5.4.17

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

SPORTS

Photo special to the Journal

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

Tommy and Ginger Mayfield, pictured with daughters Polly and Louise, started Wyndy to help parents hire babysitters with less hassle. The name alludes to the character Wendy from the J.M. Barrie story on Peter Pan. Though they try to shy away from the comparison, in a nutshell, they describe the app as the Uber of babysitting, with important distinctions.

A Mom’s (or Dad’s) Greatest Resource Parenting Websites and Apps Focus on Birmingham Issues and Events

There is no doubt that the internet has changed parenting. Thousands of books on everything from sleep training to finger foods have been replaced by millions of websites and blogs tackling issues such as screen time and non-GMO baby food.

But according to several Birmingham entrepreneurs, one thing hasn’t changed: Parents use other parents as their greatest resource and sounding board. With that in mind, they’ve set up websites and apps specifically to connect Birmingham parents with local issues, events and resources. See story page 12.

INSIDE

A FAMILY RELAYS Vestavia Hills Mother and Children Join the Fight Against Cancer.

PAGE 14

SIMPLY STUNNING MotherDaughter Team Blends Old and New in the Dining Room at this Year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse.

PAGE 26

ROLLING UP TO THE ROUNDUP PreSchool Partners Hosts Annual Food Truck Rally at The Summit.

PAGE 32

2 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

MURPHY’S LAW

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Deep Pocket Parenting

From left, Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry with city council members George Pierce and Kimberly Cook at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the city’s newest park located in Cahaba Heights.

Vestavia Hills Celebrates Opening of Meadowlawn Park On May 1, the city of Vestavia Hills hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Meadowlawn Park. The 2-acre “pocket park” is located in Cahaba Heights off of Dolly Ridge Road.

“This will be a place that people can walk to, they can enjoy neighborhood amenities, someone who works at The Heights Village, if they wanted to walk over and have a picnic lunch, they could do that – that sort of thing,” Vestavia Hills Director of Public Services Brian Davis said in a release.

The park includes an open lawn, a walking track and playground equipment, and a portion of the park construction reroutes the creek that borders the property to mitigate flooding while maintaining a natural flow. ❖

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN 3 PEOPLE 8 NEWS 10 LIFE 12 SOCIAL 18

WEDDINGS 23 HOME 26 FOOD 32 SCHOOLS 36 SPORTS 40

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 4, 2017 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: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Jordan Wald, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Annie Howard Vol. 27, No. 18

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

Copyright 2017 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.

deep pockets. I’m not talking about My older daughter had to return to financial pockets, although no one is Ireland to tidy up things for her move giving away those trips to Chuckie back to the states, so I volunteered to Cheese. No, I’m referring to actual, watch my younger grandchildren physical pockets, the kind that come in while she was away. It had been a long your jeans or your shorts or hopefully, time since I’d had a pair of toddlers for more than an afternoon, so I had to both. Actually, you’ll need pockets in brush up on my grandmom repertoire your bathrobe, too. but fast.

I’m a longtime fan of pockYou see, short term, a grandma can ets. How else would you keep your be just fun and games. But when tissues and Chapstick in quick-draw Grandma is on 24-hour duty, she has position? Back when I was teaching, to add a little bit of mom into the mix my pockets served as transitional because there are vegetables that have stops for lost game pieces. When dear to be eaten and fights to referee and, old Buster Joe was with us, I was even if there are protests, everyone always pocketing a dog cookie or Sue Murphy needs a bath and a nap every day two. (including Grandma). I drove my For front-line parents, pockets You see, short term, a provide daughter to the airport, counting on a necessary level of limbo. the idea that the mom part of the grandma can be just fun While I was on grandmom duty, I equation would come back to me a two-pocket system. One and games. But when instituted like riding a bicycle. pocket served as a receptacle for It did, but the first revelation Grandma is on 24-hour permanent rejects, like the aforecharacter cereal, a diswas that, like riding a bicycle, if duty, she has to add a mentioned carded yogurt lid my grandson you stop pedaling, you will crash, or at least fall into logistical disrelittle bit of mom into the picked up under the slide at the playground and wet wipes that pair. Oh sure, there were spots durmix because there are were used to sanitize his hands ing the day when I could coast, like at naptime and after the kids went to vegetables that have to afterward. The other pocket held things still viable but currently not bed, but even then, I had to be ready be eaten and fights to in play – toys they were fighting to resume pedaling at a moment’s notice if someone woke up crying referee and, even if there over, small objects I feared they would choke on and Lego pieces because they lost Peppa Pig in the are protests, everyone that had skittered under the dining covers.

Other things I had completely needs a bath and a nap room table. At the first opportunity, forgotten, like the fact that if you both pockets were emptied, and every day (including buy one of those cartoon character just as quickly, they were filled up cereals, kids will eat the marshmalagain.

Grandma). lows and the cereal will end up in a It all worked out. My daughter sticky reject pile, or the simple truth returned last Saturday to find the that when kids put on their shoes, despite that officially same two children she left me with and only a smatthere is a 50/50 chance of getting them on the correct tering of Grandma spoiling to overcome. So, now I am feet, they will get it wrong 75 percent of the time. back to just being Grandma, my pocket filled with tissues and Chapsticks … and one of Barbie’s shoes. Oh The biggest lesson I relearned was that, to be a sucwell, I’ll find her hobbling around eventually. ❖ cessful parent, a person needs two things: patience and

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Who’s your favorite movie or TV mom?

“Carol Brady, mom of three kids and three adopted children. She had her hands full.”

Lindsay Puckett Mountain Brook

“Cersei Lannister, ‘Game of Thrones,’ she would do anything for her kids.”

Hunter Garrison Birmingham “Linda Belcher, ‘Bob’s Burgers,’ has a good sense of humor and is supportive of her children.”

Ayumi Byrd Birmingham “Lorelai Gilmore, ‘Gilmore Girls,’ demonstrates authenticity and vulnerability at the same time.”

Samantha Smith Hoover

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photo special to the Journal

MAY 4 - 17

7:30 a.m. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the park will transform into fairgrounds featuring rides, music, a silent auction and a vendor expo. There is no admission, but a $15 wristband provides all-day access to attractions. For more information, visit homewoodparks. com.

and dining packages, artwork and jewelry. Tickets are $95 and proceeds benefit the foundation’s efforts to support research and provide support services for local families affected by alzheimer’s and dementia. For more information, visit alzca.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Mayfest Avondale Brewing

Garden Art Party Iron City

Thurs., May 4 HOMEWOOD

Lois Conner Opening Reception AMW Inc.

The store will kick off an exhibition from 5-7 p.m. of landscape photographer Lois Conner, awarded the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation grant and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship.

For more information, call 870-3588.

Fri., May 5

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 3

ABOUT TOWN

Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama will host its 21st annual party from 7-10 p.m. The event will include both a live and silent auction. Bob Straka will serve as auctioneer of the live auction featuring trips, entertainment

BIRMINGHAM

Make-A-Wish Alabama will host a fundraiser from noon-5 p.m.

Attendees can enjoy live music, food from local food trucks and craft beer from Avondale. All proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish Alabama. For more information, visit alabama.wish.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Mindbender 5K Red Mountain Park

The 3rd annual 5k run/walk will begin with a 7 a.m. registration and an 8 a.m. start to benefit Alzheimers’ research and caregiver’s support. The trails are off road with scenic foliage around every bend. Entry is is $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Kids 12 and under are free. For more information, visit alzarcs.org.

VESTAVIA HILLS

Unless U Shop Vestavia Hills Civic Center Gym

This community-wide annual fundraising event seeks to highlight small

businesses and hard-working individuals who support the mission of Unless U and care for students. This event is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and is an opportunity for Unless U to spotlight students as well as bring the community together for a day of shopping, eating and entertainment. There will be a showcase of “Hairspray” at noon.

Tickets are $10. For more information, visit “Unless U” Facebook page.

HOOVER

Fight the Bite 5k Run Walk & Wag Veterans Park

Alabama Lyme Disease Association will host its annual 5k

See FIGHT THE BITE, page 6

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BIRMINGHAM

Fiesta Ball

The Young Supporters Board for the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center will host its annual ball benefitting cancer research at UAB. The event will include Mexican food, a silent auction and music by Livewire.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $40 per person. For more information, visit 3.ccc.uab.edu VESTAVIA HILLS

First Friday Rocky Ridge

Enjoy live music and children’s activities from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Rocky Ridge Business District. Visit the area restaurants for food and beverages. For more information, visit vestaviahills.org.

May 5-7 BIRMINGHAM

Celebrating Spring With Dance Alabama School of Fine Arts

The school will host a student performance showcasing dancing styles ranging from classical ballet to contemporary choreography. The presentation will be held in the school’s Dorothy Jemison Day Theater.

Showtimes are May 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. and May 7 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit djdtheater.org.

Sat., May 6 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Classic Day in English Village English Village

Classic cars will be lined up, and the merchandise from the fine shops of English Village will be out on display. You can listen to live music and check out the cars and unique finds of English Village. For more information, visit welcometomountainbrook. com.

HOMEWOOD

We Love Homewood Day Homewood Central Park

Homewood Parks and Recreation will host a community celebration beginning with a 5k and fun run at

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4 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

PETZNICK DENTAL GENERAL AND AESTHETIC DENTISTRY

COLLIER’S Journal photos by Emily Williams

Nursery

Celebrating 20 Years 1997-2017

A SEASON FOR

make Theplants dentistto you know and trust in a MOM'S s p r i n g brand new, state-of-the-art facility. spirit bloom For nearly years, D IGG I N G , 30 PLA N T I NDr. G APaul N D Petznick has

blooming

been caring for dental patients in the Birmingham area. Now, at his new facility, you can experience a first-class quality of care backed by the most advanced equipment and procedures that the industry has to offer.

WELL-ORGANIZED ACRES OF SHRUBS, eENJOY n j o y 111/1/2 2 well-organized acres of shrubs, PERENNIALS, Fromtthe you your r emoment es, gr o uwalk n ANNUALS, d through c o v e rour sHERBS , doors, v i n e& sEDIBLES , comfort h e r b sand , AS WELL AS A KNOWLEDGEABLE, HELPFUL v eour g g highest i e s , priorities. p e r e n Our n i ahighly l s , skilled a n d team ann u als care are is STAFF focused a s w eyour l l ageneral, s a k nrestorative o w l e d g eand a b lcosmetic e , h e l pdentistry f u l s t aneeds, ff on meeting

Above, members of St. Jude’s Field of Dreams planning committee, front, from left: Meleesa Jack, chair; Molly Fielding, chair; Emily Anderson, founder; and Monica Vercher. Back: Haley Heard; Katie Hoffman; Jen Reese; Carmen Boehme, auction chair; Sarah Kathryn Tarter; Melanie Riley; Kelly Webb; Rose Kausler, publicity chair/auction cochair; Ashley Bazemore; and Krissi Williford. Below, Emily Anderson and her son, Slade.

Dream Big

Mountain Brook Mother and Son Raise Money to Thank St. Jude

By Emily Williams

Part one of Crestline Elementary student Slade Anderson’s advice to kids suffering from pediatric cancer: Never and our clean, contemporary office will put your mind at ease. stop believing. Part two: Go to the St. Jude Research Hospital Gift Shop. . Homewood, Anderson is no stranger to the halls ON – S AT patients 9 - 5:30 in S UN 1 - 5 . 2904 O LD RMountain OCKY R IDGEBrook, RD. ComeMsee why Vestavia, of St. Jude, traveling between its and the greater Birmingham area trust Dr. Petznick and his team location in Memphis and his with their smiles. Please call today to make an appointment. home in Mountain Brook to receive treatment for leukemia.

C L E A N I N G • W H I T E N I N G • R E S TO R AT I V E D E N T I S T RY While on a Thanksgiving holiGE ENNE ERRAAL L AANNDD AAE ES ST THHE ET TI C I C DDE ENNS TTIISS TTRRYY day trip in 2012, Slade developed Collier's G G ENERAL AND AESTHETIC DENSTISTRY a fever and earache, and his parOver The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 ents sought medical attention at an March urgent This isMay your AD PROOF from 11am-2pm the OVER THEor MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for thecare clinic. From the clinic, 3-4th from 4-6pm GENERAL AND AESTHETIC DENSTISTRY Slade was taken by ambulance to April 5, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

St. Jude, where he and his family We are located in the Brookwood Dental Arts Building received a diagnosis of childhood Please make sure all information correct, 2045 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, is Suite 6 acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Including address and 35209 phone number!

“For the first eight weeks, Homewood, Alabama Slade was at St. Jude receiving For an Appointment: 205-326-7444 Please initial andyoufaxknow back within 24 hours.

Thefrom dentist and trust in in aa the press date, treatment. He never left,” Slade’s The dentist trust If we have not heard youyou by 5know pm ofand the Friday before mother, Emily Anderson, said. brand new, state-of-the-art facility. ad run is.d Weeprint facility. w w w pyour e tbrand zwill nnew, i casstate-of-the-art k n the t apaper l Monday. com With the facility dedicated to The dentist know and trust in Thank you for your attention.

For nearly 30you years, Dr.prompt Paul Petznick has a researching and treating childhood canFor nearly 30 years, Dr. Paul Petznick has been caring caring for dental patients patients in infacility. the brand new,for state-of-the-art cer, Slade was treated in a clinic specifbeen dental the Birmingham area. area. Now, Now, at at his his new new facility, facility, ically for patients with ALL and AML, Birmingham nearly 30know years,and Paul in Petznick TheFor dentist you trust a you can experience experience a Dr. first-class quality ofhas care acute myeloid leukemia. The environyou can a first-class quality of care The dentist you know and trust in a been caring formost dental patients in the and brand new, state-of-the-art facility. backed by the advanced equipment backed by the most advanced equipment and ment provided a strong sense of comBirmingham area.

Now, at his new facility, new, state-of-the-art facility. procedures that the industry has to to offer.

Forbrand nearly 30 years, Dr.industry Paul Petznick has been procedures that the has offer. munity and support, according to youfor can experience ainfirst-class quality area. of care caring dental patients the Birmingham Anderson, with Slade attending the For nearly 30 years, Dr. Paul Petznick has From the the moment momentNow, you walk through our doors, doors, yourexperience comfort and backed by most advanced equipment and at histhrough newthe facility, you can a firstFrom you walk our your comfort and hospital school, eating and receiving been caring for dental patients infocused care are are our our highest highest priorities.

Our highly skilled team procedures that theskilled industry tothe offer. class qualityOur of care backed byteam the has most advanced care priorities. highly isis focused treatment surrounded by kids who were Birmingham area.

Now, at his new facility, on meeting meeting your your general, general, restorative and cosmetic cosmetic dentistry needs, equipment and procedures that the industry has to on restorative and dentistry needs, in a similar position. Slade’s personal and our clean, contemporary office will put your mind at ease. you can experience a first-class quality of care offer.walk through andthe ourmoment clean, contemporary office will putdoors, your mind ease. and From you our youratcomfort favorite was the gift shop. backed by the most advanced equipment and care are highest Our highly skilled team is and focused From theour moment youpriorities. walk through our doors, your comfort care “It’s more than even a community,” Come see why patients in Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, procedures that theteam industry has to offer. see your why patients inrestorative Homewood, Vestavia, Brook, onCome meeting general, and cosmetic dentistry needs, are our highest priorities.

Our highly skilled isMountain focused on meeting Anderson said. “These people become and the greater Birmingham area trust Dr. Petznick and his team theclean, greater Birmingham area trust Dr. Petznick and your general, restorative andcall cosmetic dentistry needs, andhis our clean, andand our contemporary office put mind at team ease. a part of your family.” with their smiles. smiles.

Please today towill make anyour appointment. with Please call today to make an appointment.

From thetheir moment through our doors, your comfort and contemporary officeyou willwalk put your mind at ease.

She noted that any time she found care are our priorities. team isTfocused Come patients Vestavia, Mountain C Lsee Esee A why Nwhy Ihighest NG • W H Iin THomewood, EHomewood, N I NOur G • highly RES T Oskilled RA TIV E D E Brook, N I Brook, S T Rand Y herself sitting with other mothers durCome patients in Vestavia, Mountain JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE on meeting yourBirmingham general, and dentistry needs, and the greater area Dr.cosmetic Petznick and with his team ing treatments or even during a meal, the greater Birmingham arearestorative trust Dr.trust Petznick and his team their May 3-4th 11am-2pm or 4-6pm and clean, contemporary office will putan your mind at ease. conversations would become unofficial withour their smiles.

Please today to make appointment. smiles.

