6.1.17

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

THURSDAY, JUNE1, 2017

SPORTS

hitting the TRAIL for a

CAUSE

Photo by William Wells

Local Men Hike Pacific Crest Trail to Raise Money for Rett Syndrome Research Mountain Brook Family Feels Call to Serve in Haiti

SUN-UP TO SUN-DOWN Bennett Fisher (pictured) and friend William Wells are three weeks into a 100 day hike on the 2,659 mile Pacific Crest Trail.

SEE STORIES PAGE 14

In an emergency, it’s about time.

In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, at Grandview Medical Center, you can look forward to faster care in the emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional* in 30 minutes – or less. And, with a team of dedicated medical specialists, we can provide a lot more care, if you need it. *Medical professionals may include physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

GrandviewHealth.com

Look Forward.

97039_GRAN_ERpldg_10_375x2_25c.indd 1

5/12/17 1:49 PM

2 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

IN THIS ISSUE

MURPHY’S LAW

D A BIGGER HEART: Art From the Heart Will Accommodate Larger Crowd PAGE 6

LAKE LIVING: Cottage Indsutry | Small World | Lake Martin Respite PAGE 24

CURATED CONCEPT Market Table Has Café, Food to Go – Plus a Butcher PAGE 31

GET SNACKING Pizitz Students Participate in New Snack Challenge PAGE 34

ABOUT TOWN 3 PEOPLE 8 NEWS 12 LIFE 14 SOCIAL 18

HOME 24 FOOD 32 SCHOOLS 34 SENIORS 36 SPORTS 44

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

June 1, 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 Vol. 27, No. 20

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

Copyright 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.

The Mouse In the Middle

isney World is said to be the stroller, the other the wheelchair. It’ll happiest place on earth, and work. One week out, little sister comes that may be true, but I am here home from preschool with pink eye, to testify that getting there may not be but they can still go to Disney World.

They’ll just make sure she doesn’t all that happy. I’d go so far as to say share a pillow with anyone, or touch that the experience can be enough to any of the handrails or … no, really, it make even Mickey go a little goofy.

Let’s take the typical Disney-bound will be OK. The night before they are family. We have Mom, Dad and their to leave, somebody throws up, but, 2.5 children under the age of hey, they still can go to Disney 8. They’ve been looking forward to World. They were probably just overly this trip for months, perhaps excited, right? years. The minute they booked the So here we are at the gate. The now-larger, hobbling, infectious family trip, the countdown began. Only five is cued to board along with five other months until we go to Disney families in their own matching World. Only five weeks until we go.

Sue Murphy T-shirts. They are, every one of them, … Only five days. … It feels like it’s so excited they are ready to burst. been Christmas Eve forever.

Not so excited are the non-DisDad locked in their pool-view ney fliers, the businessmen and hotel room last August. He signed Seven days later, women who are headed to Miami up for the deluxe dining plan that these passengers will via Orlando for a biotech convenincludes a character breakfast with Donald Duck and one glorious night return spent, in more tion. These hardy souls take their at the Hoop-De-Doo Revue. When aisle seats stoically, preparing to be ways than one, but whacked in the head by every passthe trip got closer, Mom scored Fast ing backpack. And there are a lot of Passes for Dumbo and the must-do it will be worth it. I them. Did I forget to mention the 20 “Frozen” ride. The family even mean, it’s Disney.

12-year-olds winging their way to decided to splurge on a special fireOrlando for a cheerleading competiworks dessert party extravaganza. It tion? Handstands and hair bows and will be magical. headsets, oh my! So do not judge They are all very, very excited. when these non-Disney fliers whip They are also heavily investout their credit cards for a vodka tonic at nine in the ed. They plunked down a hefty hotel deposit. Their airmorning. line tickets are non-refundable. Their credit cards are straining under the weight of their new tennis shoes and The flight attendants have no such solace. They bathing suits and a week’s worth of matching T-shirts. stand by with their bags of pretzels because they know Oh yes, they’ve been planning and saving and pack- someone will have a peanut allergy. There will be ing and hoping for months and months and months, but spills. There will be wailing, and when the plane finally a lot can happen in those months. Perhaps – surprise! – lands, the lavatory trash can will be overflowing with there is a new baby in the family. (Make that 3.5 chilPampers. Welcome to Orlando.

From Birmingham, the flight only lasts an hour and dren.) They can still go to Disney World. A ride-on stroller and an added backpack of diapers? No problem. a half, thank goodness. Seven days later, these passengers will return spent, in more ways than one, but it One month out, brother breaks his leg. That’s OK; they can still go to Disney World. One person pushes the will be worth it. I mean, it’s Disney. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

If you could vacation anywhere this summer where would you go?

“Bora Bora, so I can stay in a bungalow.”

Amy Reese Birmingham

“Bolivia, I want to go on a bike trip.”

Abby Presley Hoover “Australia, I’ve heard that it has everything. People are happy and it’s beautiful.”

Jody Batey with Audrey and James Batey Hoover “Pompeii, I would love to see the city and how it’s fossilized from when the volacano erupted 2,000 years ago.”

Kendall Fowler Samford

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

JUNE 1 - 15 Thurs., June 1 VESTAVIA HILLS

Summer Reading Kickoff Library in the Forest The library will host a party beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the community room, featuring a theatre performance by Doug Berky, masks, mime, stories and free Kona Ice. A Global Movements performance in the amphitheater will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit vestavialibrary.org.

June 1-3

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 3

ABOUT TOWN Foundation taking over the putting green and driving range. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a light breakfast and a 9 a.m. shotgun start. A 19th hole celebration will include drinks, food, music and more. For more information, visit ascpa.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Coffee Concerts Alys Stephens Center The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will host a concert at 11 a.m. featuring Andreas Delfs conducting Brahms’ Second Symphony. Coffee and pastries will be served before the concert.

Tickets range from $18-$34. For more information, visit alabamasymphony.org.

Sat., June 3 BIRMINGHAM

Parrots and Pirates Birmingham Zoo The zoo will host a celebration of all things pirate from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Children are encouraged to dress up in their favorite pirate or parrot costume for a day featuring animal demonstrations, a DJ, music, arts and crafts, face painting, costumed characters and more. Festivities are free with zoo admission. For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com. ❖

BIRMINGHAM

Steel City Jazz Festival Linn Park The fourth annual jazz festival will open Fri. at 4 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. with performances by artists from around the country. Two-day passes are $150 and one-day passes are available at reduced rates. A portion of sales will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. A kick-off party will be held Thurs. at 6 p.m. at the Harbert Center, featuring Grammynominated musician Alvin Garret and Logan the Entertainer. For more information, visit steelcityjazzfestbham. com.

June 1-30

VESTAVIA HILLS

Art Show Library in the Forest The library will host an art show featuring “Trees of Ascension” by local artist Chip Ghigna. For more information, call 978-0155.

Fri., June 2

BIRMINGHAM

Young CPA Charity Golf Tournament Robert Trent Jones Golf TrailOxmoor Valley The annual tournament will kick off with participants from the Exceptional

Retake your spot.

For you, recovery isn’t enough. You need to achieve victory over your injury and come back better than ever. When you team up with Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, we’ll put you back in the position to win.

June 2-3 HOOVER

Made South Hoover Met Nashville native Chris Thomas has organized a Southern-centric show Fri. from 5-9 p.m. and Sat. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This event will showcase 100 artisans and makers from the South, food and drink tastings and more. Tickets range from $10-$29 and a portion of the proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Alabama. For more information, visit madesouth.com. ❖

Go to Andrews SportsMedicine.com to start making your comeback. ©2017 Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. All rights reserved.

4 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

by Free the Hops, will be Fri. from 7-11 p.m. and Sat. from 4-8 p.m. Activities include samples of more 150 craft beers, the Alabama Cask Garden with firkins from all of the Alabama breweries and more. For more information, visit magiccitybrewfest.com.

Sat., June 3 BIRMINGHAM

SliceFest Lakeview District Slice Pizza & Brewhouse will host the 6th annual SliceFest, to benefit The Suki Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping families cope with Rhett Syndrome. Activities will include a 47-foot ferris wheel, dog park, cooling station, street performers, face painting and more.

The evening will conclude with a full lineup of musical artists. Tickets in advance are $25 and $35 at the gate.

For more information, visit slicefest. com. ❖

Sat., June 3 BIRMINGHAM

Adoption Boot Camp Children’s of Alabama UAB’s International Adoption Center will host a seminar from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Bradley Lecture Center for anyone considering adoption, in the adoption process or those who work with adopted children. Registration is $50 or $150 for a family of four. For more information, call 638-6964 or email adopt@uab.peds.edu.

Mon., June 5

VESTAVIA HILLS

Bloom and Grow: Basic Garden Maintenance Vestaiva Hills Library in the Forest Learn about planning, planting and pruning with Sallie Lee, a county extension officer and regular on Good Day Alabama, in the first of a four-part summer series on gardening. The event begins at 6 p.m. For more information, visit vestavialibrary.org.

Wed., June 7

HOOVER

Where the Miracle Continues Hoover Public Library Carolyn Roberson will share inspiring stories of how equine therapy is changing lives at the Alabama Institute

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Sun., June 4 BIRMINGHAM

Birthday Bash Vulcan Park and Museum The park will host a 113th birthday party from noon-4 p.m. with live music by George Griffin and the Firebirds, characters from the Birmingham Barons, games, animals from the Birmingham Zoo, aircrafts from the Southern Museum of Flight, Magic Town Clowns, a bounce house, rock wall, free refreshments and more. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children and free for members.

For more information, visit visitvulcan. com. ❖

June 9 and 11 BIRMINGHAM

for the Deaf and Blind. This adult program will be at 10:30 a.m.-noon in the Adult Program Room. For more information, visit hooverlibrary.org.

Thurs., June 8

Elnora Spencer Hoover Public Library Legendary Birmingham singer Elnora Spencer will lead her band in a free blues concert at the Library Plaza from 6:30-8 p.m. For more information, visit hooverlibrary.org.

Fri., June 9

VESTAVIA HILLS

Upcycle City: Summer String Lights Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Nothing says summer like string lights swaying on the porch or patio, and you can make yours just the way you want them. All supplies will be provided plus wine and light snacks.

This free event will be held from 7-9 p.m. in the Community Room. You must be 21+ to attend. Space is limited. Call 978-4678 or email cbrandon@bham.lib. al.us to register.

June 9-10

BIRMINGHAM

Magic City Brewfest Sloss Furnaces The 11th annual festival, presented

“Naughty Marietta” Alys Stephens Center The Birmingham Music Club and Patty McDonald will host two performances of this romantic comedy opera by Victor Herbert, Fri. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 2:30 p.m. in the Sirote Theatre. The performance is directed

by Kristin Kenning and the orchestra will be conducted by Brian Viliunas.

Reserved seats are $35 or $15 for students. For more information, visit bhammusicclub.org.

June 9-11

BIRMINGHAM

Symphony in the Summer Railroad Park The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will play three free concerts, with classical concerts Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. The concert Sun. at 6 p.m. will feature light classics, a Pops selection from “Wicked” and “Beauty and the Beast” and an 85th birthday salute to film composer John Williams. For more information, visit alabamasymphony. org.

Sat., June 10

BIRMINGHAM

Cahaba River Ramble Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge The Cahaba River Society will host its 5k and 10-mile trail race through the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge beginning with registration at 7:30 a.m. Admission is $40 for the 5k and $50 for the 10-mile and $20 for a one-mile youth race, with proceeds benefitting the Shane Hulsey CLEAN Environmental Education Program. For more information, visit cahabariversociety.org.

ALABAMA'S LARGEST GASLIGHT SHOWROOM

HOOVER

Take the Reins Run Veterans Park The Red Barn will host a 5k and 10k to celebrate veterans and raise money for its programs, which provide therapeutic activities that assist in the treatment of PTSD and other disabilities for active and inactive military personnel. The races begins at 8 a.m. and registration is $35. For more information, visit takethereins5k10k. itsyourrace.com.

BIRMINGHAM

Magic City Caribbean Food and Music Festival Linn Park The Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization will host the 6th annual festival featuring food, music, local vendors, performances and an authentic Caribbean parade with costumes live bands and a 15-piece steel band. This free family friendly festival starts at 11 a.m. and the parade kicks off at 1 p.m. For more information, visit cacaoonline.org/annual-caribbeanfestival.

HOMEWOOD

Flag Retirement Our Lady of Sorrows Church The OLS Knights of Columbus will host a flag retirement ceremony at 6:30 p.m. with local scouts and a patriotic ceremony. Older U.S. flags can be dropped off from noon-6 p.m. at the parking deck.

Sun., June 11

HOMEWOOD

Summer Art Gallery Reception Homewood Public Library The library will host a reception featuring LEGO creations and Build-ABetter World artwork in the Ellenburg Art Gallery from 3-4 p.m. for students in grades K-5. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Thurs., June 15

BIRMINGHAM

2828 Linden Avenue Homewood 870-4060 www.alabamagaslightandgrill.com

S’mores & Pours Avondale Brewing Co. Camp Fire Alabama will host a fundraiser from 6-9 p.m., featuring samples of select wine, beers from Avondale Brewing Co., food pairings, a silent auction and live music. Tickets are $25 and proceeds will benefit Camp Fire Alabama programs and initiatives for local children, youth and families.

Guests must be 21 to attend. For more information, visit campfire-al.org.

HOMEWOOD

Chopped Jr. Homewood Public Library The library will host its first family cooking competition for rising K-6th graders from 6:30-7:15 p.m. in the large auditorium. To register or for more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

SAVE THE DATE Fri., June 16

HOOVER

Healthy Hearts for Horizons Jefferson State Community College Horizons School will partner with Jeff.

State’s Culinary & Hospitality Institute and Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe’ to celebrate its 25th anniversary from 5-9 p.m. The event will feature a cooking competition and cocktail reception, followed by a live auction and multicourse Mediterranean dinner from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $50. For more information, visit horizonsschool.org/ healthyhearts/.

Sat., June 17

BIRMINGHAM

Zoo, Brews and Full Moon Bar-B-Que Birmingham Zoo The zoo will kick of its third annual event at 5:30 p.m. and feature craft beer from all over the southeast, as well as wines and non-alcoholic beverages.

Festivities include barbeque dinner, live music by Park Band, a Talladega Superspeedway pace car and street team, animal greetings, Pirate Train rides, kids activities and more. General admission tickets are $20 for guests under 21 and designated drives, or $35 for guests over 21. A limited number of VIP tickets will offer early admission, premium parking and drinks. For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com.

Thurs., June 22

BIRMINGHAM

Magic City Chocolate Challenge Birmingham Botanical Gardens Disability Rights & Resources will host a cooking competition centered around chocolate from 5:30-8 p.m., benefitting the organization’s mission to support individuals with disabilities. Event activities include unlimited samples, music, a silent auction and self-guided tours through the gardens. Tickets are $29 through June 15. For more information, visit “Magic City Chocolate Challenge” Facebook page. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Amazing Challenge

By Emily Williams The Lakeshore Foundation is calling teams of four to test their strength and increase their awareness through its annual Amazing Race competition.

The June 10 event takes place at the foundation and is the largest fundraiser hosted by Lakeshore’s junior board.

Differing from the television show on which it is based, Lakeshore’s take has its teams compete in a variety of challenges that not only put their physical and mental skills to the test, but open their eyes to the challenges that a person with a physical disability faces every day.

In past years, the teams have had to play tennis in wheelchairs, kayak down the facility’s pool with only one arm or sprint down a track blindfolded and tethered slightly to a guide runner.

Serving on one of the teams representing event title sponsor Vulcan Materials Company, Denise Lynch of Hoover is looking forward to her third year participating.

Recruited by her co-worker Eric Hess, a member of Lakeshore’s junior board, Lynch said her first Amazing Race opened her eyes to the daily chal-

Photo special to the Journal

Lakeshore’s Amazing Race Builds Awareness Through Physical Competition

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 5

ABOUT TOWN

Teams compete in a variety of challenges that not only put their physical and mental skills to the test, but open their eyes to the challenges that a person with a physical disability faces every day.

lenges caused by physical disabilities as well as the foundation’s programs.

“The competition really puts life into perspective and makes me realize how much I take for granted,” she said.

“The challenges of the competition made me more aware of the physical limitations some people have while completing some of life’s simple daily tasks,” Lynch said.

One of the challenges she is looking forward to most is wheelchair basketball.

“We really worked as a team to complete that challenge,” Lynch said.

“It sounds easy until you are actually sitting in a wheelchair trying to score a basket without any lower body strength.”

One of her most difficult hurdles in years past has been the rifle shooting challenge, in which the shooter is blindfolded and must use their sense of hear-

ing to gauge how close they are to the target.

With no way to properly train and prepare for the challenges, her focus this year will be on completing all of the challenges and performing better than last year.

Race day will begin with registration at 8 a.m., and teams take on challenges from 9 a.m. until noon.

In addition to healthy competition, a post-race celebration will feature food, drinks, music and more. Local food trucks on site will include Off the Hook, Repicci’s Real Italian Ice and Slap Happy BBQ. In addition, the grand prize of a Barons Hospitality Package will be given to the winning team, supplying members with a baseball experience for 20 people that includes refreshments, tickets, a welcome announcement and throwing the first pitch. ❖

mountain brook

CONGRATULATING MOUNTAIN BROOK CLASS OF 2017.

high school

Crestline Village 205-871-7361 • kjadmd.com Kevin J. Alexander, DMD

GO SMILING INTO YOUR FUTURE.

Mountain Brook Village 205-968-1296 • otmdentistry.com K. Nicole LeMaitre, DDS Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama provider

AD-2017MntBrookSeniorsAd-OTMJ-01.indd 1

5/24/17 9:20 AM

6 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Come as you are.

You’ll fit right in.

The event will showcase and auction artwork donated from area artists as well as artists from the Studio by the Tracks, such as a piece by Ken O, above. Creating art at Studio by the Tracks can be a source of income. Artists receive 60 percent of the sale of one of their pieces.

A Bigger Heart

SUNDAYS AT 8:15 & 10:45 AM

Changes to Art From the Heart Will Accommodate Larger Crowd

By Sarah Kuper

Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace Birmingham, AL 35242

#wheregraceabounds

June 21, 'Jumanji'

Presented by Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc. The Birmingham Zoo will bring animals to The Gardens at 5 p.m.

Movie will begin at dusk.

Beverages and food available for purchase from Catering by Kathy G.

$5 donations encouraged

On June 11, Studio by the Tracks will present its 28th Art from the Heart event benefiting arts programming for adults with autism spectrum disorders and emotionally conflicted children.

In past years, the art auction has been held at B&A Warehouse near Railroad Park. But Executive Director Suzanne Boozer said the event needed a change of venue for an exciting reason.

“We just outgrew that space.

We see more people come every year,” she said, “Once they come, they come back again and again.”

Art from the Heart will now be at Haven, an event space in the Lakeview District.

Boozer said Haven will provide more parking and opportunities to

“This way people can skip the auction and get the piece they want right away.”

That, she said, is what makes the patron pre-party opportunity exciting.

About 40 adults use the studio, and their works are for sale through the studio’s website yearround.

expand.

As always, the event will showcase and auction artwork donated from area artists as well as artists from the Studio by the Tracks.

In addition to the location change, new this year will be an exclusive patron’s pre-party and “buy now” and “cash ‘n’ carry” options.

“We added these options because people may not be able to stay until the very end of the evening when winners are notified,” Boozer said,

Top, a painting by John Miller; above, “Bull” by Linda.

Tickets for the pre-party include admission one hour early, plus special drinks, food and live music. Art lovers get a first look at the art and can snatch up pieces they love without

taking a chance on the auction.

More than 200 artists have donated works to the auction, in addition to the studio artists. Some of the local artists have donated pieces for more than 20 years.

Boozer said some of them are well known to area art lovers, but there are newcomers as well.

“I know there are collectors who will come and see pieces they have to have,” Boozer said.

Established in 1989, Studio by the Tracks is in Irondale but serves the greater Birmingham community by providing free art studio programs.

Adults with autism spectrum disorders and children in difficult circumstances engage their artistic side by taking classes in drawing, painting and mixed media art.

The studio aims to fill a particular need. While there are many programs geared toward helping school-aged children on the spectrum, organizers at Studio by the Tracks realized adults needed an avenue to express themselves in a creative, therapeutic way.

Creating art at Studio by the Tracks can also be a source of income. Artists receive 60 percent of the sale of one of their pieces. The rest of the proceeds go toward art materials and marketing.

About 40 adults use the studio, and their works are for sale through the studio’s website year-round. A gallery featuring more than 30 pieces from the studio also opened inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook in February.

To learn more about Art from the Heart and Studio by the Tracks, visit studiobythetracks.org. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 7

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photo special to the Journal

PEOPLE

Front, from left: Sally Woolley, Shelby Bailey, Kaye Sutley, Suzy Koski and Sandra Beaver. Back: Joyce Quinn, Shawn Spaulding, Pat Talty, Liz Jones and Tracy Pflaum.

Hoover DAR Chapter Installs New Officers

The Lily of the Cahaba Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently installed its newly elected officers.

The new officers for the Hooverbased organization are Kaye Sutley, chapter regent; Shelby Bailey, first vice regent; Suzy Koski, second vice regent;

Sandra Beaver, chaplain; Liz Jones, recording secretary; Tracy Pflaum, corresponding secretary; Shawn Spaulding, treasurer; Sally Woolley, registrar; Pat Talty, historian; and Joyce Quinn, librarian.

