedicated their lives to defending the U.S. The keynote speaker for the event will be Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., a combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and chancellor of Troy University. After graduating from the University of Montevallo in 1967, Hawkins was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Marine Corps and served as a platoon leader during the Vietnam War. Hawkins has earned the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and a citation from the Korean Marine Corps for his combat duty. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall and tickets are $25. Reservations must be made by May 24th. For more information, visit supportoursoldiersalabama.org. —Emily Williams

Photos special to the Journal

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Support Our Soldiers Dinner Will Fund Care Packages for Troops Abroad

Thomas and Charon Rivers of Hoover started Support our Soldiers as a way to honor their son, Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas Rivers Jr., above, who died in Afghanistan.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

NEWS

OUT OF SERVICE

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 13

WE'VE CLIMBED THE SUMMIT! OPENNING SOON AT OUR NEW LOCATION (NEXT TO URBAN OUTFITTERS AT THE SUMMIT)

Mountain High Outfitters is about getting out, getting active, being inspired, and living your passion. We are a community-driven outdoor lifestyle company that can take you from simple daily life, to your next adventure, and everything in between. mountainhighoutfitters.com Tattered American flags will be collected by members of the Monsignor Frank J. Wade, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on June 9, in preparation for a flag retirement ceremony. Flags that are old, tattered or otherwise in need of retirement can be dropped off between noon and 6 p.m. at the parking deck behind the church and school in Homewood. A retirement ceremony will follow at 6:30 p.m. atop the OLS parking deck. The ceremony will be open to the public. Flag Day is June 14.

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LIFE

14 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Camp Life at 70

Life Lessons and Fun Among the Pines Since 1948 at Camp Mac By June Mathews In 1957, 9-year-old Alvin Bresler headed to summer camp for the first time. His destination was a boy’s dreamcome-true: a rustic paradise called Camp Mac, tucked inside the Talladega National Forest among the towering east Alabama pines and along the shores of two sparkling mountain lakes 1,000 feet above sea level. Though he didn’t know it at the time, Bresler would develop a lifelong passion for Camp Mac, a place where he would return on many occasions, first as a camper, then as a counselor, later as the parent of three campers and now as the grandfather of four more. So as Camp Mac celebrates its 70th birthday later this year, Bresler will be there, reliving old camp memories and making new ones. Phillip Moultrie of Hoover also will be celebrating, even though his Camp Mac experience came not through his own days as a camper, but his children’s. His two daughters and son enjoyed many a summer day at Camp Mac, with both daughters later working there. Moultrie knew members of the founding McBride family as far back as his college days, so by the time his kids were old enough to go to camp, sending them to Camp Mac was the natural thing to do. “The principles and quality of the camp are what you’d expect from a respected family with such high standards,” he said. “The good morals, good citizenship, and structured environment foster character development, and any parent would want that for their child.” In fact, he sees that kind of character in his children today, and “I like to think Camp Mac had a role in that,” he said. Camp Mac was founded in 1948 by then-superintendent of Talladega County Schools, E.A. McBride. Known as Mr. Mac, McBride loved educating children and knew that what they learned in the classroom

was only part of what they needed to know to become successful adults. Members of the McBride family run the camp to this day. During the past 70 years, generations of kids have converged on Camp Mac with anticipation of a summer of playing games, riding horses, dancing, fishing, doing arts and crafts, sitting around campfires and taking part in special events such as Carnival Night or Tacky Night. A wide variety of activities has given each camper opportunities to pursue new or established interests. “They (the camp staff) always seem to be adding something, and they do a masterful job with the upgrades and activities,” said Bresler. “You won’t see the same old things year after year. And the kids are always busy. It’s hard to get homesick up there.”

Tradition Rules

But despite the changes, some things remain just as they were when the camp was begun. “We’re still a traditional camp based on traditional values and designed to teach children about themselves, about what they are capable of, and about the beauty of the world around them,” said Camp Mac staff member Allison Gunn. “Our goal is to continue to offer these opportunities for generations to come.” As to providing lifelong advantages for the kids who go there, Camp Mac, said Bresler, is hard to beat. In fact, he said, some of the lessons he learned in his camping days have remained with him and played a role in his successes as a coach at Homewood High School and later, in the business world. “It’s a great education for life,” he said. “One of the great things about going to summer camp is it puts you in a position to make decisions and grow up. You learn self-discipline, which you need to get along in the real world, and it helps you be an allround better person.” Besides, he said, “The food in the dining hall is absolutely delicious.” ❖

‘It’s a great education for life. One of the great things about going to summer camp is it puts you in a position to make decisions and grow up. You learn self-discipline, which you need to get along in the real world, and it helps you be an all-round better person.’ ALVIN BRESLER, FORMER CAMPER

Photos courtesy Camp Mac

CAMP MAC 70TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Camp Mac invites alumni and friends to be a camper again at its 70th Celebration Day on Sept. 8. Guests may participate in activities they enjoyed in the past, try one of the newer activities, or just visit around the Canteen. Your day might include horseback riding, riflery, zip lines, rappelling or any of a host of activities. For more information, visit campmac.com, follow Camp Mac on Facebook and Instagram or send an email to office@campmac. com. To register as an alum, go to campmac.com, click on About Camp Mac and then Alumni.

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LIFE

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Skynyrd song, but they appeared baffled by our chant of “Roll Tide Roll.” After bidding farewell to more than half our group, 22 of us crossed into Jordan, where we spent a night in a Bedouin tent camp, rode camels across the desert (ouch), marveled at the spectacular sites of Petra, inhabited since prehistoric times, and noted the juxtaposition of new and old in the capital city of Amman. On a bus ride through the desert, Julian, an Israeli Jew, shared a microphone with our Jordanian tour guide Lou-aye, a Palestinian Muslim. They respectfully disagreed on politics and the future of the Middle East. Unbeknownst to anyone on the bus, Dan Marson was in the back learning the Jordanian national anthem. Before leaving Birmingham, he’d memorized Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. When the discussion concluded, Dan played both anthems on his harmonica. It was a stunning moment.

FRIENDSHIP, “Like our ancestors, our journey through life is also a spiritual one,” Miller said. “We start from where we are, and we go to where God wants to take us.” Ronne and Donald Hess chaired the first four friendship journeys, but for Friendship Journey Five, they passed the baton into the capable hands of Sheryl and Jon Kimerling and Lisa and Alan Engel. “We believe this is the most diverse, spiritual and historic way to experience Israel,” Sheryl said. “You see the country through many lenses in a way you cannot get from the media.” Our travel companions came from Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Washington, D.C., and New York – 50 of us in various life stages with diverse careers and family configurations, many repeat travelers to Israel and several first-timers like myself. We had an equally remarkable itinerary. Careful planning put us in Israel for Holocaust Remembrance Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. Transplanted South African native and Israeli citizen Julian Resnick served as host. To say that Julian’s brilliant insights enlivened our experience would be like saying the nation of Israel is mentioned in the Bible. Sometimes provocative, often choked with emotion, always brimming with keen observations, Julian read poems, quoted movies and scripture, and even crooned Beatles tunes, all with a charming accent. “For me travel is about confronting powerful questions,” Julian said. “Those moments when we stand outside our comfort zones, when we stand trembling in the shoes of others, when we see ourselves – as if for the first time – via the eyes of the ‘other.’” Walking the Old City under umbrellas in a rare spring rain, we contemplated Jerusalem’s significance to three of the great world faiths, the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. All share a reverence for the Temple Mount. “Our world is fractured, especially in our faith communities,” Rabbi Miller has said. “Religion teaches absolute truth and makes a stab at the world’s most vital questions about the meaning of life and what God wants of us. So, it is hard to hear the truth of others.”

Memories of the Holocaust

On a sunny day, our visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, fulfilled my parents’ prophecy that our trip would be life-changing. Profoundly haunting, beautiful, symbolic and painful, every square inch of the 44-acre complex challenged me to reflect on 6 million Jewish lives lost during World War II. The Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations honors the memory of non-Jews who, at personal risk and without a monetary or evangelistic purpose, helped rescue Jews during the Holocaust.

Photos by Barry DeLozier

From page 1

From let, Barry and Cathy DeLozier of Vestavia Hills, with Jon and Sheryl Kimerling and Angie and Joe Letzer of Mountain Brook, visited the hilltop city of Jaffa overlooking the beaches of Tel Aviv as part of a 50-member group that participated in an interfaith trip to Israel. “We have made so many lifelong friends on these Friendship Journeys,” Sheryl said. “We will always share a special bond with our fellow travelers.”

From our base in Jerusalem, we ventured out to settlements in Gush Etzion, to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, and through the Judean desert to the ancient mountaintop fortress of Masada, where the energetic in our group climbed rocky cliffs while the still-adventurous but less-energetic waved from a cable car. An afternoon float in the Dead Sea felt refreshing. Rabbi Miller, assisted by an American cantor student and a rabbinic student on the guitar, led us in a lovely Shabbat service on the southern steps of the ancient temple, followed by a time of prayer at the Western Wall. For centuries, world leaders have tucked petitions in crevices between these stones. “Be careful what you ask for,” Rabbi Miller warned. “Prayers here have an unusually high percentage rate of being answered.” We left Jerusalem on a Sunday morning, stopping along the banks of the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized. The Rev. Ed Hurley, senior minister at South Highlands Presbyterian Church, led us in worship accompanied by UAB neuropsychologist Dan Marson on the harmonica. “Jesus taught that our faith is like a little mustard seed that grows into a vast tree which provides life-giving shelter and nourishment to all,” Hurley said. “May that be your experience.” We visited the Mount of the Beatitudes and walked the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee in Capernaum. From the Golan Heights, we looked into war-torn Syria. Throughout our trip, guests provided insights on life in the Middle East. A high-ranking Israeli Defense Force official stood on a mountaintop overlooking Lebanon and briefed us on military threats in the region. American-born Israeli author Daniel Gordis lauded his adopted homeland’s many accomplishments. IsraeliCanadian journalist Matti Friedman

Amy and Michael Saag share lunch with Cindy and Harvey May at a café in a hilltop village near the Golan Heights. Below, the Garden of Gethsemane.

described how disproportionate news coverage gives an inaccurate view of Israel. Our tour of the Yemin Orde Youth Village, home to more than 400 immigrant, disadvantaged and at-risk children, was narrated by a compassionate Ethiopian Jewish woman. In Rosh Ha’Ayin, Birmingham’s sister city in Partnership Renewal for more than three decades, an architect and cultural director led us through a performing arts space under construction at the Kimerling Center. Julian and his gracious wife, Orly, and their children hosted dinner at Kibbutz Tzora, where we participated in the community’s memorial service. Afterward, young Israelis led small group discussions on compulsory military service and life with Palestinian neighbors.