Please call today tocall make an appointment.

JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE support groups, exchanging experiences or C L E A N May I N G •3-4th H I T Efrom N I N G11am-2pm • RESTORA T I V4-6pm E DENTIS TRY and lending advice.

ComeJOIN see why patients in Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, USWFOR OUR OPEN HOUSE “I remember when it was time to We areare located Brookwood Dental Arts Building and the greater Birmingham area trust Dental Dr. Petznick and his team We locatedininthe the 11am-2pm Brookwood Arts Building May 3-4th or 4-6pm explain things to Slade, it made it easier 2045 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, Suite 6 with their smiles.

Please call today to make an appointment.

2045 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, Suite 6 because he was surrounded by kids Homewood, Alabama 35209 Homewood, Alabama 35209 C L E A N I N G • W H I T E N I N G • R E S TO R AT I V E D E N T I S T RY who were just like him,” Anderson JOIN For USan OUR205-326-7444 OPEN HOUSE Appointment: For anFOR Appointment: 205-326-7444 said.

We are located in the11am-2pm Brookwood Dental Arts Building May 3-4th She noted that when it came time to w . ppeettz a c ww ww w zn niic ck kd deen nttor all.4-6pm co om m 2045 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, Suite 6 Homewood, Alabama 35209 C L E A N I N G • W H I T E N I N G • R E S TO R AT I V E D E N T I S T RY

822 . 3133

talk about hair loss with him, Slade’s dad simply asked him to look around at the other kids and tell him what the similarities were. When Slade made the connection that he would soon lose his hair, instead of feeling distraught he simply asked his dad to shave his own head in solidarity.

PETZNICK DENTAL PETZNICK DENTAL JOIN US FOR OUR DENTAL OPEN HOUSE PETZNICK

.

.

For an Appointment: 205-326-7444

We are located in the Brookwood Dental Arts Building

“I got to shave my uncle’s head too!” Slade proudly announced.

As treatment continued and Slade began to show progress, he split his time between St. Jude and Children’s of Alabama.

“We were so blessed to be a part of both communities,” Anderson said.

In June 2015, Slade finished his chemotherapy treatments and now has to visit the hospital only once a year for check-ups.

With St. Jude at the forefront of pediatric cancer research, Anderson said, showing support for that hospital is supporting the many hospitals across the country with which St. Jude shares its research and findings.

Though St. Jude is in Memphis, its extended community is just as strong back here in Alabama, Anderson said.

It’s through the family’s continued support of the hospital’s work that Anderson was introduced to Molly Fielding and Michael Schefano of Vestavia Hills, along with his daughter

Sophia, who also was treated at St. Jude.

Together, the three created the Field of Dreams event, which will celebrate its third annual fundraiser May 13 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel. For Anderson, it was a no-brainer to get involved with fundraising for the hospital that saved her son.

“As a mother, you’d do anything for your kids because they are such a special part of you,” she said.

With his mother serving as a founding chair, Slade has attended the event as a patient honoree each year.

“He loves to speak,” Anderson said. “He can get up in front of crowds and speak in situations that would have most adults quivering … . And he always ends with a joke.”

According to Slade, it’s important to get the crowd laughing. His closing joke usually pertains to certain auction items. The diehard Alabama and Saints fan usually will try to get folks to steer away from spending too much of their bidding money on rival teams and players.

This year’s event begins at 6 p.m.

May 13 and features silent and live auctions that will offer plenty of Auburn and Alabama-centric memorabilia, as well as vacation packages, jewelry, art and more. Slade said he has his eye on a guitar signed by Dierks Bentley, not because he enjoys the singer’s music, but because his mom does.

Serving as emcee for the evening will be Nicole Allshouse, host of ABC 33/40’s “Talk of Alabama.”

Auctioneers will be WBRC Fox 6’s Rick Karle, sports director, and Rick Journey, reporter.

Proceeds from the evening will support St. Jude’s efforts to research cures and treatments for pediatric catastrophic diseases and assist financially disadvantaged patients in financing care. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 5

ABOUT TOWN

Shop MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE A frame for a favorite photo is always an appreciated gift for Mother’s Day or Graduation.

Several sizes and styles starting at $26.

ANTIQUITIES 870-1030

The Mazza Company Diamond Button Earrings set in 14 karat yellow gold. $2,950.

BROMBERG’S 871-3276

Finex skillet, the “mother of all cast iron skillets.” $200 for 10,”$270 for 12.”

THE COOK STORE 879-5277

Visit us in Mountain Brook Village to find the perfect gift for any occasion!

Chando hand sculpted porcelain flower diffuser stems, immersed in fine French oil. Designer details with superior dispersion “throw.”

CHRISTINE’S ON CANTERBURY 871-8297

Soft cotton robe and gown, cool, comfortable and sassy. Robe, $130.

Gown, $95.

THE LINGERIE SHOPPE 871-8994

18” Kathleen Necklace with Molly Slide Pendant cast from an antique locket discovered by our designer, Elizabeth Adams. Pendant slides open to reveal your customized, private message which we will engrave. Engrave the front of the pendant if you wish, $239.

EX VOTO 538-7301

Madeline earrings inspired by the beauty of couture gowns, Mignonne Gavigan designs ornately embellished pieces meant to elevate the everyday outfit.

VILLAGE POODLE 423-5443

Signature Stackables, Bezel-set 0.30 carat diamond bangles with open-flex clasp in 14KT rose, white, or yellow gold. Exceptionally priced at $1,500 each.

AVANI RUPA FINE JEWELERS 982-4888

Mama always loves new pajamas!

Super soft Cat’s Pajamas available in fun prints, $98-$110.

MARGUERITE’S CONCEITS 879-2730

Diamond Crown Cigar Sampler and Leather Travel Case, $59.99.

VITOLA FINE CIGARS 803-1711

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BIRMINGHAM AREA BRANCHES: Alabaster - 50 Jimmy Gould Dr Alabaster, Alabama 35007 Crestline - 92 Euclid Ave Birmingham, Alabama 25213 Gardendale - 210 Fieldstown Road Gardendale, Alabama 35071 Meadowbrook - 1100 Corporate Pkwy Birmingham, Alabama 35242 Pell City - 1930 Martin St South Pell City, Alabama 35128

FIGHT THE BITE, From page 3

beginning at 7 a.m. with registration and packet pick up opens. Awards ceremony and after party will be at 9:30 a.m. and include prizes, sponsor displays, games and an awareness expo. Pets are welcome but no Pit Bulls, German Shepherds and Dobermans per insurance regulations.

Tickets are $30, $35 day of race for the 5K and $20, $25 day of race for the fun run. For more information, visit runsignup.com.

Sun., May 7 BIRMINGHAM

Arty Party B&A Warehouse

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April 10 - May 5, 2017

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Minimum opening balance for CD is $10,000 and maximum of $245,000

■

Must be money from outside of USAmeriBank

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Personal CD requires USAB personal checking account

Birmingham AIDS Outreach will host its 26th annual party benefitting the organization’s services. The event will begin at 3 p.m. and will include more than 200 pieces of art donated form local and regional artist. Guests will enjoy entertainment by String Theory & Devyani Dance Company as well as hors d’oeuvres form B&A Warehouse. Tickets are $50. For more information, visit birminghamaidsoutreach.org.

■

Business CD requires USAB business checking account

MOUNTAIN BROOK

PROMOTION DETAILS:

CALL USAMERIBANK TODAY AT 800-949-5666 *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is effective for accounts opened April 10 - May 5, 2017. Minimum deposit of $10,000 is required to open and earn stated APY with maximum deposit of $245,000 for either a personal or business CD. Interest begins to accrue on the business day you deposit your funds. We use the daily balance method to calculate the interest on your account. This method applies a daily periodic rate to the principal in the account each day. Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly. If you close the account before interest is credited you may receive the accrued interest. Penalty for early withdrawal. One-time penalty-free withdrawal after account has been opened for a minimum of 6 days. Fees may reduce earnings. Funds must come from a source outside USAmeriBank. Offer not valid to brokers, dealers or other fi nancial institutions.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

LUMINOX MONTBLANC PANERAI PHILIP STEIN RAYMOND WEIL

ROLEX SWISS ARMY TAVANNES TECHNOMARINE

Wednesday, May 10th & Thursday May 11th 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Just in time for Mother’s Day, Graduation and Father’s Day.

Free gift with every watch purchase!

All sales final. No returns or exchanges.

75th Birthday Kick Off Celebration City Hall

The City of Mountain Brook, Mountain Brook Schools, the Emmet O’Neal Library, and the Mountain Brook Chamber present the 75th Birthday Celebration of Mountain Brook. Birthday cake will be served from 3-5 p.m. on the front lawn of City Hall. There will be a kids zone featuring a dunking booth and bouncey house. This will also be the release date of the Great Mountain Brook Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a copy of the scavenger hunt at the Birthday Kick-Off Celebration, and turn it in to Emmet O’Neal by May 24 for your chance to win Village Gold. For more information, visit welcometomountainbrook.com.

Alden Blackwell says what began as a photo display of the 2007 Homewood High School class’ past has become Patriots of the Past, a gallery displaying more than 50 photos from Homewood High School yearbooks between 1973 and 2007.

Patriots of the Past Graduate Creates Photo Gallery Celebrating Homewood High School

By Emily Williams When it came time to prepare for her class’ 10-year reunion, Alden Blackwell wanted to create something special in Rosewood Hall.

What began as a photo display of the 2007 Homewood High School class’ past has become Patriots of the Past, a gallery displaying more than 50 photos from Homewood High School yearbooks between 1973 and 2007.

According to Blackwell, the photo display represents the essence of Patriot Pride. The photos will be organized by year and, in honor of her class, the 2007 Who’s Who of Homewood High School will be prominently displayed.

“Another thing that surprised me when I looked through the yearbooks was the diversity,” she said. “I was very proud of that.”

She recalled running across a photo of a black student and white student at a sporting event reaching out and clasping hands in celebration and was happy to find that it was from the early 1970s, a time still shrouded in racial tension.

As she filtered through 34 years of yearbook photos, she found it fairly easy to whittle down her top picks, favoring candid photos over the posed shots.

“I really just chose the photos that stuck out to me. Photos that weren’t too cheesy,” she said.

Blackwell paid homage to her own high school experience, including a photo of one of her favorite high school teachers, Robin Brown, from the instructor’s ninthgrade year at Homewood.

The Homewood Arts Council adopted the gallery as the second installment of its Historic Homewood Gallery series. The opening reception at 6 p.m. May 4 will help kick off We Love Homewood Day weekend and will serve as a mixer for the HHS Class of 2007’s 10-year reunion.

The event will include refreshments by Red Clay Event and Bar Services and Yellow Bicycle Catering.

For more information, visit the “Patriots of the Past: Gallery Reception” Facebook page. ❖

Journal photo by Emily Williams

6 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thurs., May 11 HOOVER

Scholarship/Citizenship Awards Luncheon Hoover Country Club

The Hoover Service Club will host its annual scholarship awards presentation and luncheon with a program beginning at 11 a.m. The event will include an installation of the 2017-18 officers and the presentation of the Flora Mae Pike award. Lunch will be available after the meeting for $18.

Reservations can be placed by calling Winnie Cooper at 979-5699.

Fri., May 12

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 7

ABOUT TOWN kids. For more information, visit nlovca.org or call 967-4852.

Wed., May 17 BIRMINGHAM

Chamber Quarterly Luncheon Birmingham Botanical Gardens

In honor of Mountain Brook’s 75th Birthday Celebration, Mountain Brook’s Christopher Tanner will share his experience serving in the War against Isis as well as his experience growing up as a quadruplet in Mountain Brook. Tickets are $25/ members and $30/non-members.

Doors open at 11 a.m., and the pro-

gram will run from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

This luncheon is sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care. For tickets and to register, visit welcometomountainbrook.com.

BIRMINGHAM

Bacon, Football and Hope Sheraton Birmingham Hotel

Nick Saban will be the guest speaker at the 2017 Leadership Breakfast from 6:30-8 a.m. This annual event raises awareness and funding for The Foundry Ministries and Changed Lives Christian Center’s long-term and traditional programs for the homeless, addicted and ex-

inmates re-entering society. Funds are also used to provide food, medical and dental care, clothing and other basic necessities for impoverished and homeless individuals. For sponsorships and more information, visit foundryministries.com.

Sat., May 20 VESTAVIA HILLS

Wing Ding Challenge and Festival Vestavia Hills City Hall

Leadership Vestavia Hills presents this hot wing challenge and festival from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate and are $5, chil-

dren 10 and under are free. For more information, visit leadershipvestaviahills.com. ❖

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Chevy 6 Concert B&A Warehouse

Community Grief Support, a nonprofit grief support service based in Homewood, will host a fundraiser concert from 7-10 p.m. featuring Chevy 6. Tickets are $50 each and includes a selection of appetizers and a cash bar. For more information, visit communitygriefsupport.org or call 870-8667.

BIRMINGHAM

Scholarship Run UAB National Alumni House

The UAB National Alumni Society will host its annual scholarship 5k and 10k run beginning at 6 p.m. Proceeds support student scholarships. A post-race party will follow the run featuring refreshments, entertainment and more. Registration is $30 in advance or $35 on race day.

For more information, visit uab.edu/ alumni/5k-10k-run.

HOOVER

Great Strides Veterans Park

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will host a 5k walk from 8 a.m.-noon.

Walk day festivities will include children’s activities, food and more.

Participants are invited to form teams and register for the walk online.

Admission is free but teams are encouraged to raise funds to benefit the foundation. For more information, visit fightcf.cff.org.

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Troop 97 Pancake Breakfast Trinity UMC

Boy Scout Troop 97 will host a garage sale and pancake breakfast from 7 a.m.-noon. The garage sale is open to the public. The breakfast, which includes a silent auction, is $6 in advance and $7 at the door. To donate to the auction, contact Robin Wilhelm at wilhelmx4@gmail.com or 413-7753. For sale donations, contact Jan Ellison at 381-1607. For more information, email troop97@yahoo. com.

HOMEWOOD

Motherwalk Homewood Central Park

The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation will host its 14th annual 5k and fun run, benefitting ovarian cancer research and awareness. Registration for the 5k and fun run is $35 and the fun run is $20 for

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Photo special to the Journal

8 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

Ann McEwen, Jemison Jones and Ginny Willings, from left.

Generational Giving Three United Way YPS Chairs Share Legacy of Volunteering

The United Way of Central Alabama has served the community for generations.

Now, the organization’s Young Philanthropists Society has three cochairs who come from families that have served the United Way for generations.

According to United Way officials, continued support from the community comes from the legacy of volunteering from one generation to the next, with children watching their grandparents and parents lend their support. United Way and its partner agencies rely on new generations to carry the flame of their forbears because there is always more work to be done.

YPS co-chair Jemison Jones exemplifies the family tradition of giving. He follows in the footsteps of his greatgreat-grandfather, Crawford Johnson

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

PEOPLE

Sr., one of the founders of the Birmingham Community Chest, which began in 1923 and grew into the United Way. In addition, Jones’ father, grandfather and great-grandfather have all served as chairman of United Way’s board, and his brother currently serves on the board.

“I love Birmingham. I consider it the best-kept secret in the South,” Jones said in a press release from the United Way. “With that being said, Birmingham and the surrounding communities have a growing need in the areas where the United Way focuses its resources: health, education and financial stability. If we can improve people’s lives addressing the root causes of our problems, we will have a more peaceful and productive community.”

To foster the continuation of volun-

teering, one of the goals of United Way’s Young Philanthropists Society is to encourage generational support. A group of young professionals, YPS members give at a leadership level of $1,000 or more to United Way. “I heard a statistic one time saying a consumer chooses their drink of choice for their lifetime by age 21,” Jones said.

“I think the same could be said for philanthropy.”

Another YPS member with a family history of giving is co-chair Ginny Willings, a community relations coordinator with Brasfield & Gorrie. Willings takes her volunteer efforts to her workplace, where she organizes the company’s annual United Way campaign.

According to Willings, her grandparents, parents, aunt and uncle are proud supporters of United Way, with her grandfather being a charter member of the Tocqueville Society and winner of United Way’s Tocqueville Award in 1999. Her uncle, Jimmie Gorrie, was the United Way campaign chairman in 2007. Willings said she enjoys YPS because it brings together people who are passionate about improving their community.

“I think being involved with the community, whether it be financially or volunteering of your time, is so important,” Willings said. “We all have a responsibility to make our city a better place for future generations. Get involved with an organization or cause that is important to you, and make a difference.”