Founded in 1890, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution promotes historic preservation, patriotism and education. The national organization

boasts more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide.

Any woman is eligible for membership who is at least 18 years of age and can prove lineal, blood descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence. For information about membership in Lily of the Cahaba, email lilyofthecahaba@ gmail.com.

Lakeshore Foundation; more than 300 certificates of appreciation of service to Vietnam veterans; and many other activities in the previous year.

DAR SevenSeals: Chapter Vice Regent Kaye Sutley, ESGR State Chair retired Col. Bill Kringel and chapter Regent Susan Moore.

Hoover DAR Chapter Recognized by State ESGR

The Lily of the Cahaba Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently was honored with the Seven Seals Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve of Alabama.

The DAR Chapter, based in Hoover, received the honor for its leadership and initiative in support of the men and women in the National Guard and Reserve.

The award recognized the chapter’s support of active military and veterans with projects such as its annual Breakfast for a Vet, Wreaths Across America and Veterans Memorial Arbor Plaza; donations to VA Medical Center, veterans homes and injured military at

Photo special to the Journal

8 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

Helping FAMILIES Create GREAT MEMORIES for 50 YEARS! 2828 Linden Ave. Homewood • 870-4060

alabamagaslightandgrill.com

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 9

PEOPLE Blair Alexander Seton Earns Eagle Scout

Photo special to the Journal

Blair Alexander “Alex” Seton, a member of Boy Scout Troop 63 at Canterbury United Methodist Church, earned the rank of Eagle Scout from Vulcan District Eagle Board on April 20.

Seton has served in many leadership positions in Troop 63 and attended a Boy Scout Leadership Conference at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He has earned 21 merit badges and has served in the positions of assistant patrol leader and patrol leader.

For his Eagle Scout Leadership

project, Seton built a storage rack for flag poles that the American Legion Post 134 puts out along U.S. 31 for holidays, and he completed a privacy Blair Alexander fence for the “Alex” Seton Legion. Before Seton completed the project, the poles were laying on the ground or leaning against the building. They are now stacked neatly out of sight.

After raising money to cover the construction cost, Seton completed the project with the help of fellow Scouts and close family and friends.

Funds remaining at the end of the project were donated to the American Legion Post 134.

Seton is a junior at Mountain Brook High School and a member of Canterbury United Methodist Church.

He is the son of Jeff and Melissa Seton of Mountain Brook, and the grandson of Hulen and Gail Barr of Union Springs and Ken and Sandy Seton of Mountain Brook.

SEND PEOPLE NEWS TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM

From left: Michel Le, Emma Noble, Amanda McDonald and Sonia Summers.

Homewood Rotary Presents Chalk Art Winners

Artist Sonia Summers of Roebuck Springs won the Best of Show award at this year’s Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival sponsored by Homewood Rotary as part of the We Love Homewood Day activities May 6.

Ten area artists created chalk drawings on sidewalk panels at Homewood’s Central Park during the annual competition. The top four award winners were introduced to Rotary members at the club’s May 11 meeting.

Summers, sponsored by Southland International Trucks and Iberia Bank, won for her drawing, “Home is Behind the World Ahead.” She received a $500 cash prize.

Michel Le of Birmingham won the Most Creative category and a $300 cash prize.

Amanda McDonald of Mountain Brook won the Chairman’s Choice award and a $300 cash prize. She was sponsored by Limbaugh Toyota.

Emma Noble of Homewood, age 12, won the Best Youth Artist award and a $100 cash prize. The Homewood Middle School student was sponsored by Oxmoor Valley Orthodontics.

Sponsors also included Graham and Company, Grainger and Western Supermarkets.

Proceeds from the chalk art event will help fund Homewood Rotary’s local, national and international projects, which include annual college scholarships totaling about $15,000 to Homewood High School seniors.

Powering homes for more than 100 years.

Powering progress all along.

DISCOVER OUR EXCEPTIONAL

MEMORY CARE

At Rittenhouse Village At Hoover, our program is designed to rebuild and preserve that which their affliction has taken from them. From quality meals to personalized care and attention, you can rest easy knowing your family members are in the best hands, receiving the best care.

You have our word on it.

DISCOVER INDEPENDENCE, CONFIDENCE & SELF-ESTEEM BY:

✓ Celebrating each small success one at a time ✓ Encouraging active participation in all activities of daily living ✓ Focusing on strengths rather than limitations ✓ Promoting physical exercise, stimulating mental activity, social and religious interactions

When Alabama Power Company was founded on December 4, 1906, it was the beginning of more than a mere electric utility company.

It marked the beginning of our mission to help transform Alabama’s economy and vastly improve the quality of life for its citizens. Today, our continuing commitment to progress, innovation and economic development is one more way we’re partnering with the state to help elevate Alabama. Learn more at AlabamaPower.com.

COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH FOR YOU & A GUEST WITH SCHEDULED TOUR!

CALL 205.823.2393

570 Southland Drive Hoover, AL 35906

205.823.2393

RittenhouseVillages.com Memory Care *Prices, plans, programs and specifications subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Void where prohibited by law. ©2017 Discovery Senior Living. RVH0051 5/17

Managed and Operated by National Award Winning

FOLLOW

US!

© 2017 Alabama Power Company

10 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

PEOPLE

The Ballet Guild of Birmingham is presenting 58 young women during its 57th anniversary Ball of Roses on June 3 in the East Room of the Country Club of Birmingham.

This year’s ball is sponsored by Ashley Andrews Jackson, the president of the Ballet Guild of Birmingham, and executive vicepresident of the Carlton Posey Fountain.

Founded in 1959, the Ballet Guild of Birmingham was organized to promote and foster the development of the Alabama Ballet in Birmingham. Since its inception, the guild has raised

Ballet Guild Hosts 57th Annual Ball of Roses Photos by Dee Moore

more than $1 million for the ballet.

The first Ball of Roses was held in August 1961, presenting 11

young Birmingham women. This year, the Ball of Roses continues as a vital fundraiser for the Alabama Ballet.

The Ball of Roses chairman Beverly Long Crawford and cochairman Emory Richardson Ratliff have collaborated with Carole Sullivan of Lagniappe Designs on a dreamy palette of lavender and cream for the ball decor.

The Men’s Committee Dinner chair, Mackin McKinney Thompson, has planned a formal seated dinner for donors before the young women are presented. ❖

Alexandra Denise Andrews, daughter of Mr. James Rheuben Andrews ll and Mrs. Sheree Hawkins Andrews.

Catherine McMasters Armstrong, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Francis Armstrong.

Anne Peyton Baker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kenneth Baker.

Virginia Ann Balkovetz, daughter of Drs. Daniel Frederick and Mary Matheson Balkovetz.

Mary Stewart Beasley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Martin Beasley Jr.

Madelyn Haynes Beatty, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Craig Shipley Beatty.

Alice Elisabeth Martin Bradford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Aubrey Bradford.

Alice Adelaide Bromberg, daughter of Mr. William Gregory Bromberg II and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cummings Randle.

Maddison Grace Bassett Bromberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Brooks Bromberg.

Caraway Mims Bruhn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Calhoun Morrow and Mr. and Mrs. Glover Mitchell Bruhn.

Olivia Hansen Burton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hudson Burton Jr.

Sarah Elizabeth Cain, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Edward Lyle Cain Jr.

Frances Elizabeth Carson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Christopher Carson.

Caroline Frances Clark, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Crawford Clark lll.

Elizabeth Everette Dawkins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wilbur Dawkins III.

Frances Adelaide Dunn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Newton Dunn Jr.

Elizabeth Baylee Edwards, daughter of Mrs. Julianna Trammell Edwards and the late Sterling Williams Edwards.

Katherine Elizabeth Francis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Thomas Francis Jr.

Sarah Challis Gamble, daughter of Ms. Challis Wall Gamble and Mr. Mark Hunter Gamble.

Katherine Lupton Godwin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Christopher Godwin.

Mary Martha Grizzle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Louie Grizzle Jr.

Graham Hammond Harsh, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Carter Sibley Harsh.

Anna Katherine Healey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Seale Healey.

Mary Shelton Hornsby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Steven Hornsby.

Turner Nicholson Hull, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hewes Turner Hull.

Sherry Alexander Jackson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Chappell Jackson III.

Virginia Gaskell Jordan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Willard Jordan.

Frances Elizabeth Kenan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Kenan II.

Catherine Alexandra Kinney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Lee Kinney.

Caroline Frances Leak, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lawayne Leak.

Elizabeth Anderson Letzer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph William Letzer.

Allison Murray Manley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Young Manley Jr.

Carlisle Suttle McCoullough, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton Boyd McWhorter and Mr. and Mrs. John Watkins McCullough.

Argie Neil McDonald, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William White McDonald Jr.

Margaret Morgan Miller, daughter of Mr. Lawton Price Miller and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kevin Ludke.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 11

PEOPLE

Amanda Grace Morrissette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Marshall Morrissette III.

Elise Faircloth Nesbitt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mills Nesbitt IV.

Sarah Sims Parker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Stanley Parker.

Eva Louise Pewitt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edward Pewitt.

Abbie Porter Rodgers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Stanley Rodgers.

Lara Kathleen Screven, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Slade Screven Sr.

Virginia Walker Delony Sewell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Banks Sewell III.

Amelie Cotton Shallcross, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Cotton Shallcross Jr.

Mary Katherine Pinson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Mark Pinson.

Margaret Fischer Pitman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Sanders Pitman Sr.

Sarah McKinnon Riley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Edward Riley.

From left: Mackin Thompson, Men’s Committee dinner chair; Beverly Crawford, ball co-chair; and Emory Ratliff, ball co-chair.

Anna Claire Sheffield, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Vinson Sheffield.

Madeline Lynne Sheffield, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Vinson Sheffield.

Adele Oliver Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mabry Coats Smith III.

Anna Redding Smith, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Robert Lee Smith Jr.

COLLIER’S Herron Elizabeth Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Barton Taylor.

Lottice Howell Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Malcolm Taylor III.

Mary Helen Poole Terry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Roden Terry Jr.

Margaret Meador Troiano, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Meador Troiano.

Nursery

Celebrating 20 Years 1997-2017

spring A SEASON FOR DIGGING, PLANTING AND

Samantha Anderson Turner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Bradford Turner.

Mary Glenn Waldrop, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Glenn Waldrop Jr.

Mary Parker Wetzler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Douglas Wetzler.

Anne Baxley Winn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Frank Winn III.

blooming

ENJOY OF e n j o y 1111/2 / 2 wWELL-ORGANIZED e l l - o r g a n i z e d aACRES cres o f SHRUBS, shrubs, PERENNIALS, ANNUALS, HERBS & EDIBLES trees, groundcovers, vines, herbs, vAS e gWELL g i e sAS , Ap KNOWLEDGEABLE, e r e n n i a l s , a HELPFUL n d a n nSTAFF uals as well as a knowledgeable, helpful staff

822 . 3133 M ON – S AT 9 - 5:30 . S UN 1 - 5 . 2904 O LD R OCKY R IDGE R D .

NEWS

12 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Location, Location, Location

Vestavia Hills and Business Developers Team Up to Enhance Cahaba Heights

By Emily Williams

‘The challenge is that Cahaba Heights, as a community, was not a planned community. It was developed over the course of time, sort of randomly, with very little in the way of regulations when it was unincorporated.’

Photo special to the Journal

“From an economic viability standpoint, Cahaba Heights is a gem,” said Vestavia Hills city manager Jeff Downes, and what makes the area special to the local economy are three simple elements: location, location and location.

Born as a community surrounding a pumping station on the Cahaba River, Cahaba Heights was managed by Jefferson County before being annexed into Vestavia Hills in 2002. The challenge the city faces in managing the community is the unplanned nature of the infrastructure.

“The challenge is that Cahaba Heights, as a community, was not a planned community,” Downes said. “It was developed over the course of time, sort of randomly, with very little in the way of regulations when it was unincorporated.”

Downes noted that gross sales from the community’s businesses, namely retail, have trended up consistently over the past five to 10 years – even throughout the recession. For Cahaba Heights to reach its full potential, transportation, sanitary sewage and sidewalks are all things that must be reworked. In addition, various studies conducted by the city prove a need for more retail space.

The city has found that teaming up with business developers is the best way to fast-track these updates.

“A strategy you have seen in recent years is that the infrastructure costs are shared in some fashion between the private entity and the city as a public entity,” Downes said.

The city has teamed up with developers on recent projects, such as the Leaf and Petal development, on the corner of Green Valley Road and Crosshaven Drive, and Martin’s BBQ, on the corner of Pumphouse Road and Dolly Ridge Road.

Each developer has worked with the city to incorporate updates to the surrounding infrastructure into their building plans. As an example, the Martin’s BBQ project will include an updated access road to ease traffic flow in addition to new parking for customers.

“We have also included an incentive agreement with Leaf and Petal that, at some point in the future, they will widen Crosshaven Drive to help address some issues with traffic,” Downes said.

everyone happy. There are people who are open to some kind of new development and there are people who don’t want any development at all.”

Having more retail businesses would yield opportunities for partnership on infrastructure improvements that the city has had to table because of lack of time or money, he said.

“As with anything, it takes time to accomplish everything that has been thrown out as concepts. So, we’re taking it one project at a time,” Downes said. “Vestavia Hills is a small city that is trying to manage many priorities, so these things take time.”

The city recently completed Meadowlawn

The vision for the new Leaf and Petal store is to create a space that not only serves as a flower shop, but can also be rented out after hours as an event space.

Leaf and Petal Development

An example of a profitable partnership with private businesses, Downes noted, is the forthcoming Leaf and Petal development.

“More often, we are seeing multiple businesses partner up in order to fund these newer developments,” Downes said.

The relocation of the Cahaba Heights Leaf and Petal has been in the works for a while, according to owner Jamie Pursell.

Desiring more space, Pursell’s original plan was to build on a lot he owned on Crosshaven between the Rite Aid and Zaxby’s. Then Chickfil-A presented him with an offer he couldn’t refuse.

So, Pursell began searching for a new location, preferring to stay in the same area.

“I just started talking to people and knocked on doors,” he said, asking if homeowners would be open to selling.

Pursell was met with debates over selling prices rather than hard opposition to the sale, and his plan came together and resulted in the purchase of six lots on Crosshaven. With the

added space, Pursell has partnered with Becky Satterfield, of Satterfield’s Restaurant.

“Becky has always been a great customer and I consider her a friend,” Pursell said.

The vision for the new Leaf and Petal store is to create a space that not only serves as a flower shop, but can also be rented out after hours as an event space.

In addition, Satterfield plans to open a second restaurant with a Latin American focus on the property. In addition, the development also will include space for a second location of Crestline Bagel Company.

Resident Response

One of the main challenges the city faces when proposing new development is addressing the opinion of Cahaba Heights residents.

Downes notes that the community residents are among the most outspoken, and their desires often compete with the city’s.

“The community has spoken very loudly about what is an acceptable development and what is unacceptable,” he said. “You can’t make

VESTAVIA HILLS CITY MANAGER JEFF DOWNES

Park on Dolly Ridge Road. It cost well more than $1 million to engineer the land to reduce flooding and provide a community green space.

The next project on the city’s list, already in the planning stages with engineers, is to create sidewalks all the way down Crosshaven, from the Summit to Overton, with a focus on extending the sidewalks Leaf and Petal plans to create. City officials also will look more closely at what improvements can be made to ease the flow of traffic on Crosshaven, specifically at the Green Valley intersection.

In addition, the citywide Community Spaces Plan includes multimillion dollar upgrades to the Cahaba Heights ball fields, which Downes expects to be tackled in the next one to two years.

Downes noted that residents can expect to see the Leaf and Petal and Martin’s BBQ developments going vertical very soon. People also will see the properties along Cahaba Heights Road, across from ARC Realty, beginning demolition to clear the space for redevelopment into offices. ❖

Hoover Time Capsule Celebrates Foundations of Community

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By Emily Williams

The city of Hoover celebrated the date of its incorporation on May 18 by sealing a time capsule in the Hoover Municipal Center’s lobby in honor of the 50th anniversary of the city. Organized by the Hoover Historical Society, the event is a part of the city’s continuing 50th anniversary celebrations.

Mayor Frank Brocato led the ceremony, highlighting the city’s early history and recognizing capsule contributions from the Hoover Fire From left: Anna Claire Johnson of Hoover High School, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato and Paras Ahuja of Spain Park High School.

Department and the school system.

Brocato said the city was founded in 1967 because of the success of the small fire and police department that served the existing community.

In honor of its recent Class 1 Public Protection Classification by the Insurance Services Office, Fire Chief J.C. Wingate placed a Class 1 Emblem in the capsule.

In 1987, the addition of the Hoover City School System put the city on firm footing, Brocato said, and so he spent the past few months visiting the schools to collect items for the capsule.

Representing the schools, Hoover High School graduating senior Anna Claire Johnson and Spain Park graduating senior Paras Ahuja spoke

about what the city has meant to them and placed their speeches in the capsule.

Johnson spoke about the city’s strong sense of community and Ahuja presented his experience moving from Rainbow City to Hoover for a better education and brighter future.

“When it is opened in 50 years, we want the attendees of that ceremony to be able to see how this community affected our daily lives,” Johnson said. “We also can hope that those attendees will be living in a city even greater than what Hoover is today. A city that has gone through the changes that we can identify is what we’d like to see.” ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

NEWS

From scheduled chemotherapy to spontaneous celebrations, WE’RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. The thought of a cancer diagnosis cutting your life’s journey short is a scary one. So the UAB Gynecologic Oncology team is here with a range of treatment options to help you along the way. With more gynecologic oncologists than anyone in the state, we are focused on getting you an appointment right away and providing advanced treatment options with exceptional comprehensive care. There are few things in the world as important to us as celebrating every little victory. And being with you every step of the way.

uabmedicine.org/women

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 13

LIFE

14 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Hitting the Trail for a Cause Local Men Hike Pacific Crest Trail to Raise Money for Rett Syndrome Research

Photo by Sean Hannon, Brookwood.Gallery

By Sarah Kuper

John and Bethany Rooney, along with children Anna and James, are committed to going wherever God leads, even though it means leaving the comforts of home and relocating to Haiti.

Mountain Brook Family Feels Call to Serve in Haiti

To hear that a suburban couple and their children are moving to a new home isn’t all that unusual.

But to hear they’re moving from the comforts and conveniences of a place like Mountain Brook to a third-world country is altogether different.

Most families would never consider taking such a step, especially when school-age kids are involved. John and Bethany Rooney, however, are committed to going wherever God leads, as are their two youngest children, Anna, 16, and 10-year-old James. And God is leading

‘Although we don’t have any concrete plans, we anticipate that God will reveal to us where we belong and how we will best be able to serve our new neighbors and the community.’

BETHANY ROONEY

the Rooneys to Haiti, a poverty-stricken country in the Caribbean.

The family first learned about the overwhelming needs in Haiti through Mountain Brook Community Church, their church home since 2008, and its global missions partner, Vapor Ministries.

“We didn’t have any specific ideas of what volunteer needs might exist at Vapor, but we were very impressed with their simple mission of alleviating poverty and multiplying disciples in third-world environments,” said Bethany. “We have always had a heart for this type of ministry, and we felt called to be a part of what Vapor was doing.”

As they explored the possibilities, the Rooneys discovered that Vapor was in need of someone with a construction background to oversee the building of its new facilities in Haiti and the maintenance of existing facilities. With 30 years in construction and a degree in elec-

trical engineering and computer science to his credit, John easily qualified for the job.

So the church’s mission pastor, Walter Arroyo, put John in touch with Josh Firth, a former member of the church who now serves as Vapor’s vice president of finance. Plans for the Rooneys’ relocation began to take shape.

Once the move is accomplished and John begins his new job, Bethany, Anna and James will begin learning about their new home and becoming accustomed to the Haitian way of life. Other than that, exactly what they’ll be doing remains to be seen.

“Although we don’t have any concrete plans, we anticipate that God will reveal to us where we belong and how we will best be able to serve our new neighbors and the community,” Bethany said.

Originally from Wisconsin, the Rooneys were excited about moving south when they came to Alabama, and now they’re just as excited about moving even farther south. While working with an organization like Vapor has long been something they counted on doing one day, they didn’t anticipate it would happen so soon.

“We still had several things we wanted to accomplish and didn’t expect to get involved until all of our children were grown,” said Bethany. “But when this opportunity presented itself, we both knew immediately that this was God asking us to trust and follow him.”

See HIKERS, facing page

A Family Affair

The Rooneys’ marriage 19 years ago created a blended family with his two children, Joseph and Alexandra, and her son, Jadon Schmidt. Within the next few years, Anna, then James, came along. The three older children, now in their 20s, will remain in the U.S. while the two younger ones accompany their parents to Haiti.

“We’re hopeful that Anna and James will gain a better understanding of what it means to serve others and, specifically, what it means to serve in the community,” their mother said. “Our desire is for them to come to the See HAITI, facing page

Photo special to the Journal

By June Mathews

Bennett Fisher and friend William Wells are three weeks into a 100-day hike on the 2,659-mile Pacific Crest Trail.

They are trekking from the southern border of California to the northern border of Washington state.

But Fisher and Wells aren’t just in it for the sce‘We are working nic views or bragging rights. They hike for Julie.

Julie Grace Carroll is a Pell City elementary through those schooler with Rett Syndrome.