Tel Aviv

We celebrated Memorial Day and Israel’s 70th Independence Day in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, buildings

everywhere draped in blue and white flags. Drivers and pedestrians paused along highways and busy streets to stand in silence for a two-minute siren at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day. To celebrate 70 years of democracy, skies above the beaches were filled with planes and the Mediterranean was teeming with military ships. The weather was spectacular (only one day of rain), the food delicious. We always felt safe. During one of our last suppers in Tel Aviv, world-renowned AIDs researcher and UAB physician Michael Saag took the stage to sing “Sweet Home Alabama” as others in our group danced. The mostly Israeli crowd knew the lyrics to the Lynyrd

Bringing It Home

Karen Allen with Gil Travel Group has managed details for all five friendship journeys. Her familiarity with Israel and her passion for travel proved incredibly valuable. “Each Friendship Journey is special, as each one provides an opportunity for Birmingham’s community leaders to meet, interact, learn and grow together,” Karen said. “One of the most exciting parts of the trip is not what happens in Israel, but what happens back in Birmingham upon our return. It’s been thrilling to see the energetic application of the lessons learned in Israel in the local community.” At two points along our journey, we gathered in a large circle to share impressions. Both conversations were emotional. “I have traveled to many places with many groups of people,” shared Julian. “But the Friendship Journey groups from Alabama stand out in terms of unforgettable moments, because of the interfaith element.” While I was impressed by how beautiful, safe and hospitable Israel was, I sat looking at my new Jewish and Christian friends, feeling especially proud of Birmingham, of our community’s collective desire to learn, to understand and to support causes around the globe. Karen is already planning Friendship Journey Six. “Along with co-founders Ronne and Donald Hess and Rabbi Miller, I have worked with some of the most intelligent and compassionate clergy, volunteer leaders and Israeli thought leaders over the years and incorporate their insights and teachings into the journeys that follow,” Karen said. “More important even than making our pilgrimage is the conversation and sharing within our group,” Rabbi Miller said. “We leave this miraculous country with the wonder of questions unanswered and an appreciation for the complexities we face as people of faith. These questions, better than any answers, are the most enduring and enriching part of our journey.” Barry DeLozier is a writer and business communications consultant from Vestavia Hills. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Noah Bryant with Barons pitcher Dane Dunning at Regions Field at the annual Spring Baseball Clinic hosted by LVH and the Birmingham Barons last week.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 17

LIFE

GROWNUPS WERE STUNNED AS HE CHARMED THE SERVER INTO GIVING HIM ICE CREAM WITH SPRINKLES AND HOT FUDGE, ON THE HOUSE!

The Old Ball Game

Leadership Vestavia Hills and Barons Host Spring Clinic for Special Needs Students The sound of cracking bats filled Regions Field as usual May 8, but the spirit of the day was nothing like a regular practice day. Leadership Vestavia Hills and the Birmingham Barons teamed up to host their annual spring baseball clinic for members of the Exceptional Foundation and Vestavia Hills City Schools students with special needs.

The clinic has been held in late spring for the past seven years. Volunteers and participants meet in the stadium’s outfield to run drills and play a game, giving each participant the opportunity to play with a professional athlete. As each participant rounded toward home base, a crowd of teachers, players, volunteers and peers welcomed their successes with a tunnel of high fives. ❖

CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

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LIFE/HEALTH

Photo special to the Journal

P2 Platinum Pilates From left, Monique Gardner-Witherspoon, Nan Skier, Liz Edwards, Liz Huntley, Lindy Cleveland and Nan Teninbaum.

Leading Ladies

Women’s Committee of 100 Recognizes Four Women for Achievements At its annual awards luncheon, the Women’s Committee of 100 recognized four local women for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the community. Liz Huntley, Liz Edwards, Nan Skier and Lindy Cleveland were honored during the event, held April 17 at the Country Club of Birmingham. Emcee Phyllis Hoffman DePiano welcomed guests and introduced the award recipients, event chair Monique Gardner-Witherspoon presented the awards, past-President Jeanna Westmoreland gave the invocation and patriotic chair Martha Bartlett led the Pledge of Allegiance. Women’s Committee President Nan Teninbaum followed by announcing donations from the organization’s Charitable Trust to the honorees’ community-oriented efforts and to the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame at Judson College. In addition, she saluted Mary Louise Hodges for her longtime service as music chairman of the Women’s Committee. Liz Huntley, child advocate and litigation attorney with Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC, received the Citizen of the Year award for her commitment to improving the quality of life in Alabama. She has made an impact on the lives of others by sharing her story of overcoming adversity to become a successful attorney, motivational speaker and member of the Auburn board of trustees. Her memoir, “More Than a Bird,” recounts how mentors gave her the courage to change her life. Huntley initiated the non-profit Hope Institute to promote character development programs for children. Liz Edwards, executive director of Start the Adventure in Reading, received the Brother Bryan Prayer Point Award for her progress in improving literacy in Birmingham City Schools with the Stair program. Supported by 500 volunteers, Stair focuses on improving reading skills and self-esteem among second-graders in Birmingham schools. It provides one-on-one tutoring twice a week to more than 200 students from 13 schools. Edwards has been involved in Birmingham’s non-profit sector for more than 20 years as both a volunteer and a professional. Nan Skier, leader in Birmingham’s arts community, received the Community Arts Volunteer Award for volunteerism and exceptional contributions in the fine arts. Skier and her husband, David, are avid art collectors and donate and loan works of art and antiques to the Birmingham Museum of Art and other American and European museums. Their museum exhibit, “The Look of Love: Eye Miniatures from the Skier Collection,” showcases the largest collection of its kind on a national stage. At the BMA, Skier is a senior docent, member of the Director’s Circle, the board of trustees and the Committee on Collections, and vice president of Art Fund Inc. Lindy Cleveland, founder and executive director of Unless U, received the Humanitarian Award for extraordinary efforts to improve the lives of others. Unless U, at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, offers academics, fine arts, and social and life skills training for adults with developmental disorders and their families. Cleveland’s mission is to encourage enrollees’ independence and self-confidence. Since opening in 2014, Unless U has grown from four to 50 students served by 11 staff members. The founder has received several awards for her initiatives and work on behalf of the special needs community. In accepting her award, each recipient stressed the importance of community volunteerism. ❖

Come Look at Our Summer SALE

“P2 Platinum Pilates is a beautiful boutique style studio in the heart of Mountain Brook near the Grand Bohemian Hotel,” said owner Misty Chitwood, above. “We offer a clean studio with plenty of natural light that is committed to creating a healthy environment. We use non-toxic chemicals to clean and sanitize the equipment after each use.” The Pilates method of body conditioning is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed nearly 100 years ago by Joseph Pilates. Exercises are taught with a unique and dynamic rhythm and progression occurs as mastery of the exercises can be done with control and precision. “I am passionate that Pilates can heal,” said Tish Tillis, one of several experienced instructors with P2 Platinum Pilates. “I am a walking example of how Pilates can transform the body, mind and spirit.”

“While I am trained in the Original Method, I believe in catering to the body in front of me. While following the original order that Joseph Pilates developed is necessary to the work, there are certain times where teaching the traditional elements with a modern approach to movement is most beneficial.” Tillis began Classical Pilates training in 2015 and specializes in both Classical and Contemporary Pilates with a focus on meeting each individuals needs and making movement fun. P2 Platinum Pilates also offers 42 lines of active fashion and athleisure casual wear exclusive to Birmingham. Evergreen Collections jewelry is also available at the shop. Sign up for Summer Pilates conditioning classes for teens is underway now. P2 Platinum Pilates at 250 Rele St. in Mountain Brook, 730-1290.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Southview Medical Group Dermatology Dr. Timothy A. McGraw, pictured above, is a board-certified dermatologist, originally from Huntsville. He graduated magna cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College with a degree in chemistry. He earned a commission in the United States Air Force through the ROTC program at Samford University and obtained his medical degree at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. After medical school, McGraw completed a Family Medicine residency at Andrews Air Force Base and became board-certified in this specialty. McGraw served in the U.S. Air Force for severalw years as a family physician and flight surgeon, including deployments to the Pacific Theater and Afghanistan, as well as a tour at the Pentagon before pursuing his dermatology residency at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium. He has served as the chief of Dermatology Services at the United States Air Force Academy in

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 19

HEALTH

Colorado Springs, Colorado and then completed a Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology fellowship in Salt Lake City, Utah. McGraw performs a wide range of dermatology services for patients of all ages. He also offers cosmetic services such as fillers and Botox® injections as well as laser treatments for multiple skin conditions. McGraw lives in Birmingham with his wife and son where they enjoy the Alabama outdoors as much as possible (with a hat and lots of sunscreen of course). “I am pleased to join Dr. Janet Cash and the rest of the Southview Dermatology team,” McGraw said. “I strive to get to know each patient individually so I can deliver top-notch, professional care to my patients. The best compliment I can receive is when my patients refer their friends and family. I look forward to seeing you!” Southview Medical Group Dermatology is located at 833 St. Vincent’s Dr., 918-1475.

Experience and Training Make a Difference Board Certified Dermatologist Fellowship-trained in Laser and Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Services for patients of all ages Skin cancer screenings Evaluation and treatment for rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions Cosmetic services including fillers and Botox® injections Laser treatments for a variety of skin conditions SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS ARE OFTEN AVAILABLE Dr. Timothy A. McGraw Dermatologist

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

Southview Medical Group Dermatology St. Vincent's Professional Office Building 3, Suite 401 833 St. Vincent's Drive Birmingham, AL 35205 www.southviewderm.com

Vitalogy Wellness Center “Our twenties are considered peak years for our vitality, and in our late thirties, our hormones of youth gradually start declining. However, there is no reason why we have to accept this and why we cannot make our third, fourth, fifth or even more decades a plateau of our peak years. In order to live that way, we have to stop reliving the mistakes that prevent ageless living. “I see patients with the ill-effects of poor lifestyle choices leading to chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, in my wellness center everyday. However, I also see these same individuals, turn their health around remarkably by not accepting a diminished quality of life laden with too many prescription medications with a myriad of side effects, with the guidance we provide at Vitalogy Wellness Center. “Using my blueprint, harnessing simple, yet effective self-care practices, I help clients change their old habits into new healthy ones. My protocol covers the 5 essential keys to resolving the underlying cause of your health problems including detoxification, hor-

monal optimization, nutrition, fitness and stress management with the right mind-body balance. “My practice includes nutrition, anti-aging, hormone balancing, fitness, esthetics and total body rejuvenation, and permanent weight control. “Excessive stress accelerates aging and leads to poor overall health. Managing your stress will dramatically reduce your ‘sickness’ state of health, here’s how: 1. Recognize the early symptoms of stress build-up in your body and how it affects your emotions 2. Learn to avoid life challenges that lead to stress build-up 3. Learn how to heal stress buildup that has already occurred

“It is my passion to help improve the lives of my patients and that it is crucial to consider the body as a whole, when addressing the root cause of the underlying problem.” Dr. Farah Sultan, above, Founder and Director of Vitalogy Wellness Vitalogy Wellness Center is located at 2704 20th St. S., 413-8599.