The third YPS co-chair, Ann McEwen, didn’t discover her family’s United Way volunteer legacy until recently. McEwen was chosen as a loaned executive from Regions Bank in 2013, assisting with the annual workplace fundraising campaign. During a visit with her grandparents, she mentioned her new volunteer job and was surprised to learn that her grandfather was already familiar with it.

“Immediately, my grandfather began

telling me stories of how he’d been a loaned executive when he was just starting out,” said McEwen, “and how the experience helped him shape his views on charitable giving, and even the business connections he made in the community during the time he spent as a loaned executive.”

As she became more involved with United Way outside of her role as a loaned executive, McEwan also learned that her grandparents were members of the Tocqueville Society.

When her grandfather passed away last summer, she discovered several photos taken while he was a loaned executive, more than 50 years ago. One depicted the amount raised that year, about $3 million dollars. McEwen said she laughed at that; the total for her grandfather’s entire campaign was less than the individual goal she had as a loaned executive.

Last year, United Way of Central Alabama raised $39 million dollars.

McEwen attributes the jump in contributions not just to inflation, but to the growth of United Way and the community of giving made possible through the foundations her grandfather helped build.

“My final few years with my grandfather were made more special due to our connection with United Way,” McEwan said. “Ultimately, one of the most meaningful parts of my relationship with him had come at the end of his life. But the influence of that lives on in my own involvement in the organization he cared about and in the legacy he and others have built there for so long.”

United Way of Central Alabama supports health and human service programs and agencies that provide solutions for the most important needs in the community. Its business is to improve lives and community conditions by building and mobilizing resources. To learn more, visit uwca. org. ❖

Vestavia Troop 4 Scouts Earn Eagle Rank

Boy Scout Troop 4, chartered through Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, announced that Davis Edwards, Colin Harris and Konnor Knopf have earned the rank of Eagle. The troop celebrated their achievements at a Court of Honor on April 30.

Davis Edwards Edwards is the son of Andrew and Jill Edwards. He has earned 24 merit badges, held numerous leadership positions, earned an Arrow of Light and participated in two high adventure trips, canoeing at Northern Tier and hiking at Philmont.

For his Eagle project, Edwards built a shade canopy over a portion of the playground at Cornerstone School. Excess funds raised were donated to the school.

Edwards is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School and, after graduating, plans to study architecture at Auburn University.

In his scouting career, Harris earned the Arrow of Light and 23 merit badges, completed BSA National Youth Leadership Training and became an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow.

Harris held numerous leadership positions, including assistant patrol leader, and Colin Harris was a member of the troop’s contingents to Northern Tier and Philmont.

For his Eagle project, Harris helped design, organize and build the pavilion at Wald Park between the tennis courts and swimming pool.

Harris is the son of Quint and Paige Harris and is a junior at Vestavia Hills High School.

Konnor Knopf earned 38 merit badges in his scouting career, held multiple leadership positions in the troop and attended BSA National Youth Leadership Training. He also attended the 100th National Order of the Arrow Convention and completed the Northern Tier and Philmont high adventure trips, as well as the Seabase high adventure trip.

Konnor Knopf For his Eagle project, he built four picnic tables and two benches for Hall Kent Elementary School in Homewood.

Knopf is the son of Denise Grisham and Jimmy Knopf and is a junior at Vestavia Hills High School.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Troop 76 Members Earn Eagle Scout Honor

Three members of Troop 76 at Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church have earned their Eagle Scout ranks. Garrett Kiernan Whitson, William Douglas Sexton and Samuel Hays Brown recently were honored for their work.

Whitson was awarded Eagle rank March 16.

As a member of Troop 76, he earned the Order of the Arrow, earned 22 merit badges and served in many Garrett Whitson leadership positions, including patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader. He also participated in two high adventure camps, paddling more than 60 miles in Canada and Minnesota at the Northern Tier camp, and hiking more than 125 miles in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range of the Rocky Mountains while at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

For his project, Whitson designed and improved public spaces at Hospital Boulders, a climbing location owned by the Southeastern Climbing Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of climbing areas. The project also involved trail improvement and remediation to preserve access to the site.

A Vestavia Hills High School senior,

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 9

PEOPLE Whitson is a member of the National Math Honor Society and an avid climber. He plans to study engineering at Auburn University following graduation.

Whitson is the son of Katy and John Whitson of Vestavia Hills and the grandson of Mr. John K. White and Ms. Martha Ellen White of Mountain Brook and Mr. and Mrs. James P. Whitson of Talladega.

Sexton was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on March 9. In his scouting career, he earned 22 merit badges William Sexton and served in leadership positions including assistant patrol leader and troop guide.

He earned the Troop 76 Pinhoti Trail Award for multiple backpacking trips on the challenging East Alabama Trail.

Sexton also participated in three High Adventure outings, backpacking the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range at Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico, canoeing the Boundary Waters of Minnesota at Northern Tier, and sailing the Keys at Sea Base Camp in Key West, Florida.

For his Eagle Project, Sexton planned, organized and led a team of volunteers in trail restoration and preservation at the Tree Top Trail at The Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park.

A senior at Vestavia Hills High

School, Sexton plans to attend Auburn University and study engineering. He is the son of Missy and Wade Sexton.

Samuel Hays Brown of Vestavia Hills was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on Dec. 8. Brown joined Cub Scouts in 2005 as a Tiger Cub, earning the Arrow of Light and the Heavy Shoulder Award for completing all 20 Webelo Activity Badges.

In his scouting career, he earned 24 merit badges, attended a multitude of campouts and served in several leadership positions, Samuel Brown including assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader. Brown attended three Boy Scout High Adventure Camps, hiking and canoeing the Northern Tier Wilderness in Minnesota and Canada, sailing the Keys at Sea Base Camp in Key West, Florida, and hiking the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range at Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico.

For his Eagle project, Brown led volunteers in building two fences and three gates for Special Equestrians, a nonprofit that provides therapeutic horseback and equine-assisted activities to people with physical, mental, developmental and emotional disabilities. He raised more funds than needed for his project and was able to donate the excess to Special Equestrians.

Brown is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School and plans to study computer science in college. He is the son of Tina and Wes Brown and has a twin sister, Olivia. ❖

Send people news to: editorial@otmj.com

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10 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Turn Down the Volume, Turn Down the Lights Area Businesses Work to Create Autism-Friendly Spaces

By Annie Howard A Barons game recently highlighted a lot more than baseball.

The April 23 game, designed to be autism-friendly, points to a growing Birmingham trend: inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

“A typical baseball game is loud, noisy and unpredictable,” said Brooke Bowles, director of the nonprofit Triumph Services, which helps adults with developmental disabilities live independently. That noise and unpredictability can create a jarring environment for someone with autism or special needs.

Alongside Randy Prince, the Barons’ chief financial officer, Bowles set out four years ago to create a more sensory-friendly experience. Initially a project between Prince and Triumph Services, this year’s game involved

collaboration among 11 nonprofits.

The fourth annual sensory-friendly game used “reduced noise, no flashing lights, a designated cool-down area and mascots staying in designated areas” to ensure that autistic individuals remained comfortable, Bowles said.

The game also provided sensory kits and social stories. The kits contained items such as earplugs and squeeze balls; the social stories, available in print on game day and in advance on the Barons’ website, described the event in pictures and words to prepare individuals beforehand.

In all, the game created a space that was accessible for everyone.

“This game does not simply raise

Photos special to the Journal

Kong seeks to reach beyond singular events, transforming a space so it becomes “inclusive all the time.”

Over the past four years, KultureCity has partnered with organizations such as the Birmingham Zoo, the McWane Science Center, the Homewood Library and, most recently, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, above.

awareness for autism,” Bowles said.

“It’s an event designed for families affected by autism and families not affected by autism to come together.”

In the step from awareness to action, Birmingham is slowly transforming into an area accessible for all individuals.

Another local nonprofit, KultureCity, seeks to make more and more public spaces comfortable.

“The key is that, with a lot of autistic individuals and special needs individuals, they have a lot of sensory

issues,” said Dr. Michele Kong, one of KultureCity’s founders. “It’s too bright, it’s too loud, it’s really overwhelming. So it’s really hard for them to be part of the events and public spaces that we have. One of our big missions has been to really rethink how we can integrate them.”

Kong noticed that, while awareness of autism was growing, there was a critical gap. The number of autism awareness events increased, she said, “but as you might imagine, even if you had 10, 20, 30 events a year, that’s still

a really miniscule part of the individual’s life.”

Kong seeks to reach beyond singular events, transforming a space so it becomes “inclusive all the time.”

Over the past four years, KultureCity has partnered with organizations such as the Birmingham Zoo, the McWane Science Center, the Homewood Library and, most recently, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. In each space, KultureCity trains the staff in “how to best engage and communicate” with autistic indi-

viduals, as well as how to recognize and help with sensory overload.

Social stories and sensory kits, including fidget toys, weighted pads and noise-canceling headphones, are also provided. The Homewood Library, a new partner, now offers sensoryfriendly storytimes.

A partnership with Urban Cookhouse also is in the works; staff are being trained at all four Birmingham-area locations.

Kong hopes to build a foundation of not simply awareness, but accommodation.

“It doesn’t matter if you come on Tuesday or on Sunday, it doesn’t matter if you come at noon or at seven,” Kong said. “This is about always having the ability to accommodate you, because we know what your challenges are and how we can best help you.

I think that’s true inclusion.”

Bowles’ outlook is much the same.

“People with developmental disabilities have daily challenges in regards to independent living, employment and transportation,” she said. “The greatest way we can mitigate these challenges is to embrace people with developmental disabilities in our everyday lives – at work, in our social lives and in the community at large.”

Both organizations are making strides toward realizing that vision. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Grandview Breaks Ground on Comprehensive Cancer Center Grandview Medical Center officials and guests gathered April 26 for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the impending construction of a freestanding, comprehensive cancer center.

Construction of the 25,444-square-foot building will begin in early May. “Construction of the cancer center underscores our commitment to bring quality care and advanced technology to those we serve. The building is also designed to provide patients with convenient access for treatments and doctor visits,” said Keith Granger, president and CEO of Grandview Medical Center.

Once finished, the two-story facility will house a wide range of oncology services, including radiation therapy and PET/CT equipment, and incorporate multi-disciplinary medical and radiation oncologists.

The center is expected to open in summer 2018.

Brasfield & Gorrie is the construction manager and Earl Swensson Associates is the architect. ❖

Keith Granger, president and CEO of Grandview Medical Center at the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the impending construction of a freestanding, comprehensive cancer center.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 11

NEWS

Photo special to the Journal

always been big believers because we did use it, and we’ve wanted to make people aware that it’s for everybody and offers the highest-quality services in town.”

As his mother aged, David Romanoff sought guidance from CJFS once more.

“And then, when I was re-diagnosed with cancer, I called the agency and asked if they could start a support group for women cancer survivors,” Sherri Romanoff said. “They did, and that group meant a lot to me and the other participants.”

The couple has taken advantage of several opportunities to support the organization.

Over the years, both David and Sherri Romanoff have served as CJFS board president. David is the board’s vice president for fund development.

Putting Their Hearts Into It

Most notably, CJFS paired Sherri Romanoff and her family with a family resettling in Birmingham from the former Soviet Union.

“My father (the late Max Corenblum) had come here from Russia when he was 5 years old, after his parents were killed in the pogroms,” Sherri Romanoff said. “When we were with our ‘friendship family,’ my father would speak Yiddish with them and take them groceries and fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market. It was wonderful for us to see Daddy have a positive connection to his roots. We were all very involved, and it was a gift to us to help our friendship family transition to life in Birmingham.”

Over the years, both David and Sherri Romanoff have served as CJFS board president, and David Romanoff is the board’s vice president for fund development.

“Just to see how it has evolved and continues to evolve has been an inspiration,” Sherri Romanoff said.

The Hands Up Together event will take place at 7 p.m. on May 16 in the Alabama School of Fine Arts’ Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. The event will feature music by the Hot Tamales, a duo that includes Jan Hunter and Kristi Tingle Higginbotham. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online.

For more information, visit cjfsbham.org. ❖

Powering homes for more than 100 years.

CJFS Honors Mountain Brook Couple Who Have Given and Received

By Emily Williams The Collat Jewish Family Services will honor Sherri and David Romanoff of Mountain Brook for their decades of service at its annual Hands Up Together event May 16.

“We’ve both been clients of the agency, so we know that the professionalism and compassion of its staff are great assets for the community,” Sherri Romanoff said. “We respect it, we volunteer for it and we want to be involved in it. It’s the agency of heart for both of us.”

A United Way agency, the CJFS was founded in 1989 and supports older adults and their families through various programs, according to a press release from the group. The organization also provides counseling for people

of all ages and backgrounds.

Sherri Romanoff has been supporting the CJFS since the late 1980s, when it was known as Jewish Family Services.

“We were finding rides for people who didn’t drive. Before there was a purple Buz-A-Bus, there was a little room at the JCC where I sat, and there was a calendar, and we would get people rides to wherever they needed to go,” she said.

As CJFS became an independent agency, both of the Romanoffs benefitted from the addition of a counseling program as they navigated their respective divorces and single parenthood.

“At one time, there was a stigma that CJFS was only for people who couldn’t afford to go somewhere else,” David Romanoff said. “But we’ve

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LIFE

12 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Birmingham Moms Blog is written by nearly 30 local moms from all areas and walks of life.

Parenting Websites and Apps Focus on Birmingham Issues and Events

By Sarah Kuper

A Mom With a Mission

For nearly nine years, Angie Cleland has been the woman behind birminghammommy.com.

A glance at the site shows lists of local events, DIY projects and recipes, along with general parenting tips from moms and experts.

The internet is full of “mommy blogs,” but Cleland said her site is different from other parenting resources in that it is specific to Birmingham moms.

“Moms have limited time to get things done. I thought it would be beneficial to put as much information in one place – what’s happening at the library or McWane. This saves hours of research.”

In fact, Cleland started the website because she and a few friends were constantly seeking things to do with kids in Birmingham.

She said she knew great events and programs were out there but it was hard to keep track.

Now, she is helping area moms do just that by keeping a calendar and running lists of what’s happening for children and parents in the area.

She uses her sales and marketing background to sell ads for the site plus do most of the writing and list-making.

“It is a labor of love. There have been times I’ve thought, ‘Can I do this?’ but it has given me the flexibility to take kids to school, go on field trips but still sell ads that pay for soccer,” Cleland said.

A few years ago, Cleland decided to post more original content on the site than just event listings. She now has a family counselor who writes a monthly column and she occasionally has her elementary schooler write book reviews and articles from a kid’s point of view.

After nine years, her annual lists of things such as consignment sales, Easter egg hunts and summer camps have gotten so much traffic that children-oriented businesses and organizations have begun to reach out to her to make sure their event gets on one of those lists.

The site now has a feature that lets certain organizations post and add events to her calendar themselves.

According to Cleland, the site has roughly 6,500 unique visits each month with a demographic of women ages 24 to 45 with at least one young child.

Her audience is constantly growing, but she said she is aware of one big struggle.

“Nine years ago versus today, it is a direct reflection of where I am with my kids. We started with articles about potty training and baby food but the content has matured as my kids have grown,” she said. “My biggest challenge is to be sure I go back

‘I would love for Birmingham to feel smaller and for the site to help people connect. Moms can support their area but also reach out to get to know people from all over Birmingham.’

JULIE SASSE, BIRMINGHAMMOMSBLOG.COM

around to where other people are now.”

Cleland said she notices how rapidly products, programs and even parenting philosophies change.

“I may have to add on people who can help me relate to those with children at every stage,” she said.

Cleland said she knows she can rely on other moms to help her stay current.

A Site for Moms by Moms

Over the Mountain native Julie Sasse recently launched another parenting site specific to Birmingham moms, although it works differently than Cleland’s.

Sasse’s site birminghammomsblog.com is part of a larger network called City Moms Blog, in which local women create con-

tent and sell ads specific to where they live and raise children.

Launched in March, Sasse’s website has almost 30 contributing writers from all areas of Birmingham.

“They are moms, stepmoms, grandmothers and working moms. What they have in common is that they know being a mom is really hard. You don’t want to be alone. That’s the worst feeling to think you don’t know what you are doing. Here, moms trust other moms,” Sasse said.

Giving readers outside perspective and support is one of the website’s goals. Another is to bring together area moms, both virtually and in person.

Sasse, who graduated from Briarwood Christian School and the University of Alabama, said she knows Birmingham can feel segmented.

“I would love for Birmingham to feel smaller and for the site to help people connect. Moms can support their area but also reach out to get to know people from all over Birmingham,” she said.

