8.12.21

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021

‘The Future Is Bright’

SPORTS

Hope Gala Honors Four Cancer Patients and Survivors

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

A

Photos courtesy American Cancer Society

Dr. Mack Barnes

Suzan Doidge

Monica Yates Mitchell

J.D. Segers

fter shifting to an all-virtual experience last year, the American Cancer Society’s 41st annual Hope Gala will take place in person this year on Aug. 21.

Co-chairs Crawford Bumgarner, Kathleen Doss and Jeamer Nichols have chosen the theme “The Future is Bright” for this year’s celebration.

“This theme reflects not only the bright future of cancer research but also the refurbishment and reopening of Birmingham’s Hope Lodge this July,” Doss said. “As we emerge from this past year’s unprecedented pandemic, we hope this event and bright theme will bring our community out to celebrate a positive look to the future with a happy, colorful and fun evening.”

In addition, the group has chosen four honorees to be celebrated at this event: Dr. Mack Barnes, Suzan Doidge, Monica Yates Mitchell and J.D. Segers.

According to Bumgarner, the goal in choosing honorees was to find bright spots in the fight against cancer and in the community.

Doidge, executive director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, noted that one of the things that drives her as she uses her voice to support the American Cancer Society is knowing that the money raised will help local efforts to battle cancer and support patients.

“One of the best things about living in Birmingham, Alabama, is that we have the best medical community in the world,” Doidge said.

In 2019, Doidge began her cancer journey with a routine checkup at her doctor’s office that included a mammogram.

“I didn’t have any issues that I knew See FUTURE, page 8

2 • Thursday, August 12, 2021

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

Inside

Murphy’s Law

Between A Rock And A Hardy-Har-Har Place

T ‘THE ZOO IS FAMILY’ Birmingham Zoo’s 12th Annual Gala sets big goal for Emergency Animal Fund PAGE 4

IT’S JUST BUSINESS Stewart thankful for Hall of Fame recognition PAGE 6

‘TO LIFE!’ Tenth L’Chaim fundraiser honors the late Phyllis Weinstein, BHEC Founder PAGE 8

HOME TRADING PLACES Newly Branded Premo Factory brings together Birmingham trades PAGE 18

ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 6 LIFE 8 SOCIAL 10 WEDDINGS 13

he book “Skunk and Badger,” buggy. I went forth each day in my

by Amy Timberlake, was writnasty yard shoes, carrying a bottle of ten for children, I’m guessing, water, a sweat towel and a giant can of but so many of the best books are. I bug repellent. The mosquitoes had a fell in love with it immediately. good laugh about my efforts and bit Badger is a pragmatist. He has his anyway, but I forged ahead. world set up just the way he wants it Some stones needed a bit more and spends his days doing “important leverage than one crowbar’s worth of rock work.” heft, so I added a shovel to my arseI came across the book when I was nal. Some were so heavy that they doing some ‘important rock work” of had to be rolled rather than carried. It my own. It wasn’t scientific classifiwas a lot of work. I would end the cation or anything as grand as all that, day sweaty and a little bit sore, but in just a lot a lifting and toting.

Sue Murphy a strange way, exhilarated as well. I One day, as I was watching Dave was making improvements. In a world meander around my backyard, it where there are so many things struck me that my many paver over which I have no influence at In a world where stones were now outlining areas of all, I was making a positive what was supposed to be grass but change. there are so many now obviously wasn’t. As the backWe humans are happier when things over which I yard trees grew, the yard became we have a project. So says Jordan have no influence at Peterson in his new book “Beyond more and more shady until the grass just gave up. We were at the Order.” (Such is the eclectic range all, I was making a point where the pavers were simply of my reading life). Mr. Peterson positive change. framing a painting called “Failure says a lot of other things using to Thrive.” The scene had been words and references that are so bothering me for a while, but that weighty they make my head hurt, day, in what can only be called a pique of unbridled but the value of honest work proposition, I got. It optimism, I decided to do something about it. I’d move spoke to the Badger in me. them. I’d move the pavers to a spot where they could The skunk in Ms. Timberlake’s book is, as you perhaps help fix yard problem Number Two, the river probably guessed, a free spirit who disrupts Badger’s that ran through the yard with every torrential rain. life in every possible way. I won’t spoil the story, but I stood up immediately and unearthed the first here’s a teaser: Skunk has a chicken whistle. stone. It wasn’t anxious to budge, so I enlisted the help The book’s lesson is clear: Badger work is good, of a crowbar. The stone was heavier than I anticipated, but everyone needs a little Skunk time, too. I’m sure too, so I carried it only a few feet to what I hoped Jordan Peterson will get around to that idea sooner or later. I still have several chapters left to go. would be the new ersatz riverbed. I stood back and My rocks are now all in place. It is time to break admired my effort. One stone down, 166 to go.