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Need an extra kick to get through the week, attack that nasty cold, or reach peak athletic performance? Our fast and effective IVs will jumpstart you towards your own health goals. Fight illness, get more energy, look younger, and feel better. Intravenous Therapy (IV Therapy) is the quickest and safest way to administer vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to enhance immune function, increase energy levels, and help manage a variety of chronic health problems. SOME OF THE MOST COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED WITH IV THERAPY ARE:

• Asthma, Sinus Infections, Bacterial and Viral Infections, UTI • Chemical Toxicity, Lyme disease, leaky Gut Syndrome • Chronic Fatigue, Exhaustion, Depression • Cold or Seasonal allergies • COPD, lung disease • Fibromyalgia, Muscles joint and body aches • Migraine Headaches, insomnia • Parkinson’s disease • Diabetes • Prevention of Atherosclerosis • Cancer

CALL TODAY AND START FEELING BETTER TOMORROW 205.413.8599 2704 20th St. South Homewood, AL 35209 www.VitalogyWellness.com

Farah Sultan MD

Founder and Director

SOCIAL

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Journal photos by Jordan Wald

20 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

From left, Patricia Roldan, Tanya Nix, Ada Holyfield, Amanda Slocumb, Michelle McClintock and Margaret Turner.

OFF TO THE RACES

T

Hats, Music and Drinks Highlight Shelby Humane Society’s Derby Party

he Shelby County Humane Society hosted a Derby Party, with guests wearing their finest hats and seersucker to enjoy the Kentucky Derby. Proceeds will support the society’s efforts to rescue animals, support pet adoptions, address animal overpopulation, assist with veterinary bills, provide rural education and resources, provide disaster response and preparedness, and help victims of domestic violence and their pets. Inspired by a group of humane society supporters from Denver whose Derby Party boasts attendance by more than 6,000 people, the event included a Best Hat and Best Dressed Men contest, music by Colony House, craft beers and signature derby drinks, including mint juleps, mimosas and Bloody Marys. ❖

Tatum Kiousis and Rachel Burks.

Lisa and Tara Jones.

Mary Domit and Kerry Stober.

James and Hannah Grimes.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

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Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 21

Michelle Bearman-Wolnek, Seth Wolnek and Jennifer Nemet. Cathy and Paul Friedman with Suzy Ovson.

From left, Joel and Karen Piassick with Sheryl and Jon Kimerling.

Joining Hands

Acappella Gospel Group Headlines Annual CJFS Fundraiser

ARC Realty Property Specialists Sarah Eddy and Tiffany Bittner are coordinating a new phase of homes for The Town of Mt Laurel.

A record-breaking $230,000 was raised at the Collat Jewish Family Service’s annual Hands Up fundraiser. The event was held April 29 at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. Money goes to the organization’s programs that support the independence and enriched quality of life for older adults. Chairs for this year’s event were Sheryl and Jon Kimerling, joined by this year’s honorees, Karen and Joel Piassick. Headlining the event was the acappella gospel group The Birmingham Sunlights, which performed songs based exclusively on stories from the Old Testament. Guitarist/producer and programming director for the Alys Stephens Center Eric Essix, an Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame member, organized the lineup for the evening, which also included vocalists Leonard Julien III, Belinda George-Peoples and CeCe Phillips. ❖

ARC Realty teams with The Town of Mt Laurel ARC Realty is pleased to announce they have teamed with The Town of Mt Laurel to market the next phase of homes and home sites in the nostalgic community just south of Birmingham off Highway 280. “It’s rare to find a neighborhood of new homes with this much style and character,” says ARC CEO Beau Bevis. “There’s a seamless blend of old and new at Mt Laurel; stone walls and shady streets, porches and porch swings. It makes you want to park your car, walk around and explore. When people discover Mt Laurel, it creates a lasting impression.” Sarah Eddy, ARC Realty Property Specialist in the Mt Laurel Sales Center, believes the unique combination of vintage architecture and majestic nature distinguishes Mt Laurel from other communities. “There’s an authentic sense of place here,” says Sarah. “It’s an artistic approach to creating a neighborhood. An effort has been made to preserve trees and to position our charming retail shops and services in a way that respects our common areas and greenspace.” ARC Realty Property Specialist Tiffany Bittner is thrilled about expansion happening thoughtfully around the community. “We have a grocery store opening across the street,” says Tiffany. “We have new home sites and builders joining our team this summer. It’s an exciting time to be a part of what’s happening at Mt Laurel.”

For more information on The Town of Mt Laurel, visit arcrealtyco.com or call Sarah Eddy at (205) 365-6859 or Tiffany Bittner at (205) 253-3155

22 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

SOCIAL

Cinco de May-o-my!

ALIMONY

Young UAB Cancer Center Supporters Fund Research Grants with Fiesta

DIVORCE

The fiesta was in full swing May 4 at Haven for the young supporters board of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s annual fundraiser. The Fiesta Ball offered up live music, Mexican cuisine by Happy Catering and margaritas while guests perused a selection of auction items. Funds raised through the evening’s festivities will support the board’s Young Investigator Grants, which fund the research of promising young scientists at the center who are competing for additional federal grants. ❖

Author :

Kathryn Crawford Gentle Author: Kathryn Crawford Gentle

ALIMONY Under the new tax bill signed into law

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Journal photos by Jordan Wald

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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who divorces or signs a separation end more of a divorcing pair’s What can youup do with about it? 2019. agreement before

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Eleanor Tolbert, Kristi Stewart and Lauren Jefferies.

thathigher-earning is changing drastically. spouses won’tJLB pay as From:Bash Over The Hosts to Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph.,

If you have beento thetheir victim of this Even though much exes. 205-824-1246, fax Kick-Off Annual scam, report the callslength to the Treasury Due to the of time it takes to Date: May alimony is just one of many factors in Inspector General for Tax AdministraBargain Carousel This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the a divorce in Alabama and the divorce, itand is athehighly contentious topic tionfinalize at 800.366.4484 Federal May 17 issue Trade Commission on theireffect website, that changing drastically. new lawis taking January 1, 2019, A crowd formed among a sea of donatFTC.gov. ed items for a preview of the Junior anyone considering a divorce should League of to Birmingham’s annual Real TaxDue Issues? to the length of time it takes contact us today for an immediate Bargain Carousel fundraiser, held April If you have a legitimate tax issue, the finalize a divorce in Alabama the Princeton-Hoover 27 atand the former attorneys at Lloyd and Hogan, can consultation. building. law taking effect 1, 2019, help! Wenew encourage you to reach out January fiesta-themed Bargain Bash to an experienced for help a divorceThe anyone attorney considering should Hogan offered attendees Mexican cuisine as quickly as possible. There areLloyd legal and us today forAttorneys an immediate at Law served up by Taco Mama, a tequila toss solutionscontact available and our attorneys can helpconsultation. you attain them. and pinatas filled with prizes, along 2871 Actonwith Road,tunes #201 from the band Har Megiddo. Birmingham, AL 35243 More than 200 items were up for Lloyd and Hogan (205) 969-6235 grabs in a silent auction, including seats Attorneys at Law www.lloydhoganlaw.com to Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, a trip to Gulf Shores, res2871 Acton Road, #201 taurant packages, sports memorabilia, Birmingham, AL 35243 tickets, gift cards and more. (205) 969-6235 In addition, guests got a sneak peek www.lloydhoganlaw.com at the 1,000-family garage sale, which offered up antiques, furniture, clothing, Lloyd and Hogan appliances, home decor and more. The Attorneys at Law annual weekend sale is the league’s 2871 Acton Road, #201 largest fundraiser of the year and supBirmingham, AL 35243 ports its 32 community projects that (205) 969-6235 serve women and children in the www.lloydhoganlaw.com Birmingham metro area. ❖

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

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Above, Victoria Katz and Yenie Smith. Below, Kim Brown and Christina Knox. Below left, Ellen Mitchell and Melissa Donaldson.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 23

SOCIAL

Photo special to the Journal

From left, Laurie Bowers, treasurer; Ella Grace Bowers; Katie Patrick, Ball co-chair; Louisa Patrick; Anna Carson, Ball co-chair; Helen Carson; Dena Berte, secretary; and Sara Frances Berte.