It is a rare disease in which girls develop norearly aches and mally the first year or so of life, then regress. They pains. We have lose speech and motor function but they can still comprehend what is going on around them. some blisters Since Julie was diagnosed four years ago, friends and family have rallied around her to create and sore knees what they call Julie’s Army of Hope. but we are a Fisher and Wells said they are foot soldiers in 10th of the way that army.

“She’s a special girl. You meet her and you just finished.’ want to do something for her,” Fisher said.

As they hike, they are raising money through donations of specific amounts and donations of 50 cents per mile.

What’s more, Julie’s Army of Hope has teamed up with the Suki Foundation and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics to raise money for the Sarah Katherine Bateh Endowed Professorship in Rett Syndrome.

Sarah Katherine “Suki” Bateh is another girl in the area with Rett Syndrome. The endowed professorship assures Children’s of Alabama and

William Wells, left, and Bennett Fisher stand at the Pacific Crest Trailhead outside of Campo, California.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 15

LIFE

HAITI,

From previous page

Photo special to the Journal

Julie’s Army of Hope has teamed up with the Suki Foundation and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics to raise money for the Sarah Katherine Bateh Endowed Professorship in Rett Syndrome.

HIKERS, From previous page

UAB can retain top experts in Rett Syndrome to work toward a cure.

UAB and Children’s have pledged to match money raised by Hike for Julie and the Suki Foundation.

“The Suki Foundation is a great community partner,” said Mindy Wald, community development manager at Children’s. “Hike for Julie is amazing. These young guys are out there spreading awareness,” she said, “It is something unique that not everyone can do.”

In a phone call made from near

Big Bear Lake along the PCT, Fisher said he and Wells are moving right on schedule.

“We are working through those early aches and pains. We have some blisters and sore knees but we are a 10th of the way finished.”

The Pacific Crest Trail is not the first multistate hike for Fisher.

In 2015, Fisher and his father, Henry, completed the 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail in the first Hike for Julie.

Henry Fisher worked with Julie’s father, and since he had always wanted to hike that trail, he made the hike serve a greater purpose.

Bennett Fisher accompanied his

realization that the young boys and girls there are children of God and very much like them. In time, we hope they will aspire to respond to God’s call and serve independently of the family’s prompting or influence.”

The family has not committed to remaining in Haiti for a specific time frame; they simply plan to stay as long as they feel called to serve.

“We believe that this experience will challenge us each in different ways and make us more reliant on God,” said Bethany. “We are eager for the new learning experiences and friendships that each day will bring, and we anticipate the overall experience will be positive and fruitful for the kingdom of God.” ❖ father on the hike, and together they raised nearly $25,000.

While Fisher described his family as a “hiking family,” before the Appalachian Trail, the father-son pair had never done any real backpacking.

This time, Fisher hikes with his friend Wells, a fellow outdoorsman who works at Alabama Outdoors.

They, too, hope to raise $25,000.

Children’s has set up a fundraising page for them through juliesarmyofhope.org.

The hikers are documenting their journey and keeping friends posted through their Instagram account @ hikeforjulie and on Facebook. ❖

Free Lunch and Learn Seminar:

Management of Congestive Heart Failure Friday, June 16 • Noon

Vikram Arora, M.D., FACC Board-Certified in Cardiovascular Disease

Grandview Medical Center 3690 Grandview Parkway Lunch will be provided beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Limited seating. Registration required.

Call 205-971-7474.

TAKE CONTROL OF HEART FAILURE.

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.

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.

Join us at Grandview Medical Center, an Accredited Chest Pain Center, for a free Lunch and Learn presented

by Vikram Arora, M.D., F.A.C.C. Find out about congestive heart failure, a condition that affects about 5.7 million Americans. Learn how it affects your body and how it can be controlled.

Member of the Medical Staff at Grandview Medical Center

Look Forward.

97387_GRAN_L&Ljune_10_375x6_25c.indd 1

5/15/17 2:14 PM

16 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LIFE

Bacon, Football and Hope Foundry Leadership Breakfast Features Saban on Leadership

The theme for the eighth annual Leadership Breakfast for The Foundry Ministries – Bacon, Football and Hope – served as a nod to keynote speaker Nick Saban, University of Alabama head football coach, as well as celebrat-

ing the ministry’s mission.

More than 700 business leaders from the community attended the May 17 event, which focused on the effect The Foundry and Change Lives Christian Center have on members of the greater Birmingham community who are attempting to rebuild their

lives.

“The mission of The Foundry is to restore hope and rebuild lives and the mission of Change Lives Christian Center – or as we call it, CLCC – is weaving the homeless back into society.

These two missions really fit well together hand-in-hand,” Foundry CEO

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

By Emily Williams

TO P P R ODU C E R

•

2016 •

Bill Heintz and Tommy Mayfield.

ARC Realty is proud to recognize

OUR TOP 25 PRODUCERS Blake Baxter

arcrealtyco.com

Nicole Brannon

Cahaba Heights Court Ste. 200

Michelle Creamer

Birmingham, AL 35243 205.969.8910

Christie Dietz Robin Edmondson Erle Fairly

Susan Fitzgibbon Stacy Flippen Donna Gaskins

Michael Harden Richard Jacks Megan Kincaid

Zoe Langner Donna Mann Catherine McCluer

Dale McIntyre Leda Mims Michael Murphree

Rosalie Pribbenow Cathy Rogoff

Micah Andrews said as he welcomed the crowd. “For more than 46 years, The Foundry has been restoring hope to the hopeless. Seven years ago, we joined efforts with Change Lives Christian Center. For men completing a volunteer recovery program, CLCC is the next step in recovery.”

The Foundry provides at least 1,035 meals a day to residents of their Recovery, Re-Entry and Aftercare programs, and more than 400 nights of lodging is offered daily. In addition, the ministry provides meals to homeless and struggling neighbors through community food boxes and a lunch program, a weekly mobile Produce Pantry that delivers 1,500 pounds of fresh produce and nonperishables to low-income neighborhoods, and the Pack-a-Snack program to provide snacks for disadvantaged school-aged boys and girls.

More than 4,200 medical visits are provided annually and more than 2,500 lives every year are touched through the programs.

The breakfast event included the presentation of a video highlighting the experience of Foundry’s youth advocate for homeless youth, John Smith. A former addict, Smith said he lost jobs, homes and more because of his struggles, which eventually landed him in prison. Through the Foundry he found a purpose and a job that helped him serve others.

“What we do is look for youth and approach them and build a trusting relationship with them and let them know about our services,” he said. “I just try to connect with them on their level. I’ve been out here on the streets before, so I

just be me.”

Just as Smith serves as a leader for homeless youth, in his keynote speech, Saban focused on what it means to be a leader and the key ingredient to being successful leading others: Be what you want to see in a leader and care.

“I think that when you try to do something to lead somebody else, the number one thing is that you have to keep in mind what you are doing is for someone else. Leadership is doing something for someone else for their benefit,” he said.

CLCC and The Foundry Ministries leaders seek to support recovering addicts, ex-inmates and the destitute through a Christian-centered community of programs. Support comes in the form of safe shelter, daily essentials, spiritual guidance, adult education, employment readiness training and fellowship.

“I think a lot of people that are here today have made the choice to do something that is going to benefit this community and benefit a lot of people who are trying to work themselves back into society,” Saban said.The breakfast was organized by a committee that included Chairman Tommy Mayfield, Micah Andrews, Gene Borgosz, Whit Debardeleben, Dave Duncan, Connie Hartley, Bill Heintz, Doug Jackson, Eric Kerley, Guy Martin, Larisa Mills, Mark Peeples, Nancy Peeples and Billy Wood.

The event was emceed by Lauren Sisler of AL.com/ESPN/SEC Network and Jim Dunaway host of JOX Radio.

For more information on The Foundry, visit foundryministries.com. ❖

Marc Scholl Amy Stump Brooke Wahl Vicki Warner

Mechelle Wilder Yanxi Zhang

Marc Scholl and Amy Stump work as a team

Micha Andrews with Jamie and Victor Massey.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 17

LIFE

U.S. News & World Report

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

2016-17

BEST

Photo by Dee Moore

CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

Front, from left: Lucie Christian and Meme Everette. Back: Caroline Pope,Helen Tynes and Emma Gaines Reaves.

Southern Belles

Arlington Hosts Annual Belle Presentation The Birmingham Belles 49th annual Birmingham Belle Presentation was held May 7 at Arlington Historical House and Gardens.

The Birmingham Belles is a service organization the purpose of which is to give senior high school girls the experience of volunteerism and civic responsibility as they learn about their community. The young ladies presented will be visible at city functions throughout the year.

This past year, the Birmingham Belles put in more than 1,300 hours of community service through various volunteer opportunities including: Arlington Summer Luncheons, assisted-living cookie deliveries, Birmingham Museum of Art, Christmas at Arlington, Big Oak Ranch, Decorators’ Show House, Mystics Halloween Parade, Mountain Brook Art Association Art Show, Mountain Brook Christmas Parade, The Birmingham Zoo, Childcare Resources’ Fairy Tale Ball and the Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel.

This year, Emma Clare Johnson was the recipient of the 2017 Scholarship Fund, which has been established to honor the Birmingham Belle founder, the late Mrs. James Mallory Kidd Jr. The Belles presented for 2017-2018 were: Brantley Ann Anderson, Mary Allison Anderson, Sarah Katherine Anderson, Vivian Carlisle Ballard, Kathleen McKenney Beall, Katy Leigh Benck, Lane Margaret Berry, Carolanne Hodge Berte, Adele Tydings Bloodworth, Caroline Parrish Branche, Camille Leslie Bruce, Adelaide Cassell Burton, Katelyn Hannah Bussey, Frances Eleanor Cheatham, Lucille Grace Christian, Reagan Summer Clark, Sophia Drew Clark and Anne Callaway Coker.

Other Belles presented were: Anne Clayton Cole, Isabel Brownlee Coleman, Catherine Anne Conner, Abbigail Garner Cooney, Grace Mason Cope, Naomi Ann Cunningham, Eleanor Frances Curtis, Kathryn Landrum Davis, Anna Cristina de la Torre, Alexandria Ann Dean, Caroline Chappell Dickens, Margaret Jean Dodson, Laura Elizabeth Doody, Mary

Stewart Drummond, Margaret Perkins Duggan, Haleigh Elizabeth Duke, Elizabeth Grace Elliott and Madeline Ennis Everette.

Other Belles were: Mary Tynes Flake, Lillian Ashley Fowler, Libby Grace Gann, Lauren Ann Gilbert, Virginia Leigh Gilbert, Sarah Hamilton Gladney, Caroline Henderson Goings, Mary Carrington Gullage, Mary Inzer Hagan, Elizabeth Vogtle Hale, Martha Wright Haley, Emilyn Hughes Hamn, Ann Lucy Harrison, Frederica Elizabeth Hecker, Anna Elizabeth Hild, Suzanne Cotten Hillhouse, Kate Phillips Hinson, Joy Louise Holman, Sarah Kathryn Horsley, Grace Najim Howe, Mary Louise Howland, Mary Anastasia Hufham, Morgan Sidney Hutchinson and Sarah Randall Hydinger.

Other Belles were: Madeline Strong Ingram, Elizabeth Lacey Jeffcoat, Sarah Morgan Johnson, Della Berre Jones, Olivia Grace Keating, Caroline Anne Keller, Margaret Elizabeth Kennedy, Elizabeth Moore Kinsaul, Caroline Judith Knight, Caroline Cassidy Kohn, Elizabeth Lunden Leitner, Ann Douglas Lott, Mary Hannah Mackin, Evelyn June Matsos, Mary Claire Mauro, Katherine Grace McMinn, Barrett Elisabeth Weaver Moran, Farley Southland Morris, Sophie Catriona Muir-Taylor and Peri Lane Mullinax.

Other Belles presented were: Grace Ann Mulvaney, Margot Grace Naff,

Nancy Katharine Nicrosi, Meredith “Sage” O’Brien, Elizabeth Christian Parker, Caroline Lee Pope, Emma Gaines Reaves, Molly Ann Regan, Anna Jane Roberson, Mary Frances Robertson, Leigh Taylor Russell, Anne Heaton Dearborn Sanders, Kara Nel Schaffers, Katherine Lee Seibels, Margaret Crosby Shufflebarger, Sallie Evans Simpson, Mary Emery Skelton, Catherine Anne Skinner, Hayden Sinkler Sledge and Lacy Caroline Smith.

Other Belles were: Lucy Jordan Smith, Kaitlyn Alexandra Spann, Sarah Browning Stephenson, Caroline Grace Swiney, Elizabeth Jeffers Toranto, Mary McLaurine Trammell, Margaret Adeline Treadwell, Mary Alison Turner, Helen Claire Tynes, Caroline Belle Underwood, Elizabeth Church Walker, Sarah Anne Mitchell Welch, Rebecca Fairbanks Hart White, Kathleen Connolly Wilson, Anna Davis Windle, Natalie Dalton Womack and Sarah Shepard Yates.

The Birmingham Belle presentation coordinators were: Julie and Sarah Patton Butler, Mary Margaret and Mary Winston Hendry, Kathryn and Maggie Reaves, Ann Jones, Joy McPherson, Ashelynn Falkenburg Smith and Ellie Meadows.

Archie Joseph Breland, Jack Wilson Barron IV, James Herren Roberts and Richard Hill Cater were on hand to assist as well. ❖

FOR RENT

Lennox Condominium

Conveniently located on Country Club Drive

Short drive to UAB, Lakeview, Southside, English Village, Crestline Village Beautiful hardwood floors, 2 beds, 2 baths, living room, dining room and plenty of storage space.

For More Information Call:

205.587.1602

Children’s

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

l l l l

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

Russell Campus 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 205.638.9100 Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building and McWane Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place

1601 5th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1208 3rd Avenue South 1600 5th Avenue South

Children’s South 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 205.638.4800 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services, specialty care clincis and After Hours care

Pediatric Practice Solutions Primary Care Locations Alabaster (Greenvale Pediatrics) Bessemer (Pediatrics West) Birmingham (Midtown Pediatrics) Brook Highland (Greenvale Pediatrics) Clay/Chalkville (Pediatrics East-Deerfoot) Homewood (Mayfair Medical Group) Hoover (Greenvale Pediatrics) McAdory (Pediatrics West) Montgomery (Physicians to Children/Central Alabama Children’s Specialists) Mountain Brook (Over the Mountain Pediatrics) Pell City (Pell City Pediatrics) Trussville (Pediatrics East) Vestavia (Vestavia Pediatrics)

www.ChildrensAL.org

SOCIAL

18 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

An Evening Concerto Grammy Award-Winning Violinist Headlines Starlight Gala

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

F

From left, Stan and Joan Starnes with Gillian and Mike Goodrich.

Photo special to the Journal

or the annual Viva Health Starlight Gala, guests gathered May 21 at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center for a Grammyworthy classical music production.

The evening began with a pre-performance cocktail reception and a VIP dinner.

Headlining the event was worldrenowned violinist Itzahk Perlman, accompanied by pianist Rohan De Silva, who performed a selection of pieces by Vivaldi, Beethoven, Schumann and Ravel. In his career, Perlman has recieved 16 Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, a Genesis Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2015.

Serving as honorary chairs for the event were Gillian and Mike Goodrich, supported by chairs Elizabeth and Mike Goodrich, Braxton Goodrich, Ali and Charles Goodrich and Gracie Goodrich.

Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Alys Stephens Center and its efforts to provide arts programming and education initiatives to the Birmingham community, which reach more than 19,000 individuals annually.

The event was hosted by the ASC boards including: corporate board chair Charles D. Perry Jr. and members Harold L. Abroms, Jeffrey A. Bayer, Jane Stephens Comer, M. James Gorrie, Fred McCallum Jr., Brenda Hackney, James T. McManus Jr., Sanjay K. Singh and Ray L. Watts.

Advisory board chair Allen Montgomery and members Adriene Balton-Topping, Gail L. Bayer, Karen N. Carroll, Willie N. Chriesman, Barton T. Crawford, Mary Catherine Crowe, Neil E. Davis, Rebekah Elgin-Council, Hallie Gibbs, Deborah H. Goldstein, Charles Goodrich, Wyatt R. Haskell, Pauline Ireland, Ellen Jones, Ronald A. Levitt, Patty McDonald, Betty McMahon, Lesley McRae, Guy Mitchell, Joyce Crawford Mitchell, Kim Morgan Howard Neiswender, Dorothy D. Pak, Karen P. Piassick, Lydia D. Pursell, Ed D. Robinson III, Emily Jones Rushing, Rachel K. Russell, Amber Scanlan, John Sellers, Jim Stroud, Farah Sultan, Mark J. Tarr, Steven Thomas, Brent Thompson, Chay C. Watkins, Donald V. Watkins Jr. and Monique Gardner Witherspoon.

Junior patrons chair Lillian Jacks and members Andrew Brown, Brooke Bunn, Ivy Cardwell, Justin Hill, Wilson Holifield, Brandy Lee, Rachel Stewart Martin, Alanah Melton, Kimberly Piazza, Christopher Smith, Claire Smith, Joslyn Smith, Frank Sortino and David Wilson. ❖

Headlining the event was worldrenowned violinist Itzahk Perlman, accompanied by pianist Rohan De Silva, who performed a selection of pieces by Vivaldi, Beethoven, Schumann and Ravel.

Bryan Jones with Sarah and Penny Whiteside.

Caoilin Hoctor and Nick Correll.

Nancy Faulkner and Sarina Davis.

Karen Davidson and Sue Seay.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Come Together

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 19

Alpha Delta Psi alumnae recently gathered at Mountain Brook Club for its seventh reunion celebrating the founding of the sorority in 1924.

Pledge classes for the high school sorority represented at the event ranged from 1941, represented by Edith Tynes Quarles, to 1995, represented by Laurel Machen Bassett.

Tables were decorated with lavender vases and green flowers, the sorority’s colors, prepared by Kirke White Cater, Ann Dial McMillan, Peggy Farlow Lee and Roxane Ash Mackin.

Alice Herren Schleusner sang “Star of Vesta,” written by Robert Murray Spencer South and Cynnie Shook Sproul.

P. McDavid in honor of his cousin, 1939 President Frances McDavid Haynsworth. She then led the group in singing rush songs, one of which had been written by attendee Nancy Henry Glenn from Tennessee.

Former presidents attending were Betty Williams Jones, Ann House Hightower, Ann Dial McMillan, Beth Norville Henry, Ann Evins Adams, Suzanne Grainger DeLoach, Lynn Morrow Turner, Sarah Vines Latham, Connie Dowdy Hartley, Libby White Hooker, Harriet Pascoe McFadden, Anna Culver Ballenger, Straughn Rainey, Rebecca Kracke Gordon and Susanna Scarbrough.

The next reunion will be held in 2024 to celebrate the sorority’s centennial. Roxane Ash Mackin and Ashlynn Falkenburg Smith are serving as chairmen of the event. ❖

Photos special to the Journal

ADPsi Alumnae Gather for Sorority Celebration

Front, from left: Bootsie Morris Garret, Debbie Hagood McCorqudale, Elaine Odum Morgan, Gail Allen Perry and Peggy Farlow Lee. Back: Patsy Davis Dreher, Ann Morton Morris, Pat Goodwin Hinton and Murray Phillips.

Front, from left: Grace Brady Bentley, Eunie Currie Healey, Kirke White Cater, Harriet Gibson Hawkins, Catherine Matthews and Beth Norville Henry. Back: Ann Agee Watts, Carol Nell Seale, Alice Herren Schleusner, Ann McMorries Smith, Jane Tanner Henderson, Jane McLaurin Trammell and Lynda Thompson Strickland.

20 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

SOCIAL

Front, from left: Sara Kathryn Tarter, Molly Fielding, Haley Heard, Monica Vercher, Laura Anderson, Emily Anderson and Ashely Bazemore. Back: Meleesa Jack, Nicole Allshouse, Melanie Riley, Jennifer Debruge, Kelly Webb, Krissi Williford, Miranda Atwood Vickers, Carmen Poole Boehme, Haisley Smith, Katie Hoffman, Rose Kausler, Regina Reese and Debbie Anderson.

Kelsie and Jonathan Sapp.

Living the Dream St. Jude Fundraiser Supports Pediatric Cancer Research

More than $162,000 was raised at the third annual Field of Dreams gala for St. Jude Research Hospital. Guests gathered May 13 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel to bid on auction items, dance and dine in support of pediatric cancer research.

The evening included live and silent auctions featuring art, jewelry, restaurant packages, vacations, memorabilia and more.

Organizing the event were event chairs Molly Fielding and Meleesa Jack, along with founding chairs Emily Anderson and Michael Schefano, sponsorship chairs Miranda Vickers and Regina Reese, and auction chairs Carmen Boehme and Rose Kausler.

Serving as emcee for the evening was Nicole Allshouse of ABC 33/40’s Talk Alabama.

Serving as patient honoree for the event was Evie, a 4-year old Florence native who was diagnosed with Wilms tumor – a type of kidney cancer – at age 2.

Taking the event organizers by surprise, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association’s Cooley’s Anemia Foundation presented a check for $10,000. ❖

David and Alison Green.

Libby Sims, Sophia Schefano, Slade Anderson and Colin Jack.

Attic Antiques Antiques • Vintage

New Industrial Weekly Arrivals For the Summer

New Spring Arrivals!