Sasse has a 3-year-old and an infant, and while she refers to herself as a stay-at-home-mom, she finds herself in a place familiar to many women who have made the choice to stay home.

“There are so many talented women out there and people have their own side business along with raising kids. There are amazing writers but maybe they don’t have time to keep up a blog on their own so we are able to teach them WordPress,” she said.

Though she is able to track number of clicks and visits to her site, Sasse said that right now she is just concerned with using the platform to help others.

“One of my gifts is encouragement,” she said. “I don’t think I am a great writer but if we can just encourage one mom, we have served our purpose. My heart is that I want moms to feel like they are not alone.”

Where Trust Meets Technology

While Cleland and Sasse’s mom-oriented websites are specific to Birmingham, one mobile app start-up is hoping to establish in Birmingham and then expand nationwide.

The mobile app Wyndy was started by Over the Mountain couple Tommy and Ginger Mayfield. The name alludes to the character Wendy from the J.M. Barrie story on Peter Pan. Though they try to shy away from the comparison, in a nutshell, they describe the app as the Uber of babysitting, with important distinctions.

Once a parent downloads the Wyndy app onto their smart-

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 13

LIFE

‘Moms have limited time to get things done.

I thought it would be beneficial to put as much information in one place – what’s happening at the library or McWane. This saves hours of research.’

WHAT MOM WANTS.

ANGIE CLELAND IS THE MOM OF THREE BEHIND FAMILY EVENT AND LIFESTYLE WEBSITE BIRMINGHAM MOMMY

phone, she’s able to browse through Birmingham-area babysitters, all of whom are college students who have gone through a rigorous application process and background check.

After creating a profile and entering payment information, a mom or dad can hire a babysitter in several ways. They can either post a job and any babysitter can respond, or they can choose a specific “Wyndy” and contact them through the site.

Parents can apply numerous filters to search for a sitter they think will best suit the job.

In the job description, parents advertise their rate and information about their children and what the job entails, whether it is handling bedtime or driving to activities.

The app has many other features, like a rating system and lists of preferred sitters – all things the Mayfields wish they had had when they were busy with infants and toddlers.

“I was getting my master’s degree at UAB at night and Tommy was working long hours. We needed a lot of babysitters. Finding ones we liked and the process of booking them required so many texts. It was inefficient and time consuming. Plus, paying was no different than when our parents were writing checks to our babysitters,” Ginger Mayfield said.

The Mayfields knew the hassles of engaging with reliable babysitters wasn’t unique to them, so a few months ago, Tommy Mayfield made developing Wyndy his full-time job.

“Most parents are pretty excited to bring the type of convenience they get with Uber or Shipt to babysitting. Of course it is so much more important than getting a ride or grocery delivered – it is taking care of your children,” he said.

Mayfield said it is a non-traditional career choice for him. He comes from working as an attorney at Maynard Cooper & Gale and said he is excited to now be a part of the Birmingham start-up community.

“Everyone is very welcoming here in town. I’m meeting creative people who are helping develop the app and with videos. There is so much talent here,” he said.

Ginger Mayfield, who has worked as a college counselor, said the app

isn’t just great for parents, it is an important opportunity for college students.

“I always wanted to babysit in college but it was hard to make connections in a new community. This would help that and, as a guidance counselor, I’m aware of college costs. This is great for students who can’t work a part-time job. Wyndy makes it possible to offset costs and still be a good student.”

But her favorite feature is the parent connection aspect.

She believes the app will apply technology to something moms were already doing – comparing experienc-

es.

Just like Cleland and Sasse, the Mayfields said they know moms and parents are each other’s greatest resource.

Each website or app holds their own unique place in the internet world of parenting, but they are united in trying to harness the power of the World Wide Web. Birmingham Mommy, Birmingham Moms Blog and Wyndy are active on social media. While Cleland and Sasse intend to keep a local focus, the Mayfields are hoping that by this fall they will be able to expand to other cities. ❖

WHAT MOM NEEDS.

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14 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

By Emily Williams When it came time for Lindy Walker of Vestavia Hills to tell her son and two daughters that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, she put her husband in charge.

“We waited a little while before we told them,” Walker said.

She had three separate lumpecto-

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mies before the doctors gave her the news that she had cancer.

“You never think it will happen to you,” she said. “I was 42 years old and it was after my very first mammogram.”

It was already a chaotic time in their house. Her oldest, John David, was turning 16; her daughter Elise was getting ready to travel with the

Mother's Day is May 14th!

Journal photo by Emily Williams

Vestavia Hills Mother and Children Join the Fight Against Cancer

Pizitz Middle School choir; and her youngest, Meghan, was in elementary school.

Elise said she remembers the family meeting perfectly. Her parents told her that they needed to have a talk, but she just wanted to go up to her room and finish some homework.

She put up a bit of a fight, probably because she realized that the news was bad.

“Initially, my husband was going to be the one to tell them,” Walker said. “Well, that didn’t work out. He got about four words in and he couldn’t do it.”

Elise recalls her competing feelings in that moment. She watched her brother cry and she simply felt dumbfounded at the news of her mother’s diagnosis.

Though it didn’t go quite as she had planned, Walker said she tried her best to be as straightforward as possible with her kids.

“Be transparent,” Walker said.

“It’s best to be honest with your kids, because they are a lot tougher than you think.”

In hindsight, both Walker and Elise find the humor in the situation and even argue about potential misinformation; Elise is sure her parents told her that the diagnosis was “stage 0.”

Unfortunately, stage 0 is not a recognized stage of cancer. In Walker’s case, she was stage 1. The cancer was found before it had spread, so she just needed radiation treatment but chose to go ahead and get a double mastectomy as a preventative measure.

“I was very lucky that I had a good prognosis and that I had one of the most treatable cancers,” she said.

Though she was able to forego chemotherapy, Lindy still had to slow down to recover. She said that was one of the hardest aspects of the treatment process.

“The day I got my diagnosis, I remember them explaining everything to me and I just kept telling them I needed to leave because I was supposed to go check John David back into school,” Walker said.

It’s hard for any mother to slow

Cancer survivor Lindy Walker, right, serves on the advisory board for UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her daughter Elise, a junior at Vestavia Hills High School, has been actively involved in Relay for Life.

down, she said, and having three kids in their teenage years with a long list of activities didn’t make it any easier.

Luckily, the Walkers had support from their community, with friends and family bringing over dinners and giving the kids rides to school and extracurricular activities.

“We’d have to make her rest because she was trying to do everything for us,” Elise said. “I would have to tell her to go get in bed.”

In addition to advising other children to stay positive and keep up their faith, Elise said it’s important to help out as much as possible.

In recovery for about three years, Walker said she and her children now support others in their battle against cancer.

Walker serves on the advisory board for UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her favorite part is visiting the patients and families who live at Hope Lodge.

“Getting that one-on-one interaction with people and having a chance to talk to them and encourage them is one of my favorite things to do,” she said.

Finding empowerment in her battle against cancer and being able to share it with others has been one of the things she appreciates about her journey, and her kids are following suit.

John David was involved in planning Vestavia Hills’ Relay for Life event before he graduated, and he has passed the baton to Elise.

In her junior year at Vestavia Hills High School, she has been a part of the annual event each year and so has Lindy. At this year’s event, held April 22, the school raised more than $280,000 for the American Cancer Society.

“It’s great because it is something that everybody does,” Elise said.

“Every peer group gets involved and it’s fun seeing every type of kid come together. Because almost everyone has been affected by cancer or has been touched by it.”

Elise has one more year at the high school and one more VHHS Relay for Life, but the Walker family legacy will live on in the school club as her sister Meghan joins the high school as a freshman. ❖

Relay for Life of Mountain Brook Raises $86,000+

Fundraising for Mountain Brook’s Relay for Life came to a close at the main event April 21, resulting in more than $86,000 being raised so far for the American Cancer Society’s work to support cancer research and

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

A Family Relays

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LIFE

From left, CeCe Sims, Kaitlin Jones, Sarah Scott McPherson and Helen Katherine Schanbacher.

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awareness.

The event was organized by Mountain Brook High School students in the Relay for Life club and included inflatables, musical performances by MBHS students, games, raffles and more.

In addition to survivor walks and caregiver laps around the school’s track, a Luminaria ceremony provided time for attendees to honor survivors and victims, and anyone affected by cancer could participate in a candle-lit walk. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 15

LIFE

Homewood Relay for Life Raises $50,000+

High School cheerleaders and Spangles, the Hall-Kent Elementary School kids choir, the Homewood Jazz Band and more.

In addition to raising funds, the event offered family-friendly fun with a bouncy house, face-painting, corn hole, nachos, jambalaya and more. â?–

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Relay for Life of Homewood took over Central Park the evening of April 21 for its annual event benefiting the American Cancer Society.

The event alone raised more than $50,000 for the ACS and its efforts to support cancer research and spread awareness.

The evening included performances by the Homewood

From left, Cameron Wood, Chandler Harris, Mary Grace Pitts and Alfredo Cortez.

Leigh Ann Harchelroad, with children Hill and Hallie, and Lumi Harris

Lynda Hollimon and Jack Hoover, with Jimmy and Harper Warren.

To: From: Date:

For Mom,W ith Love

Joe Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Mother's Day is May 14th FAX: 205-824-1246 May

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the May 4, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

It's time to spoil her with gifts she'll adore.

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Mackenzie Calvert and Molly Hughes.

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16 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2017

“Golden Moonlight” yellow and white diamond pendant set, in tri-color gold, starting at $2,375.

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, 982-4888.

Rainraps water repellent and reversible, with a matching travel pouch, $57.

Blue Willow, 968-0909.

William Yeoward handmade crystal 14” fern vase, $975.

Bromberg’s, 871-3276 (Mountain Brook) 969-1776 (The Summit).

Rustic metal flowers, from $24-$69.

Colliers Nursery, 822-3133.

White Crystal Heels clutch purse by Kent Stetson Designs, 12.5” x 7.5” x 1”, $295.

Wallace-Burke, 874-1044.

Textural ceramic pots, from $25-$75.

Leaf & Petal, 877-3030 (Botanical Gardens), 871-3832 (Mountain Brook), 967-3232 (The Summit).

South Sea pearl and diamond earrings in 18k gold.

JB and Company Jewelers, 478-0455.

Turkish towels in a variety of colors, 40”x70”, monogramming available, $26.99.

George. Inside Snoozy’s Kids, 871-2662.

Art Deco 14k white gold and pearl pendant, $405, Art Deco 14k white gold and ruby pendant, $285, and an Art Deco 14k white gold pearl pendant, $285.

Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 251-3381.

Hand painted fruits and vegetables

by Blake Hurt of Charlottesville, Va., dated and named, $80.

The Cook Store, 879-5277.

Hammered and hand stamped “Mama” cuff bracelets, available in brass and sterling silver, from$34-54.

Lucky Duck, 238-5056.

High Cotton candles, locally made in Birmingham, all scents; Capri Blue candles, all fragrances; flameless candles; Mercury glass candles and tea light holders.

The Mercantile, 769-6986.

Skinny Stripe flip flops in Jet Black, $29.50, straw hat in Jet Black, $78. vineyard vines, 970-9758.

Iconic iced cookies and petit fours in gift bags, starting at $4.25.

Savages, 871-4901.

Vintage sterling silver bangle bracelet, $395.

Hanna Antiques Mall, 323-6036.

The gift of a cleaner and healthier home.

The Maids, 871-9338.

The Bling Brush, safe on all jewelry stones.

Christines on Canterbury, 871-8297.

Framed vintage cards, hand-stitched flowers with buttons, starting at $9.50.

Attic Antiques, 991-6887.

Pearl and leather necklaces, bracelets and earrings, hand-made in Apalachicola, from $25-30.

Architectural Heritage, 322-3538.

Soothing rosewater and jasmine for the bath and body, $9 each.

Marguerite’s Conceits, 879-2730.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MOTHER’S DAY

Diamond cross pendant set in 18k white gold, $1,000.

Barton-Clay, 871-7060.

Wilson Federer DNA 12k.

Player’s Choice, 985-4989.

Monya Flora handmade freshwater cultured pearl knotted leather necklaces, starting at $149.

Shay’s Jewelers, 978-5880.

Julie Alyward, Boston, Ma., gemstone in vermeil earrings, $125 per pair.

John-William Jeweller, 870-4367.

Flour Sacking Kitchen Towel in assorted prints, 29”x28”, shown in ‘Mother’s Are Awesome’ print, $10.99.

Wild Birds Unlimited, 823-6500.

Neocutis BioBody in 6.76 oz. airless pump, $104, and Revision Nectifirm in 8 oz. tube, $240, or a 1.7 oz. jar, $73.

Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center, 933-0987

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 17

To: Leaf and Petal From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: April This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the May 5, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Hanging baskets, $18.98.

Classic Gardens and Landscapes, 854-4005.

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Stackable diamond bands in yellow and white gold.

Southeastern Jewelers, 980-9030.

SOCIAL

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Journal photos by Jordan Wald

18 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

From left, Ryan and Cheryl Tipton with Emily and Jeremy Gardner.

Sarah Stradley, Allison Rogers and Madeline and Mark Gibson.

FLY LIKE AN EAGLE Zoo’s Junior Board Raises Funds for Golden Eagle Habitat

Jess Anderson, Ashley Anderson and Kevin Mckie.

Jess Mason, Hannah Johnson and Erin Donohoo.

Humans and animals spent an evening under the stars at the annual Tails in the Trails event April 28 at the Birmingham Zoo's Hugh Kaul Children's Zoo. Hosted by the zoo's junior board, the event raised funds for a golden eagle habitat that is coming soon to the Birmingham Zoo. Guests enjoyed music by Gentleman Zero while dining on food prepared by Happy Catering Company. The event included animal encounters, an online silent auction and the opportunity to symbolically adopt the zoo's golden eagles, Attila and Phoenix.

The event was organized by junior board members, including Rosemary Alexander, Louis Anderson, Frank Anderson, Stephen Armstrong, Lauren DeMoss, Courtney Patton DeShazo, Krystal Drummond, Joey DuMontier, Jayna Goedecke, Joe Gribbin Jr., Fontaine Haskell, Amanda Hawkins, Tim Hennessy Jr., Eve Hennessy, Matt Hottle, J. Chris Mason, Madison Merrill, Meg Ross, Bandon Steward, Caroline Walker, Drew Weil, Dana Williams and Cory Wilson.❖

Live More Fully.

Above, Becky Duenow, with Chili.

Left, Rebekah Daniels, with Alice.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 19

SOCIAL

Fishy Expedition

From left, Sara Rogan, Anna DeBell and Katie Vickery.

Folks gathered ‘round and fried down at the annual Funky Fish Fry, held April 15 at Avondale Brewing Company.

The festivities were organized by junior boards for the Autism Society of Alabama and Mitchell’s Place, raising funds and awareness for local people with autism spectrum disorders.

Fish was supplied by Wood Fruitticher, fried by Yellow Bicycle Catering Company and served with hushpuppies and coleslaw. The Good to Go food truck was on hand for any picky eaters or vegetarians.

While kids enjoyed face painting, a moon bounce and prizes, the older members of the crowd were treated to a music lineup featuring Livewire, Automatic Slim and Hoover-based singer/songwriter Bailey Ingle. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Old-Fashioned FryDown Raises Autism Awareness

Lauren Schneck, Lincoln Reeves and Savannah Becotte.

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20 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

SOCIAL

From left, Lowell and Alice Womack and Kenny Kirkpatrick.

Just a few ideas george. has for Mother's Day

On the Hunt

Junior League of Birmingham Kicks off Annual Fundraiser Sale

inside SNOOZY'S KIDS!

Crestline Village / 871.2662

GIVE mom A GIFT SHE WILL LOVE. Everyone can appreciate a thorough clean from The Maids.

Lauren Jefferies and Jessica Cox.

Michelle Lee and Lauren Carter.

To kick-start the annual Bargain Carousel sale, the Junior League of Birmingham welcomed guests to preview the 1,000-family garage sale’s items with a Bargain Bash preview party.

The event was held April 27 at the former PrincetonHoover Baptist Medical Center and included food, drinks and a photo booth. Silent and live auctions offered gift packages, art, jewelry and more.

Music for the evening was provided by Har Megiddo and Gil T. Pleasures. The space was decorated with flow-

ers by Marigold Designs. Food was provided by Shindigs Catering, a Waffle House food truck, B&A Warehouse, Ashley Mac’s, Insomnia Cookies and Everything IZ Catering.