The project took me over two weeks. I worked only out the chicken whistle. That shouldn’t require nearly as much bug spray. a half hour at a time because it was (a) hot and (b)

FOOD 14 HOME 16 SCHOOLS 20 SPORTS 24

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN

Vol. 30, No. 25

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.

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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.

Joournal photo by Jordan Wald

August 12, 2021 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Emily Williams-Robertshaw, Sam Prickett Intern: Mary Gullage Photographer: Jordan Wald Sports: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd

The new ice cream shop Unless U Scoops opened on Aug. 6, located at the Unless U campus in Vestavia Hills and staffed by the organization’s students with developmental disabilities. Open to the public, the shop serves Big Spoon Creamery products. Among the first in line to enjoy a tasty treat were Jameson and Hope Kernan. See story, page 14.

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4 • Thursday, August 12, 2021

‘The Zoo is Family’

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

Inspired by last year’s virtual fundraiser, the Birmingham Zoo will be hosting its largest fundraiser, ZooRendezvous, both online and inperson on Sept. 9.

Chairs Alexia Borden, Melanie Hennessy and Jenny McInerney have set a goal to raise $450,000 for the Zoo’s Emergency Animal Fund.

Honorary chairs for this year’s event are Phil and Karen Carroll and their family. Karen Carroll said the entire family is excited.

The Birmingham Zoo first entered the Carroll family’s lives in the 1990s, before it transitioned into a public-private partnership and nonprofit organization. The Carroll’s first experiences at the zoo were pushing their children in strollers along the paths.

Carroll spent 18 years working in the development office at the zoo, collaborating with board members and volunteers to raise funding for numerous capital campaigns and projects that have transformed the facility.

She attempted to retire once but couldn’t stay away.

“I retired from the zoo again this past December, and I still cannot stay away, working now as a volunteer in planned giving,” she said. “You can’t leave what you love.”

When she first joined the staff in August 2002, Carroll was invested in the future of the facility and its potential to serve children for generations.

“I have been sold on inspiring passion to conserve the natural world since the day I wore a hard hat for my interview and walked on the shell gravel under the pergola in the Children’s Zoo that my family would

AUG 12 - AUG 26 Through Aug. 14 Be-You-tiful

The Arc of Central Alabama will host a virtual fashion show and silent auction, featuring models with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funds raised will support the organization’s efforts to provide quality programming, advocacy efforts, education and awareness for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Website: arcofcentralalabama.org

Thurs., Aug. 12 Celebration of Champions

Lakeshore Foundation will host this virtual event to celebrate United States Paralympians from the past, present and future. Keynote speaker will be two-time Paralympian John Register. When: Noon Website: celebrationofchampions.swell.gives

later name,” Carroll said. “It’s easy to want to give time or treasure to something you know will have a lasting impact on you and your family and for the community to enjoy.”

Working in development for the zoo under former President and CEO William R. Foster and current President and CEO Chris Pfefferkorn, Carroll has seen corporate, government and individual donor support lead to transformative advancements in how the zoo serves the community.

In 2006, the Junior League of Birmingham and Honda Manufacturing of Alabama funded an educational pilot program that has since become the Spire ZooSchool, serving more than 500 Birmingham City Schools students each year.