Tue.-Sat. 10-4:30 5620 Cahaba Valley Road

991-6887

Meleesa Jack, Melanie Riley and Laura Anderson.

Susan Taber, Molly Fielding, Sophia Schefano and Julie Van Hoy.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 21

SOCIAL

N O O PE W N

Photo special to the Journal

Elevate Your Expectations.

From left: Margaret Holland, Carolyn Hunter, Mary Sue Durant, Rhonda Cook, Anita Yates and Betty Sue Jordan.

Treated in Tanglewood Garlandia Garden Club Inducts 2017-18 Officers

Members of the Garlandia Garden Club met at the Vestavia Hills home of Gale Smith to induct a new slate of officers for the upcoming year.

The meeting was hosted by Patsy Hendley, who organized a boxed lunch by Cafe Iz following the program.

Started in 1969, the club was created to serve the Tanglewood neighborhood, named after its street Garland Drive. Over the years, as members moved from Tanglewood, membership has spread throughout the Over the Mountain community while keeping the club’s roots in its originating community.

The meeting was opened with a reading of the minutes from an April 19 meeting, during which $300 was donat-

ed to the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation. An induction of the 2017-18 officers followed, as incoming Secretary Rhonda Cook presented each officer with a single pink rose.

New officers include: Carolyn Hunter, president; Mary Sue Durant, first vice president; Betty Sue Jordan, second vice president; Cook; and Anita Yates, treasurer.

Yates presented outgoing President Margaret Holland with a crystal vase in honor of her work for the past year.

Holland noted the vase was a nod to her years working for Rich’s department store, where she specialized in crystal. ❖

At Skyline Village, discover affordable independent living apartments designed to elevate your freedom and choices to enjoy each day, plus brand-new residences, resort-like amenities, and stunning views of downtown Birmingham.

Brand-new independent living apartments starting at $1,800 per month. Plus, limited-time Founder’s Club premier package worth more than $1,500 in benefits.

Call 800-524-0021 for more information or to schedule a visit.

A Homewood Manor Community

260 Goodwin Crest Drive, Homewood, AL 35209 SkylineVillageRetirement.com

SV 4.0625X6.25 OTM news3.indd 1

THIS FATHER’S DAY

SOFTEN HIS LINES,

NOT HIS EDGE. Forget the necktie. Dads need pampering too. Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center can help the men in your life relax and not endure hard work for healthier skin. Smarter, simple skin care products and treatments can go a long way this Father’s Day. Call or visit us today to keep Dad looking and feeling irresistable!

• • • •

BOTOX OR “BRO”TOX (SOFTEN WRINKLES) KYBELLA (FOR THE DOUBLE CHIN) COOLSCULPTING (FREEZES BODY FAT) AND MORE!

COSMETIC CENTER: 205.380.6123 | WWW.TOTALSKINANDBEAUTY.COM GARY D. MONHEIT, MD MELANIE L. APPELL, MD

JAMES M. KRELL, MD A. MICHELE HILL, MD

2100 16TH AVE. SOUTH • STE. 202 ASH PLACE • BIRMINGHAM, AL 35205

4/11/17 3:56 PM

22 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Ole!

Vestavia’s Premiere Green Home Community Viridian offers all the charm of a vintage neighborhood with the latest energy-efficient green homebuilding technologies. These authentic, one-of-a-kind homes are tucked in the woods in a unique gated community off Tyler Road, with prices starting in the $600s. Two lush parks and an abundance of green space provide privacy and a sense of history for this significant property.

The Young Supporters Board of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted Fiesta Ball 2017 on May 5 at Iron City in downtown Birmingham.

This year’s event was a huge success, raising more than $100,000 for young cancer researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The money will help these scientists jump-start their research, with the goal of leveraging those research findings to compete for additional federal grants.

“Without community support, we couldn’t provide the resources that are needed,” said Charlie Adams, president of the Cancer Center’s Young Supporters Board. “We host many projects and fundraisers throughout the year, including the annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Ball to go toward young investigator grants.”

Spotted at this year’s event were Cancer Center Director Dr. Ed Partridge and his wife, Barbara, along with Lauren and Jordan DeMoss, Robert and Lessley Hynson, Jeanie and Bob MacKenzie, Mary-Margaret Brown, Sam Todd, Joey and Jenny Azar, Lisa Harris, Andrew Case, and Dr. Jeffrey and Virginia Nix. The board was established in 2006 to introduce the next generation of Alabamians to the importance of cancer research and awareness. It is composed of local professionals, ages 22 to 40, who have been touched by cancer in some way.

The title sponsor for this year’s event was Alabama Power. Grand sponsors were ARD Contracting, AutoTec, Harbert Management Corp., Stoneriver Company, Feldberg Fellows and Charles McCrary. ❖

Journal photos by Emily Williams

UAB Cancer Center Hosts Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Joey and Jenny Azar.

Dr. Ed and Barbara Partridge.

www.wedgworth.net (205) 365-4344

Shannon Boi and Rachel Powell.

Mary Catherine and Scott Laney.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 23

Photo special to the Journal

SOCIAL

keep it real

Springing Into a New Season From left, Sallie White, Emily Scarbrough, Madelon Rushing, Karen Sanders and Carolyn Featheringill.

Preserve your natural tooth with today’s alternative to standard root canal treatment.

Charades Dance Club Welcomes New Officers

Members of Charades Dance Club met April 20 at the beautifully decorated home of Carolyn Featheringill for a spring luncheon. Planning the affair with party chairwoman Madelon Rushing were Karen Sanders, Verna Lyons, Marianne Sharbel, Emily Scarbrough and Sallie White.

Enjoying wine, cheese straws and mini mushroom tarts during the social hour were Kathy Ash, Margaret Balch, Judy Bewley, Cindy Bibb, Camille Butress, Warren Cain, Anne Carey, Barbara Chapman, Caroline Clayton, Mary Cobb, Carol Corvin, Ellen Cunningham, Naomi Cunningham, Judy Daniel,

Barclay Darden, Anne Dawson, Enid Dean, Sara Lynn DeFuniak, Anne Finch, Diane Gamble, Claire Goodhew, Toni Hartley, Laurie Hayworth, Beth Henry and Carolyn Hill.

An arrangement of hydrangeas, roses, snapdragons, fern and bells of Ireland served as the dining table centerpiece. Enjoying a delicious luncheon of chicken artichoke casserole, mixed greens with fruit and raspberry vinaigrette, yeast rolls and a variety of bite-sized desserts were Dale Holditch, Mary Ann Jones, Karen Lloyd, Milner Phillips, Susan Pitts, Mary Putman, Susan Reeves, Martha Roberts, Helen Robin,

Lights, Camera, Dance!

Coronets Dance Club Ushers in the Season

Photo special to the Journal

Debbie and Bill Visintainer.

Becky Rollins, Lou Ann Sherling, Lynn Smith, Rita Spencer, Nancy Stetler, Patsy Straka, Marsha Terrell, Lana Thompson, Rae Trimmier, Karen Watkins and Kathleen Watkins.

Due to the absence of President Dorothy Hodges, Pat Miree, first vice president, conducted a brief meeting to approve the slate of officers for 2017-2018. The officers are: president, Loretta Hood; first vice president, Pat Miree; second vice president, Janie Trammell; secretary, Katy Sexton; treasurer, Sallie White; membership, Diane Weatherford; webmaster, Katie Dunn; and parliamentarian, Dorothy Hodges. ❖

Coronets Dance Club recently held its spring dance with the theme “Lights, Camera, Dance!”

Debbie Visintainer was chairperson with help from Patty Echols. The members were treated to dinner and dancing at Vestavia Country Club.

Those attending the black-tie evening were: President Nancy Becker and Don Englebert, charter member Gloria Hudson with Dick Paxton, Edna and Ken Alderman, Nancy and Pat Boone, Redonda and Lowell Broom, Marti and Frank Buck, Cheree and Eric Carlton, Patty and Norman Clay, Bettie Davenport, Phyllis and Tom Davis, Carolyn and Jim Delk, Patty and Wynn Echols, Cindy and Roy Edmonds, Shirley and Roy Evans, Nelle and Clyde Freeman, Clarice and Dr. Sydney Gibbs and Virginia Cobb and John Golightly.

Also attending were Linda and Mike Gooldrup, Rebecca Wingett and Gregg Green, Cheryl and Bob Hardwick, Marsha and Don Hire, Sandra and Elam Holley, Diane and Richard Horn, Margaret and Dr. Bill Howell, Glenda and Ron Jones, Rusty and Don Kirkpatrick, Nell Larson and Russell Kilgore, Judy and David Long, Joanne and Art McConnell, Cile and Gus Miller, Betty and Malcolm Miller, Shirley and Howard Palmes, and Dena and Wallace Parker.

Also attending were Carol and Phillip Powell, Dot and Courtenay Renneker, Evelyn and Bill Ringler, Ming and Jerry South, Susan and Jerry Stofel, Sally and Dr. Bob Stanley, Cindy and Steve Tilghman, Phyllis and Roye Tinsley, Karen and Tommy Tucker, Debbie and Bill Visintainer, Shelley and Steve Watkins, Linda and David Wood, Joy and Steve Wilkes.

Special guests were Vicki and Ricky Kirkpatrick, and LeBella and Chip McCallum. ❖

1500 20th Street South Birmingham, Alabama 35205 www.smithrootcanal.com (205) 933-8544 staff@smithrootcanal.com

Dr. James A. Smith, Jr.

new rehab center

now open!

AN INNOVATIVE NEW

REHABILITATION CENTER

CENTERED AROUND YOU

Discover a new rehab experience with the comforts of home, for the fastest possible return to your home.

Large private suites with

l

private bathroom l Meals prepared and served from the rehab household’s own kitchen l Tailored recovery plan and life enhancement activities l Physical therapy l Occupational therapy

Speech therapy/

l

communications

Dedicated therapy

l

gym, the latest therapy treatments and equipment l Medical oversight by UAB board-certified geriatricians

1424 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL 35210 www.FairHavenBirmingham.org

OvertheMountainJournal(4.0625x6.25)(Final).indd 1

205-956-4150 3/7/2017 7:58:57 AM

HOME

24 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LAKE LIVING

Photo courtesy Seibels

‘These types of houses are being used more all year ‘round. People envision themselves retiring to the lake, and many want a more comfortable, upscale lake house than the traditional old-fashioned fish camp.’

KELLY SEIBELS

Cottage Industry Seibels Takes Second Homes From Fish Camp to Fashionable

By Donna Cornelius IN YEARS PAST, MOST FOLKS furnished their lake houses and camp houses in attic style. They found unused stuff in the attic, loaded it up in the back of the station wagon and carted it off to their weekend retreats.

As long as that old, chintz-covered couch was serviceable, it didn’t matter that it was more shabby than chic.

Today, second home owners often want their getaways to be stylish, said Kelly Seibels, owner of Seibels in

Homewood.

“These types of houses are being used more all year ‘round,” Seibels said. “People envision themselves retiring to the lake, and many want a more comfortable, upscale lake house than the traditional old-fashioned fish camp. They’re being used for football games and entertaining on the weekends throughout the fall and winter more than ever. We’ve adapted our business to the lifestyle they want.”

Seibels said many of his customers want a casual, con-

temporary look for their retreats.

“With the quality lines we carry, you could place much of our furniture, for example, in just about any house in town,” he said. “For porches, we do a lot of Sunbrella fabrics, with lots of fabric swatches to choose from. We’re the exclusive Birmingham dealer for Kingsley Bate, which makes teak and wicker outdoor furniture.”

There’s still room, however, for the nostalgic camp feel.

“It’s at the heart of the lake life, and clients seem to INSIDE

Small World: Tiny Home Community Opens on Lake Martin PAGE 26

Lake Martin Respite: Couple Share Love of Lake Martin and Children’s Harbor PAGE 28

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 25

HOME larly for porches and bedrooms,” Seibels said.

One of the products the company is most known for is the ultimate in relaxation: a swinging bed.

“This was the ‘home of the original swinging bed,’” Seibels said. “We build and sell them for porches primarily but also for bedrooms.”

He said swinging beds have been shipped as far away as California.

“We build bunk beds, end tables, bars and other furniture,” he said.

“We do a lot with reclaimed wood

Seibels in Homewood helped give these retreats a comfortable, contemporary vibe – although there’s still room for the “nostalgic camp feel,” store owner Kelly Seibels said. The company has furniture as well as gifts and accessories, and its projects have included lake houses, mountain cabins and even game day condos. “These types of houses are being used more all year round,” Seibels said.

appreciate some sense of that look blended into their style,” Seibels said.

Seibels and his wife, Suzy, opened their store in Homewood in 2000 after a few years in an English Village location.

“The business has changed over the years,” he said. “We found our niche in the second home and cottage industry.”

both in what we make and what we buy.”

“We can build just about anything you need,” Seibels said. “We do some custom woodwork and ironworking.

You might find something you like on Pinterest and bring us a photo; we can do it. We just did a built-in armoire for a cubby in a child’s room.”

A step-back cupboard made from reclaimed barn wood is one of the store’s pieces made by a Christian nonprofit ministry in Pennsylvania.

Homeowners can bring in their

own designers, but the store also offers in-house design services.

In addition to lake houses, Seibels said his company has worked on beach houses, mountain cabins in North Carolina and north Georgia, recreational farms mainly used for hunting or fishing, and even game day condos.

Kelly Seibels writes on the store’s website about how his family business started: “Our business originally See COTTAGE, page 30

Helping FAMILIES Create GREAT MEMORIES for 50 YEARS!

The store gives a lot of attention to the lake house market.

“About 10 years ago, a developer invited us to stage a spec house on Lake Martin at The Ridge,” Seibels said. “We were doing lake business before, but once we staged the house, we became more focused on that.”

At the store, you’ll find gifts and accessories for just about every major Alabama lake in the state.

“We have signs, hand towels and framed maps of the lakes,” Seibels said. “We have personalized candles; we can customize them for an individual lake or farm. We’re getting ready to carry coasters, wine stoppers and cutting boards, too.”

The Seibels’ store has furniture, lighting, linens and rugs.

“A big part of our business is that we build our own furniture, particu-

2828 Linden Ave. Homewood • 870-4060

alabamagaslightandgrill.com

The Cove at Overton offers luxurious homes, high end amenities and finishes, and a wonderful location all inside a gated community.

To: From: Date:

Rosemont

Large lots, lavish new homes of unparalleled quality, and the award winning Vestavia Hills school system. All of that and more can be yours at Rosemont

Mike Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 May 2017 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 1, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

3160 Overton Cove Mountain Brook 35223 6 bedrooms/5.5 baths • Energy efficient materials like spray foam insulation and tankless gas water heater • Commercial kitchen with 48” Wolf range • 2 beds/2.5 baths and Study on main level • Saltwater gunite pool • Finished Basement with Full Kitchen, Home Theater, Wine Cellar & Game Rooms

Please initial and faxRosemont back within hours.Hills 35243 1968 Place24 Vestavia

If we have not heard from youplus by a5media pm ofroom the Friday before the room press•date, 5 bedrooms/4.5 baths & separate bonus Energy efficient materiyour ad will run as is. We print thewater paperheater Monday. als like spray foam insulation & tankless • 3 car main level garage • Full wood custom cabinetry throughout the home • Commercial appliances with 48” gas range • 2 beds/2.5 baths on the main level

Thank you for your prompt attention.

KADCO HOMES kadcohomes.com 205-985-7171

Jason Kessler 205-369-5187 Jason@crerealty.com Maggie Kessler 205-999-9877 Maggie@crerealty.com

26 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

HOME

Small World Tiny Home Community Opens on Lake Martin

By Donna Cornelius

Photos special to the Journal

Herb Winches is offering a way to make a small change to your vacation plans – literally.

The former Birmingham sportscaster opened Lake Martin’s first tiny home community, Eagles Landing, May 19. Eagles Landing is along the lake’s Parker Creek shoreline.

“Tiny homes are an up-and-coming trend in real estate and design, and these cabin-style tiny homes are unlike anything you’ve ever seen,” said Winches, the Eagles Landing founder and developer. “They provide the opportunity to experience lakefront living without the mainteThe Eagles Landing houses may be small in size, but they’ve got plenty to nance or cost of owning a home on offer style-wise. Interior designer Morgan Holiday custom-designed the floor plans. Each of the three houses has a fully equipped kitchen with marble and the lake.”

According the website thetinylife. granite countertops, a microwave, stove, refrigerator and dishwasher. com, these little houses are more be small in size, but they’ve got shower, a flat screen TV and a than just downsized structures. plenty to offer style-wise. Interior stacked washer and dryer.

They’re a social movement. designer Morgan Holiday customThe houses sleep up to four “The typical American home is designed the floor plans. Each of the adults. There’s a queen-sized bed in around 2,600 square feet, whereas three houses has a fully equipped the master bedroom and bunk beds the typical small or tiny house is kitchen with marble and granite in the hallway. between 100 and 400 square feet,” countertops, a microwave, stove, The 550-square-foot cabins can the website says. “Tiny houses come refrigerator and dishwasher. be rented for four or seven days. in all shapes, sizes, and forms, but Screened-in front porches Winches said he’s already had they enable simpler living in a smallfbcalparadeofhomesad.pdf 1 6/5/16 8:40 face PM the lake. Other features include great response to the tiny houses. er, more efficient space.”

13-foot ceilings, a tiled walk-in The Eagles Landing houses may Continued on page 27

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 27

HOME

‘We’re boaters. Water keeps families together.

Our kids still come and bring their friends, who are now adults with children of their own.’

About Lake Martin

This 44,000-acre reservoir is so big it’s in three Alabama counties: Coosa, Elmore and Tallapoosa.

Alabama Power Co. and Russell Lands own most of the 750 miles of wooded shoreline.

The reservoir was created by the construction of Martin Dam, which began in 1923 and lasted until 1926.

At the time, the lake was the largest manmade body of water in the world, and it’s still one of the biggest manmade lakes in the United States.

Lake Martin has swimming, boating, camping and golfing.

Nearby cities are Alexander City, Dadeville, Eclectic and Jackson’s Gap. Well-known spots at the lake are Chimney Rock, Kowaliga Bridge and Goat Island.

Throughout the year, areas around Lake Martin hosts special events. Next up is the Alexander City Jazz Fest, set for June 6-10 in downtown Alexander City and at the Lake Martin Amphitheatre, and the Fourth of July Blast with a fireworks show. For more information on these and other events, visit theamponlakemartin.com.

HERB WINCHES

Former Birmingham sportscaster Herb Winches, above center, opened Lake Martin’s first tiny home community, Eagles Landing, May 19. Eagles Landing is along the lake’s Parker Creek shoreline.

LIFE ON THE WATER

Winches and his wife, Betty, live in Vestavia Hills but are Lake Martin homeowners, too. Two years ago, he opened a restaurant, The Landing at Parker Creek.

“My house is 200 yards from the restaurant and tiny homes,” he said.

“My wife, Betty, and I purchased a house at Parker Creek 15 years ago, and it was the best investment we ever made.

“We’re boaters. Water keeps families together. Our kids still come and bring their friends, who are now adults with children of their own.”

Winches said most rentals at Lake Martin are condos or houses, and there aren’t a lot of them on the market.

Decorator Fabrics • Hardware • Trim

1820 Greensprings Highway 322-5878 www.kingcottonfabrics.com

See EAGLES LANDING, page 30

To: From:

Janet Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: June This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the June 4 201 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number! please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from 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.

28 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

HOME

Private End Unit in Willow Point!

Lake Martin Respite

E

njoy all that Lake Martin has to offer from this four bedroom, four bathroom condo located in the gated community of Willow Point.

Features of this private end unit include an incredible two-story family room, inviting main level owner’s suite and multiple decks to take in the panoramic views.

Also includes a private boat slip.

67 Lakeview Drive, Alexander City

$529,000

Contact us to schedule your tour of this listing and other Lake Martin properties!

www.HomeOnLakeMartin.com

Becky Haynie Howard Haynie

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Mountain Brook Couple Share Love of Lake Martin and Children’s Harbor

D: 334.312.0928 E: Becky@HomeOnLakeMartin.com D: 334.312.0693

Pride and responsibility drive us to be the best in everything we do.

Joseph Braswell

As a life-long Over-the-Mountain resident and a third generation working at Guin, I feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work that my grandfather began over 55 years ago. Family is very important to us, and we treat our customers with the same care and respect as members of our own family. It would be a privilege to serve you.

Serving the Birmingham Area Since 1958

Marsha and Owen Vickers’ four children plus spouses and grandchildren make every summer weekend at their Lake Martin vacation house, above, full of family fun and memories.

Vickers describes the feel and decor of the home as “lakey.”

AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING • PLUMBING • GENERATORS • SEWER

Member of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

205-595-4846 • guinservice.com

AL#12175

Mention this ad to receive a free diagnostic service call.

NEED NOT BE BUILT

By Sarah Kuper When Marsha Vickers’ family gets together at their Lake Martin vacation house, she has one word to describe it: “It is wild. And we just love it that way.”

Marsha and Owen Vickers’ four children plus spouses and grandchildren make every summer weekend full of family fun and memories. Children and grandchildren start arriving at the house when everyone gets off work on Fridays.

Vickers describes the feel and decor of the home as “lakey.”

“The furniture is hickory. Cedar beds, all wood floors. A nice screenedin porch. It is very casual and family friendly,” she said, “There are beautiful homes up the street with seven bedroom suites and granite everywhere but ours isn’t like that.”