Heading up a planning committee that put on the preview was Emily Norkus, and serving as emcee for the evening was WBRC’s Jeh Jeh Pruitt.

Funds from the evening as well as the two-day sale will benefit the Junior League’s more than 30 community service projects in the Birmingham area. ❖

Proudly keeping homes cleaner and healthier since 1987

205-871-9338 www.MAIDS.com

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Rachel Lynch, Kristen Osborne and Janna Rutland.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 21

SOCIAL

Howdy Neighbor

Attic Antiques Attic Antiques Antiques • Vintage

Annual Mah Jong Tournament Supports New Neighbors League Initiatives

Antiques • Vintage Industrial Industrial New Spring Arrivals!

Photos special to the Journal

The tiles were on fire March 21 as the New Neighbors League Club of Birmingham hosted its second annual Mah Jong Tournament at The Club.

The club greets new residents of Birmingham and provides regular social gatherings for newcomers to meet their neighbors. Club memRight, the Grand Marshall, bers gather for Dorothy Veil. luncheons, cofAbove, right fees, games, matiSylvia Ricker nee performances, and Jassie day trips, girl’s Kahlon with two night, social outguests from the New Neighbors ings and more.

League of Since its Huntsville. inception, the club has become more of a service club than just a social club, contributing time and money to local charitable organizations.

With 85 players competing in the tournament, the event raised $3,000 to benefit this year’s chosen charity, research for the eradication of ALS. In years past, the league has donated money to 12 organizations, including the NICU Unit at Children’s of Alabama, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Smile-aMile.

Those interested in joining the club can contact Sylvia Ricker at sbricker56@aol.com. ❖

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To: From: Date:

To: Babara From:BabaraBabara Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 To: To: FAX:Mountain 205-824-1246 From: From:Over The Journal, PHONE:PHONE: 205-823-9646 Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 Date: FAX: 205-824-1246 January FAX: 205-824-1246 his magnificent Greystone GolfJanuary Course Estate overlooks the 17th hole, Date: Date: February 2424 7th Ave. This is your ADliving PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JO offering incredible views and 10,000 (+/-)So.square feet of luxurious space.

HANNA (205) 323-6036 ANTIQUES January 14, 2016 issue.

Please faxMOUNTAIN approval orJOURNAL change This is your AD PROOF from the OVER This is6your AD PrOOF from6the THE OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JO MALL MON-SATfloors, 10:00-5:00 With gleaming marble and hardwood the home offers bedrooms, February 23, 2017 issue.

Please fax approval or changes to 82 January 14, 2016 issue. Please fax approval or changes

T

baths, 2 half baths, four fireplaces and a 5-car garage. gourmet kitchenis correct, including a Please make Asure all information boasts sub-zero and commercial appliances, an ice maker, wine cooler, and Please make sure all information is correct, Please make sure all information isandcorrect, ad Please initial faxincluding backincluding withinaddre 24 ho if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, ad will commercial coffee and cappuccino service. An elaborate Master Retreat PleasePlease initialinitial and infax withinwithin 24yourhours. andback fax back 24 hor we have heard by 5you pmbyofThank before the press your adyour will run as is.ru if wenothave notfrom heardyoufrom 5the pmFriday ofbasement the Fridayfor before thedate, press date, ad will you your prompt attentio cludes a spa-like bath and sitting room with aIffireplace.

The finished ThankThank you afor your prompt attention. you for your prompt attentio includes a second kitchen, a theater with state of the art technology, paneled library/office, a 1,200-bottle wine cellar, mirrored exercise room, guest suite, and a gaming room. An outdoor entertaining area boasts a fireplace with gas starter, a separate outdoor half bath, a kitchen with a commercial grill, refrigerator and prep sink, all with spectacular views. In a gated community in one Hanna Antique Birmingham’s finestFAX: real205-824-1246 estate developments, the Greystone Country Club’s Over The Mountain Journal,ofPHONE: 205-823-9646 March award winning golf-courses, club house, pool and tennis courts are nearby.

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 6, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Custom made 14k Gold Cuff BraCelets

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

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Phone (205) 969-8910 Cell (205) 966-8040 Email dmann@arcrealtyco.com dmann.arcrealtyco.com

22 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

GIVE WHAT YOU LOVE...

LOVE WHAT YOU GIVE! Pottery by Jessie

Microwave, Dishwasher and Oven Safe Journal photos by Emily Williams

2841 Cahaba Road Mtn. Brook Village • 879-5277 M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-4 www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com

From left: Barb Kelley, Darwin Metcalf and Cindy Wade.

All Yves Delorme towels and robes

20% OFF

To: thecookstore@msn.com From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 through May 14th FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: April

One Starry Night

Assistance League Gala Twinkles With Stars and Luminaries

The ballroom of The Club in Homewood was transformed into a In stock OR special order. twinkling wonderland April 27 for the This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for League the of Birmingham’s Assistance 5-4-17 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

One Starry Night gala.

Guests were greeted at the door with a single red rose as they made their way Please make sure all information is correct, to an opening cocktail reception and a including address and phone number! silent auction.

As guests made their way to a seatPlease initial and fax back within 24 hours. ed dinner, Assistance League President If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the pressBarb date,Kelley welcomed them and Jody your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Dean provided an invocation.

Thank you for your prompt attention. Serving as emcee for the evening was Jonathan Hardison of Fox 6 news, with Granger, Thagard and Associates organizing the production of the live auction.

The evening concluded with a presentation of the 2017 gala honoree Darwin Metcalf, president and COO of Western Supermarkets and long-time Assistance League advisory board member.

Wade served as chairman of AN INNOVATIVE NEW the Cindy gala as well as live auction donor chairman.

Cathy Bowman served as host committee and corporate sponsor chairCENTERED AROUND YOU man.

Organizing the silent auction was chairman Reba Williams and a committee including Susan Brown, Jane DeMeis, Jan Gautro, Kim Kohler and Jan Service.

Molly Bee Bloetscher served as chairman of invitations and programs.

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chairman Jody Dean, included Debbie Anderson, Carol Carlson, Beth Clarke, Lynne Cooper, Jane DeMeis, Jan Gautro and Diane Hodges.

In addition, Mary Ann Wade served as accounts receivable and guest list and database chairman, Jan Service was chairman of publicity, Sandy Ridgeway handled registration, and June Pryor and Melinda Thornbury organized checkout.

A host committee Angela Nelson, Kevin Nelson and Stacey Nelson.

Shiela Verciglio and Michelle Scholtz.

included John Barelare, Bob Boyce, Nathalie and J.P. Brasher, Stephen Castleberry, Johnny Collins, Bob Crawford, Frank D’Amico III, Matthew Dent, Boyd Ennis, Tripp Erwin, Louisa and John Evans, Lisa and Kenn Gaddis, Chance Hallmark, Ann Dominick and John Hardin, Kenneth Hubbard, Harry Kampakis, John Lyda, Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer, Mark McCutcheon, Suzanne and Mike Moseley, Howie Myers, Keith Nelson, Gus Pappas, Ron Simms, Andrea Smith, Alison and Dan Starnes, Dale Steed, Bo Taylor, Andy Thrower, Andrea Traina, Anthony Underwood and Chance Warren. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Guys and Dahls

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 23

SOCIAL

BCT Curtain Call Ball Features James and the Giant Peach More than 20 costumed characters frolicked through the crowd at the BJCC April 22 during the annual Curtain Call Ball, benefitting the Birmingham Children’s Theatre.

Festivities included tasty treats catered by Brick & Tin, live musical performances on the half-hour, crafts inspired by the theater’s season of performances, Avondale Brewing Company beer, wine from United Johnson Brothers, face painting, balloon artists and a DJ dance party.

To end the evening of family-friendly fun, members of the theater company held a private performance of “James and the Giant Peach” for partygoers.

The annual event was organized by the 2016-17 board of trustees, led by Glenda Nagrodzki, president; Camille Butrus, vice president; Paul Bolus, vice president of

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Leah Luker and Brooke Elam.

From left, Norah, Gabrielle, Barton and Jeff Tess.

development; Dax Swatek, secretary; Chris Cain, treasurer; and Guin Robinson, past president. Other members of the board include Dr. Tommy Bice, Marcie Braswell, Dr. Terrance Brown, Amye Carle, Robert Cole, Larry Contri, Scott Crain, Paul DeMarco, Carolyn Featheringill, Brian Hamilton, Catherine Crosby Long, Julia Gibbs Matson, Adrienne Mitchell, Pamela Morad, Anne Sanders Rand, Jason Reynolds, Tad Snider and Susan Tice.

Joel and Alison Brown with daughters Anna Cate and Abby.

Proceeds from the evening’s festivities will support the BCT’s Educational Outreach Program, which provides assistance and more than 10,000 free tickets to underserved schools in the Birmingham area. ❖

Champagne and Fried Chicken

Photo special to the Journal

Dance Club Celebrates Spring in Style

Those enjoying the evening were The Carousels Dance Club celebrated the spring season with a Sunday night Barbara and Win Baird, Patsy and supper recently, following the theme Jim Beaird, Connie Bishop, Sheila of “Champagne and Fried Chicken” at and Clarence Blair, Dee Dee and Earl Bloom, Judy and Jim Carns, the Mountain Brook Club.

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Ruth and Fred Ingram, Sue Kreider, Peggy Marshall, Emmy and Travis McGowin, Jerry and Pat Mills, and Cindy and Norton Montague.

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Rival Bama Teams Go Head-to-Head for Make-A-Wish Athletic legends from Auburn University and the University of Alabama gathered April 21 at Haven to support Make-A-Wish Alabama.

The funds raised during the event will support the nonprofit’s efforts to serve the 300 Alabama children who are waiting to receive a wish.

Jeh Jeh Pruitt of WBRC Fox 6 News and Violet Brielle Spataro served as emcees. Spataro is a wish kid from Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington, known for her appearance on the Ellen Show, whose wish to meet Mickey Mouse was granted a few years ago.

Headlining the evening’s events was a Sports Game Night interactive gameshow in the style of “Hollywood Game Night.” It pitted Auburn University players against University of Alabama players.

Representing the Tide were Eryk Anders, Chris Anderson, Chris Donnelly, Undra Billingsley, Antonio Langham, Chris Mohr, Tyrone Prothro and Steve Mott.

Representing the Tigers were Devin Aromashodu, Bret Eddins, Zach Gilbert, Reese Dismukes,

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Game Night

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Above, Chris Anderson, Chris Donelly and Anotonio Langham. Left, Alex Kozan and Barrett Budd.

“Marcus Kennedy made finding our new home a fun process.”

When Tricia and Travis Kirby and their daughter Reagan were in the market for a new home, they turned to friend Marcus Kennedy for guidance. “We looked at twenty houses and Marcus gave us his honest assessment - no sugar coating,” says Travis. “He’s down to earth, honest, and accessible.” The fact that daughter Reagan loved having Marcus around, too, was another bonus. “He kept her needs in mind, too,” says Tricia. “Schools, sidewalks. Every detail was important. I knew Marcus would look out for our best interests,” says Tricia.

For more information on working with Marcus Kennedy and to see all of ARC Realty’s listings, visit www.arcrealtyco.com.

Thom Gossom, Alex Kozan, Reggie Torbor, Rob Pate, Andrew McCain, Charlie Trotman, Ben Obomanu and Larry Willingham.

On the menu for the evening was a selection of gourmet tailgating tastes with complimentary beer and wine.

Guests were treated to photo opportunities with the athletes and were able to bid in silent and live auctions.

Helping event chair Ashley Gann prepare the evening’s events were

planning committee members: MakeA-Wish Alabama President and CEO Pam Jones, Amanda Thames, Amanda Veach-Cook, Frank Hrabe, Hannah Ingram, Jeff Pierson, Joe Maluff, Jonathan Grayson, Julianna Hallman, Kevin Almond, Kevin Whitaker, Melissa Fierstine, Oliva Jarvis, Owen Blomeley, Patsy Alford, Sandi Moore, Scott McArdle, Shelayne Thompson, Sherry Scarborough and Valerie Gerber. ❖

Golf for Paul

Annual Tournament Raises $15,000 for Medical Mission According to event officials, the 5th annual Paul Meyers Memorial Golf Tournament would have made its namesake proud. The tournament, held April 8 at Highland Park Golf, raised $15,000 for the foundation’s annual medical mission trip to Haiti.

To date, the event has raised more than $70,000 to send a team of medical professionals to the Caribbean country.

Planning the event was a steering committee that included Joey Daly, Michael Davidson, David Dutton, Jeff Gentry, Hayden Hanna, Kathryn Head, Matthew Michael, Lyndsey Mooney, Julia Vines, Barrow Wade,

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

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From left, Hayden Hanna, Colby Hanna, Nicholas Peters and Christian Peters.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Jenkins-Sutherland

Mr. John Jenkins of Beaufort, South Carolina, announces the engagement of his daughter, Emily Marie Jenkins, to Adam Christian Sutherland, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Sutherland Jr. of Birmingham. Miss Jenkins also is the daughter of the late Mrs. Carolyn Power Jenkins.

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 25

SOCIAL/WEDDINGS The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Jenkins of Oxford and the late Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Power of Georgetown, South Carolina.

Miss Jenkins is a graduate of Oxford High School and Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. She is employed with Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. Mack A. Freeman of Birmingham, the late Mr. and Mrs. William Jinks of Eufaula and Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Sutherland Sr. of Hempstead, New York.

Mr. Sutherland is a graduate of Spain Park High School and a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. He is employed by the Screen Actors Guild in Los Angeles.

The wedding will be in Beaufort in July.

Ezell-Sanders

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Edward Ezell of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Laura Elizabeth Ezell, to David Vernon Sanders, son of Dr. and Mrs. George Herbert Sumner Sanders of High Point, North Carolina.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry

Boone Yeilding of Birmingham and Mrs. Carl Edward Ezell and the late Mr. Ezell of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Miss Ezell is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School, Duke University, and Vanderbilt University School of Law. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She was presented at the Ball of Roses and the Heritage Ball. Miss Ezell is an associate at Maynard Cooper and Gale in Birmingham.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. William Eugene Sanders Sr. and the late Mr. Sanders of Asheboro, North Carolina, and Mrs. Albert Eldridge Vernon Sr. and the late Mr. Vernon of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Mr. Sanders is a graduate of Greensboro Day School, the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism’s master’s program. He is employed as an IT Consultant at CapGemini Consulting.

Jimmy Glenn and Brett Wallace.

Laura Ann Daly, Gayle Meyers, Austin Virciglio and Julia Meyers.

Michael Wade and Melissa Yan. The event began with a putting contest and the first nine holes of golf, followed by dinner. During the tournament and dinner break, a silent auction gave spectators a chance to bid on a variety of packages, including a trip to Panama, hunting gear, a clutch by local artist Carrie Pittman and

more.

Once the sun set on the course, players went back to playing glow-inthe-dark golf.

This year’s winning team included Colby Hanna, Hayden Hanna, Christian Peters and Nicholas Peters.

The team celebrated at a dance party before the evening concluded. ❖

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What’s wrong with Marijuana?

“What’s wrong with Marijuana?” Texas is looking at making it legal and there are others.

Let’s start with IT’S ILLEGAL at least in Alabama and all but three other states. Next it’s dangerous - before we get into the health issues let’s consider the dangers of using and getting it. Today’s marijuana may be blended with other ingredients that can and does cause death.

YOU CAN’T TRUST WHAT YOU’RE GETTING OR THE SOURCE. Next are the physical dangers of using marijuana. Some say it’s not addictive. Not so - of course it is and studies show that there is an increase amount of THC in today’s marijuana. It affects different people in different ways from paranoia, anxiety, depression, distorted sense of time, suicidal thoughts and even schizophrenia.

Add to that the possible use with low blood pressure and diabetes and you have a road to even worse health issues and that’s if you get the ‘good stuff’. Let’s not even go to the stuff that’s tainted, you don’t want to think about it.

Finally, when we say it’s a ‘gateway drug’ it means that after a while it doesn’t produce the ‘high’ one expects, therefore more is used or other drugs or stimulants are added to the mix such as cocaine and heroin.

So what’s wrong with marijuana?

Pick one – illegal, addiction, dangers, etc. At Bayshore Retreat we hear the argument and understand the confusion. This is why we have so much counseling included in our program. It’s important to learn to live without such stimulants as marijuana and others and to have coping skills to deal with life’s issues in healthy ways.

26 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

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2017 DECORATORS’ SHOWHOUSE | THE JOHNSTON-CLARK ESTATE

Decorators’ ShowHouse Is Open through May 14

Kathy Harris, seated, and Heather Hill designed the ShowHouse dining room.