Major capital campaigns funded the completion of the Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo and the Alabama Wilds, an exhibit that features animals native to the area, including the Barbara Ingalls Shook Black Bear Trail.

“I saw the old bear moat and monkey island transform into the Trails of Africa and the Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter and tell the story of the plight of African elephants and farmers in Africa,” she said.

The facility’s most recent improvements, including renovations to the front entrance and development of a space formerly occupied by ponds into the Henley Park event lawn, are a point of pride for Carroll.

“The old front entrance was in such bad shape and the ponds were anything but glorious,” she said. “To see the transformational improvements to what it is today is a lifetime achievement that I will never forget. To think, Live After 5

The Vestavia City Center will host an outdoor community event on its green space, featuring live music from local talent Alice Bargeron and local pop-ups. When: 5-7:30 p.m. Where: Vestavia City Center Website: “Live After 5” Facebook page

Thursday Night Live

The Mountain Brook Chamber Junior Board will host an evening of drinks and samples of cuisine from highlighted local restaurants.

Festivities will include live music from Pioneer Chicken Stand, raffle prizes, and more. When: 6-8 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library parking lot Website: thursdaynightlivemb.eventbrite.com

CAT TopGolf Tournament

The Central Alabama Theater will host its first annual TopGolf fundraiser, featuring food, beverages and a tournament for all levels of players. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: TopGolf Birmingham Website: centralalabamatheater.org

From left: ZooRendezvous chairs, Alexia Borden, Jenny McInerney, Melanie Hennessy; Honary chairs, Phil and Karen Carroll with son, Phil Carroll and Birmingham Zoo president and CEO, Chris Pfefferkorn.

new bathrooms now stand where the old administrative offices once were.”

The project also included updates to make the facility more inclusive with the addition of sensory-friendly signage throughout the facility and a sensory-friendly room.

Zoo guests’ experience now begins before they even enter the gates.

“I heard one guest say, ‘It is palatial and so welcoming,’” Carroll said.

“This is what the South is known for in welcoming all into their home. The zoo is home.”

Carroll has seen the zoo reach many milestones beyond capital improvements.

In September 2004, the first successful implant of a cardiac resynchronization therapy device was conducted on the zoo’s western lowland gorilla, Babec.

She has seen the addition of zoo residents, including Max, a southern white rhinoceros; Bulwagi, an African elephant; Khan, a jaguar; and American black bears Bety and Sassy.

The zoo also established its Passion into Conservation Action program and an endowment given by Larry and Phyllis Wojciechowski that provides

Aug. 12-29 Birmingham Restaurant Week

The annual celebration of local eateries will offer special menus available to-go or for dine-in at a variety of establishments ranging from fine dining to down-home cooking.

Website: bhamrestaurantweek.com

Sat., Aug. 14 Crestline Tent Sale

The merchants of Crestline Village in Mountain Brook will host their biggest sales of the year, featuring deals, trunk shows and more. When: all day Where: Crestline Village Website: mtnbrookchamber.org

Fairytales and Frogs Day

The Birmingham Zoo will host a kid-friendly fairytale celebration featuring two ticketed events. The day will begin with a Pancakes and Princesses Breakfast in the Children’s Zoo, including a pancake breakfast, a meet-and-greet with photos, carousel

grants to zoo staff members to take part in in-the-field research and learning opportunities around the world.

“Donors are what make the Birmingham Zoo possible, and we need the community now more than ever,” Carroll said.

She also notes that one of the best ways to help the zoo grow and survive is to become a member or gift a membership to someone.

ZooRendezvous

Carroll has been involved in the production of ZooRendezvous, formerly known as ZooGala, since she joined the staff in 2002.

While event officials always try to meet or exceed their fundraising goals, this year it is especially important to meet their $450,000 goal.