Beginning With Twilight

152 Sophomores Presented at Mountain Brook’s Annual Twilight Ball It was the perfect springtime twilight April 21 for the Mountain Brook Sophomore Twilight Ball, held at The Country Club of Birmingham. During the event, 152 girls were presented by their escorts to relatives and guests after a seated dinner. Robert Logan of Backstage Florist created the stage for a beautiful evening with white twinkle lights, illuminated balloons, white drapery and silver accents. Following the presentation was an evening of fun with entertainment by the band 24/7. The ball was chaired by Katie Patrick and Anna Carson. Laurie Bowers served as the treasurer, and Dena Berte was the secretary. Committee chairmen were Adelaide Vandevelde, Mary Laslie Balogh, Rosemary Nichols, Truc Brouillette, Bonnie Lorino, Julie Clanton, Martha Thompson, Margaret Cobbs, Allison Manley, Ashley Tierney, Harriet Cochrane, Lauren Conner, Jeanne Monk, Kam Patton, Collins Clegg, Ashley Powell, Heather Clay, Laura Vogtle, Susan Dukes, Kristin Murphree, Jill Clark and Paige Tatarek. Jesse Vogtle was the emcee.  The young women presented were Rylee Lawren Aberle, Davis-Anne Adams, Elizabeth Mae Adams, Annie Margaret Allen, Eugenie Joyce Allen, Mary Leland Allen, Tessa Rose Allen, Katherine Louise Amberson, Lillian Elizabeth Balogh, Catherine Louise Belser, Sara Frances Berte, Anne Ross Bethea, Leigh Preston Block, Ella Grace Bowers, Lucy Rebecca Bowling, Jessica Anne Thao Brouillette, Laura Hadley Bryant, Emily Margaret Butler, Jules Elise Campbell, Grace Katherine Carr and Gilder Scout Carruthers. Also presented were Helen Virginia Carson, Frances Cooper Cashio, Marguerite Louise Cashio, Laura Millicent Center, Claire Campbell Chester, Elizabeth Blaire Clanton, Courtney Alice Clark, Hollis Ashmore Clay, Anne Carlton Clegg, Virginia Glenn Cobbs, Lilian Kennedy Cochrane, Morgan Risa

Cohn, Jacqueline Mary Turner Cole, Sarah Elizabeth Conner, Elizabeth Patterson Cooper, Sally Grace Cooper, Sarah Catherine Cooper, Sibley Kathryn Cotton, Catherine Grace Couch, Lindsay Tutton Davis, Julia Ellen Dayhuff and Elizabeth Lawrence Depalma. Also presented were Shannon Irene Donahue, Gabriella Grace Dorman, Addison Elizabeth Downey, Lindsay Jane Drummond, Callie Ryan Dukes, Isabel Harp Elkus, Mary Katherine Fowlkes, Anna Frances Gardner, Kathryn Alicia Garrison, Alison Elizabeth Gaston, Charlotte Jane Gillum, Lauren Nicole Glass, Elizabeth Reid Gray, Jane Elizabeth Gresham, Ann Bristow Griswold, Emma Gale Hallman, Elizabeth Grace Hanaway, Ella Rose Hartman, Isabella Callaway Hoffman, Barbara Bugg Holloway, Cameron Maria Hudson, Elizabeth Grace Hulsey, Elizabeth Grace Hunt and Salter Conary Hydinger. Also presented were Ann Ellis Inskeep, Madison Nicole Jenkins, Amanda Milam Jones, Catherine Witherspoon Jones, Manilyn Douglas Joyce, Sarah Wahwiece Keller, Cecelia Katherine Kelly, Elisabeth Olivia Kerr, Katherine Mary Kimberlin, Chloe Adams Kinderman, Rosemary Katherine Lee, Emily Grace Lemak, Caroline Bergin Lewis, Margaret Lyle Logan, Isabella Burnette Long, Maryann Grace Lorino, Frances Foster Lyon, Elizabeth Barnes Manley, Kennedy Elizabeth Martin, Lilly Grace Martin, Caroline Elizabeth Mauro, Amy Noelle McDaniel, Ella Hastings McDonald, Katherine Elisabeth McDonald, Rosalie May McInnis, Hallie Jane Meadows, Amelia Davis Moffatt, Alice Alden Monk, Stewart Anne Murdock and Abigail Gearhart Murphree. Also presented were Mariana Rose Neil, Jane Manning Nichols, Hattie Ann Noden, Elizabeth Harper Nunneley, Audrey

Campbell Osborne, Louisa Eleanor Patrick, Theresa Elizabeth Patton, Jamie Grace Perlman, Claire Alexandra Pitts, Lily Claire Plowden, Sibley Anne Powell, Leila Scott Radney, Katherine Ford Ramsbacher, Emma Brierre Richardson, Carson Vines Robinett, Lourdes Maria Rodriguez, Lily James Rowe and Laura Elaine Russell. Also presented were Emma Catherine Sanders, Virginia Mackenzie Sansom, Chloe Gail Sheffield, Lauren Elizabeth Shonk, Lauren Elizabeth Sklar, Isabel Clemons Smith, Mabry Knox Macy Smyer, Lauren Elizabeth Snipes, Anna Catherine Sorrells, Marguerite Alice Sprain, Georgia Ellen Stewart, Anna

Lauren Summers, Megan Olivia Sumrall, Amy Elizabeth Taliaferro, Hannon Paige Tatarek, Lowery Akans Thompson and Addison Ashley Tierney. Also presented were Chaney Anne Tindle, Lillian Foster Troiano, Claire Elaine McNeer Tucker, Jane Margaret Turner, Breelynne Christine Upton, Ann Kendrick Vandevelde, Elizabeth Preston Vandevelde, Anna Ferrell Vinson, Virginia Florence Vogtle, Lauren Campbell Walston, Mary Charbonnet Ward, Katherine Lee Watson, Mary Virginia Webb, Anna Withers Wellingham, Julia Fraley Williams, Anna Caroline Williamson, Genevieve Elise Wilson, Amelia Elizabeth Winston and Lillie Belle Young. ❖

Rehab Reality... By Judy and Julie Butler

Many Opioid Addictions Can Begin With Doctors and Dentists

This begs the question of who can you trust if not your medical professionals. When we say, “no one plans on becoming an addict”, this proves it. Sadly for most, it begins with a trip to the dentist for a toothache or the doctor for minor surgery or an injury and they are quick to prescribe Oxycontin or Loratab when a simple Ibupropen would do. So what is the answer to this crisis? There can be many answers. Lawmakers are working on possible opioid tax bills throughout the country of which the pharmaceutical industry argues that this will only be passed on to the consumer. Well, hello, isn’t everything passed on to the consumer. On the other hand big pharma is giving billions to states for drugs funded by Medicaid, not to mention the millions, make that billions that are given to doctors, hospitals and anyone who will prescribe their ‘wonder drug’. Does anyone ever question the effects of the miss use or long term use if this drug might cause? There is an effort to cross reference patient information to prevent drug shopping. Today most doctors and dentists, etc. will require a patient visit before writing a prescription, however the patient may or may not have it filled, which leaves it available to a family member or friend who might desire it. Whether it’s putting vodka in a water bottle or filling someone else’s prescription the addicted brain will find a way. Opioid addiction can be beaten with education, counseling, getting and maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle… these are all things that we do at Bayshore Retreat.

24 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

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We’re here for you

Front, from left, Ivey Brown, Adelaide Vandevelde, Louise Skelton, Lisa Flake, Susanne McMillan, Susan Waggoner, Robin Reed, Gwen Blackwell and Andrea Statham. Back, Isabelle Lawson, Beaty Coleman, Elizabeth Outland, Anna Carson and Rachel Hellums.

Catering and Cookies KDs Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Annual Dinner

The Mountain Brook Kappa Delta Alumnae Association held its annual Shamrock Party on March 17 at the home of Adelaide and Russell Vandevelde. Shades of green and white were scattered throughout the house to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day event. Dinner was provided by Dish’n It Out alongside a selection of Girl Scout cookies, in support of Girl Scouts of America, the national Kappa Delta philanthropy. Attending the party were Ivey and Jeff Brown, Lisa and Jared Flake, Robin and Scott Reed, Gwen and Mel Blackwell, Susan and Mark Waggoner, Andrea and Bryan Statham, Isabelle and Hank Lawson, Beaty and John Coleman, Elizabeth and James Outland, Anna and Chris Carson, Rachael Hellums, Tempie and Todd Sharley, Martha and John DeBuys, Susanne and Tom McMillan, Gates and Martin Brown, Emily Beaumont, Betsy and Arthur Henley, Katie and Ben Patrick, Beth and Copeland Wood, Julie Sandner, Meg Krawczyk, Emily Pruet, Louise and Mark Skelton, Rebecca and Ben Morris, Leah and Chris Abele, Melanie and Michael Pounds, Amy and Sid Knight, Alice and Lowell Womack, Irene and Huey Gardner.

Bryan and Andrea Statham with Beaty and John Coleman.

Also attending were Anna and Jim Cooper, Tracy and Stephen Simmons, Adelaide Kendrick, Evelyn and Gene Stutts, Dana and Tony Davis, Nancy McCollum, Murray Priester, Lynn Priester, Margaret Priester, Libby and Pat O’Donnell, Vicki and Marvin Perry, Hallie and Bruce Rawls, Carolyn and Henry Ray, Laura Susan and Tommy Roberts, Garland and Lathrop Smith, Nancy and Bill Stetler, Libba and Turner Williams, Laura Dee and Bill Wood, Leigh

Bromberg, Amy and Sid Knight, Dorothy and Jodie Smith, Leigh Sullivan, Ellen and Fred Blackmon, Liz and Dow Briggs, Lisa and John Burton, Warren Cain, Deane and Philip Cook, Dana and Tony Davis, Betsy Dumas, Marlea and John Foster, Rachel and Conrad Fowler, Irene and Huey Gardner, Martha Haley, Julia and Peyton King, Leslie McLeod, Rebecca Morris, Vicki and Marvin Perry, Margaret Watson, Mary Ann Grammas and Molly Bowron. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