The property includes a peaceful waterfall and a small beach.

“We love to sit out there and watch the boats come and go. All the kids wave,” said Vickers.

The Vickers both grew up in Mountain Brook and many years ago decided to buy a lake home for their family to gather. It has been nearly 20 years since the couple bought their modest home on a slough off Lake Martin, and the family has been going there for a retreat ever since.

While the family’s activities vary weekend to weekend, one constant remains.

“Steak Saturdays. If I tried to change the menu I think they would throw me in the lake. Steak and potato salad every Saturday,” she said.

TO BE ANY

CLOSER

YOU NEED A

LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS

TICKET. Convenience, Location & Style.

This is Westgate — the new standard for condominium living in Tuscaloosa. Directly across from Bryant-Denny stadium, Westgate brings together family, football and the Crimson Tide® legacy in the ultimate “game weekend” experience.

1- to 5- bedroom residences and townhomes available Limited offering of 79 total units Catered AL home-game events Private tailgating at the Westgate Skygate Club

Presented by: The Alice Maxwell Team Call: 1-888-318-6670 Keller Williams Realty Tuscaloosa Appointments Available

Visit Us Online at:

www.westgateal.com

to learn more about preconstruction pricing, availability, and more!

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photos special to the Journal

Vickers loves the traditions her family has at the lake and the camplike feel of the home and property.

Her love of lake living and community lends itself to another nearby camp – a cause close to her heart.

The Vickers are involved with Children’s Harbor, a Lake Martin getaway for children with serious illnesses and their families. Owen Vickers is on the board of the organization.

The retreat is near Alexander City, and patients come from various partner hospitals and organizations to participate in the same kinds of outdoor activities as would any healthy child.

Every Memorial Day weekend, Children’s Harbor hosts an art fair called Art on the Lake.

“There are artists of all kinds, some do paint and oils, pastels and watercolors. There are woodworkers and metal works,” she said, “Most importantly, it gets people to the camp to see what Children’s Harbor is about.”

Families who use the Children’s Harbor facilities or attend the camps do so at little to no cost.

Vickers said she is always excited for people to learn the extent to which Children’s Harbor helps those struggling with serious conditions.

“It does so much for so many – rich, poor, happy, sad, sick or recovering. The people that work there are so wonderful and talented, too,” she said.

Children’s Harbor has a center in Children’s of Alabama hospital in Birmingham as well.

Vickers said she is glad to see that families dealing with childhood illnesses are able to enjoy Lake Martin just like her family does. ❖

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 29

HOME

Every Memorial Day weekend, Children’s Harbor hosts an art fair called Art on the Lake. Children’s Harbor a Lake Martin getawayMemoriesMemories are specialare moments special moments that tell our thatstory. tell our Letstory. your story Let your begin story at Lake beginMartin. at LakeTeam Martin. Team for children with Lakepartners Martin with partners you with throughout you throughout your home your search, homeproviding search, providing expertise expertise and deep and deep serious illnessesLake Martin Memories are special moments that tell our story. Let your story begin at Lake Martin. Team and their families. knowledge knowledge of the Lake of Martin the Lakereal Martin estatereal market. estateOur market. purpose Ourispurpose to find isa home to findyou a home love. you love.

Lake Martin partners with you throughout your home search, providing expertise and deep Finding your Finding dream your home dream starts home with starts us. with us. knowledge of the Lake Martin real estate market. Our purpose is to find a home you love.

LakeLake Martin, Martin, wherewhere your your storystory begins.begins.

Lake Martin, where your story begins.

Finding your dream home starts with us.

Teresa and Teresa Casey and Collier Casey Collier Teresa and Casey Collier 205.966.1205 205.966.1205 | 205.966.1244 | 205.966.1244 205.966.1205 | 205.966.1244 info@TeamLakeMartin.com info@TeamLakeMartin.com info@TeamLakeMartin.com TeamLakeMartin.com TeamLakeMartin.com TeamLakeMartin.com

Lake Martinat Lake Martin at at Lake Martin

TROON HAMLET

H O M E P L A N: C R O S B I E

New custom-designed homes available in the community of Shoal Creek.

available now – limited lots S h o a l C r e e k P r o p e r t i e s 205.991.4653 Pa m A u s l e y, R e M a x S o u t h e r n H o m e s 205.516.6809

G E T

A W A Y

E V E R Y

D A Y

LiveAt ShoalCreek.com

ShoalCreek_OTMJ_HalfPg_Crosbie ad.indd 1

3/23/17 4:38 PM

30 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

COTTAGE, From page 25

grew out of my father’s lifelong dream to build a family camp on an island in southern Ontario. His grandfather, Dr. Howard A. Kelly of Baltimore, had explored the area in the late 1800s and built the original family camp, Indian Point, on a

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOME remote northern lake. Many of his furnishings were handmade locally while later pieces came from the Old Hickory Furniture Company in the early 1900s.

“Dad built his own place, Esther’s Point, 100 years later, and opened our eyes to a life in the north country he had known growing up, with cousins, aunts, uncles and canoe trips in the northern wil-

Bluff Park WindoW Works f f f f

Wood window restoration and repair Sash replacement, rot repair Replace broken and fogged glass Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes LocaLLy owned and operated

Photo courtesy Seibels

Call 205-542-6094

One of the products the company is most known for is the ultimate in relaxation: a swinging bed. “This was the ‘home of the original swinging bed,’” Seibels said. “We build and sell them for porches primarily but also for bedrooms.”

Date:

derness.”

The family’s love for lake and Jim outdoor living resulted in Seibels Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Sportsman’s Den, a catalog of sportFAX: 205-824-1246 ing art, gear and furniture. The cataMay 2015 log was first mailed from Owens This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the in 1994; the last mailing Crossroads Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. was in 2003.

Seibels credits his wife, Suzy, and two other women for much of Please make sure all information is correct, the company’s change of direction.

including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

“Suzy helped build this business,” he said. “We hired Trissy Holladay, who ran the women’s department at Parisian, as our general manager and to be a buyer with us.

“Suzy and Trissy really opened things up with their buying and their taste. Before Trissy retired, she trained Chapman Miller, who took over for her as manager. Chapman

is great at keeping things fresh. The credit for what we are now goes to Suzy, Trissy and now Chapman.

“If it had been up to me, this would be a man cave.”

Seibels is at 2927 18th St. in Homewood. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit seibelscottage.com or call 879-3558. ❖

EAGLES LANDING,

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.

Kathy’s Designer Inc. Thank Kitchens, you for your prompt attention.

From page 27

1831 29th Ave. S., Homewood • 871-9880 • Kathy Owens, CKD, President

Stuffed to the Brim

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

“I had a number of people who’d come to the restaurant and say, ‘I’ve got a boat but nowhere to put it and nowhere to stay.’”

Thus, those who rent a tiny home get a free boat slip during their stay at Eagles Landing, plus access to a beach and large swimming area. Each unit has its own barbecue grill and picnic table area.

Eagles Landing also has some special offers for guests, including one hour of playtime on the Tarzan boat during their stay. The Tarzan boat, billed as a floating waterpark, has a 12-foot swing, trampoline and junglethemed water slide.

Guests receive a $50 food voucher for The Landing at Parker Creek. The waterfront fast-casual restaurant has a definite lake vibe. Its kitchen and bar are made from shipping containers, and there are 21 boat slips for diners who want to travel there via water.

The menu has apps like fried cheese curds and Yucatan Shrimp, a Mexicanstyle shrimp cocktail. Fried shrimp and chicken plates, burgers and sandwiches are offered along with lighter options such as fish tacos and salads with fresh ingredients from Agricola Farms near Dadeville. Dinner choices include an 8-ounce Duroc pork chop, a flat iron steak and an Agricola Farms seasonal vegetable platter.

The bar has cold craft beers on tap, including Angry Orchard, 30A and

Shock Top. Winches said he became aware of the tiny home movement even before HGTV helped popularize it with shows such as “Tiny House Hunters” and “Tiny House, Big Living.”

“I’d been exposed to tiny homes and developed a relationship with a manufacturer in Hamilton, Rustic River Park Homes,” he said. “I wanted to do business in the state of Alabama, and I got to know the owners. I found them to be wonderful people.

“My wife designed the homes, and the decorator is a friend of the family who’d visited our lake house.”

To find out more about Lake Martin’s tiny home community or to book a stay, visit eagleslandinglakemartin.com. Weekend and weeklong packages are available. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

To: From:

FOOD

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 31

A Curated Culinary Concept

STOCK

Magical Mac N’ Cheese: Tickets on Sale for First-Ever Event

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

There’s a new food event coming to Birmingham, and tickets already are selling fast.

The Magic City Mac N’ Cheese Festival is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 6. Second Avenue South beside Avondale Brewing Co. in Birmingham will be blocked off for the event, and those who attend also can hang out in the brewery’s backyard.

Organizers are looking for restaurants, food trucks and catering companies that want to participate. For more information about being a part of the event, send an email to macfestbhm@ gmail.com.

For a link to buy tickets, visit the Magic City Mac N’ Cheese Festival’s Facebook page. Early bird tickets, available now, are $15.

All proceeds will benefit Community Grief Support.

Taco Tasting: Festival Is June 17 at Avondale Brewery

Butcher Ryan Butler, above, said Market Table’s meat customers “want the same kind of experience and selection they’d get at a high-end restaurant.”

Market Table Has Café, Food to Go – Plus a Butcher

By Donna Cornelius It’s five o’clock. Do you know where your dinner is?

Market Table, which opened in Homewood last month, wants to help you find a tasty answer to that question. The combination cafémarket has food that’s ready for you to take home, heat and eat. It also has ingredients for those who want to cook at home.

What’s more, the store serves breakfast and lunch and has a full-fledged butcher and meat section.

“You can grab breakfast, pick up lunch to take to the office, and then pick up meats or prepared items for dinner on your way home,” said Phillip Baio, owner and general manager. “Yesterday we had people who came in to eat lunch and then came back later to buy food for dinner.”

Laurel Mills, director of marketing for First Avenue Ventures, the investment company behind the concept, called the multifunctional store “the first of its kind” in the Birmingham area.

“We started with the idea of having a butcher and expanded it into the idea of having a café serving breakfast and lunch,” she said.

Market Table is in Homewood’s SoHo development in the former home of Which Wich Superior Sandwiches. The new store also created room for its meat section by taking in part of another space.

You won’t find crowded shelves and narrow

aisles inside. Market Table isn’t a large space – but it’s bright, cheerful and uncluttered.

“We’ve taken a curated approach by trying to bring together some of our favorite things,” Mills said. “For example, we have about 12 or 13 different wines at one time. We have a variety of prices. We try to pick our favorites in the $20 to $30 range plus a few that cost more or less.”

The floors are concrete, and the walls have beveled subway tile and wooden plank siding.

Bret and Jillian Alldredge of Cullman custombuilt the farm table and flower boxes outside.

“They found an antique hutch that used to hold grains and added a rack to the top to

‘... we have about 12 or 13 different wines at one time. We have a variety of prices. We try to pick our favorites in the $20 to $30 range plus a few that cost more or less.’

hold our buckets with fresh flowers,” Mills said. “They built our wine rack, too. They found our bakery case in Texas.”

The bakery section has breads, bagels and sweets. Dishes ready to take home might include Moroccan beef stew, braised kale, Asian meatballs, and pecan-smoked pulled pork shoulders with sweet potatoes. Craft beers and sodas are available, too.

FRESH OFFERINGS

Market Table works with Birmingham’s Urban Food Project to obtain the produce it

sells. Recent fresh offerings were tomatoes and red oakleaf lettuce from Owl’s Hollow Farm in Gadsden and baby fennel from Heron Hollow Farm in Maplesville.

Shelf products are from small vendors. Some are Alabama-based, such as G Momma’s Cookies, Jennifer’s Kitchen pepper jelly, Mook Mills cheese straws and infused olive oils from Deep Roots in Birmingham.

Mills loves the handmade Stormy Monday walnut cutting boards she found from a craftsman in California.

With Father’s Day approaching, Market Table’s meat section is likely to be even busier than usual. The store will run specials, such as dry-aged steaks, aimed at pleasing carnivorous dads.

“We’re doing prime and local stuff,” Baio said. “All your decisions are made for you when you go to the grocery store. Here, you can get custom cuts or buy individually packaged meat.

“Our beef tenderloin is just the center cut.

You’re not paying for all that fat and gristle; it’s already trimmed out. You’re not buying waste.”

He’s particularly proud of Market Table’s ground meat.

“About 70 percent is brisket, which has a nice fat-to-lean ratio,” he said. “We trim off filet mignon and prime cuts and fold that into the grind. It makes great burgers and chili.”

Market Table has Joyce Farms grass-fed ribeyes, and its pork is from Southeast Family Farms near Florence.

“Their Berkshire hogs can forage and run around,” Baio said. “The chops are well-marbled.”

He said Market Table is working with the USDA to get a processing certificate to make inhouse smoked bacon and sausage.

The store plans to carry at least two seafood See MARKET TABLE, page 33

The first Birmingham Taco Festival will have plenty of these tasty treats from the city’s restaurants and food trucks.

The festival is from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 17 at Avondale Brewing Co. The event is presented by Bare Hands Gallery, which also hosts the annual Dia de los Muertos festival.

For advance tickets, which are $5, visit barehandsinc.org. Tickets will be $10 at the gate.

Funky Festival: Food Truck Event Helps AIDS Alabama

Eat, drink and even adopt a dog at the Tie One On! Funky Food Truck Festival.

The fundraiser for AIDS Alabama is from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 24 at TrimTab Brewing Co., 2721 Fifth Ave. South in Birmingham.

Food trucks will include Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Nola Ice Birmingham, Shindigs Catering, Steel City Pops and Wicked Haute Dogs. For four-legged friends, Fetch – a Treat Truck for Dogs will be on hand. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will bring adoptable dogs to the event.

Those who attend can buy event T-shirts to tiedye while they’re drinking TrimTab brews.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.

For tickets or more information, visit aidsalabama. org.

Birmingham’s the Best: Thrillist Names Top Cities in Each State

Thrillist, an online media brand covering food, drink, travel and entertainment, recently picked the best food city in every state. Three guesses as to which city was named tops in Alabama.

“Birmingham’s culinary landscape reps the Deep South with the force of 1,000 crimson tides – and it’s not all fried green tomatoes these days,” the article said.

Highlands Bar and Grill, Hot and Hot Fish Club, Café Dupont and Chez Fonfon were mentioned in the article, as were pizza places Post Office Pies and Slice and barbecue restaurants Jim ’N Nick’s,

See FOOD NEWS, page 32

32 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

FOOD

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Grocery Store Guru

Full Pantry Offers Personalized Supermarket Shopping

By Donna Cornelius Watch Madison Murphy navigate Whole Foods Market, and you’ll see a supermarket specialist at work.

Murphy started Full Pantry, a boutique grocery store shopping and delivery service, in January 2016. A year and a half later, the 24-year-old has a customer base that includes singles, young married couples and even one family with 10 children.

“I thought I would have mostly working parents, but it’s been a mix,” Murphy said.

Whole Foods is just one of the places where she shops for her clients; she’ll go to almost any Birmingham-area supermarket. While you can sign up for the service through her website, fullpantrybham.com, Murphy likes to launch her relationship with new clients by meeting them at their favorite grocery store.

“People might worry how they can explain to me what they want, so we can do a walk-through and I can see what they like,” she said. “After that, my regular clients just email me their grocery lists.

I create a PDF for them with their lists. And they can call or text me, too.”

Murphy will go not only to her clients’ favorite grocery stores, but also to specialty places such as We Have Doughnuts, Bandit Baking Co. and Bunch Bakeshop, a gluten-free bakery on U.S. 280. She’ll also shop at Pepper Place and other farmers markets.

Murphy delivers the goods Monday through Saturday throughout the Birmingham area. The cost for shopping, delivering and unpacking groceries is 20 percent of the bill with a $20 minimum and $50 maximum. There’s an extra $5 charge per additional store.

Murphy, who grew up in Hoover and now lives in Columbiana, said she’s enjoying exploring all the food options in Birmingham.

“I never knew how much I loved the city; now I’m invested in it,” she said.

Photo by Heather Campbell

FAMILY BACKING

Madison Murphy started Full Pantry, a boutique grocery store shopping and delivery service, in January 2016.

From page 32

Miss Myra’s and Saw’s. The city’s food trucks got a nod, too.

To read the entire article, visit thrillist. com.

Hip Chips: Golden Flake Makes Bon Appetit List

Believe it or not, the whole potatochip eating world doesn’t know about Golden Flake.

The Birmingham-based company’s products recently made Bon Appetit’s list of “Regional Potato Chips You’ve Never Heard of.”

The article includes some pretty juicy stories about the company’s history.

Happily, it also touts Golden Flake’s thin and crispy style of chips as well as its Tangy Pickle BBQ, Sweet Heat and

Hero in Homewood: Donut Shop Plans First Storefront

Hero Doughnuts, which has been operating pop-up shops in the Birmingham area, will open its first brick-and-mortar store in Homewood later this year.

The store will be at 3207 Central Ave. Chef Wil Drake and his business partner, Jason Wallis, started their business at Seasick Records in Crestwood in 2016.

Hero Doughnuts uses brioche-style dough and offers flavors such as lemon cardamom, caramel custard and maple sea salt as well as chocolate and vanilla.

‘I never knew how much I loved the city; now I’m invested in it.’

“I have to check expiration dates, prices and sometimes buy special foods,” she said.

Chelsey Heslop, who lives in Homewood, said she heard about Full Pantry through her sister.

“She’s been using Madison for about a year or so,” Heslop said. “She raved about her and how much easier it had made her life.”

Heslop said she and her husband, Kyle, have been married about a year and a half.

“We both love to cook, but we both work and have pretty demanding jobs,” she said. “We were eating out all the time, and we missed cooking.

We’d get home after a long day and didn’t have time to shop and cook, too.”

Using Full Pantry has given the couple time to prepare meals at home.

“Each week, I send Madison a list of what I want,” Heslop said. “Our preferred grocery store is The Fresh Market on Lakeshore Drive. When you first start, she meets you at your favorite grocery store. She can see what brands you like, what size zucchini you prefer – that kind of thing.”

The Heslops usually get deliveries once a week.

“But you can say, ‘Next week, we’re traveling,’ and it’s no problem to skip a week,” Heslop said.

“We love Madison. If the grocery store doesn’t have our preferred brand of something, she’ll text and say, ‘What about this instead?’ It’s really nice to have that personal touch.” ❖

Back by Popular Demand: Farmer’s Markets Return in Homewood, Vestavia

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

FOOD NEWS,

Buffalo Ranch flavors.

To check out what other regional chips made the list, visit bonappetit. com.

Before starting Full Pantry, Murphy’s chief interest was music.

“I took piano lessons for years, and I’ve taught piano for seven or eight years,” she said. “I knew God would bring me something He wanted me to do, and He knew this type of business was designed for me.”

She credited her parents, Sandy and Don Murphy, for helping her get started.

“Without them, this couldn’t have happened,” she said. “My mom will help me if I’m busy. My

dad is a CPA. He works a lot with small businesses. He said he really thought this business had potential. In the beginning, it was slow, but he encouraged me.”

More family support came from her sister, photographer Meghan Murphy, who made photos for the Full Pantry website.

Murphy said some of her clients want specific brands, while others aren’t picky.

“Some people really like to cook, and others want more ready-to-eat food,” she said.

“Sometimes clients have dietary restrictions. My family does a lot of gluten-free and dairy-free eating, so I’m familiar with those kinds of products.”

Wearing her Full Pantry T-shirt, Murphy is on a mission when she shops. If she’s filling more than one client’s list at a particular store, she completes one list before starting on the next one, she said.

The West Homewood Farmers Market will include local food trucks, seasonal fruit and vegetables from local farmers, arts and crafts vendors and music every Tues. evening beginning June 6, from 5-8 p.m. in June, July and the first Tuesday in August. Located at 160 Oxmoor Road, more information is available at westhomewood.com.

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church will host a farmers market Wednesdays from 7-11 p.m., starting June 1 and continue through Aug. 30. The market will include seasonal vegetables, and baked goods and fruits from local producers. For more information, visit vestaviahills.org. ❖

SEND FOOD NEWS TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

has an ingredient you can’t find, let us know. And we can coach you on selecting and preparing meat.”

Baio said they can obtain “almost anything with 72 hours’ notice.”

Other members of the Market Table team are Camille Henry, café manager, and Ali Hamel, market manager.

Mills advised customers to check out the store’s social media pages to find out about café menus, specials and new features.

“We’ll soon have meal kits similar to Blue Apron,” she said. “You’ll be able to order them online. You can be more flexible – you can add extra protein, for example – but we’ll still keep the convenience and the portion sizes.”

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Market Table works with Birmingham’s Urban Food Project to obtain the produce it sells. Market manager Ali Hamel shows off some of the produce available at the store located in Homewood.

MARKET TABLE, From page 32

options.

“We’ll always try to have sustainably raised salmon, and our shrimp must be wild-caught from Alabama waters,” Baio said. “We’ll rotate other products, such as Gulf grouper or red snapper or have crab cakes.

And we make our own sauces, such as remoulade and blue cheese dressing.”

Butcher Ryan Butler said Market Table’s meat customers “want the same kind of experience and selection they’d get at a high-end restaurant.”