“I would say that out of all the ZooGalas I have been a part of, this one is the most critical due to the ongoing financial impact of 2020-21 on the zoo,” Carroll said. “The fact that it takes $30,000 a day to run the zoo, and the zoo had to close on Mondays and Tuesdays to the public to save money and slowly recover, says that they need us more than ever now. rides, arts and crafts and more.

Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes. When: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m., breakfast; 10 a.m.2 p.m., Fairytales & Frogs Where: The Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com

Pin Down Polio

The Rotaract Club of Birmingham will host this first annual, familyfriendly bowling tournament to benefit Rotary International’s End Polio Now Campaign. Tickets include two hours of bowling, lane and shoe rentals, food and drinks. When: 2-4 p.m.

Where: Vestavia Bowl Website: rotaractbhm.org/events/2021-pindown-polio/

Sun., Aug. 15 Step Up to the Plate

Parkinson’s Association of Alabama has partnered with the Birmingham Barons for an evening of baseball and fundraising. The event will include food, networking opportunities and

“Zoos across the nation are riding the same tide that we are, and every dollar counts,” she added. “We need everyone’s support now more than ever.”

Presented by IberiaBank/First Horizon Foundation, the 2021 ZooRendezvous will feature a virtual program that is free to the public on Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Virtual experience enhancements will include charcuterie and champagne packages that are delivered the day of the event, as well as dessert trays and cocktail kits that can be picked up at the zoo. Dining options must be ordered by Aug. 27.

The event also will include a limited-capacity, in-person “Roaring Twenties” watch party. The costumed event will be a black-tie affair in a speakeasy setting.

In addition, an online auction will be available from Sept. 2 through Sept.

11, and donations can be made the night of the event online and via text message.

For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com/ZooRendezvous or text “Zoo” to (202) 858-1233. a silent auction. When: 3:30-7 p.m.

Where: Regions Field Website: parkinsonalabama.com

Thurs., Aug. 19 Dining Out for Life

AIDS Alabama will host its 12th annual fundraiser, taking place in various restaurants throughout Birmingham. By dining at participating restaurants, a portion of your meal will help raise funds and awareness for HIV services. When: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Website: aidsalabama.org

Reed Foundation TopGolf

The junior board for the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation will host a Top Golf tournament, dinner and a raffle to help raise awareness and financial support for gastrointestinal cancer research and patient care. When: 5:30-10 p.m. Where: TopGolf Birmingham Website: reedgifoundation.networkforgood. com/

Photo courtesy Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham Zoo’s 12th Annual Gala Sets Goal to Raise $450,000 for Emergency Animal Fund

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Aug. 19-22 Bill Bugg and Friends

Kicking off the 2021-22 season, the Homewood Theatre will host Part Four of this cabaret series. Bill Bugg and his friends will sing show tunes and standards backed by a swinging combo. When: showtimes vary Where: Homewood Theatre Website: homewoodtheatre.com

Sat., Aug. 21 Save the O’s 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run

The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation, in memory of Lori Johnson, will host its annual run both in-person and virtually. The event will include a 5K and one-mile fun run, live music and food as well as an awards ceremony. Virtual options are available. Proceeds from the race support the organization’s mission to fund research, educational programs and the Just a Need patient support program. When: 7 a.m. Where: Greystone Golf & Country Club Website: nlovca.org

Clays 4 Kids

This annual sporting clays tournament, hosted by aTeam Ministries, is open to all skill levels, from advanced clay shooters to first-time participants. Registration includes a golf cart, ammo, an aTeam gift, breakfast and lunch. Funds raised will support the organization’s mission to provide support to children and families coping with pediatric cancer.

When: 9 a.m. Where: Selwood Farm Website: ateamministries.org/ clays4kids/

Community Bike Rodeo

The Autism Society of Alabama has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America Three Rivers District and the Outlet Shops of Grand River to host an event featuring a bike rodeo, tailored for ages 6-13, to promote bicycle safety awareness and a Touch-A-Truck event. Local fire fighters, police departments, emergency response teams, utility companies, hospitals, merchants and more will participate. When: 10 a.m.