A Classical Afternoon

Music Club Hosts Spring Meeting and Scholarship Luncheon Members and guests gathered in the Sun Room of the Mountain Brook Club April 6 for the Birmingham Music Club’s annual meeting and scholarship luncheon. Throughout the room, tables were decorated with yellow cloths over white tablecloths, with centerpieces of mixed annual spring flowers in multiple colors. Mountain Brook Club hosts were Beth and Scott Adams. Margery Whatley and Linda Pope chaired the Scholarship Committee, assisted by Linda Cooper, Lochrane Coleman Smith and Ellen Tucker. Smith welcomed members, guests and scholarship winners, followed by an invocation by Angie Holder and words from President Judy From left, Charlann Anderson, Lesley DeRamus and Linda Payne. Anderson. Whatley, scholarship chairman, thanked everyone who assisted her and her committee in the selection of the scholarship recipients before introducing the three first place scholarship competition winners. Violinist Deborah Olivier gave a brilliant performance of “Symphonie Espagnole,” by Edouard Lalo I, “allegro non troppo.” She was accompanied by Nicholas Robertson. She is a student at the University of Alabama and received the Stuart Mims Instrumental Scholarship. Chris Farley, a baritone, gave an outstanding performance of “Votre Toast, je Peux Vous le Rendre” (Toreador Song) by Georges Bizet and was accompanied by Dr. Chris Marjorie Forney, Gail Pugh and Barbara Klyce. Steele. He received the Penelope Cunningham Voice Scholarship, and attends the University of Alabama at Jeanne Bradford, Laura Bryan, Thad Long. Birmingham. Nancy Canada, Anne Carey, Also attending were Betty Miller, Pianist Mira Walker, presented a Cheree Carlton, Elaine Clark, Kay Malcolm Miller, Margariette superb performance of “Ballade No. Clark, Cara Cooper, Grace Hoomes, Sara Anderson, Liz Alosi, 4 in F minor, Op. 52” by Frederic Cooper, Linda Cooper, Audrey Amy Miller, Sandy Miller, Ethel Chopin and is a student at the Cornett, Judy Daniel, Cheryl King, Elizabeth Miller, Charla University of Alabama at Davidson, Nancy Davies, Sharon Mobley, Miriam Morris, Nancy Birmingham. She was presented the Denton, Lesley DeRamus, Marsha Morrow, Frances Owens, Powell Mildred Volentine Green Piano Drennen, Sandy Eichelberger, Owens, Beverly Parks, Gail Pugh, Scholarship as well as the Walter Jane Ellis, Marjorie Forney, Kathie Ramsey, Catherine Rogers, Sechriest Best Performance Award. Janine Goode, Claire Goodhew, Michelle Rushing, Phyllis Russell, Second-place scholarship winners Pat Grant, Catherine Rogers, Lois Caldwell, Pat Beacham, were Olivia Jones, piano, Samford Linda Griggs, Tallulah Hargrove, Barbara Simpson, Marie Smith, University student, who was present- Angie Holder, Margaret Hubbard, Kim Strickland, Katy Terry, Elise ed the Charles C. and Julia W. Nancy Jones, Juanita Kirby, Warren, Sue Watkins, Mary Ellen Anderson Piano Scholarship; and Barbara Klyce, Martha Lamberth, West, Judy Wiggins, Elouise Abigayle Williams, voice, received Anne Lamkin and Carolyn and Williams and Janis Zeanah. ❖ the Dr. Oscar and Ellen Dahlene Scholarship and attends the University of Alabama. Nikolai Klotchkov won the instrumental category, playing saxophone, and is a student at Auburn University. Among guests attending the luncheon were Birmingham Music Club board President Wyatt Haskell, Sisan Haskell and Executive Director Ron Bourdages. Members and guests attending were Charlann Anderson, Powell Owens, Judy Anderson, Beverly Parks and Lochrane Coleman Smith. Roberta Atkinson, Photos special the Journal

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 25

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Journal photos by Jordan Wald

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Head-to-Head

Rivals for Wishes Raises Money to Fund Wishes for Alabama Children The Crimson Tide and Auburn Tiger rivalry paused for an evening as sports celebrities from the University of Alabama and Auburn University took part in a friendly competition at Make-a-Wish Alabama’s Rivals for Wishes fundraiser. The evening, held April 12 at Haven, included a tailgate spread of hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, and appearances from local Wish Kids and their families. Auctioned off were a wide selection of items, activities and memorabilia, including a trip to Tuscany, a Tennessee Titans game package and a diamond necklace from Diamonds Direct. Funds raised through team donations, ticketing, auction items and more benefit the organization’s efforts to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in Alabama. ❖

Above, Lynleidh Dyson and Madison Crenshaw. Below, Tempie, Casey and Charlie Palmer.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Kimrey-McRee

Caroline Elizabeth Kimrey and Dr. Chad Warren McRee were married Dec. 2 at J & D Farms in Gadsden. Dr. Gary D. Fenton of

SOCIAL/WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS Vestavia Hills officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. R. Philip Kimrey of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Warren McRee of Helena. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown from Village Bridal of Homewood, designed by Theia Couture. The Heather gown was a romantic, strapless, fit-toflare silhouette, covered with delicate lace, with a sweetheart neckline and eyelash trim. An ivory velvet sash was tied at her waist in a bow. To complete her wedding attire, she wore the heirloom veil her mother wore on her wedding day. The bride was attended by her sister, Dr. Grace Kimrey Baird, as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Jessica Boyd of Cahaba Heights;

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 27

Rebecca Shaw of Homewood; and Elle Varnell of Nashville, Tennessee. The groom’s father served as best man. Groomsmen were Todd Fowler of Mobile; Chase McRee, brother of the groom, of Hoover; and Justin Simmons of Long Beach, Mississippi. Dr. Adam Baird, brother-in-law of the bride and groom, served as usher. Suzanne Simmons of Hoover was program attendant. Mr. and Mrs. Brian Pitts of Hoover were scripture readers. Music was provided by Act of Congress. After a honeymoon trip to Tahiti, French Polynesia, the couple will live in Providence, Rhode Island, where the groom will complete his medical training in Interventional cardiology.

Mulkey-Mullins

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Mulkey of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Madison Jane Spenser Mulkey, to Jayson Donovan Mullins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Mullins of Hoover. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Whisenant of Piedmont. Miss Mulkey is a graduate of Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She is employed in new home construction sales at Pulte Group in Atlanta. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William Jack Mullins of Birmingham. He is a graduate of Auburn University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in supply chain. He is employed in supply chain and logistics at The Home Depot in Atlanta. The wedding will be June 9.

Crawfish for a Cure

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Hope for Autumn Foundation Hosts Downhome Boil at Ross Bridge

The Green at Ross Bridge was brought to a boil April 28 as the Hope for Autumn Foundation hosted its annual Crawfish Boil. Attendees enjoyed all-you-can-eat crawfish prepared by Louisiana-native John Hein and music by Trick Zipper and The Undergrounders. Kids dominated an activity zone with bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, hamburgers and hot dogs. Proceeds from the event support families of area pediatric cancer patients and new and innovative treatments being researched and developed at the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders’ Developmental Therapeutics Program. ❖

Clockwise from above, Lizzie Underwood and Ella Wood; Thao and Brad Hayes; and Rush, Bridget and Emerson Roop.

SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS! To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, call 823-9646.

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Photos courtesy Troy Rhone

28 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

The parterre garden concept is hundreds of years old, and the look can call to mind the gardens of castles and chateaux. But the French style is something Troy Rhone, owner of Troy Rhone Garden Design, said is appropriate for almost any yard. “It is just partitioned space – creating a garden scene within a box or oval,” he said.

A Garden Fit for a King or a Commoner Local Garden Designer Highlights Parterre Gardens

By Sarah Kuper

W

ith the Royal wedding approaching, monarchy admirers are turning an eye to all things regal, including elegant homes and gardens. But, when it comes to gardening like a sovereign, garden designer and planner Troy Rhone said royals really are just like us. The parterre garden concept is hundreds of years old, and the look can call to mind the gardens of castles and chateaux. But the French style is something Rhone said is appropriate for almost any yard. “It is just partitioned space – creating a garden scene within a box or

oval,” he said, “If you just look at one individual piece, it may look formal, but if you look at the garden as a whole, it doesn’t have to look stuffy.” Parterre gardens date back to the French Renaissance, with simple symmetrical designs. It was the famous landscaping at the Palace of Versailles during the Baroque period that elevated the style to regal status. While palaces throughout Europe find themselves surrounded by boxwood patterns, here in Birmingham, Rhone said the segmenting of garden space can be as simple as container gardening. “It is not difficult to work on one. You just find the right location and See GARDEN page 30

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 29

HOME

COMING SOON LIBERTY PARK

TOWN VILLAGE A true live, work and play environment, the new 700-acre Town Village will be the heart of Liberty Park’s hometown, featuring an expansive town green, grocery store, community fuel and convenience store, restaurants, and approximately 100,000 square feet of retail. Imagine living so close to everything you need. Soon you can. Visit Liberty Park today and learn about our upcoming townhomes.

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‘There are endless possibilities. I think most people don’t think of doing them because they do think of a castle, but whenever I talk to clients more they get enthusiastic when they see how it can blend into their landscape and not look too formal.’

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Rhone said gardeners often prefer curved linear bed lines when landscaping their yards, but for a parterre garden, he embraces angles.

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GARDEN, From page 28

use them as a focal point. If you are looking out at your back yard and you want to look at something pretty, it is easy to contain a flower garden that way using a hedge,” he said. Rhone said gardeners often prefer curved linear bed lines when landscaping their yards, but for a parterre

garden, he embraces angles. “If you look at a house, you have right angles everywhere; shingles, bricks, corners, doors. And if you do rectilinear lines, it ties in better with the house. Even the inside of the house is full of squares,” Rhone said. “It is interesting to me that we don’t do more of that outside.” Rhone said he does a lot of ‘x’ patterns with boxwoods and adds a statue or planter in the middle, filling

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the voids with hydrangeas. “There are endless possibilities. I think most people don’t think of doing them because they do think of a castle, but whenever I talk to clients more they get enthusiastic when they see how it can blend into their landscape and not look too formal,” he said. While the Over the Mountain area has its share of grand gardens, Rhone highlights the possibilities of a simple side yard as a spot right for a parterre. “We did one off of a master bedroom of a rustic farmhouse,” he said, “With a white fence we tried to make it look more primitive, but it has an elegance about it without looking brand new.” With regard to maintenance, Rhone said a parterre garden isn’t more than what a willing gardener can handle. He recommends trimming the boxwoods every six to eight weeks and pruning plants as needed. Rhone said gardeners should embrace the creativity a parterre garden inspires, not just its formal reputation. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 31

SCHOOLS

A Girl Who Codes

Altamont Junior Takes the Latest Tech and Coding Camps to Elementary Schools

From left: Michael Sinnott, Vestavia Hills High AP English language teacher and recipient of Coca-Cola Scholars’ Educator of Distinction award; Sarah Zhao, 2018 Coca-Cola Scholar; Linda Sewell, corporate director of community relations, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United.

Photo special to the Journal

Amrita Lakhanpal has been a fixture on stage for the past month, but not to perform. Rather, she’s been recognized for her everyday performances volunteering and inspiring young kids in the community. On April 9, she was one of six students in the state given the Prudential Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist Award, and on April 17, she was handed the Student Volunteer of the Year Award at Hands On Birmingham’s and United Way of Central Alabama’s Ignite Awards ceremony. Lakhanpal, a junior at Altamont School, has made it her mission throughout high school to marry her passion for community service and computers and use them to inspire those younger than her to do the same. Through the national organization 100 Girls of Code, in which she has volunteered since eighth grade, she helps other girls like herself strengthen their love of computer science, an area still dominated by men. “There were not too many Girls Who Code clubs in Birmingham, so I decided to start one at my school to give more girls the exposure to the wonderful world of coding,” Lakhanpal said. She has become involved in local workshops for the 100 Girls of Code, which introduces young girls to the STEM field through coding courses and projects such as building games and websites. In addition, she teaches weekly computer classes during the summer at EPIC Elementary School. The five-week class not only familiarizes students with computers, but also includes lessons on internet safety and cyberbullying. The partnership between EPIC and Altamont students has been long-standing, and when the elementary school was lacking a student-teacher for computer classes, Lakhanpal stepped in. “When I first started teaching (at) EPIC, I did not know what level of computer education these students had,” she said. “Once I got there, I (had) to start from scratch, as the students had very limited knowledge. Typically, however, the basics of computer science can be somewhat boring at times, so it was definitely a challenge to come up with creative and entertaining ideas to capture the attention of first- and second-graders.” Lakhanpal said that creating lesson plans to capture the attention of the young students quickly became something she loved. “One of my first lessons was all about the World Wide Web,” she

Photo special to the Journal

By Emily Williams

SARAH ZHAO OF VESTAVIA NAMED 2018 COCA-COLA SCHOLAR On April 9, Amrita Lakhanpal was one of six students in the state given the Prudential Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist Award, and on April 17, she was handed the Student Volunteer of the Year Award at Hands On Birmingham’s and United Way of Central Alabama’s Ignite Awards ceremony.

said. “In order to convey this message, I gathered the students in a circle with a ball of yarn, and we passed it across the circle, creating a giant web. I explained to the students that this web is similar to how the World Wide Web is connected: different sources across the world all intertwined.”