The mother-daughter team from Interiors by Kathy Harris blended carefully chosen antiques and contemporary pieces. Below left, instead of a traditional centerpiece on the Karges dining table, the designers put floral collars on the candlesticks and draped a swag of flowers between them.

Simply Stunning Mother-Daughter Team Blends Old and New in the Dining Room STORY BY DONNA CORNELIUS PHOTOS BY LEE WALLS JR.

THE DINING ROOM AT THIS YEAR’S DECORATORS’ SHOWHOUSE lends weight to the saying that less is more – especially when the pieces are carefully chosen by designers Kathy Harris and Heather Hill.

The mother-daughter team created a serene and stylish space with a thoughtful blend of European antiques and modern pieces.

“We like to mix in the old with the new,” Hill said.

This is the first time in several years that the duo’s company, Interiors by Kathy Harris, has participated in the ShowHouse. Harris said she and her daughter were happy to be a part of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra fundraiser and readily agreed to take on the dining room at the request of Nan Teninbaum, publicity chairman for the Symphony Volunteer Council.

“We love the symphony, and we’re happy that the ShowHouse benefits the arts in Birmingham,” Harris said.

Taking center stage in the room is an elegant Karges table with a hand-painted top and hand-laid inlay. Host and hostess chairs are slipcovered in pale beige linen.

The table is set with Waterford crystal and fine china from Philippe Deshoulières and Bernardaud paired with contemporary handcrafted dinnerware called Annieglass.

Instead of a traditional floral arrangement as a centerpiece, candlesticks have floral collars and a swag of flowers from one to the other.

“We brought the chandelier above the table,” Harris said. “It’s Italian crystal with hand-carved wood details and an unusual spike in the center.”

An antique Persian Sarouk rug, made in 1910, has a floral pattern and an unusual turquoise palette. It’s from Paige Albright Orientals in Mountain Brook.

On the fireplace mantel is a collection of antique frames, mirrors, altar candlesticks and a fragment of a cross mounted on a base. Nearby is an antique mahogany settee with pretty pillows in muted red and blue. The pillows are made from antique textiles by B. Viz Designs. Behind the settee is a floor lamp that started life as a candlestick, Harris said.

A bleached Louis XV chest with oversized hardware is on the opposite wall. Atop the chest are a crystal lamp and a silver chafing dish that the designers filled with orchids. An abstract oil painting above the chest is from the Beverly O’Neil Gallery in Birmingham.

“It’s by Clara Blalock, an Atlanta artist,” Hill said. “It’s called ‘Who’s Minding the Store?’”

Harris and Hill said they loved the painting’s energy and its name.

“It fits us because we have a busy shop,” Harris said with a smile.

Opal linen draperies framing the French doors that open onto the front porch are 100 percent linen from Schumacher. The trim and leopard-linen sheers are Scalamandre. The draperies have sheering tape at the top and are installed on gold-

See DINING ROOM, page 31

There’s still time to see this year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse, the JohnstonClark Estate on East Briarcliff Road in Mountain Brook. It’s open through May 14.

Parking is at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church, 3405 Brookwood Road. Tickets are $20 and are available at the house.

ShowHouse hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The Decorators’ ShowHouse benefits the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and is sponsored by the Symphony Volunteer Council.

For more information, visit svcalabama. com or call 914-9084. You also can follow the ShowHouse on Facebook and Instagram.

Note: In our last issue, an article about the ShowHouse included a list of participating decorators and their rooms.

Due to incorrect information that was provided, the list needs a little updating: Linda Thompson of Vision LLC is the kitchen designer, while the breakfast room is the work of At Home Furnishings. The OTMJ is happy to set the record straight.

INSIDE

ROOM WITH A VIEW Perry Umphrey Puts the Living Room in Perspective | P28

FIRST IMPRESSION

Blackjack Gardens’ Porch Combines Southern Charm, Sophistication | P30 Empty House Party Offered Preview of 2017 ShowHouse | P31

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 27

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As seen in the 2017 Decorators' ShowHouse

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Perry Umphrey said the driftwood horse, made in Asia, functions as a “dividing line” for the spacious living room. “I knew the room had to be divided if you didn’t want it to look like a big hospital waiting room,” the designer said.

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the April 21, 2016 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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TUNE UP TIME

Room With a View Perry Umphrey Puts the Living Room in Perspective STORY BY DONNA CORNELIUS PHOTOS BY LEE WALLS JR.

THE LIVING ROOM AT THIS YEAR’S Decorators’

ShowHouse is a room with a view in more ways than one.

Architecturally, the expansive space has a two-storytall wall of windows that provide a stunning perspective of the patio and gardens. Design-wise, Perry Umphrey has injected the room with his own brand of creative energy. The first thing he did before starting on plans for the room was to look at it from several different angles, he said.

“I stood in the front door, stood on the patio and then stood upstairs and looked,” Umphrey said. “Each view makes an impact.”

The interior designer, who owns Umphrey Interiors, is a familiar name to those who regularly attend the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s annual fundraiser.

“The first time I did a ShowHouse on my own was in 2001,” he said. “I did it twice as a student when I was in school.”

Before the ShowHouse opens, designers put in requests for the rooms they’d like to decorate.

“The living room was not my first choice because it was so big,” Umphrey said. “I knew it would take a lot of time – and a lot of furniture.”

But Umphrey, who said he was taken with “those

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The living room’s sofa is a microfiber sectional that’s been taken apart. Tibetan lamb pillows match bright blue paint in the insets beside the fireplace and in the adjacent bar.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

beautiful windows” in the living room, set about coming up with a manageable plan.

“First, I intentionally chose pale shades to keep the room light,” he said. “I have pale blue, white, clear and stainless steel plus a little brown instead of gray, which is what I usually use.

“The second thing was that I knew the room had to be divided if you didn’t want it to look like a big hospital waiting room.”

To that end, he created two separate seating areas. One, in front of the fireplace, includes a microfiber sectional sofa that’s been taken apart. Facing the sofa, which has a metal base, are two armless leather chairs.

The other seating area, with two wooden chairs with slipcovered cushions, faces the patio.

Separating the two sections is a sofa table made of brushed stainless steel. On top of it is a striking horse statue made in Asia from driftwood.

“The horse is the dividing line,” Umphrey said.

The designer said he always pays special attention to artwork when he’s creating a room.

“This room is no different except that I have more photos here,” he said.

One of his favorite photographs is of Penny, a playful dog, atop a rusty Birmingham Hide and Tallow sign.

“If you grew up in Birmingham, you knew Penny,” Umphrey said. “I grew up in Jasper, and when we’d come into Birmingham on Highway

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 29

HOME 78, that sign was a landmark. When I saw it, I’d know where we were.”

When the sign was taken down, “I panicked,” he said, laughing. But he said he was glad the sign has been restored and is now at Birmingham’s Regions Field.

Another eye-catching piece is an agamograph, a series of images that change at different angles. This kind of work is named after Israeli sculptor Yaacov Agam, who’s known for his optical and kinetic art. A larger example of one of Agam’s creations is across the front of the Callahan Eye Hospital at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“My partner, Jim, collects his art,” Umphrey said. “We have nine of his pieces in our foyer.”

One fun photo shows a happy dog diving into water.

“That’s my favorite,” Umphrey said.

While Umphrey said he didn’t set out to have a doggy theme, there’s also a tiny dog statue sitting next to an acrylic pedestal. And in the adjacent bar, he put together a lighthearted poster with photos of dogs paired with drink recipes like the Bloodhound Martini and the Salty Chihuahua.

The wall behind the shelves in the bar is blue; the paint was custom-blended to match the Tibetan lamb pillows in the living room.

The same blue was used in the insets on either side of the fireplace.

“I’ll use only a few colors – but I’ll use eight shades of that color and 14 textures,” Umphrey said.

The designer is again leading a

ShowHouse seminar, “But It Matches the Sofa,” at 1:30 p.m.

May 5.

“I do the same thing every year,” he said. “It’s on the right way to choose and hang art. Art is something personal. It’s all about the way you frame it and present it. Hanging it at the right height is important; everybody hangs things too high.”

Umphrey said he hopes ShowHouse visitors won’t rush through the living room.

“When you come into my space, stop and take it in,” he said. “It may look simple, but if you stand there and look, you’ll see little things.”

For more information, visit umphreyinteriors.com. ❖

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Tammy Powell of Blackjack Gardens takes advantage of one of several seating areas on the expansive front porch.

Pottery pieces on teak tables add lively spots of color.

First Impression

Blackjack Gardens’ Porch Combines Southern Charm, Sophistication STORY BY DONNA CORNELIUS • PHOTO BY LEE WALLS JR. SOUTHERN ARCHITECTURE typically means graceful proportions, classic details – and a great big front porch.

The Johnston-Clark Estate, this year’s Decorators’ ShowHouse, doesn’t disappoint in any of these categories. And Blackjack Gardens has made sure that the wide front porch, which runs the length of the house and turns the corners on both ends, makes a great first impression.

This is the 11th ShowHouse for Blackjack Gardens, said Tammy Powell, the company’s sales manager.

She said the Alabama Symphony Orchestra fundraiser is important to Blackjack Gardens owner Frances Gorrie.

“She’s really involved in the symphony,” Powell said.

The porch has no shortage of inviting places to sit and take in the view of the sprawling front yard.

“The furniture is from Lloyd Flanders’ Low Country collection,” Powell said. “It seemed to be the perfect style – traditional, comfortable

and Charleston-y.”

The furniture has vinyl and aluminum frames that won’t rust, she said.

Its seats and backs have a pretty lightbrown weave. Teak tables and consoles are from Lloyd Flanders, too.

Color comes into play with pillows and accent pieces.

“The Elaine Smith throw pillows are totally for the outdoors,” Powell said. “Most of the pottery is from Vietri in blues, golds and other gorgeous colors.”

Tall terra cotta vases are from Lincoln Imports.

Planters on the front porch are from Pennoyer Newman. Powell said they’re made of pummeled marble and rock mixed with resin.

“They’re lightweight and weather resistant and are handmade in New York City,” she said. “The pots are cast from historic originals that have been on the lawns of private estates.”

The planters at the ShowHouse were modeled after those at one of the homes owned by financier and banker

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“Frances Gorrie saw the planters at the Antiques at the Gardens show at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and fell in love with them,” Powell said.

The planters flanking the front door are filled with topiaries set in dried moss.

On a table in a seating area that’s front-and-center on the porch is a lively statue of a prancing horse.

Since 1942, the Gorrie family has owned Blackjack Farms, now a nationally known hunter-jumper training center.

“We love horses,” Powell said.

Thought went into choosing accessories with a connection to nature, like pillows with dragonfly motifs and a rustic Park Hill birdhouse that looks like a quaint English cottage. On the wall near the entrance to the kitchen are two deer heads made from teak by Palecek.

The theme of the porch is “Southern Sophistication.”

“We came to visit the house to get a feel of the house’s character and charm,” Powell said. “You have a beautiful scene as you come up the driveway – and a beautiful view from the porch.”

Blackjack Gardens is at 5549 Derby Drive in Birmingham. For more information, visit blackjackgardens.com. ❖

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 31

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W ELCOME H OME TO

Photo special to the Journal

D ANBERRY

From left, Char Bonsack, Molly Bee Bloetscher, Laura Clark, Nan Teninbaum and Linda Thompson.

Empty House Party

Event Gave a Peek into the Decorator ShowHouse Before It was Dressed

Decorators and guests toured this year’s Decorator ShowHouse, the Johnston-Clark Estate in Mountain Brook, before its transformation during a March 10 event that benefited the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

The opportunity provided a look at the many rooms, nooks and bathrooms before the decorators did their magic.

ShowHouse Chairman Char Bonsack and Molly Bee Bloetscher planned the evening, which included a buffet dinner catered by Christian Catering and jazz played by the GoodFellas. Flowers for the buffet and table arrangements were provided by Norton’s Florist. United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama sponsored an open bar.

Laura Clark, owner of the Johnston-Clark Estate, also was the owner of the 2006 Decorator ShowHouse, the Villa Wofford-Clark house.

Attending the party were Stewart and Kathy Welch, Linda and Ken Thompson, James and Emily Pace, Anna and Lynn Coker, Perry Humphrey, Pringle and Kathy Ramsey, Bill Aroosian, Carla Hamilton, Karen Clanton, Angela Asher, Jim and Roberta Atkinson, Peggy Balliet, Toni Bone, Rick Bonsack and Tom Bloetscher, Roger and Beth Clarke, Joe and Betsy Cooper, Stephen and Ashley Davis, Larry and Patricia Daughety, Robert and Jill Denning, Marjorie Forney, Mike and Linda Griggs, Boyce and Virginia Guthrie, and Nancy and Ed Jones.

Also at the event were Becky and Greg Keyes, Nan and Phil Teninbaum, Jean and David Hendrickson, Chandler and Jane Smith, Diane Ray, Debbie Reid, Diane and Herb Rossmeisl, Zane Rhodes and Robert Raiford, Robert and Skip Wadhams, Rich and Joni Venglik, Tom and Liz Warren, Joe and Martha Wildmon, Dave and Beverly Lisenby, Sharon Hydinger, Tallulah Hardgrove, Victor and Rebecca Kyatt, Robert and Sandra Wilson, Leonard and Elissa Capps, Douglas and Liz Jones, Samuel and Louise Mango, Jodi Weston, Melinda Thornbury, Jan and Bill Service, and Pete andd Paula Verdu. ❖

DINING ROOM, From page 26

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

colored iron rods.

“The leopard-linen sheers are unexpected for a dining room,” Hill said.

ShowHouse visitors shouldn’t miss the French barometer, made in the 1790s, on the wall. The hands and painted face of the eight-sided gilt piece are original, the designers said.

Harris and Hill chose paint from Farrow & Ball, a U.K.-based company, for the dining room.

“Their colors are exceptional,” Harris said.

The walls are a soft chalk white shade called Clunch; it’s named after the chalk stone used in many East Anglia buildings. The ceiling is Light Blue, so named, according to the company’s website, because it was the lightest blue Farrow & Ball made in its first collection of “colours.”

“Painting the ceiling is sort of a signature of ours,” Harris said.

The designers said they love finding furniture and accessories from a variety of sources.

“We’re always on a buying trip,” Harris said.

Interiors by Kathy Harris is at 3949 Cypress Drive in Vestavia Hills.

You can follow the company on Facebook and Instagram. ❖

On this bleached French chest are a crystal lamp and a silver chafing dish filled with orchids.

The abstract painting is called “Who’s Minding the Store?”

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32 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

FOOD

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Creative Concept: Market Table Set to Open in Homewood

Photos special to the Journal

Market Table, a restaurant that also sells readyto-eat food and ingredients to take home, is set to open in Homewood on May 8.

A grand opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m.

The store is at 1830 29th Ave. South.

Market Table will have a butcher, cheeses, pastries, fresh flowers for sale, a wine selection that rotates monthly and craft beers.

The café will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily to serve breakfast and lunch.

The market will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit market-table.com or follow the restaurant on Facebook.

Mud-Bugging Out: Crawfish Event Helps Arthritis Foundation

Last year’s PreSchool Partners fundraiser drew about 1,200 to 1,300 people. Organizers say The Summit location draws “a lot of walk-up traffic.”

Rolling up to the Roundup PreSchool Partners Hosts Annual Food Truck Rally at The Summit

By Donna Cornelius If casual dining is your thing, you can’t get much more laid-back than eating at a food truck.

But don’t think you have to settle for plain Jane food at these eaterieson-wheels, particularly the ones that tool around the Birmingham area. The city has food trucks that serve almost everything from hot chicken to cool treats.

PreSchool Partners gives diners the opportunity to choose from a wide menu at its sixth annual Protective Life Food Truck Roundup and Art Show, set for May 6. The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Summit in front of Orvis, Swoozie’s and Arhaus.

Molly Parkhurst, PreSchool Partners’ director of development, said the rally’s main goal is to raise awareness and funds for the organization. PreSchool Partners helps prepare 3-yearolds and 4-year-olds for kindergarten and success in school.

“Allene Neighbors, who was the director of development before me, started the event,”

The food truck rally and art show is one of the organization’s two major fundraisers.

Parkhurst said. “It was such a success and a great community event. We wanted to have a fun, family-friendly event so that people could sample from a variety of food vendors.”

She said the food truck rally and art show fundraiser has generated more than $300,000 for PreSchool Partners over the past five years.

“In the past, the event annually has raised about $75,000 to $80,000, so that’s the goal this year,” Parkhurst said.