Where: The Outlet Shops of Grand River Website: 3rivers1bsa.org

Boiling N’ Bragging

Rotary District 6860 will host its annual tailgate fundraiser to benefit the Critical Care Transport program at Children’s of Alabama. New this year, the event will feature a corn hole tournament, along with the traditional cookout, kids’ activities and more.

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Otey’s Tavern Website: boilingnbragging.org

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

The City of Vestavia Hills will host its annual breakfast featuring keynote speaker Brodie Croyle of Big Oak Ranch. When: 7 a.m. Where: a private club in Vestavia Hills Website: business.vestaviahills.org

Thursday, August 12, 2021 • 5

ABOUT TOWN Thurs., Aug. 26 Homeplate Heroes Stage Play

The Negro Southern League Museum will present a snapshot of Negro League Baseball history featuring actors with the Make It Happen Theatre Company. The production is written by Alicia Johnson-Williams and directed by LaShanna Tripp and Eric Marable. When: 7-9 p.m. Where: Vulcan Park & Museum Website: visitvulcan.com

Aug. 26-28 Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale

Trinity United Methodist Church will host its annual consignment sale featuring gently worn clothing, toys and furniture. A ticketed presale will take place on Aug. 26, followed by a public sale on Aug. 27 and a discount day on Aug. 28, featuring 50% off of select items. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the ministries and mission of the church and a number of unsold items will be donated to local families and organizations. Where: Trinity United Methodist Church Website: trinitybirmingham.com/kids/lil-lambs/

Back to School Bash

The City of Homewood Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual event to celebrate the new school year, including an array of rides, bounce houses, food and live music. Proceeds from attraction wristbands, $10, will benefit the Homewood High School Band. When: 4:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Patriot Park Website: homewoodparks.com/ special-events

Fairy Tale Ball

Childcare Resources will host its annual kid-friendly gala, featuring a DJ dance party, character meet-and-

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama Junior Board will host its annual beer festival, featuring brews from around the Southeast along with live music, a raffle and more. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: Pepper Place Website: rmhca.org

Sat., Aug. 28 Just A Call Away 5K

The Crisis Center Inc. will host its seventh annual 5K both in-person and virtually. Virtual participants can submit how many miles they run or walk through Aug. 28. The in-person run will include a fun run as well as an awards ceremony. When: 8 a.m., in-person race start Where: Patriot Park Website: runsignup.com/Race/ AL/Homewood/ACallAway5K

HCSF Cornhole Tournament

The Hoover City Schools Foundation will host a corn hole tournament, open to both competitive and noncompetitive teams. Social teams will play for a variety of prizes while competing teams will earn cash prizes for first, second and third place.

When: 10 a.m. Where: The Village at Brock’s Gap Website: hoovercsf.org/ events/

Journey of Hope

United Ability will host its annual event in a hybrid format, including a limited in-person event and an online live stream. The event will include performances by Mountain Brook native Alie B. Gorrie, along with Evan Ruggiero and Blake Stadnik. Funds raised will support the organization’s mission to support children and

Falls Park

Gadsden, AL

2021

Art on the Rocks AT NOCCALULA FALLS

An Arts and Crafts Show

Fri., Aug. 27 Sweet Home Brews

greets, crafts, a Jedi academy, a silent auction, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and more. Masks are required. When: 5:30 p.m. Where: Hyatt Regency Birmingham, The Wynfrey Hotel Website: ccr-bhm.org/fairy-tale-ball

Saturday, Sept. 18th

&

10 AM TO 5 PM

Sunday, Sept. 19th

10 AM TO 5 PM

ADMISSION

ADULTS: SENIORS & MILITARY: $6.00 $4.00 CHILDREN (AGES 4-12): $4.00 CHILDREN (3 & UNDER): Free SEASON PASSES ACCEPTED

Tailgate Challenge

The Bell Center for Early Intervention will host its annual fundraiser to celebrate the upcoming football season. The event will include tailgate food tastings created by various teams, along with live music, kidfriendly events and more. When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: The Bell Center Website: thebellcenter.org

LEASHED PETS ALLOWED INSIDE PARK

email: cheryl@greatergadsden.com

adults with disabilities. When: 6 p.m.