A Need for Technology

Through her volunteer efforts, Lakhanpal noticed a deep need at EPIC Elementary. The school’s technology was outdated, and there were only two iPads that teachers could check out to extend the technology outside of the computer lab. In addition, she began working with Central Park Elementary, as well, and noticed that the computers were about a decade older and worked on a different operating system than people typically use today. “For me, it was very important to help these schools update their technology,” she said, “because without functioning computers, I could not efficiently teach them all about computers. But also, without this technology, these students were not being prepared to be the best 21st century learners they could be.” “It definitely was a sharp contrast between available technology at Altamont compared to these two schools,” she said. So, she decided to fix the issue herself. She set out to use her own money to buy some new laptops for the school. After crunching the numbers and figuring out how many she could afford, she felt inspired to get the

community involved. In February 2017, she started a letter-writing campaign and asked 12 local businesses to each donate $1,000 to her cause, which she dubbed “Screens for Schools.” Her work raised $12,000, which the school has used to buy 60 Chromebooks, along with storage and charging carts. “I was thrilled to receive such a positive response,” she said. “I did not think that the donors would be willing to support a 16-year old’s project, but the fact that they believed in me made me ecstatic.” Since then, she also donated $13,000 to Central Park Elementary, which had a similar lack of technology for students. In the wake of her successes, Lakhanpal is looking to push the program she has created further by raising funds to send students to coding camps and by hosting her own. In addition, through some other volunteer work with Mitchell’s Place, she is beginning to host BehavioralOne coding classes for students who are on the autism spectrum. “My goal was not to simply get the computers to these schools, but to continue the computer education that started Screens for Schools in the first place,” she said. “I would love for members of our community to volunteer and help continue educating these students. Also, EPIC and Central Park Elementary are only two Birmingham City Schools that needed updated computers. I hope Screens for Schools can adopt another school and give these children the same opportunities.” ❖

Sarah Zhao, a senior at Vestavia Hills High School, recently was recognized as one of the country’s most outstanding high school leaders by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. She has been awarded a $20,000 college scholarship. Zhao was selected from a pool of more than 150,000 applicants from across the country to be a member of the 30th class of Coca-Cola Scholars. “Sarah Zhao is an extraordinary high school senior that has shown a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, leadership and service to her school and community. Coca-Cola celebrates Sarah, and we are proud she is from our local community,” said Bo Taylor, vice president of Central Region for Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, headquartered in Birmingham. Zhao is the founder and president of her school’s Biology Olympiad Club, Alabama District 2 vice president for Future Business Leaders of America

and a senior ambassador. In her free time, she has conducted cancer research and is the project leader in the Siemens Competition in math, science and technology, placing as a regional finalist in 2016 and a semifinalist in 2015. Zhao nominated AP English language teacher Michael Sinnott for the Coca-Cola Scholars’ Educator of Distinction award. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, a joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across America and The CocaCola Company, is one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievementbased scholarship programs of its kind in the United States. It was established in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola. It has awarded nearly 6,000 Coca-Cola Scholars with a total of $65.5 million in scholarships in recognition of their leadership abilities, both academically and in service to others. ❖

BWF Fifth-Graders Earn Money to Help New Graduates Through Deja King Foundation

of multiple life-altering disabilities. To combat her own depression over her daughter’s limited opportunities, Woods turned her attention to providing for other students. She chooses students through an essay submission process and hosts trunk parties to supply them with all of the supplies they need to thrive during their first year away from home. ❖

The fifth-grade students of Brookwood Forest Elementary School have been working at their homes and the homes of others recently to raise money for the Deja King Foundation. The students raised money by doing household chores and then made a shopping trip to buy items for 20 local students with financial needs. On May 18 at 9:30 a.m., the students are presenting the items to Shuante Woods, mother of Deja King and founder of the Deja King Foundation. She started the foundation to give children what she was unable to provide for her own child. Her daughter graduated Spain Park High School but was unable to attend college because

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BUSINESS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Gulas Elected to Executive Board of National Housing Corporation

Groom is looking forward to relocating his store at The Summit. Building all the fixtures himself, “It is going to have that gray, reclaimed wood aesthetic. Bright, inviting and cleaner,” he said.

GROOMED for the HIGH SIDE Mountain High Outfitters Owner Reflects on Humble Beginnings, New Location

By Sarah Kuper

fun runs, but the store’s community involvement is growing beyond its Summit, Cahaba Village in Mountain Brook, Shops of Grand River and

Christopher Groom, founder of Mountain High Outfitters, is busy preparing a new space in a more prominent location at The Summit for his popular outdoor store. Groom is moving from his current storefront near Saks Fifth Avenue to the high side of The Summit shopping center. “After many years tucked in the corner, we are able to move up toward Urban Outfitters. It will be more visible and accessible,” Groom said. Groom opened the first Birmingham location in 1999, and since then the business has grown to more than a dozen locations in five cities, including Atlanta and Nashville.

Early Days

But Mountain High Outfitters wasn’t the University of Alabama grad’s first foray into the Birmingham business community. Groom started his entrepreneurial work years ago, when he ran the first Jamba Juice in the city. He said his aptitude for business began as he overcame challenges he faced running the smoothie joint. “It was like pulling teeth to get people to drink a smoothie. This was way before Whole Foods,” Groom said, “But it helped me learn the importance of getting creative and getting active in the community.”

Groom opened the first Birmingham location in 1999, and since then the business has grown to more than a dozen locations in five cities, including Atlanta and Nashville.

Groom describes himself as someone who is passionate about fitness, wellness and the outdoors. Right now, he particularly enjoys paddleboarding on Lake Martin or at Oak Mountain Park. His enthusiasm for the outdoors, his knowledge of multiple fitness industries and his years of experience have him always looking to grow his business. “When I decided to get into Atlanta, I found an area similar to Mountain Brook, and we are getting a good response similar to here,” Groom said. Mountain High Outfitters is a frequent sponsor of Over the Mountain area events such as charity

Riverchase Galleria in Hoover locations. A location in the up-and-coming area of Avondale is widening Mountain High Outfitters’ exposure to more areas of town. While Groom has been working on new locations for the past several years, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t pay close attention to each one to ensure its success. In his new location, Groom is giving the store a fresh look. “I’m building all the fixtures myself. It is going to have that gray, reclaimed wood aesthetic. Bright, inviting and cleaner,” he said. Groom said he’ll have the store open for business as soon as possible, but he is busy putting on the finishing touches. Once the store is finished, he is planning a grand re-opening event. ❖

Ike Gulas of Vestavia Hills has been elected to serve on the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association National Housing Corporation’s executive board. Gulas, a lawyer with Morgan & Morgan, will oversee the corporation’s initiatives to provide affordable housing for low-income elderly and disabled people along with services to meet their physical and social needs, according to a press release. Gulas is president of the local housing corporation, which owns 17 properties and provides low-income housing to more than 1,500 seniors in the state. He is a long-time member of the association and served as supreme president from 2007 to 2009. In his new role, he also will serve on the board of directors of the association’s Management Company, Hellenic Development Inc., Hellenic Management Inc. and several boards that oversee the affordable assisted living facilities. The association was founded in 1922 in response to bigotry and racism faced by Greek immigrants. Since then, it has grown into a national philanthropic organization that helps Americans regardless of their heritage. In addition to senior housing, the organization provides scholarships, donates to humanitarian relief efforts and established a marrow donor registry.

UAB Makes List of 100 Great Hospitals in America

UAB Hospital has been listed on the Becker’s Hospital Review 2018 list of 100 Great Hospitals in America, the only Alabama hospital to make the list. “This designation is a testament to our faculty and staff, who every day exemplify what it means and what it takes to be a national leader in health care,” said Will Ferniany, CEO of the UAB Health System. “UAB is a leader in research, clinical care and medical education, which are the building blocks for making a truly outstanding hospital.” Becker’s Healthcare is a leading source of business and legal information for the health care industry. It’s top 100 list includes hospitals that have been recognized nationally for excellence in clinical care, patient outcomes, and staff and physician satisfaction, according to a statement from UAB. Hospitals on the list have achieved advanced accreditation and certification in several specialties. The list also includes industry innovators that have sparked trends in health care technology, hospital management and patient satisfaction. UAB also took the No. 1 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s 2017-18 list of best hospitals in Alabama. It is the thirdlargest public hospital in the United States.

MBHS Names ‘Community Champion’ of Entrepreneurship Program, Seeks Volunteers Grantland Rice IV, chief operating officer at Cobbs Allen, a risk management consulting firm headquartered in Birmingham, will be taking on the community champion role in Mountain Brook High School’s Experiential Entrepreneurship Program.   “I am very excited to help launch

‘We are very excited to partner with business professionals in the Mountain Brook community to provide this startup experience for our students. We have bright, engaging students who are constantly problem solving, and we have no doubt that they will be able to translate those skills to a successful business model.’ AMANDA HOOD, MBHS PRINCIPAL.

the incubator program at the high school,” Rice said in a press release. “Birmingham has such a wealth of business talent and I’m looking forward to connecting experienced business leaders with the students.” The incubator is a partnership with Uncharted Learning, and MBHS is the first high school in the state to launch this program. The entrepreneurship course allows student teams to create new product and service innovations. Once they have their concepts, teams compete to take business ideas from concept to successful funding in an incubator environment designed to replicate real entrepreneurial challenges. In the process, students are grounded in many of the critical skills vital for successful business building, including collaboration, adaptability, critical thinking, creativity and problem solving. Community involvement is essential in the success of this program.