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 33

FOOD

He said he “got into meat” through working with sushi.

“I worked in markets with exceptionally talented butchers,” Butler said. “I met Phillip, who shared my interest in artisanal, high-quality meats.”

Butler said he wants each customer to be excited about what they’re buying.

“Plenty of people around here are cutting meat, but nine out of 10 have a supermarket background,” he said.

“We approach products differently.

We look at the final product: how will it look and taste when it hits the plate?”

Butler and Baio said they love

interacting with customers.

“We absolutely encourage customer feedback,” Butler said. “If you have a recipe you want to try and it

Market Table is at 1830 29th Ave. South in Homewood. For more information, visit market-table.com or follow the store on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The store is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The café closes at 2 p.m. each day. ❖

S

CI PE

ALIZING

IN

Convertible Tops Sunroofs Leather Interiors facebook.com/AlabamaAutoTop

1201 3RD AVENUE SOUTH . BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 PHONE: 205-251-0684 . WWW.ALABAMAAUTOTOP.COM

Keeping it classy!

CUSTOM MONOGRAMS, ILLUSTRATIONS, PAPER GOODS AND MORE

!

205.870.1097

WEEZIEBDESIGNS.COM

Southern Gourmet at it's Best LOCATED AT THE TOP OF SHADES MOUNTAIN ON HWY 31, BISTRO V OFFERS ONE OF THE FINEST CULINARY EXPERIENCES IN BIRMINGHAM!

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

What’s In A Name?

I get bored easily. My mind goes in about thirty different directions at once most, if not, all day every day. I cuss too much. I speed too much.

I probably shop on Amazon too much (Prime of course). I cry over some of the stupidest things. I get frustrated over the littlest things. I don’t panic over the biggest things.

I am in love with my wife. I desperately miss my friends gone too early.

What is the point of that preceding disjointed paragraph? I can describe myself in a lot of different ways and I can admit my faults honestly. However, I can’t be described as an alcoholic and/or an addict… anymore anyway. I know the old adage, “Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic,” but I just can’t accept that anymore.

There are way too many words describing my current behaviors if you want to define me. I no longer accept being defined by words describing my past behaviors.

Is deciding to get sober scary? Shoot yeah, it is! Fear and addiction go hand in hand.

What’s interesting is that once the fear goes away, the addictive behavior starts to go away as well. The scariest thing I have ever done is to ask my mom to help. Failure, scum, worthless, liar…that’s how I described myself then. Since I no longer use those words, why do I have to keep alcoholic or addict? I don’t.

Let us at Bayshore Retreat help you redefine yourself and your life. When you dial the number my mom will answer (truth). Trust me, she’s heard it all and she’ll help you work through your fear.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

34 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

Christy Swaid, founder of Heal, a Vestavia Hillsbased organization, has unveiled a new program that supports its mission to teach children how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Get Snacking

Pizitz Students Participate in New Heal Inc. Snack Challenge

By Emily Williams Vestavia Hills-based organization Heal Inc. has unveiled a new program that supports its mission to teach children how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Throughout the school year, teacher Kendall Kennedy’s family and consumer science classes at Louis Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills participated in lessons on healthy eating, and they put what they learned to the test at the end of the year with a healthy snack cookoff, dubbed the Heal Snack Challenge.

According to Kennedy, the purpose of the entire course was to nurture an understanding of the basic food groups and the specific benefits of healthy ingredients.

The kids had to create their own healthy snack recipes for the challenge and present video and verbal presentations to showcase their knowledge of the ingredients and

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

From left, Mary Nelson Litty, Nye Moore, Mitchell Towns and Manni Aguilar participate in a healthy snack cookoff, dubbed the Heal Snack Challenge.

their benefits. In another major selling point, the snacks had to be tasty.

The final round of the competition took place May 3, with judges chef

Kathy G. Mezrano, dietician Linda Godfrey and CBS42 News anchor Sherri Jackson tasting the final 11 students’ healthy snack recipes.

The winners of the competition were: Mani Aguilar’s baked pita chips and guacamole, first place; Mitchell Towns’ sweet potato bites and Nye Moore’s turkey roll-up kabobs, tied for second; and Mary Nelson Litty’s fruity cinnamon vanilla granola, third.

On May 23, the finalists gathered with Christy Swaid, founder of Heal, at the Heal Offices and Alabama Public Television filmed commercials that will air June through September showcasing some of the kids’ recipes.

Moore showcased his secondplace turkey kabobs, explaining how the recipe represents ingredients from each of the major food groups.

Third place-winner Litty presented a fruit parfait, featuring oats for heart health, wheat germ, pecans for protein, raisins for the immune system and vanilla non-fat Greek yogurt, which is good for bone health.

In addition to the shorts, APT filmed the Snack Challenge finals and plans to feature them on the channel in the late summer or early fall.

According to Swaid, Pizitz Middle School acted as a test subject of sorts for a new program, complementing the organization’s original program implemented in 2007.

The organization as a whole is the brainchild of Swaid, who was inspired to help teach children the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle after relocating from California to Alabama in 2002.

A retired stunt woman and sixtime world champion watercraft racer, Swaid’s successful career rested on the foundation of maintaining health.

“A healthy lifestyle requires knowledge, moderation and balance, and these skills are not common to everyone,” she said.

In 2006, Swaid formally organized Heal Inc., which stands for Healthy Eating Active Living, and the nonprofit launched a six-month pilot program a year later to test the initiative on 10 fifth-grade physical education classes in the state.

As a mother of two young boys, Swaid said she understands the chal-

Photo special to the Journal

Mountain Brook Student Honored for Exceptional Academic Success

From left: Mona Fisher, Michael Gross, Emma King, Gracie Tucker, Lily Rumbley, Laura Daly and David Martin.

Vestavia Rotary Presents VHHS Student Awards

The Rotary Club of Vestavia Hills recently awarded three $2,500 scholarships to students of the Vestavia Hills High School Interact Club.

Mona Fisher awarded the Raymond

D. Hurlbert Strive for Excellence Scholarship, in memory of her father, to Gracie Tucker.

Michael Gross awarded the Michael Gross Service Above Self Scholarship to Emma King.

David Martin awarded the Lindy Martin Builder of Good Will Scholarship,

in memory of his father, to Lily Rumbley.

Members of the Interact Club commit to bettering the community through service projects, creating international connections and developing leadership skills. The VHHS club is sponsored by teacher Laura Daly.

—Emily Williams

Reagan Waggoner of Mountain Brook, a seventh-grade homeschool student through Classical Conversations, is among the students being honored by the Duke University Talent Identification Program for her exceptional scores on the ACT. She was recognized at a state recognition ceremony and grand recognition ceremony, held May 22 at Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Of 53,843 students who took the exams through Duke TIP, all of whom are in the 95th percentile of their grade level on the ACT or SAT, only 2,072 were invited to the grand recognition ceremony.

“We are extremely proud to recognize our remarkably talented students who have demonstrated key aspects of their academic potential

Shades Cahaba Named Among 2017 National Schools of Character

Homewood’s Shades Cahaba Elementary has been named a National School of Character by Character.org, a nonprofit that recognizes character initiatives in schools and communities around the world.

Shades Cahaba was the only school in Alabama to receive this award, and only 83 schools and four districts from 21 states were designated as 2017 National Schools and Districts of Character.

“Being recognized as a National School of Character is a great honor.

It acknowledges the effort this whole community has put into educating not only the brains of our students, but also their hearts. I’m so proud of the students, teachers and parents as we continue on this journey of living and learning the Shades Cahaba Way,” said Dr. John Lowry, principal.

This is Shades Cahaba’s third time to be designated a National School of Character. It also won the designation in 2006 and 2012.

Shades Cahaba focuses character education around the Shades Cahaba Way, six statements that set out the values for learning and working at Shades Cahaba.

“The Shades Cahaba Way provides direction, simple reasoning and motivation to all stakeholders on how we should live and learn together in our changing world,” Lowry said. ❖

lenges of teaching kids the importance of physical fitness and nutritional habits.

“Like many American families, we occasionally drive through our favorite fast-food restaurants and indulge in junk food,” she said. But the key is moderation.

With the original program seeking to make physical fitness more fun and informative, the snack challenge seeks to help kids get more aware of the foods they put into their bodies. ❖ by achieving scores on the ACT or SAT approximately equal to the 90th percentile for college-bound high school seniors taking these tests,” Shawna Young, executive director of Duke TIP, said in a statement.

Working with host academic institutions, Duke TIP sponsors 36 ceremonies in 16 states during April, May and June. Speakers include university administrators Reagan Waggoner and professors from the host institutions, state and government officials, and accomplished former Duke TIP students. For a complete list of ceremony locations, dates and times, please see Duke TIP’s State Ceremony schedule.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 35

SCHOOLS

Hoover Service Club Awards Student Scholarships

On May 11 at the Hoover Country Club, the Hoover Service Club awarded $29,000 in college scholarships to 12 seniors from Hoover and Spain Park High Schools.

The amount includes a $5,000 donation from the city of Hoover.

Winners included: Hoover High School’s Austin Carter, Tyler Collins, Hayley Davidson, Mary Kate Manak, Annie Medders and Jonathan “Oakley” Prell; and Spain Park’s Rachel Cargill, Houston Hollis, Ashley Oakman, Anna Shunnarah, Victoria Stark and Parker Wade Wilson.

The 2017 Margaret Alford Memorial Community Service Scholarships were awarded to Hoover’s Sophia Liu and Spain Park’s Rachel Dees.

In addition, the Hoover Service Club recognized eighth-grade academic and citizenship award winners from Hoover’s middle schools, including: Berry’s Advaith Vadlakonda, scholarship, and Alison Hanna, citizenship; Bumpus’ Ria Shad, scholarship, Marcus Williams, citizenship, and Emily Knerr, special award for valor; and Simmons’ Corinne Crawford, scholarship, and Cheyanne Chatwell, citizenship.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

—Emily Williams

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

From left, front: Georgia Kate Scott, Callie Davis, Hunter Anderson and Meredith Asher. Back: Birmingham Police Officers Larry Scott, Todd Southerland and Nicole Collins.

MBJH’s Davis Collects Toys for Birmingham PD For the second year, Mountain Brook Junior High seventh-grader Callie Davis collected and donated stuffed animals to the Cops We Care program, presenting them to local police officers May 17.

Davis began the tradition while still at Cherokee Bend Elementary after finding and following the organization’s Facebook page. Cops We Care collects donated stuffed animals and gives them to local police officers to be used to comfort children in times of crisis.

“Most children know what it feels like to hold a stuffed animal for the first time, it gives a feeling of comfort and security that can’t be matched,” said Meredith Asher, the force behind Cops We Care.

Last year, Davis coordinated a donation drive with Cherokee Bend as a school project, resulting in more than 800 stuffed animals being donated. The first week of her schooling at MBJH, Davis met with her principal and made plans to organize a second drive as her end-of-the-year project.

“Gosh, it means so much to have kids like Callie involved in the program,” said Asher. “This is all about giving back to the community and what a wonderful way for kids to give back to other kids. They are going into their rooms and closets and giving away stuffed animals that they once held and slept with that they now can give to another child to be loved by.”

The program began seven years ago at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church’s annual July 4th Festival, as part of the event’s Trash ‘n’ Treasure garage sale. Asher called various organizations around town to try to donate a surplus of unsold stuffed animals, successfully giving them to the Birmingham Police’s community policing and revitalization program.

For those who are looking to donate stuffed animals, permanent drop boxes can be found at Hoover Tactical Firearms, Anthony Car Wash locations and Innovation Depot.

To organize pick-ups or school donation drives, visit the Cops We Care Facebook page.

—Emily Williams

From left: Hoover High School Principal Dan Hulin, Austin Carter, Hayley Davidson, Mary Kate Manak, Annie Medders and Superintendent Dr. Kathy Murphy. Not pictured: Tyler Collins and Jonathan “Oakley” Prell.

From left: Spain Park High School Principal Larry Giangrosso, Rachel Cargill, Houston Hollis, Ashley Oakman, Anna Shunnarah, Victoria Stark, Parker Wade Wilson and Dr. Kathy Murphy.

Sophia Liu and Rachel Dees.

Advaith Vadlakonda and Alison Hanna.

The top six money-raising students hold up Edgewood Elementary’s Jump Rope for Heart donation results.

Edgewood Jumps Rope for the Heart

With help from more than 500 students, Edgewood Elementary School raised more than $29,000 for the American Heart Association through its annual Jump Rope for Heart program.

Physical education teacher John Dorough said the school’s goal was

to raise $27,000, and he was proud to see the students go above and beyond their goal.

According to school officials, the total ranks Edgewood as the top school in the state that participates in Jump Rope for Heart or Hoops for Heart!

“This is incredible,” Dorough said.

“What an awesome group of students and parents we have. In the last six

years, Edgewood has raised over $97,000 … for the American Heart Association. That is amazing.”

To help reach this year’s goal, Edgewood Principal Matt Kiser promised every student who raised more than $100 would get to put a pie in his face. As a result, Kiser received a pie to the face from more than 120 students. ❖

Ria Shad, Marcus Williams and Emily Knerr.

Corinne Crawford.

SENIORS

36 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Senior Moments Area Residents Are Prepped for Birmingham Games

The National Senior Games are coming to the Birmingham area June 2, and Kerry Grinkmeyer and Abby Lutzenkirchen are ready.

Grinkmeyer of Mountain Brook, 72, is a veteran of two previous Senior Games and will be competing in three running events as well as cycling.

“I’m participating because if I do so, I will live a longer and healthier life,” Grinkmeyer said. “And I love to compete.”

Lutzenkirchen, a Cahaba Heights resident, faces a different challenge. As volunteer services assistant for the Senior Games, she is tasked with recruiting 3,000 volunteers from the community to help administer the games. As of press time, about 1,500 had signed up.

“We need volunteers for just about any skill set that’s out there,” Lutzenkirchen said. “We need everything from score keeping, hospitality, operating the water cooler, working athlete check-in at the BJCC and everything else you can imagine.”

Lutzenkirchen was confident that all the needs would be filled.

“We’ve been recruiting volunteers for a year, still we knew we’d get most of them to sign up in the last two weeks. Birmingham is known as a ‘walk-up’ town, and that’s true for volunteers as well.”

The Senior Games will run until June 15 and take place at 19 different venues, including the BJCC, the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, Oak Mountain State Park, Samford University, the Birmingham Crossplex and UAB. Grinkmeyer competed in track and field in high school and college but did not become interested in participating in the Senior Games until a conversation with his 8-year old grandson struck a chord.

“We were watching the 2010 Winter Olympics and I noticed that many of the competitors were only 16 or 18 years old,” he recalled. “And I told my grandson that to be competing at the Olympic level at that age meant they must have been involved in their sport for at least 10 years. So, I asked him, ‘Do

Photos special to the Journal

By Lee Davis

“I like to measure myself against my peers. There’s no better way to do that than the 50-meter dash.”

KERRY GRINKMEYER, A REALTOR, PLANS TO RUN IN THE 50-METER DASH, THE 100-METER DASH AND THE 200-METER DASH AT SAMFORD UNIVERSITY.

you want to be in the Olympics one day?’ He said, ‘Grandpa – why didn’t you participate in the Olympics?’ And that inspired me for the Senior Games.”

After watching the Winter Olympics, Grinkmeyer at first considered participating in the bobsled.

“I thought I could be the guy that pushes the

bobsled,” he recalled. “But then I realized I’d be competing with former NFL linebackers and defensive backs, so I went home.”

Grinkmeyer did compete in the 2011 Senior Games in Houston as a runner, but he suffered an injury.

“After getting injured in 2011, I went out and bought a bicycle,” he said. “So I competed in cycling in the 2013 Games (in Cleveland).

You can get injured running. You can’t get injured riding a bike. The only thing that can hurt you is a pickup truck or a Buick.”

Grinkmeyer, a realtor, plans to run in the 50-meter dash, the 100-meter dash and the 200meter dash at Samford University. “I like to measure myself against my peers,” he said.

“There’s no better way to do that than the 50-meter dash.”

His cycling events of choice will be the 5K and 10K trails at Oak Mountain State Park.

While he has no realistic expectations of winning, Grinkmeyer thrives on the intensity of the competition.

“After I compete in one of these difficult running events, there’s a feeling of exhilaration that’s hard to describe,” he said.

Lutzenkirchen, a University of Alabama graduate who interned with the prestigious sports marketing firm of Knight Eady before coming to the Senior Games, sees the event as a showcase for Birmingham.

“Birmingham is a hidden gem,” she said.

“There are so many aspects of the area that so many don’t know about. This is great exposure for Birmingham and the surrounding communities.”

Lutzenkirchen said the games will attract about 10,000 athletes and their families.

“On an average, each athlete will bring 2.5 people with them,” she said. “They’ll stay in hotels and eat in restaurants. It will be a tremendous economic boost for the area.”

Estimates say that the Senior Games should bring about $30 million of revenue into the area’s coffers.

Grinkmeyer doesn’t think it’s particularly unique that he still loves athletic competition

2017 National Senior Games

The Senior Games will run until June 15 and take place at 19 different venues, including the BJCC, the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, Oak Mountain State Park, Samford University, the Birmingham Crossplex and UAB. Abby Lutzenkirchen, below, is tasked with recruiting 3,000 volunteers from the community to help administer the games. As of press time, about 1,500 had signed up. For more information about the Senior Games and volunteering for the games, visit nsga.com.

See SENIOR GAMES, page 40

A Great Escape Oregonians Relocate to Alabama and Retire to Aldridge Gardens

Lorrie and Rick Crook have found a community through their love of nature.

Journal photo by Emily Williams

By Emily Williams Moving from the Beaver State to the Cotton State, Lorrie and Rick Crook have found a community through their love of nature.

When it came time for the Crooks to retire, they saw it as an opportunity to move from the coastal Oregon city of Newport and be closer to their son and grandchildren in Birmingham.

Upon moving to their condo in Hoover, the Crooks learned not only to navigate the change in weather, but to make the most of their free time.

“One thing we knew when we retired was that we didn’t want to be just sitting around the house,” Rick said.

Though they had visited their son many times, they had never been to Aldridge Gardens. After moving, they stumbled on the See GREAT ESCAPE, page 40

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 37

SENIORS

Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Discover Your Spark at Somerby Senior Living

What does it mean to “Discover Your Spark?” At Somerby Senior Living, it means inspiring and nurturing successful living each and every day. Residents discover their spark by trying new things and continuing lifelong learning. They receive support in making positive life choices, creating new friendships and keeping family traditions and relationships alive.

“We encourage our residents to explore, grow and find some fun along the way,” said Executive Director Chris Tharp. “All of our programming is designed to foster positive relationships, help residents explore their hobbies or interests, and encourage them to share their talents.”

Located in a wooded pocket near the Highway 280 corridor, Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is surrounded by natural beauty and modern conveniences. Residents enjoy regular trips to nearby shopping centers and restaurants, access to St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness Center and amenities at the community itself. Somerby associates also schedule special events throughout the year to keep residents engaged and active.

The Somerby community accommodates residents with diverse needs, offering independent living, assisted living and memory care options, which allow a resident to transition to increased support should their needs change over the years.

According to many residents, moving to Somberby has been one of the best moves they’ve ever made - offering newfound freedom, enhanced security and expanded options for activities and engagement. When visiting a Somerby community, guests should ask to meet with residents and gain further insight about

how and why they made the decision to move and what they love about Somerby.

Somerby Senior Living is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dominion Partners, headquartered in Birmingham. For more information about

Somerby or its many locations throughout the Southeast, visit SomerbySpark.com.

Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is located at 200 One Nineteen Blvd., Birmingham, 745-4600.

What is living at Somerby like?

Let someone who calls it home tell you.

The Somerby community accommodates residents with diverse needs, offering independent living, assisted living and memory care options, which allow a resident to transition to increased support should their needs change over the years.

YOU’VE STILL GOT A SPARK INSIDE.

At Somerby, our Residents know exactly how that feels. Here, life is filled with opportunities to make deep friendships, stay physically active and stimulate all your senses.

We invite you to learn more about the purpose-driven lifestyle that our Residents, Families and Associates enjoy at Somerby.

Experience what makes Somerby so Full of Life.

Explore our website for Resident stories or call us to schedule a personal visit.

INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE

80 0. 994 . 4 669

•

www.Some rby Spa rk.com

38 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

Town Village Vestavia Hills

Phyllis Douglas, a resident of Town Village Vestavia Hills, talks about, “Why I Love Town Village.”

“First, I believe my attitude was right. I had wanted to come ten years before we did, so when we did, it was an answer to prayer.

“Second, I found friendliness and help all around from staff to residents.

“Third, our daughter lives very close. What a Phyllis Douglas blessing that is! Many residents do have family close.

“Fourth, you can keep as busy as you like with various activities. My main interest is Bible studies and I now teach one. They have exercise classes, happy hour with dancing, book club, many different card and board games including Bingo. They have visiting choirs and other musical groups, a gym with a small pool, and exercise equipment.

“Fifth, the outside of the building is attractive. On one side there is a stream with a boardwalk on our side. A perfect place to walk dogs. Small pets are allowed here too. The boardwalk down by the stream leads to a shopping center which contains a grocery store.

Also, CVS pharmacy is less than one block away.

“If I haven’t convinced you yet, come by and see me!”

Tours are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment on weekends.