Last year’s fundraiser drew about 1,200 to 1,300 people, she said, adding that The Summit location draws “a lot of walkup traffic.”

Admission is $10 for most folks; children ages 3 to 10 get in for $5, and there’s no charge for kids 2 and younger.

Vendors are responsible for selling their own items.

“We used to sell tokens, but as the event has grown, it just got too complicated,” Parkhurst said. “The $10 admission goes directly to supporting our programs for parents and children.”

You can buy tickets at preschool-partners.org or at the gate.

The food truck rally and art show is one of the organization’s two major fundraisers.

“This is our big event in the spring, and we also have our Wigs and Stache Bash in the fall,” Parkhurst said.

The Wig & Stache Bash, set this year for Oct. 12, has silent and live auctions, music, cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Guests are invited to wear wigs, mustaches and other costumes or disguises.

Parkhurst said vendors participating in the food truck rally this year include Bendy’s Cookies & Cream, Big Spoon Creamery, Cantina on Wheels, Dreamland Bar-B-Que, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Greg’s Hotdogs, Lazy Boy BBQ, Melt Food Truck, Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co., Nothing Bundt Cakes, Off the Hook, Recippi’s Italian Ice & Gelato, Shindigs and Steel City Pops.

Artists at the event include Genny Weaver, Lauren Duncan, Wilde Art Co., Madeline Boles, Carlee Arnold, Beth Picard, Jenny McRae Garrett, Amy Stone, Lizzy Yates, Allie Ray Photography and Shannon Hopkins.

The event is held rain or shine and includes kid-friendly entertainment. For more information, visit preschool-partners.org. ❖

Mudbugs & Music returns to Birmingham on May 6 with crawfish from Shindigs, children’s activities, a silent auction and live music.

The event is from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Co., 4500 Fifth Ave. South in Birmingham.

Proceeds support the Arthritis Foundation.

Past events have helped fund the pediatric rheumatology program at Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

For tickets and more information, visit arthritis. org.

Egg-Citing Event: Big Green Eggs in the Ham Is May 6 Cooking teams will help raise money and awareness for Easter Seals at Big Green Eggs in the Ham EGGFest May 6 at the Birmingham Zoo. The event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes a cooking competition and demonstrations, food, beer, children’s activities and giveaways.

Tickets are $20 for individuals, $35 for couples and $55 for a family four-pack. Tickets include admission to EGGFest and, if they’re pre-purchased, to the zoo.

For tickets and more information, visit eastersealsbham.org.

Worldly Wine Fest: Zoo Wine Tour Has International Flavor

Take an adults-only “world tour” at the Birmingham Zoo’s Magic City Wine Fest from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 13.

The event features wine and beer specific to several different regions across the world.

Restaurants will have food to buy, and the event will include music.

Jaguar Land Rover Birmingham is presenting the wine fest.

Tickets are $45. For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com.

Barbecue Plus Blues: Bob Sykes Event Includes Food and Music

Have a side of blues music with your barbecue at the eighth annual Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Hot Stuff: Gumbo Gala Crowns Winners of Cajun Cooking Challenge

An estimated 3,500 guests turned out to Sloss Furnaces on April 22 for the annual Gumbo Gala, hosted by Episcopal Place.

The gumbo cooking competition brought in more than 50 teams to serve up their Cajun concoctions and featured a kid’s zone.

Funds raised through the event will benefit Episcopal Places foundation, which helps provide transportation, housekeeping, meals, activities, programs and more to the 146 seniors and disabled adults who reside in the community.

Winners in the Most Spirit category included St. Mary’s on the Highlands, first; Holy Apostles’ “Apostles with Fire,” second; and Ascension Gumbo Filers, third.

Chef’s Choice winners were All Saints Young Adult Krewe, chicken/

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Festival on May 20.

Gates open at 11 a.m., and the event is from noon to 8 p.m. The festival is at DeBardeleben Park, 1623 Second Ave. North in Bessemer.

A food tent will have barbecue sandwiches, ribs, turkey, side dishes and desserts. Drinks include beer, wine and soft drinks. Food items are individually priced.

Award-winning local and national musicians will perform throughout the day. There’s also a free kids’ area with games and activities plus vendors selling arts and crafts.

For tickets, visit bobsykesblues.com.

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 33

FOOD

Above, Ron Smith, Lyn Lanier, Bobbi Lecznar and Nacia Smith. Right, Asaf Gans and Dana Watson. sausage; LSU Rougaroux Gumbo Krewe, seafood; and Boateng’s Cajun Creations, specialty.

People’s Choice awards were given to Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Wetumpka, first; Dodd Law Firm, second; and Old Oak Advisors, third.

Birmingham’s Best Gumbo awards were given to St. Mary’s on the Highlands, first; SPM Property Management, second; and St. Francis of Assisi, third.

In addition, St. Mary’s on the Highlands won the Gumbo Divine title, Wallace State Culinary Pride and Disco Gumbo tied for the Student Krewe title, and Dodd Law Firm was awarded the Best Pro Gumbo. ❖

2916 18th Street South | Homewood 871.4901 | www/savagesbakery.net

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THE DALY SHOW

Purchase your tickets today at RegionsTradition.com

MAY 17-21 | GREYSTONE

34 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

FOOD

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Holler & Dash Biscuit House in Homewood partners one of the South’s most traditional treats with not-so-traditional ingredients.

There’s a biscuit called the Pork Rambler, with fried pork tenderloin, blackberry butter and fried onion straws. The Garden Goat is made with fried goat cheese, kale, lemon Dijon vinaigrette and tomato jam. And the Hamabama not only has country ham, but red-eye aioli, kale and apple butter.

Like its biscuits, the restaurant has interesting partners, too – farmers and food producers in Alabama and other Southeastern states.

“Finding local artisan partners was part of our initial strategy, even before we had our name,” said Ally Clokey, Holler & Dash’s brand manager. “The kitchen is the heart of it all, so we wanted local partners. Our original goal was to use producers within a 50-mile area, but we had to expand that to meet our needs. We now have partners in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.”

Chef Brandon Frohne, the company’s culinary director, said there’s a good reason for the partnerships.

“It’s simple: You’ve got these makers that are doing exceptional things, and they do it all with passion and love,” he said. “We believe in our communities. We want to help support these makers and tell their stories.

“Working with small artisans also helps us control our food quality.

We’ve been able to create recipes

Photos special to the Journal

By Donna Cornelius

From left, Director of Operations Jay Holdren, Culinary Director Brandon Frohne and COO Michael Chissler.

FOOD Network

Holler & Dash Teams up With Southern Food Producers with their products, and they can change the flavor profiles if we need them to.”

Last year, Homewood became the first location for Holler & Dash,

Cracker Barrel’s fast-casual restaurant concept. The company now has stores in Tuscaloosa, Brentwood, Tennessee, and Celebration, Florida, with plans to open more.

Frohne came to Holler & Dash with an impressive culinary resume.

The fifth-generation chef is from a family of restaurateurs and worked at restaurants that include his grand-

mother’s La Cote Basque and Mason’s in Nashville. He’s competed on Food Network’s wildly popular “Chopped” series and twice was invited to cook at the James Beard House in New York City. The Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association named him Chef of the Year in 2015.

“As a chef, relationship-building with farmers in communities is important,” Frohne said.

He drew on some existing associations when he came on board with Holler & Dash.

“For example, we had already established a relationship with Nashville Jams,” he said. “It was a natural fit for Holler & Dash, and it does all our jams.”

Before the restaurant opened in Homewood, Frohne began seeking out Alabama food vendors. One of his first connections was with Stone Hollow Farmstead in Harpersville.

Stone Hollow, owned by Deborah Stone, produces dairy and creamery products, including goat cheese. Stone also owns The Pantry in Crestline Village.

“I was in Birmingham before the Homewood opening, and I was in a

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

little shop and had this great goat cheese whipped with honey,” Frohne said. “I grabbed my phone, took a

‘Mom-and-pop operations bring personality and flavor to our vendor profile.

They stay in touch with us and become part of the family. That’s a cool part of our job.’

ALLY CLOKEY, HOLLER & DASH BRAND MANAGER

photo of the jar and started Googling to see where it came from. We went out to the farm and saw their production process. That was a no-brainer.”

He found a Wilsonville source for Holler & Dash’s grits and oatmeal.

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 35

FOOD

“I didn’t know Frank McEwen at McEwen & Sons,” Frohne said. “I met other chefs in the Birmingham area, and a lot of them pointed to Frank. The whole idea is to obtain and source the freshest ingredients possible. Because Frank mills daily, we can get his products from the mill to our door in less than two days.

There’s a big difference in that and something that takes two weeks to get.”

The chef said he first saw products from City Bee, a Birmingham company with rooftop apiaries, at the Pepper Place farmers market.

Holler & Dash’s Kickback Chicken biscuit is spread with sweet pepper jelly from Nashville Jams, which makes and fills each jar by hand in Nashville. The restaurant’s chef-crafted sodas are made with fresh fruits, and Lambeth Groves in Vero Beach, Florida, supplies highquality citrus juices.

Other artisan partners from the

Southeast are Springer Mountain Chicken, Harper’s Ham, TruBee Honey, Georgia Olive Farms, Geechie Boy Mill, Logan Turnpike Mill, Nola Granola, Rishi Tea, Frothy Monkey, Doux South, Olive & Sinclair, Willa’s Shortbread, Red Clay Gourmet and Seminole Pride.

Clokey said any food vendor may make a pitch to Holler & Dash.

“It usually starts with an email,” she said. “We do have a bunch of food safety and other requirements.”

She, Frohne and Mike Chissler, Holler & Dash’s chief operating officer, then usually will travel to visit the farms or production sites and meet the food producers in person.

“We get to sample the ingredients,” Clokey said. “Mom-and-pop operations bring personality and flavor to our vendor profile. They stay in touch with us and become part of the family. That’s a cool part of our job.”

Chissler said Holler & Dash has found a great home in downtown Homewood.

“We loved the restaurant space,” Chissler said. “We tried to preserve as much of the existing elements as we could. We incorporated the floor, the unique brick wall and the old tin ceiling into the build-out.

“Our team appreciates all the community support during our first year. Everyone has been so welcoming, patient and helpful.”

Frohne said Holler & Dash has formed good relationships with Alabama diners as well as food vendors.

“Homewood is an awesome community,” he said. “You’ve got

Birmingham right over the mountain.

There’s real Southern hospitality there, and everyone’s so nice.

“The most fun thing has been spreading the biscuit gospel. Biscuits have always been a part of my life.

Now, it’s the focus of my career. I love being able to alter someone’s

perception of a biscuit.”

Holler & Dash Biscuit House is at 2801 18th St. South in Homewood.

For more information, visit holleranddash.com or follow the restaurant on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. ❖

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Open Monday-Saturday 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm 521 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 • (205) 823-1505

MOUNTAIN BROOK CHAMBER LUNCHEON MAY 17 To: From:

Emily Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: March This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Mar issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

CELEBRATE MOUNTAIN BROOK'S Please make sure all information is correct, inclu address and phone number!

75TH BIRTHDAY WITH US AND SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER, Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

The chamber will host its quarterly luncheon May 17, in honor of the birthday and Memorial Day, at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The month-long commemoration of the anniversary will include a festival, scavenger hunt, concert and birthday celebration. Visit welcometomountainbrook.com.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Chris Tanner, Mountain Brook native and decorated veteran who commanded in the101st Airborne Division, will be the keynote speaker at the chamber luncheon.

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Live and Learn

Vestavia Hills’ Petro Defies the Odds to Lead His Class

By Emily Williams Asked for their recipe for success, top students more than likely would include studying and managing time wisely, and it’s no different for upcoming Samford University graduate Pete Petro.

“You can’t make excuses or compensate for any ability that you lack,” said Petro, who was diagnosed at 5 years old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. “That and you have to study.”

Petro is graduating at the top of his class at the Brock School of Business with a bachelor’s in accounting and a minor in German despite his disease, which is marked by progressive muscle degeneration and has no known cure.

He said one of the things he has enjoyed most about his undergraduate career is the studying itself.

“I’ve enjoyed the learning,” he said. “I’ve taken a lot of classes on interesting things … that and interacting with people and getting to talk to professors and discuss things with them.”

Through the Brock School of Business’ internship program, he was able to take his education outside of the classroom as an intern in accounting.

Petro took an internship with Alabama Family Trust, a Vestavia Hills-based organization that provides special needs trusts to individuals with mental or physical disabilities.

“I think the best thing about working there was the people,” he said.

During his internship, he put the skills he learned in the classroom into practice in the tax department.

Beyond skills, Petro left the intern-

Pete Petro is graduating at the top of his class at the Brock School of Business with a bachelor’s in accounting and a minor in German despite his battle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

ship with a desk that will carry him through his career.

Though his doctors initially assumed he would be using a wheelchair full time by junior high school, he managed to avoid it all the way until his freshman year of college.

To provide the perfect place for him to work, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services built a desk to suit his needs as he worked at AFT. According to trust officials, the desk is now a prototype for other companies to use across the state.

“I’m letting them store it for now,” he said. “But later I can take it with me to the firm I work for and bring it with me if I move to new workplac-

es.”

After he graduates this month, Petro is staying at Samford to obtain a master’s in accounting and complete his CPA certification. Though he isn’t changing schools, he said he’s excited to leave the undergrad classes.

“I’m not going to have that stress of wondering what you’re going to do next or what classes you’ll be taking,” he said. His master’s program will be a straight road to a career as an accountant.

Treating his physical limitations as more of a hurdle than a roadblock, Petro has set an example inside and outside for any child looking to excel. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

CLEAR EYES FULL HEARTS CAN’T LOSE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photo by Emily Williams

36 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

Members of the Homewood High School economics team include, from left: Hazl Torres, Elijah Bouma-Sims, Trey Sims, Tevin Wallace, Evan Myers, Sakar Prasain, Richard DiCarlo and Jacob Fitts.

HHS Team Tops Statewide Economics Competition Two teams from Homewood High School recently competed in the Alabama Economics Challenge at UAB. This was Homewood’s first appearance at the Economics Challenge. Sponsored by the Alabama Council on Economics Education, the challenge is the qualifying competition for the National Economics Challenge.

The teams competed in the areas of microeconomics,

macroeconomics, international economics and current events.

One of the teams placed third in the state in the “Adam Smith” division, for students enrolled in AP economics.

Team members include Elijah Bouma Sims, Richard DiCarlo, Sakar Prasain and Hazl Torres.

The other team from Homewood included Jacob Fitts, Evan Myers, Trey Sims and Tevin Wallace. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 37

SCHOOLS

U.S. News and World Report Ranks OTM High Schools Among Best in State U.S. News & World Report

This icon is not the official U.S. News & World Report best hospitals emblem.

2016-17

BEST CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Homewood High School and Mountain Brook High School were among the top five schools in Alabama on the 2017 U.S. News and World Report “Best High School” Rankings.

Schools were ranked through a process that assessed how well they served all of their students, regardless of plans for higher education; and compared performance indicators on how successfully the students were being educated, including graduation rates and college preparedness. Data was collected from more than 22,000 public high schools in the country.

Homewood High School ranked second in the state and 476th in the country. In addition, it was one of two schools in Alabama to receive a gold medal.

Mountain Brook High School came in at fourth in the state, 670th in the country and received a silver medal.

Homewood High School ranked second in the state and 476th in the country.

In addition, Oak Mountain High School was ranked sixth in the state, Vestavia Hills High School was seventh,

Spain Park High School came in at 12th, and Hoover High School ranked at 17th, each receiving a silver medal. ❖

Children’s

Photo special to the Journal

of Alabama is ... l

The third largest pediatric hospital in the United States

l

Licensed for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets One of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state The pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB Home to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually Site of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country Home to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast One of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama Provides care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders

l l l

An Apple for Teacher

l

Seniors on the Mountain Brook High School girls soccer team began a game recently by honoring their most memorable teachers with Golden Apple Awards. From left, the honored teachers were: Dianna Mars, third grade, with Kat Brian; Melissa Scott, 11th-grade anatomy, with Maddie Campbell; Alessia Sartorio, 10th- and 11th-grade history, with Elizabeth Gillespy; Andrew Cotton, eighth-grade English, with Memory Littleton; Jake Jordan, 12th-grade medical rotations, with Caroline Monson; Wendy Grey, 11th-grade pre-calculus, with Walker Poe; Brian Rosenstiel, 11th-grade AP chemistry, with Nicole Waudby; and Wanda Burns, 12th-grade AP calculus, with Ellen Waller. ❖

Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan shared her life story during a recent visit to John Carroll Catholic High School.