“We are very excited to partner with business professionals in the Mountain Brook community to provide this startup experience for our students. We have bright, engaging students who are constantly problem solving, and we have no doubt that they will be able to translate those skills to a successful business model. One of the great strengths of our high school is the support of our community, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with local business professional(s) to bring their experience to our students and into our classrooms,” said Amanda Hood, MBHS principal.

Volunteers Needed

School officials are looking for professional volunteers to be coaches, mentors and advisers. A coach would be a subject-matter expert who collaborates with the teacher to deliver the course curriculum. Time commitment would be one to five days a school year for one class period. Mentors work with small groups of students and advise them on how to design and test a specific business idea. Mentors would meet with students once a month to guide them and help them learn how to find answers themselves. In addition, a board of advisers made up of volunteer business professionals and entrepreneurs will offer strategic direction to student teams. The advisers will be in the class a minimum of two times in the school year to hear shark tank-style pitches, during which students could be awarded funding by advisers. After an application process, 24 students were selected to be part of this inaugural course. The program, called Incubatoredu, will be housed in the high school’s business department and will be taught by Lori Beasley, Amber Benson, Brooke Hawkins and Jill C. McGee. Rice, a Mountain Brook alum, serves on the Mountain Brook City School’s Career Tech Advisory Committee. He also is involved with the Birmingham Venture Club and has experience as a consultant with many start-up and established business. An informational meet and greet about the program will be May 23 at 5:30 p.m. at MBHS. For more information, contact Brooke Hawkins at hawkinsb@mtnbrook.k12.al.us. ❖

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BUSINESS

D1 SPORTS TRAINING MOVES TO VESTAVIA HILLS D1 Birmingham sports training has opened the doors to its new training location, in Vestavia Hills. Previously in Homewood, the facility now is at 1014 Montgomery Highway. Chris Wolfe, general manager of D1 Birmingham, said in a statement from the company that the Homewood location was large, but isolated from the community. “Our new Vestavia training facility allows our team to drive community connection and provide resources to Vestavia and the greater Birmingham area,” he said. D1 provides training for weight loss and general health conditioning along with more athletic offerings, from goal-specific private sessions to group boot camp classes, according to the statement. Athletes train with coaches to reach a wide variety of fitness goals, such as running a Spartan race, improving football combine performance or winning a mixed martial arts competition. The Vestavia location offers several new features, including 15 yards of new turf, six weightlifting rack stations and assault bikes. Members also have an outdoor space for running. The new location opened May 7.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Chris Wolfe, general manager of D1 Birmingham, above, said in a statement from the company that the Homewood location was large, but isolated from the community. An open house and grand opening party, set for June 9, will include four workouts, local food vendors and giveaways.

For more information and a schedule of classes for adults and youth, visit www.d1sportstraining. com/birmingham. ❖

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SPORTS

LET IT REIGN

John Carroll Ends Brief Title Drought With Another Soccer Championship By Rubin E. Grant Even though it had been only two years since they had won a soccer championship, the John Carroll Catholic Cavaliers felt the wait had been a lot longer. John Carroll ended their somewhat brief absence without the state championship blue trophy last Saturday when they beat Gardendale 2-0 to claim the girls Class 6A crown in the 28th Alabama High School Athletic Association Soccer Championships at Huntsville’s John Hunt Soccer Complex. The championship is John Carroll’s fourth in the past five years and fifth overall. “This means so much more than when we won it as freshmen and sophomores,” senior midfielder and co-captain Mary Grace Farr said. “It’s an amazing feeling, almost like we’d forgotten what it felt (like). It’s blown everything we expected out of the water.” Senior center back Carley Horner, the other co-captain, was just as euphoric. “I’m so happy to take the title and restore it back where we feel it belongs,” Horner said. Before the season, the Cavaliers put up a photo in their school locker room of Chelsea celebrating its 2017 Class 6A state title. It provided motivation because Chelsea eliminated John Carroll in quarterfinals last year, ending the Cavaliers’ streak of three consecutive state championships. “That fueled our fire,” Farr said. “We went all out this

HOMEWOOD, From page 36

team’s defense and that kept them from getting to our defense.” Homewood beat Northview 4-0 in the semifinals, limiting the Cougars to only three shots on goal. Myers’ recorded two saves. The Patriots broke the game open with three goals in the second half. Sophomore Brooks Brannon scored at 26:56 of the first half. Junior Jackson Wallace scored just 1:54 into the second half, and junior Connor Smith

VESTAVIA, From page 36

“All six of them were leaders and they all contributed every game,” said Littleton. “And when they weren’t playing, they were leading off the field, being good mentors for the young kids. Because we had six freshmen, too. We played at least three

season.” The top-ranked Cavaliers got some sweet revenge, defeating Chelsea 4-0 in the quarterfinals to earn their trip to Huntsville for the Final Four. In the semifinals, John Carroll beat Northview 4-0 behind junior Gabby Bernal’s two goals. Lauren Hooten and Kennedi Langan scored the other goals. The Cavaliers’ defense did not allow the Cougars’ a single shot on goal. The final was a rematch of a regular-season meeting in which John Carroll beat Gardendale 4-0. But the Cavaliers were not overconfident. “When we saw we were going to play Gardendale, we knew we were never one to go in to a game nonchalantly,” Farr said. “We came out playing our game.” John Carroll (21-3-1) limited Gardendale (14-6-1) to only one shot and stayed on the offensive the entire match, taking 22 shots overall and 12 on goal. Bernal, the finals MVP, gave John Carroll (21-3-1) the lead with a goal at 25:10 in the first half. Claire Davies scored the other goal eight minutes later as the Cavs took a 2-0 lead in at halftime and then preserved it the rest of the game. “It’s fantastic to win again,” John Carroll coach Robert Crawford said. “I’ve got a great group of girls who worked so hard all year. “Before the season, we did a thing called hold the rope and asked each of them who they were going to trust. We didn’t have any discord all season. They cared for one another and trusted one another.” ❖

added two goals to close the scoring. Homewood followed a similar script in the championship game against Fort Payne. The teams had battled to a scoreless tie during the regular season and the first half in the final ended in a scoreless tie. But Homewood went on the offensive in the second half to take control. Senior forward Eric Hepp scored the Patriots’ first goal on an assist from Smith early in the half. Hepp, who earned MVP honors, added his second goal at 68:02, driving past two Wildcats defenders to score. Jackson Wallace tacked on the third goal less than two minutes later.

Fort Payne (19-4-3) had not allowed a goal in three playoff matches entering the final. Myers was solid in goal, recording four saves. The championship was the fifth in school history for Homewood and the first since 2014. “I told the kids that we had to play without pressure every single game,” Homewood coach Sean McBride said. “I think they grew stronger, stronger and stronger. I think it was just fitting the way the season went for these guys and this group of seniors, especially.” ❖

freshmen most games. (The seniors) were just good leaders. I just had to coach, really. They made sure they were working hard and that everyone around them was working hard, too. And everyone around ‘em followed them.” The girls said they were close on and off the field. “I think it helped a lot that we have a good relationship,” Korn said. “There’s no dissension. I think coach

Littleton may have been worried at the beginning of the season that, with so many seniors, we’d get unfocused near the end of the season because everyone has so much going on, but she helped us stay on track and it was good to have a lot of leaders.” Korn feels confident about the team that her class will leave behind. “I feel great about next year’s team, she said. “I think they’re very capable.” ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Mountain Brook’s McMillan Named National Basketball Coach of the Year

Bucky McMillan, head coach of Mountain Brook High School, has been named the 2017-18 National High School Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association. McMillan, who just finished his 10th year as Mountain Brook’s head coach, led the school to its second straight Class 7A state championship this past season. It was the Spartans fourth state championship in the past six years. “Coach McMillan has amassed an incredible record with four Alabama state championships as a head coach,” Eric Hess, executive director of the NHSCA, said in a prepared statement. “His commitment to excellence for his student-athletes on and off the court makes him a great choice for this honor.” McMillan is the first Alabama coach to receive the award. “When I look at the names of past recipients and see names like Bob Hurley Sr., Gary McKnight, Boo Williams and others – guys who have dedicated a lifetime to the game and are truly legends in the game of basketball – it really puts things in perspective,” McMillan said in an interview. “Being able to represent Alabama as the first coach to ever receive the national coach of the year award makes me proud to represent our state in that regard.” He said he considered the award not just honoring himself, but his team, as well. “Even though my name is on the award, it really is a group award. I feel we have an incredible staff here at Mountain Brook, the high school coaches, the junior high coaches and all the coaches who play a part in helping develop our youth starting in the second grade,” McMillan said. The team also has been recog-

nized for its season. It recently was one of 10 teams presented with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy as part of the 13th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions. The presentation was to be made during a school assembly May 15. Mountain Brook finished its 2017-18 season with a 34-3 record and ranked No. 20 in the USA Today Super 25 national rankings. The team won 23 straight games at the end of the season with a 15-point average margin of victory. Over the past six seasons, Mountain Brook has gone163-44. McMillan also was named the Over the Mountain Journal’s Coach of the Year. He said the national award was a tribute to the players on his team as well as himself. “Not only did they win the state championship handily in our state’s top classification, but further played one of the most difficult schedules of anyone in the country while playing in many elite national tournaments,” he said. McMillan pointed out that the players excelled off the court, as well. He bragged about their high ACT scores and grade point averages and said the team included National Honor Society members and National Merit finalists, among other awards. “This group of players happens to be champions, but they also happen to be outstanding individuals that I am so honored to call each and every person associated with this team my friend, my brother and my greatest inspiration,” he said. “This award is for all of us and should only be viewed as further recognition of all this group’s remarkable achievements.” — Staff Reports

Auburn Tops Vestavia in Soccer Championship Match

Vestavia Hills’ boys soccer team fell to Auburn in the championship game May 12, losing the final contest 2-1. Auburn High claimed its second Class 7A Boys’ State Soccer Championship in the school’s history, ending the year with a 15-4-0 record. Vestavia High started the year with two losses, then turned around and won all of its games until the championship. It ended the year with a record of 18-6-1. In the championship game, played at John Hunt Soccer Complex in Huntsville, Auburn was up 2-0 midway through the second half. Vestavia closed the gap to 2-1 with 11:30 remaining in the game, but it was unable to score the rest of the game, according to a statement from the AHSAA. ❖

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

34 • Thursday, May 17, 2018

Vestavia’s Jack Strong advances the ball in the Rebel’s title loss to Auburn on May 12. More photos at otmjsports.com

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 35

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Homewood Sweeps Track and Field Championships Senior Will Stone Delivers His Personal Best

Homewood swept each of the boys state meets during the school year, claiming the cross-country title last fall and the indoor crown in the winter. Homewood girls won their fifth consecutive outdoor title with 126.75 points, easily outdistancing second-place Pelham with 81 points.