Town Village is located at 2385 Dolly Ridge Road, Birmingham (behind the CVS off of Rocky Ridge Road), 979-2702.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SENIORS

Where to Put Your Trust Alabama Family Trust Helps McCune Family Afford Quality Care for Their Mother

By Emily Williams One of the most challenging moves for the McCune family was when it came time for the late matriarch, Lena McCune, to move into the skilled nursing unit at Fair Haven at the age of 87.

A very close-knit family, Debbie McCune and her brothers, Steve and Bradd, spent the years leading up to the move researching the options open to them.

“All of the monthly costs are expensive,” Debbie McCune said, and when they settled on Fair Haven, they discovered they would be unable to afford the cost of a private room, which runs about $900 more than the cost of a standard semi-private room.

Had McCune not attended a legal conference and run across a vendor booth for the Alabama Family Trust, her mother could have suffered a monetary fate that many elderly Alabamians with disabilities fall victim to: the spend-down.

For an adult over the age of 65 with a disability, Medicare will not cover long-term care in an assisted living facility. Medicaid will, but only after the individual is down to a net worth of $2,000. In addition, when Medicaid kicks in, it covers only the absolute essentials.

The only way to avoid a spend-down is to put any funds over $2,000 in a pooled special needs trust. Alabama Family Trust is the only one in the state that can offer this option to the disabled elderly.

After researching and keeping in contact with Alabama Family Trust, McCune and her brothers opted to open a pooled special needs trust with the organization to protect their moth-

Alabama Family Trust Wins State Award for Commitment to Elderly

Alabama Family Trust has been selected to receive the Alabama Gerontological Society’s 2017 Organization Award at their 36th Annual Conference.

AFT, a pooled special needs nonprofit 501(c)3 trust, recieved the honor for its commitment to improving the quality of life for older Alabamians.

“We fully endorse the Alabama Family Trust to caregivers with elderly loved ones across Alabama as the assets held in trust are able to improve their overall quality of life. Further, AFT is able to protect that person from financial exploitation or fraud from people that would otherwise prey on the elderly,” said Mary Bess Prise, president of AGS. Established by the state in 1994, the organization invests and protects assets of individuals with disabilities, including the elderly.

Opening an AFT trust will enable a disabled senior to be eligible for Medicaid benefits. Once qualified, Medicaid will pay for long-term care in a skilled nursing home or for caregivers at home while assets put in trust are used to pay for needs not covered by Medicaid.

The organization, based in Vestavia Hills and led by Executive Director Melanie Bradford Holliman, a law attorney, accepted the AGS award along with Doug Marshall, AFT CFO and director of community relations, on April 19 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

“Alabama Family Trust focuses on and is compassionate about offering families with disabilities a progressive way to financially support their loved ones,” Bradford Holliman said. “AFT is truly a special organization, perhaps the best kept secret in Alabama because we only serve those with special needs.” ❖

er’s money while opening the gates for Medicaid funding to flow.

According to the trust’s CFO, Doug Marshall, the organization was created by the state to help the disabled population obtain the highest quality of life possible.

“We work to serve disabled people on three different levels,” Marshall said. “One, we protect their assets. Two, we open the gates for Medicaid to pay for long-term care. Three, we are helping improve their quality of life.”

In a spend down, if an elderly person with special needs pools all of their funds together and ends up with $50,000, they will pay for all

HE’S CLOSE TO RETIREMENT.

LIVING WELL Aging Gracefully Enjoy all the advantages of retirement living. Build friendships, explore your interests, and enjoy a carefree lifestyle.

• Spacious apartments • Flexible, restaurant-style dining • Indoor heated pool • Emergency call system and 24 hour on-site staff • Engaging life enrichment activities and social opportunities • Optional care services available

To prepare for his next chapter, Reggie needed answers to his questions about health insurance. He compared plans at AlabamaBlue.com/NewToMedicare

and then called one of our insurance advisors to learn more.

Call 1-877-527-7970 ( TTY 711) or visit us online to learn more about your coverage options.

2385 Dolly Ridge Road Birmingham, AL 35243

205-979-2702

www.TownVillageVestaviaHills.com

H0104_ACTBRD_ReggiePR_17 Accepted

BCS54319_REGGIE_OverTheMountainJournal_copy change3.indd 1

5/23/17 9:47 AM

of their care out of pocket until they hit $2,000.

With average assisted-living care running at around $6,500 a month without any added features, a person who might live for eight to 10 years would be depending on that $2,000 to cover any non-Medicaid covered necessities.

“Just because an elderly person is disabled doesn’t mean they should be poor, too,” Marshall said.

In the case of Lena McCune, her daughter was able to contact AFT any time she needed a non-essential expenditure covered for her mother.

“In protecting my mother’s money, she was able to continue her life affording all of the amenities she had her entire life: hair salon, manicures, a telephone, a newspaper subscription,” McCune said. “She loved reading and always kept up with current events.”

In addition, the family had the funds to furnish her private room to look like her home.

“She was very comfortable there and enjoyed watching old movies and college football,” McCune said.

The key to her mother’s smooth transition, McCune said, wasn’t just the great work of AFT, but the fact that the family was well-prepared.

To properly qualify for Medicaid and avoid spend-downs, there are a few requirements that must be met in advance. For example, property must be put in children’s names at least five years in advance to avoid being counted as a part of the person’s net worth.

“It’s important not to put off the hard questions and to make sure you’ve gotten everything prepared in advance,” McCune said. “Also, everyone needs to get long-term insurance care.”

Long-term care insurance rates get exponentially higher with age.

McCune noted that without preparation, her mother’s transition could have been a lifechanging experience for the entire family.

For those who end up in assisted living earlier than expected or those who have not prepared, AFT can still work in their favor by protecting some assets. In addition, people who have run through their trust funds can benefit from other AFT trustees who have passed.

Through a charitable trust option, AFT will set aside 10 percent of the trustees’ remaining funds after their passing and will use it to HELP other trustees afford a good quality of life.

For more information on AFT, visit alabamafamilytrust.com. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SENIORS

Danberry at Inverness The Unique Choice in Senior Living

In the past, seniors seeking a retirement community had few options. Often, it was either an uninspiring urban high-rise with few outside amenities or an upscale development built around a golf-course or waterfront with few personal services.

But today’s retirees and tomorrow’s retiring baby boomers increasingly demand an environment that not only is carefree, but also offers them ample opportunities to remain mentally and physically active in a soothing natural setting.

In other words, they want an address that redefines retirement.

Danberry at Inverness senior living community, located at 235 Inverness Center Drive in Hoover, just off US 280 and Valleydale Road, is an example of an inspiring approach to retirement living that feels unique from the moment one enters its atrium lobby. Stained-glass windows and a cascading waterfall set the mood for a retirement lifestyle that emphasizes natural beauty, vitality, and personal fulfillment. Residents can choose from comfortable one-, two-, or threebedroom luxury apartment homes which are appointed with upscale features such as ceramic tile floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. English gardens and flowering landscapes complete these picture-perfect residences.

The award-winning Frank Lloyd Wrightinspired architecture and natural surroundings only add to the peaceful, stress-reducing environment.

“We believe that Danberry at Inverness offers

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 39

people over 55 independent living unlike anywhere else—one that encourages growth, learning and discovery of new things about yourself and your environment,” said Danberry at Inverness Marketing Director Lori Krueger.

Comprehensive health and wellness services for independent living, assisted living, and memory care lifestyles are available at Danberry at Inverness, and they are offered in meticulously designed environments that invite nature indoors.

For example, throughout the Danberry at Inverness Clubhouse, nature seamlessly blends both indoors and out with fireplaces, the atrium lobby, English tea gardens and waterfalls. Here, residents can take care of everyday details and enjoy a range of first-class amenities (movie theater, creative art studio, bridge and card rooms) and services (library, mail/communications room). Dining is available in the formal dining room and al fresco on the garden terrace.

A Dynamic Approach to Wellness The advantages of living in one of today’s wellness-oriented retirement communities are many: ample opportunities to stay as strong and independent as possible, staying in the mainstream of activities and events, and keeping a healthy outlook on life. Danberry at Inverness offers exceptional fitness opportunities all under one roof, such as “senior-friendly” spa services, a fully equipped fitness center, classes including Tai Chi, aerobics, water yoga and Pilates, a private senior-friendly heated indoor, resort-style saltwater pool, and a wellness clinic.

“We make sure our residents have every opportunity to learn, explore and savor life in a whole new way,” said Krueger. “In other words, we help them design a future filled with fun!”

This community really must be seen to be believed, so stop by Danberry at Inverness today or visit DanberryAtInverness.com. Or call 205443-9500 for more information.

TOP: The atrium at Danberry at Inverness is the center of the clubhouse that connects the common areas, providing a place where residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner. LEFT: Indoor swimming pool at Danberry at Inverness.

What’s life really like at Danberry at Inverness?

Let our “resident experts” tell you!

The residents of Danberry at Inverness and their children would like to share their secrets with you…like how they as a

family made their decision to move to a retirement community, what they had in mind when looking at options, what life is like for them now and what advice they would offer to you. Whether looking for yourself, or for a loved one, bring your questions and get some real answers. It could change your life!

Resident & Family Panel Monday, June 12, 6:00 p.m. or Thursday, June 15, 2:00 p.m.

235 Inverness Center Drive Hoover, AL 35242 Light refreshments provided RSVP to 205-443-9430

235 Inverness Center Drive • Hoover, AL 35242

DanberryAtInverness.com

40 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

SENIORS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Welcome Home to The Cottages of Danberry

The Cottages of Danberry is a unique community for residents ages 55 and up, mirroring the persona of today’s active adult. The community enables its residents to live and grow in an environment that is as inspiring and unique as its setting.

In partnership with CRSA, a national expert in senior living, the Daniel Corporation created this gated retreat that provides charming homes in a country club-style community. The community currently has three new construction cottages available.

Idyllically situated on Lake Heather just off the U.S. 280 corridor in Hoover, the neighborhood offers a total of 48 English-style cottage homes. Each is made of solid brick and features the latest design trends and colors with predominantly main-level living ranging from about 2,000 to 3,000 square feet.

All homes include a two-car main level garage, and some incorporate finished bonus rooms with full baths upstairs.

A community clubhouse features a full kitchen and a sitting area with a fireplace that overlooks the lake, an ideal place for homeowners to hold private or community functions. Affording a certain lifestyle, the community allows residents to put away the mower as the landscaping and yardwork is coordinated by a Home Owners Association.

Cottages builder Sam Dariani, owner of Rockwell Homes LLC, has more than 30 years of experience in the engineering and homebuilding industry.

A previous winner of the coveted Parade of Homes gold award, Dariani specializes in the construction of custom homes for the cottages of Danberry.

“The Cottages of Danberry offer one of the highest appreciated home values in Shelby County,” Dariani said.

What do homeowners have to say?

“We love the community because of it’s small quaint size. It is in a terrific location off Highway 280, giving us easy access to shops, restaurants and medical facilities. Our lovely community is gated and has some of the best neighbors we could ask for, very friendly and each looks out for the other.”

GREAT ESCAPE, From page 36

Stuffed to the Brim

facility by chance and fell in love with it.

While attending an Art in the Gardens event, the Crooks met garden volunteers and staff, and they stopped on their way out of the park to fill out volunteer applications.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Lorrie said. “The work and the people who work here are fun. You also get to meet a lot of people through events.”

Lorrie spends her time working in the gardens’ gift shop or answering phones in the office while Rick helps out in the gardens’ gatehouse.

Outdoorsy Folks

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

Like many of their fellow Oregonians, the Crooks often took advantage of the many opportunities to spend time in nature – regardless of the ever-rainy weather.

“We are both outdoorsy folks,” Lorrie said. She said they hiked, and Rick enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Though they consider themselves a far cry from some of the master gardeners they volunteer with, the Crooks have learned a little bit more about foliage of the South through the gardens.

Neither claims any particular interest in the science of plants, but they have been trained as docents and they have led a tree program for students.

“Purchasing a home in the cottages of Danberry was such a pleasant experience. The Realtors and builder were very helpful and so easy to work with.

Our home is truly beautiful, quiet and spacious. The community is in a great location, convenient to local shopping and restaurants. We enjoy walking around the beautifully landscaped neighborhood on nice sidewalks, the beautiful view of the lake and talking to our nice neighbors. Community events like ice cream parties, Christmas dinners and neighborhood meetings are held in the beautiful community Lakeside Clubhouse. We look forward to spending many more happy years “Lucky for us, they were kindergarten students,” Lorrie said.

Having been raised in the Pacific Northwest, the Crooks found the environment in Alabama to be a drastic change.

“When we first visited, it was like walking into a different world,”

Now gearing up for the gardens’ annual Hydrangeas Under the Stars auction, June 10, Lorrie said she is loving the hustle and bustle as auction items and event planners file in and out of the gardens.

Lorrie said.

One of her favorite results of the warmer and sunnier climate is the longer bloom time for some plants.

For example, a camellia will bloom in Oregon, but only for a few weeks in spring. Seeing a camellia blooming in winter was a bit of a surprise for her.

“In Oregon, the grass is green all the time, that’s just the way it is,” Lorrie said. “Here, the grass goes dormant in the winter.”

Rick noted that playing golf on a green that is more of a sand color proved to be a struggle for them.

Idyllically situated on Lake Heather just off the U.S. 280 corridor in Hoover, the neighborhood offers a total of 48 English-style cottage homes. Each is made of solid brick and features the latest design trends and colors with predominantly mainlevel living ranging from about 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. All homes include a two-car main level garage, and some incorporate finished bonus rooms with full baths upstairs.

living in the cottages of Danberry. We feel blessed to be in such a special community with such special people.”

To schedule your private showing, call Petra Pryor at 616-5900 or Anne Lanz at 915-5331. Sales and marketing

by Daniel homes LLC.

Family Bonding

Whether the grass is green or brown, spending a few days each week working at the gardens surrounded by nature has given Lorrie and Rick more of a structure for their free time.

“We spend a lot of time with our two grandchildren,” Lorrie said.

“They’ve pretty much grown up here. They go to the summer camps and we will sometimes bring them with us when we work and they love it. … They even have their own volunteer nametags.”

Their grandson, on the cusp of his teenage years, may not love it as much as he used to, Lorri said, though he was excited to go to the gardens when the popular Pokemon Go! game came out last summer and drew crowds outside to search for characters.

The couple also enjoys attending events the gardens hosts throughout the year, as well as getting a firsthand view of the preparations.

Now gearing up for the gardens’ annual Hydrangeas Under the Stars auction, June 10, Lorrie said she is loving the hustle and bustle as auction items and event planners file in and out of the gardens.

The sold-out event, taking place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., is the premiere fundraiser for Aldridge Gardens and includes dinner, live music and live and silent auctions.

Proceeds benefit activities hosted by the garden, which serves the community as a garden, wedding venue,

summer camp, field trip destination and bird watching location.

In the midst of all of the development in the nearby Riverchase area, the secured green space of the gardens gives people a location to relax or safely take a walk, Lorrie noted.

“I’ll see people come here during their breaks from work,” Rick said.

“They’ll bring their lunch and find a nice spot or a bench and quietly eat their lunch. It’s a great place for people who want to escape from the office and clear their minds.”

While some might enjoy Aldridge Gardens as a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy work week, the Crooks said they’ve enjoyed volunteering there to escape the potential monotony of retirement. ❖

SENIOR GAMES, From page 36

after the age of 70. “I love my life,” he said. “I just want to live it to the fullest.”

With Lutzenkirchen and the rest of the Senior Games staff working 20-hour days, there’s not much time to think of any plans beyond June 15.

“I’ll probably go somewhere and relax for a little while,” she said. “But right now, all we’re thinking about is making this the best Senior Games ever.”

For more information about the Senior Games and volunteering for the games, visit nsga.com. ❖

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 41

SENIORS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

From left: Sara Scott, Sarah Sexton and Sandi Hall.

“Let us equip you with the tools, knowledge and support you need to simply your life whether you are downsizing, resizing or staying in your current home.

There is no need to be overwhelmed. You just need to plan armed with the facts.” CINDY MONK

Alabama Mature Moves

Unfortunately many of us fail to sufficiently plan for retiring and don’t think about it until reality hits you in the face.

“Somewhere between choosing a new place to live or staying in your current home, sorting years of possessions, deciding what to keep or not, many questions suddenly hit you that you had no idea about,” says Cindy Monk, owner of Alabama Mature Movers.

“Through our experience, we have many answers to your questions. We have been specializing with older adults since 2006 and realty for 25+ years. Our services include: Consultant - guidanceMonk in preparation for next steps to include Cindy resources and expert referrals. Senior Living (205) 229-2427 Community Locator - referrals and personal tours Cindy@Cindy Monk.com of local senior living apartments, communities and AlabamaMatureMoves.com neighborhoods. Residential Real Estate Sales -

providing experienced knowledge on low maintenance and energy efficient homes and aging in place features.

“We recommend and supervise home renovations necessary to be competitive in today’s housing market by providing a free home analysis.

Education - up-to-date information on industry trends, local knowledge and myth busters. Move Management and Downsizing Assistance - assistance with all the details of the move.

“Let us equip you with the tools, knowledge and support you need to simply your life whether you are downsizing, resizing or staying in your current home. There is no need to be overwhelmed. You just need to plan armed with the facts.”

Plan to attend the facility’s new series called “Valuable Facts for Baby Boomers and Senior Adults, featuring trending issues on aging. Dates are listed below. “Downsizing Made Easy” will be presented at the Skyline Village on June 20.

Alabama Mature Moves, Cindy@CindyMonk. com, 229-2427.

YOU'RE INVITED!

Kirkwood by the River

It’s no news that eventually we all need help with daily activities, such as cooking and cleaning. But did you know there are advantages to moving to a retirement community early? Let us share with you some of the many benefits to moving in five years early versus five minutes too late.

1. On-site medical staff ensures residents a stable and caring environment no matter what healthcare needs may arise. From the smallest scratches to the biggest breaks, a registered nurse is just down the hall to care for your wounds 24/7. Routine doctor’s appointments are conducted in your apartment, and should there be an emergency, help is within reach.

2. Activities, activities, activities. From on-campus concerts, exercise classes, seminars, workshops and social hours to off-site restaurant experiences, cultural events, and museum tours, Kirkwood by the River residents are kept active, engaged and inspired.

3. No need to cook or clean. We’ll take care of

the vacuuming, changing the sheets, cleaning the bathrooms, and more every week. Hungry? Head to the dining room for a full meal. Breaking bread with new and old friends will become one of your favorite parts of the day.

4. Do you travel? Moving into a retirement community while you are completely independent allows you to come and go as you please without worrying about the security of your home.

The future may seem far away, but planning for it is the most important gift you can give to yourself and your family. Instead of believing the misconception that retirement communities take away your independence, we encourage you to visit our community to see how retirement living can help you maintain your independence by keeping you active and healthy longer.

Kirkwood by the River is a faith-based nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community located in Birmingham. Their local board, loving staff, and community of friends and volunteers serve residents with passion, dedication and enthusiasm. Contact Sandi Hall to schedule a tour at 862-0305 or visit their website for more information, kirkwoodbytheriver.com.

Seasons turn.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - VALUABLE - - - - - - - - - - - -FACTS - - - - - - - -FOR -------------Begin now to plan your future - ADULTS BABY BOOMERS & SENIOR short term, term,series andfeatures have the a back-up plan experts is even better.

Thislong educational industry’s leading discussing

trending Baby Boomers & Senior Adult issues. Each monthly series is designed to ensure the attendee is educated - - - Services - - - and empowered as they make life, and lifestyle decisions. This willl be a question and answer panel discussion Consultant with each of our experts allowing time for audience participation afterwards. uidance in preparartion for next steps, to include resources and expert referrals.

Topics will include: 55+ Senior Living Options • Independent & Asssisted Living Opitons Senior Living Community Locator Downsizing 101 • Selling your Home in Today’s Market eferrals and personal tours of local senior living apartments, communities and Downsizing Tips from Those Who Know • Aging in Place (a.k.a Staying Put) eighborhoods.

Boomers - Planning Retirement • Embrace Aging instead of Being a Victim Boomers - As Caregivers • Low Maintenance & Energy Efficient Home Residential Real EstateCare Sales Geriatric - A Better Understanding • VA Benefits - the Real Truth roviding buyers and sellers with unique experience and professional representation.

SAVE THE DATE

Education JUNE 6 Tax, Financial and Legal Issues p-to-date information, industry trends, local knowledge, and myth busters.

JULY 11 Estates Sales and Auctions AUG. 1 Reverse Mortgages - Pros & Cons Move Management and Downsizing Assistance LOCATION: Senior Lodge | 1973 Merryvale Rd | Vestavia Hills ssistance with all the details of the move from beginning to end.

TIME: 10:00AM -11:30AM

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -RSVP - - - -Today!

- - - - Cindy - - - -Monk, - - - -Alabama - - - - -Matures - - - - -Moves ---------Cindy@CindyMonk.com (205) 229-2427 For Future Dates & Locations Visit AlabamaMatureMoves.com

It is never too late or too early to plan.

It's your turn to savor each one.

Kirkwood by the River has been lovingly caring for the areas seniors for 37 years. Located on the Cahaba River, we escape the hustle of the city while being merely miles from the shopping, dining, and cultural destinations of Birmingham.