John Carroll history teacher Michael Gadilhe, the 2016 recipient of the Goldman Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education, invited Lazan to speak at the school.

Lazan has dedicated her life to delivering her message of racial and religious tolerance to adults and children in the United States, Germany, Holland, the United Kingdom and Israel. Her presentation included stories about how her family found themselves trapped in Nazi Germany and how they emigrated to Holland hoping to reach the United States. Unfortunately, Holland was occupied by Nazi Germany, and they would spend the next six years in prison camps, including BergenBelsen.

Before and after the event at John Carroll, students had the opportunity to buy copies of her book, which recounts her experience as a child during the Holocaust. Lazan took the time to autograph them for the students. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

Holocaust Survivor Shares Message with John Carroll Students

Michael Gadilhe, John Carroll history teacher and the 2016 recipient of the Goldman Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education, invited Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan to share her story with the student body in an assembly.

l l l

...............................

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Kennedy Dynasty

SPORTS

Oak Mountain Midfielder Looking for Another Title

By Lee Davis

3rd Annual Italian American Heritage Society

Golf Classic Highland Park Golf Course Wednesday May 24, 2017

1:00 PM Shotgun Start Lunch @ Noon 4-man Best Ball $15,000 Hole in One Prize $100 Entry Fee Includes Green Fee, Lunch and Prizes For more info please contact: Paul Lorino (205) 960-6150 paullorino@att.net Andy Graffeo (205) 913-3690 graffeotax@charter.net Anthony Graffeo (205) 902-0129 ajgr@bellsouth.net

WEEKEND WORK

Bucs, Eagles Sweep Rivals; Rebels Advance; Jaguars, Patriots, Lions Eliminated

By Lee Davis

Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry

If winning two state championships in a row in any sport is a difficult task, winning three is almost impossible.

The Oak Mountain boys soccer team has a legitimate shot at earning that rare third straight title, and if the Eagles achieve it, Kennedy Davis is likely to be a primary catalyst.

Davis, a senior midfielder, had scored a whopping 20 goals and nine assists by the end of last week, as Oak Mountain holds the number one ranking in Class 7A in the latest Alabama Sports Writers Association poll.

Eagle coach Dan DeMasters said Davis’ full value can’t be measured by on-the-field statistics.

“Kennedy is a once-in-a-lifetime player,” DeMasters said. “He plays at a very high level, but one of his best attributes is his willingness to sacrifice to bring players up to his level instead of separating himself from the rest of the group. Kennedy gets individual and team accolades because he puts his teammates first and cares more for others than himself.”

As DeMasters said, Davis’ teamfirst attitude has paid off in individual awards. He is a two-time All-State selection and a candidate for Alabama Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year.

Popular with his fellow Eagles, Davis was chosen as team captain before the start of his senior season.

Davis said the key to being a successful midfielder is comparatively simple.

“It’s all about being in good condition and being aware of what’s going on in the game at all times,” he explained. “It’s also important to keep the ball in the air as much as possible.”

As impressive as Davis is on the soccer field, he is equally strong in the classroom. He is near the top of his class with a 4.07 grade point average.

“I don’t have to worry about him in the classroom,” DeMasters said. “His classroom habits extend to the soccer field.”

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Carl Davis, left, who will play at Dartmouth College next year, had scored a whopping 20 goals and nine assists by the end of last week

Davis, who will play at Dartmouth College next year, pursues academics with the same passionate aggression as if he were chasing a soccer ball.

“Academics have always been important to me,” he said. “Both school and soccer are areas where you have the opportunity to do well. I want to take advantage of both.”

Even when Davis isn’t honing his soccer game or doing homework, he’s rarely in front of a television or a video game. Most likely, he’s serving the community in a volunteer capacity – such as working with special needs children at the Bell Center Youth Alliance or distributing water to runners at the Mercedes Marathon.

As busy as Davis is, he insists that it’s really no big deal.

“It’s just a matter of getting a routine,” he explained. There’s soccer and school. Then there’s study time and volunteer time. A social life is important, too. If you’re in a routine you can find time for it all.”

Davis kicked his first soccer ball at the age of four, and even in elementary school he had the look of a potential star.

“I just loved to play from the very beginning,” he recalled. “I decided early on that soccer was the sport for me.”

The years passed quickly, and Davis’ soccer resume grew rapidly. He starred for the Vestavia Steamers 99 Black club team, and he played on Alabama State Cup Champions three times between 2011 and 2014. The bigger the challenge, the better Davis likes

it, as his favorite games on Oak Mountain’s schedule are against out-ofstate powers.

“Our area games are of course important, but I really get pumped up when we play the good teams from other states,” he said. “Oak Mountain is one of the few schools around here that play the out-of-state teams. It’s a chance for us to prove that high school soccer in Alabama is as good as it is in any of the other southern states. When we play those teams, I feel like we’re representing not only our school but our state.”

Another plus of the tough out-ofstate schedule is to get the Eagles ready for the rigors of the post-season playoffs. Davis likes his team’s chances of claiming a third straight blue trophy.

“We lost a lot of seniors from last year’s team, but we can win if we don’t get complacent,” he said. “We know we’re one of the best teams in the state, so if we step up our execution and stay focused, we’ve got a good chance.”

In fact, Davis is on a mission to end his high school career as a champion.

“I definitely don’t want to end my senior year with a loss,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to move on to college than by putting another state championship trophy in the school trophy case.”

Even if Oak Mountain does win that coveted third straight title, don’t be surprised if Kennedy Davis still finds time to finish his homework and hand out a water bottle or two before the day is done. ❖

The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s baseball playoff format normally calls for two games on Friday with a third game on Saturday, if necessary.

Last week, as far as Over the Mountain schools were concerned, most teams – for better or worse – wound up getting Saturday as a day off.

Hoover and Oak Mountain only needed two games to clinch their respective playoff matches in Class 7A, while Spain Park in Class 7A and Homewood in Class 6A were swept on Friday.

Only Class 7A Vestavia Hills and Class 5A Briarwood needed Saturday games to settle matters – the Rebels advancing and the Lions seeing their season come to an end.

The Bucs swept Buckhorn 8-3 and 3-1, thanks in large part to some timely power hitting. Sonny DiChiara slammed two home runs in Hoover’s opening victory, while pitcher Brock Guffey hurled a four-hitter in the second game. Peyton Wilson and C.J. Gilliland also homered for the Bucs in the first game.

Hoover will host Grissom in the quarterfinals beginning Friday. The Bucs raised their season record to 33-9.

Oak Mountain advanced to the next round by defeating Huntsville 6-4 and 6-2. The Eagles earned two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 4-4 tie. Dylan Fraser’s walk and a sacrifice bunt put Fraser in a position to score. A bad throw from third base allowed Fraser to get the go-ahead run.

Logan Sheaffer had two hits, two RBIs and two runs for Oak Mountain.

Gene Hurst got the win allowing just four hits and three runs.

In the second game, Jacob Williams had three hits. Joseph Hartfield yielded five hits while striking out 10 Crimson Panther batters.

Vestavia Hills needed a third game to eliminate Sparkman, and it needed a dramatic seventh inning rally to clinch the series. With the game tied 6-6 and one out with the bases loaded, the Rebels’ William Schaffeld hit a ball to the Senator shortstop, who threw the ball toward home to force out base

runner Colton Lewis at the plate. The Sparkman catcher caught the ball on the bounce, but Lewis was called safe to end the game.

The Rebels opened with a 4-0 lead before the Senators rebounded to take a 6-4 lead in the sixth inning. Andrew Knight’s RBI and D.J. Steele’s homer with the bases empty tied the game, setting the stage for Lewis’ heroics.

Knight and Lewis both had three hits for Vestavia, and Steele had two hits. Garrison Cherry earned the victory in a relief role.

Vestavia forced a third game on Saturday by rallying for a 9-5 win over Sparkman in the second game of Friday’s double header. Right-hander Caden Lemons gave up two runs on four hits and struck out four. Drew Stockton had four hits for the Rebels and Will Hoffman added three.

The Senators won the opening game in the series 7-6.

The Rebels will host Oak Mountain in the Class 7A quarterfinals this weekend. Vestavia improved its record to 18-15.

On the downside, Spain Park was swept by Grissom 9-7 and 8-7. In the second game, the Jaguars rallied from an 8-1 deficit by scoring five runs, highlighted by a homer from Kevin Hopkins. Spain Park finished its season 22-16.

Top-ranked Briarwood saw its dream of a Class 5A championship end with a 6-0 loss to Faith Academy in the third game of a three-game set on Saturday. Rams pitcher Jamison Morris held the Lion batters to only four hits, and just one runner advanced to third base.

The previous day, Briarwood took the first game 6-5, but Faith battled back to even the series with a classic 1-0 win. Rams ace Gabe Shepard struck out 15 Lion batters and yielded only one hit. Briarwood pitcher Sam Strickland only allowed three hits in the losing cause.

“Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the other guy,” Lion coach Steve Renfroe said.

Briarwood finished its season with a 27-5 record.

In Class 6A competition, Homewood was swept by Decatur 4-1 and 10-5 to end the Patriots’ season. ❖ The Bucs swept Buckhorn 8-3 and 3-1, thanks in large part to some timely power hitting.

Sonny DiChiara, pictured, slammed two home runs in Hoover’s opening victory,

Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry

38 • Thursday, May 4, 2017

WIDRA, From page 40

championship in 2014 and is now an ace pitcher at Samford University.

“I loved being at the ball park, watching my brother,” Widra said. “I knew then that I wanted to be a ball player.”

She immediately excelled in club and travel ball, and by seventh grade, it was apparent that Widra was ready for the varsity – at Spain Park, not Berry Middle School.

‘We’ve been really successful because we’re all working hard and playing together.’

Widra said that, although she was barely a teenager when she joined the talented team led by 16- and 17-yearolds, there were no issues of transition or resentment from the older players.

“It really wasn’t much of an adjustment,” Widra recalled. “I already knew a lot of the girls on the varsity from watching them play and practiced with them twice a week, so it wasn’t a big deal at all.”

Teammates and opposing batters immediately became aware of Widra’s dangerous curve ball, the best pitch in her arsenal. “Facing batters is the same whether it’s travel ball or varsity,” she said. “I like to get ahead in the count early and have the confidence that I’ve got a great group of players backing me up.”

Thursday, May 4, 2017 • 39

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Widra’s best moment of the season may have come in March, when she hurled a 7-0 no-hit shutout against powerful Sparkman in the Jaguar Classic. Along the way, she struck out seven Senator batters.

“Sparkman always has a good team, so anytime you do well against them, it’s special,” she said.

Widra may be young, but she fully understands what’s expected at Spain Park, which has become one of the Southeast’s top programs since C.J. Hawkins took over as coach nearly a decade ago.

“We’ve been really successful because we’re all working hard and playing together,” she said. “If one player struggles, there’s always someone there to pick them up. We all want to win the (state championship) trophy with the blue map.”

While a college softball career is clearly on her long-term radar, Widra has plenty to look forward to over the next four years.

“I want to improve and be the best I can be,” she said. “Mainly though, I want to help the team win.”

Widra will have to make at least one adjustment next season. As a ninthgrader, she will move over to the high school to attend classes.

“There won’t be anything different other than that,” she said, laughing. “I guess I’ll finally have to learn my way around the school.”

Annabelle Widra may not know her way around Spain Park yet, but even in the hustle and bustle of the first day of high school, there’s no way her softball talents are ever going to get lost in the shuffle. ❖

TENNIS TITLES, From page 40

freshman Liz Vandevelde won the num ber five singles. Morgan Jenkins took the number six singles crown.

Mountain Brook’s Sarah Catherine Cooper and Ellie Polk were runners-up in the second and third seeds, respectively.

Cele Sullivan and Cooper won the state title in number two doubles, while Maggie Duggan and Vandevelde earned the championship of number three doubles.

“A great sign for the future of our program is that several of our top girl and boy scorers were freshmen,” Mountain Brook coach Susan Farlow said. “It was also a true team effort on both sides as every starting player earned at least six points for their team.”

Spain Park’s second place finish was driven in large part by three victories in the singles competition. The Lady Jaguars’ Lindsay Song won the number two singles and teammates Sydney Ellison and Mychelle Widra took number two and three singles, respectively.

In Class 4A/5A play, Briarwood edged runner-up St. Paul 57-51 to claim the boys state championship. Lion freshman John Wolf won the number two singles with a 6-0,6-1 victory over St. Paul’s Jimmy Mackin. Alex Felts, an eighth-grader, claimed the number four singles title for Briarwood.

Felts and Tyler Guerra won the number three doubles title for the Lions. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

SPORTS

Kennedy Dynasty Oak Mountain Midfielder Looking for Another Title PAGE 38 LEE DAVIS

Child Star

Spain Park’s Annabelle Widra Is So Good, So Young

See TENNIS TITLES page 39

See WIDRA, page 39

Photos special to the Journal

Faulkner finished second, as did the number two doubles combination of Jones and Robinett.

In girls competition, Mountain Brook edged runner-up Spain Park 55-45. Spartan sophomore Margaret Polk won her second consecutive singles title and

As Annabelle Widra chalks up one victory after another as the starting pitcher for Spain Park’s highly ranked softball team, there’s just one problem: She really doesn’t know her way around the school very well.

“I’ve only been in the school a few times – when my brother was going there,” she said. “I’d probably get lost if I had to find a classroom there.”

Widra’s lack of knowledge of Spain Park’s hallways is understandable. She doesn’t attend school there. Instead, Widra is a student at nearby Berry Middle School, where she is soon to complete the eighth grade.

Words such as “prodigy” and “wunderkind” have been used to describe Widra, and they are accurate. Her numbers in 2017 have been mind-boggling, particularly coming from a girl who is still a year away from getting her learner’s permit.

Through last Saturday, Widra had compiled a 28-3 record with 223 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.54. With her bat, Widra hits a hefty .434 with 43 hits and 18 RBIs. This past weekend saw her throw a no-hit shutout against CentralPhenix City.

Even as a seventh-grader last season, Widra was an impact pitcher with a record of 12-5, an ERA of 1.95 and 118 strikeouts.

“One of my goals is to get 500 strikeouts,” she said. A right-hander, she plays shortstop or second base when not in the pitching circle.

Widra’s path to stardom began as a 6-year old, when she would follow her older brother Tristan to the ball park.

Her athleticism is in her genes. Tristan led Spain Park’s baseball team to a state

Members of the Mountain Brook boys and girls tennis teams, front, from left: Margaret Polk, Courtney Clark, Maggie Duggan, Liz Vandevelde, Morgan Jenkins, Sarah Cooper, Ellie Polk, Cele Sullivan, Kate Bumgarner, Whitton Bumgarner, Adelaide Burton, Sully Ferreira, Madison Jenkins and Charlotte Gillum.

Back: Assistant coach Glenn Lamar, Stuart Phelan, Cars Chandler, Haskins Jones, Paul Jones, Peter Hartman, David Faulkner, John Darby, William Watts, Andrew Karcher, Jonathan Wheeler, Zach Lewis, Chase Robinett, Alva Caine, assistant coach Wally Nall, head coach Susan Farlow and assistant coach Caroline Hall.

SWEEPS MONTH

Mountain Brook Claims Boys And Girls Class 7A Titles; Briarwood Claims Boys Crown

By Lee Davis

Mountain Brook has been a perennial power in boys and girls tennis since the school opened its doors in 1966.

But for all the Spartans’ successes, rarely have their boys and girls teams earned championship hardware in the same season.

That changed last week as the Mountain Brook boys and girls teams swept to the Class 7A championship at the Mobile Tennis Center. The twin victories marked the first sweep since 2005.

The Spartan boys easily defeated runner-up McGill-Toolen 51-27 to take the title. Vestavia Hills finished third with 21 points. Mountain Brook’s Paul Jones won the state championship for the number three seed, and teammate Alva Crain claimed the number five seed. Freshman William Watts won the number six seed. Peter Hartman was runner-up

in the number one seed, while David Faulkner and Chase Robinett were runners-up in the number two and four seeds, respectively.

In doubles play, the number three seeded tandem of Andrew Karcher and Watts took first place. The number one doubles team of Hartman and

Members of the Briarwood boys tennis team, front, from left: Hunter Bussey, Bennett Davis, and Christian Ragsdale. Back: assistant coach Bill “Bubba” Bussey, assistant coach Brandon Snipes, Alex Felts, John Wolf, Conner Coleman, Luke Wolf, Parker Bradbury, Tyler Gurrea, Ryan Borders, and head coach Jeremy Mears.

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