Stone won the 3,200-meter on Thursday with a time of 9.27.82. On Friday, he won the 1,600 with a time of 4.22.38 and chased down a runner on the final leg as the Patriots won the 4x800 relay with a time of 8.17.80. After two grueling days, Stone came back on Saturday and set a personal record while winning the 800-meter in 1.55.97. “That was crazy,” Esslinger exclaimed. Stone was almost in disbelief that he’d set a personal best in the 800. “I had already run three events and the 800 was the most competitive,”

Stone said. “It was an afternoon race and my calves were sore. I tried to do as much stretching as I could before the race, and then I still ran a personal record. It was amazing.” Stone was the Patriots’ only individual winner, but they had several other solid performances, including Eli Brooks’ second-place finish in the pole vault, in which he cleared 13 feet, 6 inches. Homewood had 80.5 total points, while second-place Northridge had 63. “I didn’t know if we would pull it off,” Esslinger said. “It was 50-50 going into the last day. It’s a team sport and

we preach that. It’s everyone doing their job, getting those fourth, fifth and even eighth-play finishes to score points. We were solid across the board.” Homewood swept each of the boys state meets during the school year, claiming the cross-country title last fall and the indoor crown in the winter. It’s the first time since 2014 the Patriots have accomplished the triple crown, which was also the last year they had won the outdoor. “It’s really awesome for our team,” Stone said. “We won all three a few years ago, but I wasn’t there, so it was good for our team to get the sweep.”

Meanwhile, the Homewood girls won their fifth consecutive outdoor title with 126.75 points, easily outdistancing second-place Pelham with 81 points. “Our girls came up big in multiple events,” Esslinger said. Senior Jasmine Griffin battled hamstring issues to win the 100- and 300meter hurdles and finish third in the 100-meter dash. Christian Hill won the triple jump with a personal record leap of 39 feet, 3.75 inches, while Kayla Mikula was third with 37-5.75. Hill finished second in the long jump behind teammate Aiya Finch, who jumped 18-5. Celie Jackson won the 3,200-meter run in 11:28 and finished third in both the 800 and 1,600. Alex Brooks won the pole vault, clearing 11 feet. Anna Grace Gibbons finished third by clearing 9 feet, 6 inches. Makiyah Sills was third in the 100 hurdles. The 4x800 relay team finished third in 10:19.1. The Homewood girls also won the state indoor meet and finished second in cross-country. “It was a stressful year, a hard year to get through, but they competed well,” Esslinger said. ❖

Photos courtesy Hoover High School

Will Stone’s brilliant high school track career might have reached legendary status last week at the 94th Alabama High School Athletic Association Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Stone won each distance race – 800 meters, 1,600 meters and 3,200 meters – and ran the anchor leg of Homewood’s first-place 4x800 relay team, leading the Patriots to the Class 6A boys championship at the Gulf Shores Sports Complex. “I would have to say that was my best meet,” Stone said. “I was very excited, the most excited I’ve ever been.” Homewood track coach Tom Esslinger also said Stone’s performance was par excellence, even though the Patriots’ junior is a two-time crosscountry state champion and multiple winner in previous indoor and outdoor state championship events. “That was probably one of the best individual performances we’ve seen, especially since the state meet was moved from a two-day event to a threeday event,” Esslinger said. “To win four races over two days is exceptional, but to have to come back and compete on a third day when you’re tired and sore is phenomenal.”

Girls Claim Fifth Consecutive Crown

Photo courtesy Homewood High School

By Rubin E. Grant

Humphrey’s Best Highlights Hoover’s Sweep of Class 7A Track Championships

By Rubin E. Grant

Marion Humphrey wanted his final high school track meet to be special. It turned out to be that and more as the 94th Alabama High School Athletic Association State Track and Field Championships unfolded last week at the Gulf Shores Sports Complex. Humphrey was simply at his best, setting a new Class 7A record in the 400-meter dash with a time of 47.43 seconds. He also won the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, clocking 36.00 seconds to break the previous mark of 37.90 set in 2016 by Emanuel Taite of Thompson. The record took on even more significance for Humphrey because it was the overall best 300-meter intermediate hurdles time in AHSAA meet history, eclipsing the 36.33 time clocked by his older brother, Marlon Humphrey, for Hoover in the 2013 Class 6A state meet. Humphrey won the 110 hurdles as well, clocking a 14-second flat time, followed by teammate Noah Williams at 14.42.

“This was my last track meet and I wanted it to end on the right note,” Humphrey said. “I was definitely able to accomplish what I wanted. I had personal records in all of my events.” After each of his victories, his brother was there to greet him. Marlon Humphrey, a Baltimore Ravens’ defensive back, spent part of his NFL offseason as a volunteer assistant coach for the Bucs’ track team. “He gave me a lot of pointers,” Marion Humphrey said. “He was on the infield and congratulated me. It was pretty cool, knowing he won these events, too.” Marion Humphrey’s stellar performance helped the Hoover boys win their ninth state title since 2005, out-pointing second-place Smiths Station 138-83.

Girls’ Victory

The Hoover girls scored 125 points to claim their seventh consecutive state title and 10th overall. Auburn was second with 94.50 points. “They really delivered,” Hoover track coach

Devon Hind said of his teams. “They keep amazing me every year.” The Bucs’ boys and girls set five school records, including the 4x400 relay, which had a state record time of 3:15.49 in perhaps the fastest overall 4x400 relay race in AHSAA history. Central-Phenix City set the previous record, 3:19.94, in 2017. The Bucs also clocked the fastest time in the 4x100-meter relay. Kyle Smith broke the school record in the triple jump with a leap of 48 feet, 6 inches, which was good for second place. Smith also finished second in the long jump me with a distance of 22-7.50. On the girls side, Riley White tied her own school record in the pole vault, clearing 12 feet to win the event. Deja Washington set a school record in the shot put with a toss of 39 feet, 3 inches while placing fourth. And the 4x100 freshman team broke the school record with a time of 49.48. Among Hoover’s other top girls performances, Chakiya Plummer won the 300-meter hurdles, clocking 43.53. Michelle Nkoudou won the 100-

meter hurdles with a time of 14.28, just ahead of Plummer’s 14.46. The Bucs girls won the 4x800-meter relay in 9:17.54 and finished second in the 4x400 relay with a time of 3:52.78. Anna Kay Clark finished second in the javelin and Genesis Jones was second in the high jump. As for the boys, James Courson won the pole vault by clearing 16 feet, 9 inches, 3 inches shy of the state record set in 2015 by Sean Collins of McGill-Toolen. Courson defeated the secondplace finisher by more than 2 feet. R.J. Nelson finished second in the 100-meter dash and Sam Fort finished second in the javelin. Alex Leary finished third in the 800-meter run and John Watkins was third in the triple jump. “I think it’s just a matter of success breeding success,” Hind said of his teams’ accomplishments. “We’ve got a good history. We have excellent assistant coaches, former athletes who come back, volunteer and give input into the program like Marlon. The athletes come out and learn from others who have been here and it just snowballs.” ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

Big Blue

SPORTS

Hoover and Homewood Sweep Track and Field Championships PAGE 35

Vestavia Hills Girls Take the Trophy Back From McGill-Toolen Vestavia Hills took home its fifth 7A girls state soccer championship, beating McGill-Toolen 2-1 to end the year with a 22-3-1 record. The win, secured May 12, was sweet for the girls, who lost their championship bid last year to McGillToolen. It was the fourth win for coach Brigid Littleton, who said each of her championship teams was different. “A couple of years, there was no doubt. Nobody could hang with us. We probably should have won last year; two years ago there was no doubt. This year, there was that same type of attitude. They believed in

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

By Blake Ells

Members of the Vestavia Hills 7A girls state soccer team celebrate their championship win over rival McGill-Toolen. More photos at otmjsports.com.

everything we were doing.” It began with the team’s attitude at the start of the day, something Littleton said was much different than

it was a year ago. “When we got on … (the) bus, I looked at them and they were wideeyed. They were ready, they were

alert,” she said. “And I said, ‘Are you ready?’ and they said, ‘Coach, we’ve got this. We’re going to win.’ They were confident. They weren’t cocky.

They just knew that we could execute what we practice; execute what we had seen on film. Deny them what they want to do.” Junior Faith Hauberg and senior Taylor Korn each scored goals in the Rebels’ victory. It was Korn’s that secured the win. “I knew when we got their center back a step and Taylor got free and broke away, I knew that she had a shot,” said Littleton. “She drilled it so perfectly.” Hauberg earned MVP honors in the state finals. Goalkeeper Anna Woodson had five saves to help secure the title. “We don’t get tired,” Littleton said. “We’re going to work harder and we are going to be stronger and faster than everybody else. Even when they tied it up, they weren’t worried. I could hear them on the bench, ‘We’re going to score again.’” This year’s squad had six seniors, four of whom also were on the 2016 state championship team. See VESTAVIA, page 34

‘ROCK-SOLID’ By Rubin E. Grant Late Sunday afternoon, more than 24 hours after Homewood had claimed the Class 6A boys soccer championship, Patriots senior goalkeeper Ian Myers was still trying to grasp what they had accomplished. “It still hasn’t set in fully,” Myers said. Top-ranked Homewood scored two goals in a two-minute stretch late in the second half to seal a hard-fought 3-0 victory against secondranked Fort Payne last Saturday in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Soccer Championship at Huntsville’s John Hunt Soccer Complex. Homewood (24-0-2) completed an undefeated season in the process and recorded their 20th

shutout. The Patriots allowed only nine goals the entire season. Myers didn’t take credit for all the shutouts. He said it was a team effort. “It would be easy for me to say I was responsible for all the shutouts, but from top to bottom, our team played hard together,” Myers said. “We all had the same goal in mind all season and we just had to go out and make it happen. “Our defense was rock-solid all season. Our midfielders Stanford (Massie) and Jake (Henderson), our two captains, were good attacking at midfield and getting back and playing defense. We scored 106 goals, so our strikers were good at putting pressure on the other

See HOMEWOOD, page 34

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Homewood Completes Undefeated Season With Soccer Championship

Homewood senior forward Eric Hepp earned MVP honors as the Patriots claimed the Class 6A boys soccer championship. More photos at otmjsports.com

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