Independent Living | Assisted Living Memory Care Assisted Living Skilled Nursing | Medicare Rehab A Ministry of Independent Presbyterian Church Birmingham, AL

Contact Sandi Hall at 205-862-0305 or visit www.kirkwoodbytheriver.com 3605 Ratliff Road | Birmingham, AL 35210

42 • Thursday, June 1, 2017

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

CAROLINE’S KING

Homewood’s Lawrence Wins State Heptathlon Title

From left: Caroline Waldrop, Mary Katherine Horton, Jordan Susce and Marilyn Steed. Spain Park shot a two-day round of 445, claiming its first title in eight years and narrowly defeating cross-town rival Hoover.

Winning Jags

Spain Park Girl Golfers Win State Title

By Lee Davis After its last title in 2009, the Spain Park girls golf team had found the state championship trophy to be as elusive as the Academy Award was for Bob Hope.

The drought for the legendary entertainer never ended. But the Lady Jags’ drought came to an end May 17 at the Robert Trent Jones Grand National Golf Course in Opelika.

Shooting a two-day round of 445, Spain Park claimed its first title in eight years, narrowly defeating cross-town rival Hoover, which

CHAMPIONS, From page 44

Other multi-championship winners were Class 7A Spain Park, which claimed titles in bowling and girls golf; Class 4A-5A Briarwood, which won crowns in girls tennis and girls soccer; Class 1A-3A Altamont with championships in boys tennis and girls outdoor track; and Class 1A Westminster-Oak Mountain with titles in girls cross-country and boys outdoor track.

Oak Mountain and Vestavia Hills claimed only one title each, but they were big-time successes. The Eagles captured their third consecutive Class 7A boys soccer title and the Rebels won their second straight Class 7A wrestling championship.

As they say, that’s domination.

This impressive list doesn’t even include runner-up finishes. Not to list them all, but Mountain Brook teams earned four second-place finishes, while Hoover and Vestavia each had three. Spain Park and WestminsterOak Mountain also had a pair of number two awards.

All of the championships are memorable and special, of course, but looking back, there are several that will always stand out in my mind.

• Hoover’s 17-7 win over McGillToolen in the Class 7A football final gave the Bucs their fourth championship in five years and reestablished

fired a collective 451.

“I’m really proud of our team,” Lady Jag coach Kelly Holland said.

“I told them that if they played their best, that would be good enough to win. Everyone had to do their part.”

Spain Park helped itself with a strong first-round score of 218.

Senior Jordan Susce had the Lady Jags’ best round that day, firing a two-under-par 70, along with Caroline Waldrop’s even-par 72 total.

“The fact we’ve been just short for four years and finally won the state is really special,” senior Mary Kate Horton said. “Especially since

it was the last year for Jordan (Susce) and I. Going out this way is incredible.”

Horton led the way for Spain Park on the second round, shooting a 74. Waldrop followed with a 76.

Susce shot a 77 and Marilyn Steed – a freshman – carded an 84.

Hoover senior Julie Baker was the low medalist runner-up with rounds of 73-74. Virginia Green of Fairhope won the low medalist crown with two consecutive scores of 66.

Mychel O’Berry totaled 150 for Hoover, and Carson McKie followed with a 156. ❖

them as Alabama’s premier football power. Hoover’s dynasty under Josh Niblett is at least the equal of the one former coach Rush Propst built over a decade ago. And there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight.

• Mountain Brook earned its third state Class 7A basketball championship in the past five years under coach Bucky McMillan, burying any remaining stereotypes that exist about what type of schools can enjoy bigtime success in basketball.

McMillan’s version of the “process” rivals that of a well-known football coach, and he always seems to find the right parts to fit the system. The Spartan basketball dynasty may not be quite as strong as Hoover’s in football, but as long as McMillan is the coach, there’s not likely to be a serious downturn.

• The Hoover girls basketball team returned to prominence by winning its first Class 7A title since 2013. Coach Krystle Johnson – who starred on the Bucs’ 2001 champions – directed her alma mater to the championship in her first year at the helm. It probably won’t be her last blue trophy.

• Homewood’s amazing junior class helped the Lady Patriots to a second Class 6A championship in three years. As seniors, the group will be expected to add a third in 2017-18.

• The Patriots’ impressive showing in cross-country and track shows once again the job that Homewood coach Tom Esslinger has done in recruiting

some of the school’s top athletes to the running sports. There was a time that Homewood was barely competitive in any of them.

• New Vestavia wrestling coach Tee Adams had no problem filling the big shoes of his predecessor, Steve Gaydosh, by winning a title in his first year at the helm. Adams wrestled for Gaydosh at Vestavia a few years back.

• Oak Mountain continued its Hoover-style grip on boys Class 7A soccer, earning its third consecutive championship. While soccer may be the single strongest team sport in this area, the Eagles dynasty looks sturdy.

• Spain Park won another state bowling title under Coach Stephen Hobbs. Bowling is a new sport on the Alabama High School Athletic Association scene and it’s nice to see more opportunities for young athletes.

Who knows? One day bowling’s rise may parallel the ascension of soccer more than 20 years ago.

• Hoover’s comeback to defeat Auburn to claim the Class 7A baseball title was a great way to close the school year. Pitcher Brock Guffey’s two-hit shutout of the Tigers in the crucial second game will forever be a part of Buccaneer baseball lore. The championship was a tribute to a group of young people who simply were determined to win, regardless of the odds.

But, hey, you could say that about any of our state champions.

Congratulations to them all. ❖

Caroline Lawrence entered the 2017 Alabama High School Athletic Association Girls Heptathlon competition with a lot of confidence.

The Homewood senior’s confidence was justified. She had finished third in the heptathlon a year ago and had excelled in many of the competition’s seven events during the outdoor track and field season.

“I had already competed in the high jump, the long jump and the javelin in the regular season, so I felt pretty good about those,” Lawrence said. “So I just had to work on the other events, like the hurdles and the shot put.”

Lawrence’s confidence proved to be justified. She claimed the two-day event at Hewitt-Trussville High School with 4,631 points to outpoint runner Maddie Harrell of Walker’s

4,011 total. Another Lady Patriot, Jasmine Griffith, finished third with 4,002 points. Thirty-six girl athletes from across Alabama took part in the competition.

“I felt good about how I performed,” Lawrence said. “And it was pretty exhausting. But since it was divided into two days, it wasn’t so bad. The key is to take each event one at a time and don’t think about the ones you aren’t competing in.”

Lawrence claimed victories in the 800-meter run and the long jump. She completed the 800-meter course in 2:24.83 and claimed the long jump title with a leap of 17-06.25.

“Since I had competed last year, I knew what was going to happen and what to expect,” she said. “At the end, it was just a matter of staying focused.”

Lawrence plans to run at Auburn University next season. ❖ Homewood’s Caroline Lawrence, left, and Jasmine Griffith at the Heptathlon competition.

Photo special tothe Jouranl

Photo special tothe Jouranl

By Lee Davis

Drop and Add

Clegg and Spartans Claim Class 7A Golf Title

By Lee Davis Mountain Brook’s Ford Clegg had high expectations entering the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Class 7A High School Boys Golf Championship last week.

One thing he didn’t expect was to be his team’s drop score.

On the first day of the two-round event at the Robert Trent Jones Grand National Course in Opelika, Clegg struggled to a 2-over-par 74. His score was the highest of any Spartan golfer in the opening round, so in accordance with AHSAA rules, it was dropped from Mountain Brook’s overall score.

Overall, the Spartans had scored quite well, with Ben Fuller and William Wann each shooting 69, Reynolds Lambert firing a 70, and Willis Hagan carding a 71.

Clegg, a junior, wasn’t happy with his score and was determined to do better.

“It was kind of weird being the drop score,” he said. “But the fact I shot a 74 and it wouldn’t count against us was like getting a second chance.”

Clegg made the most of the opportunity. Starting off with three birdies and an eagle, he completed the front nine with a 31. Clegg earned a 1-overpar 37 on the back nine but completed a sterling round of 68, good enough to

make him the low medalist for the tournament.

Even better news for Spartan fans was the overall play of the Mountain Brook team, which finished with a twoday total of 573 to out-distance runnerup Vestavia Hills’ 581 total.

“On the front nine, I was able to hit the green on two shots on the par 5s,” Clegg explained. “So I got an eagle on the sixth hole. A birdie on nine got me the 31.”

The remaining Spartan golfers also turned in solid scores to assure their team’s victory. Lambert shot a 74, Hagen scored 75, Wann recorded a 77 and Fuller fired a 78.

Clegg said he’d never played the Grand National Course before the pretournament practice rounds. “I used the practice rounds to get comfortable with the greens,” he said. “A golfer can adjust completely to a new course after two (practice) rounds.”

Mountain Brook’s state championship was its second in boys golf in three years and 160th in the school’s 51-year history. And the beat may well keep going.

“I’m so proud of our guys,” Spartan golf coach Alex Lockett said. “We’re losing two seniors (Hagan and Fuller), but we’ve got a bunch of young guys coming back so we should be contenders for the next few years.” ❖

Thursday, June 1, 2017 • 43

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

By Lee Davis

Some Kind of Comeback

GARRETT FARQUHAR (25)

when Brandon Agsalud’s single drove in two runs to give the Bucs a 3-0 advantage.

Guffey offered heroics in the final game as well. He came in as late inning relief, allowing three hits and two runs but turning back Auburn’s last bid for victory. Afterward, Guffey admitted he was tired.

“Mentally I knew I could do it, but physically I was a little worn out,” he said. “But I told coach Moseley that

own than I ever could have thought up.

It’s the closest team I have ever coached.”

Closeness counted. So did the arm of Brock Guffey. The senior pitcher, who finished 11-0 for the season, saved his best performance for the playoffs, pitching a complete-game two-hit shutout of Auburn. Guffey struck out 11 batters.

Hoover’s best offensive thrust of the game came in the third inning,

SOFTBALL,

Pictured are Briarwood representatives of the All-Over The Mountain team, from left: Riley Coyne, Lydia Coleman and Taylor Wheat.

From page 44

title.

As a result, the 2017 All-Over the Mountain baseball team is one of the most talented and deepest in history.

The Buccaneers and the Rebels each placed six players on the team, which is chosen by an exclusive poll of the eight coaches of Over the Mountain baseball teams in Class 6A and Class 7A. Additionally, Hoover pitcher Brock Guffey and Vestavia hurler Caden Lemons shared 2017 Over the Mountain Player of the Year honors.

Also, the Rebels’ Jamie Harris was named Coach of the Year.

Guffey was the hero of the Class 7A championship series against Auburn. With Hoover’s back against the wall after an opening loss, Guffey pitched a two-hitter against the Tigers to even the series. He also earned a save in relief as the Bucs claimed the third and deciding game. Guffey fin-

“We had a special group this season with some amazing young ladies,” Hawkins said. “I’m proud of their accomplishments.”

The Lady Jags’ domination also was reflected in the 2017 All-Over the Mountain softball team, chosen by an exclusive poll of the eight Over the Mountain softball coaches from Class 7A and Class 6A schools. Spain Park landed seven players on the squad, and ace pitcher Annabelle Widra and slugger M.K. Tedder shared 2017 Over the Mountain Softball Player of the Year honors.

Hawkins was named Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season.

ished with a perfect 11-0 record.

“Brock probably had one of the best years that any Hoover pitcher has ever had,” Hoover coach Adam Moseley said. “He always came up with the great effort when we needed it the most.”

Lemons was an outstanding pitcher throughout his career at Vestavia, and was particular effective in the Rebels late season sprint to the Class 7A semi-finals. He posted a 6-1 record with 69 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.35. Lemons will be pitching at the University of Mississippi next season.

Harris led a largely unproven Vestavia team to within one series of the Class 7A finals.

“It’s an honor to be named Coach of the Year, but really everything is about our players,” Harris said. “They deserve all the credit. I’m the guy that got to coach them.”

Hoover players joining Guffey on the All-Over the Mountain team included Brandon Agsalud, Sonny

I’d go out there whenever and however he wanted me to pitch. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a rain storm, lying down on the mound, whatever.”

Moseley said the decision to bring Guffey back to pitch was simple. “He had the best pitching season ever at Hoover, so who else would you want on the mound at the end of a championship game,” he explained.

Most of the Bucs’ offense came early in the contest. Sonny DiChiara’s

“It’s an honor to be named Coach of the Year by my peers in the profession,’ Hawkins said.

“But any award I receive is a tribute to the players and their families. We ask a lot of our girls, but it all pays dividends at the end.”

Widra, who just completed the eighth grade at Berry Middle School, was a prime mover in Spain Park’s successful season before attending a single class on the high school campus. She earned 36 wins, with 272 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.26.

Tedder, a senior infielder, batted a hefty .460 with 57 RBIs and scored 61 runs and was an integral part of the Lady Jags’ strong run.

“Annabelle and MK were vital parts of our success,” Hawkins said. “We were blessed with many outstanding players and leaders, and they were two of the best.”

Other Spain Park players named to the AllOver the Mountain team were Bailey Bowers, Julianna Cross, Maddie Majors, Jenna Olszewski and Caroline Parker.

Also chosen for the team were Lydia Coleman, Riley Coyne and Taylor Wheat, Briarwood; Emma Bauer, Devon Grace Boyd and Abigayle Parker, John Carroll Catholic; Kristie Looney and Venice Sanders, Homewood; Madeline Harris, Caroline Nichols, Hannah Presley and Abby Tissler, Hoover; Elaine McDonald and Hollon Skinner, Mountain Brook; Jenna Galloway, Cassidy Greenwood, Abby Jones and O’Neil Roberson, Oak Mountain; and Merritt Cahoon, Sarah Cain, Ashley Dieguez, Audrey Mellon, Jessica Perley and Mary Claire Wilson, Vestavia Hills. ❖ Members of the 2017 All-Over the Mountain baseball from Hoover are, from left: Peyton Willis, Brock Guffey, Garrett Farquhar, Brandon Agsalud, Nolan Hammonds and Sonny DiChiara.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

From page 44

BASEBALL,

‘We met in our room. We knew we didn’t play our best game (in game one) but had confidence that we could come back.’

Hoover Rallies to Win 7A Baseball Crown

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

After the first game of the Class 7A baseball championship at Montgomery’s Paterson Field, the Hoover Bucs looked finished.

They had fallen to a strong Auburn team 9-6 in the first game and had to sweep Saturday’s series against the Tigers to claim the title, and everyone knows that beating a good team twice in one day is a difficult task.

One positive for Hoover was a change of scenery. The second and third games would be played across town at Riverwalk Stadium, but the Bucs had one more ace in their hole: an undying belief in themselves.

After the opening loss, Hoover held a players-only meeting in one of their hotel rooms.

“We met in our room,” pitcherinfielder Garrett Farquhar said. “We knew we didn’t play our best game (in game one) but had confidence that we could come back.”

Whatever Farquhar knew, he should take it to the bank.

The Bucs rallied impressively, sweeping the Tigers 4-0 and 6-5 to win their school’s first baseball championship since 2008.

“I think it’s the strength of this group,” Hoover coach Adam Moseley said after it was all over. “You always hear about team chemistry, but this team really had it. These guys did more team chemistry stuff on their

single scored Farquhar in the first inning. The big explosion came in the third, as Hoover scored five runs.

DiChiara doubled, and Farquhar beat the tag to score another run. Later DiChiara scored on a passed ball to open up a 3-0 lead. Drew Guffey’s single scored Agsalud to lift the margin to 4-0.

After an Auburn pitching change, Ty Robinson hit a pitch to the wall that scored two Hoover runs for a 6-0 lead.

The Tigers staged a furious rally in the seventh to cut the lead to 6-5, and they had Rowdy Jordan on first base as the potential tying run. Then Hoover catcher Max Garvey made a titanic play. When a Buc pitch hit the dirt, Garvey picked up the ball and threw it to first base, where Drew Guffey picked off Jordan.

“It might have been the best play I’ve seen all year,” Moseley said.

“That’s what it takes to win at this level. It was an unbelievable play.”

Brock Guffey struck out the next batter, but his curveball hit the dirt. He made the throw to earn the game’s final out.

“I’m just happy to have the opportunity to get here,” Farquhar said. “It was a blessing to be here.”

All of the Hoover players – especially the 13 seniors – could say the same thing. As a town celebrated a baseball state championship, it also paid tribute to a group of young men who simply refused to lose. ❖

DiChiara, Garrett Farquhar, Mike Hammonds and Peyton Wilson.

Vestavia players joining Lemons on the squad were Christian Cusomano, Colton Lewis, D.J. Steele, Josh Stevens and Drew Stockton.

Other players earning positions on the team included Will Baumbach, Carson Eddy, Cole Steadman and Sam Strickland, Briarwood; Michael McClung, John Marc Mullins, Austin Spiers, Homewood; Jeb Brown, Sam

Jeffcoat and Clay Stearns, Mountain Brook; Joseph Hartsfield, Ethan Holsumbeck, Gene Hurst, John McDonald and Mason Williamson, Oak Mountain; Will Battersby and Jacob Rich, Spain Park. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2017

Golden Age

Hoover Rallies to Win 7A Baseball Crown PAGE 43 Spartans, Jags Claim Golf Championships PAGE 42

SPORTS

LEE DAVIS

The Island of the Blue Trophies

Champion Bucs And Rebels Lead All-OTM Team

By any measure, 2017 was a golden season for Over the Mountain baseball.

Briarwood, Homewood and Oak Mountain produced outstanding seasons. Vestavia Hills had a strong April-May push that nearly put it in the Class 7A championship finals, and Hoover brought home the big blue trophy, emblematic of the 2017 state

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

By Lee Davis

Area Teams Dominated Sports in 2016-17

The 2017 All-Over the Mountain baseball team included coach Jamie Harris, Vestavia Hills; D.J. Steele, Vestavia Hills; Drew Stockton, Vestavia Hills; Colton Lewis, Vestavia Hills; Austin Spiers, Homewood; Michael McClung, Homewood; John Mark Mullins, Homewood; Will Battersby, Spain Park; Jacob Rich, Spain Park; Joseph Hartsfield, Oak Mountain; Ethan Holsumbeck, Oak Mountain; Christian Cusimano, Vestavia Hills; Josh Stevens, Vestavia Hills; Mason Williamson, Oak Mountain; John McDonald, Oak Mountain; Gene Hurst, Oak Mountain; Sam Jeffcoat, Mountain Brook; Jeb Brown, Mountain Brook; and Clay Stearns, Mountain Brook. Not pictured: Will Baumbach, Carson Eddy, Cole Steadman, Sam Strickland, Briarwood; Caden Lemons, Vestavia Hills. Hoover players are on page 43.

See BASEBALL, page 43

Spain Reign

By Lee Davis Spain Park may have fallen short of its goal to win the Class 7A softball championship, but in every other way, 2017 was the year of the Jaguars.

Coach C.J. Hawkins’ team compiled a 48-9 record, won its region and spent much of the season in the top three of Class 7A ranking. Spain Park also earned recognition as one of the nation’s best high school programs.

See SOFTBALL, page 43

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Hawkins, Widra, Tedder Lead All-OTM Team

Members of the 2017 All-Over The Mountain softball team are Maddie Majors, Spain Park; Annabelle Widra, Spain Park; Mary Katherine Tedder, Spain Park; Jenna Olszewski, Spain Park; Caroline Parker, Spain Park; Julianna Cross, Spain Park; Emma Bauer, John Carroll Catholic; Hannah Presley, Hoover; Coach C.J. Hawkins, Spain Park; Bailey Bowers, Spain Park; Jenna Galloway, Oak Mountain; Cassady Greenwood, Oak Mountain; Elaine McDonald, Mountain Brook; Hollon Skinner, Mountain Brook; Audrey Meloun, Vestavia Hills; Caroline Nichols, Hoover; Kristie Looney, Homewood; Devon Grace Boyd, John Carroll Catholic; Abby Tissier, Hoover; Sarah Cain, Vestavia Hills; Merritt Cahoon, Vestavia Hills; Jessica Perley, Vestavia Hills; Madeline Harris, Hoover; Mary Claire Wilson, Vestavia Hills; Ashley Dieguez, Vestavia Hills. Not pictured: Abigayle Parker, John Carroll Catholic; Venice Sanders, Homewood; Abby Jones, Oak Mountain; O’Neil Roberson, Oak Mountain. Briarwood Christian players are on page 43.

Live More Fully.

This story has been written so many times that it’s almost become a cliché, and here it is again: Over the Mountain schools dominated statewide athletic competition in the 2016-17 academic year.

But that’s just the hometown sportswriter building up the hometown teams, isn’t it?

Actually, it’s just the fact. Area schools earned championships in 2016-17 in sports ranging from football to bowling. Three Over the Mountain schools – Hoover, Mountain Brook and Homewood – won a whopping 17 titles among them.

The Class 7A-aligned Bucs earned seven state championships, in football, baseball, girls basketball, boys indoor track and field, girls indoor track and field, boys outdoor track and field and girls outdoor track and field.

A few miles down the road, the Spartans claimed five titles, bringing their 50-year total to 160 blue trophies. Mountain Brook’s championships this year came in boys basketball, volleyball, boys golf, boys tennis and girls tennis.

In Class 6A, the Patriots were as dominant in their alignment as Mountain Brook was in the larger classification. Homewood brought home titles in girls basketball, boys cross-country, girls cross-country, girls indoor track and girls outdoor track.

See CHAMPIONS, page 42

Live in a place designed to fulfill your life.

Birmingham’s only Southern Living Inspired Community.

Presenting new homes starting in the $400’s.

(205) 408-8696 | mtlaurel.com