Where: Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus Website: unitedability.org/ journeyofhope/

Magic City Wine Fest

This fourth annual event will feature wines and beers from different regions around the world, along with life music and food. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit the Birmingham Zoo. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: The Birmingham Zoo Website: magiccitywinefest.com

SEND ABOUT TOWN INFO TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM

NEWS

6 • Thursday, August 12, 2021

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

UAB Experts Answer Common Questions on COVID-19 Delta Variant

By Rubin E. Grant

S

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw Photos courtesy o2ideas

helley Stewart has received his share of recognition throughout the years, but his next honor is special to him because of what it represents.

“It’s business, business, business,” Stewart said. “That’s what struck me as different. This is the greatest country in the world. I know because I have traveled extensively. It’s great because of business. It’s business that improves the quality of life. It creates jobs and moves the economy.”

Stewart, 87, co-founder of o2ideas, a 54-year-old advertising agency in Birmingham, will be among the business leaders the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham is honoring for shaping the Magic City’s economy and contributing to Birmingham’s growth.

Stewart has been selected for the 2020-21 class of inductees into the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame.

“I am blessed and thankful,” Lewis said. “I am a business person.”

The other honorees are Grayson Hall Jr., Regions Financial Corp.; John A. Hand, First National Bank of Birmingham; Elmer B. Harris, Alabama Power Co.; Dr. Basil I. Hirschowitz, UAB gastroenterology; Thomas E. Jernigan, Marathon Corp.; Billy Charles Martin, Martin Advertising; William R. Pettiford, Alabama Penny Savings Bank; and W. Edgar Welden Sr, WeldenField.

The Birmingham Business Hall of Fame Committee annually selects business leaders to induct into the hall of fame who have shown strong leadership and made extraordinary contributions to the Greater Birmingham area. Inductees can be living or deceased.

The 550-plus members of the downtown Kiwanis invite the community to join them as they recognize the business leaders in a ceremony to be held at the Harbert Center on Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m.

Since 1997, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, the world’s largest Kiwanis, has inducted Birmingham’s leaders into the hall of fame. It’s part of the more than 100-year-old club’s mission of building a stronger community.

Stewart, who grew up in Rosedale and is often referred to as a living legend, dedicated himself to education and entrepreneurialism to overcome homelessness, abuse and discrimination.

He graduated from Parker High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served from 1952 to

Shelley Stewart, 87, co-founder of o2ideas, a 54-year-old advertising agency in Birmingham, will be among the business leaders (see others below) the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham is honoring for shaping the Magic City’s economy and contributing to Birmingham’s growth. The event will is to be held at the Harbert Center on Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m.

Business Is Great Stewart Thankful for Hall of Fame Recognition

1953. After his military service, Stewart returned to Birmingham and was hired

by WEDR-AM as a radio personality known as “Shelley The Playboy.” He enjoyed immense popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a vocal champion for civil rights and a friend of such musical up-and-comers as Otis Redding, Gladys Knight and Isaac Hayes. He also became owner of Birmingham radio station WATV. Stewart was on air for 55 years, becoming the longest-running radio talent in the nation and appealing to black and white audiences. All the while, he made sure to maintain the business connections he started when he was working at a grocery store as a young teenager.

“When I was 13, I got a job at Yeilding grocery store on Second Avenue and 22nd Street, stocking merchandise,” Stewart said. “I became interested in the business side and when I would make deliveries to all the other stores, I would talk to owners and managers, asking them how to do this and that.

“Even after I started in radio, I continued my relationships with business people.”

Silent Partner

In 1967, Stewart co-founded o2ideas with a white, Jewish radio salesman, Cy Steiner. The agency was originally called Steiner Advertising, with Stewart as a silent partner because of his race.

“Cy and I formed the agency on a handshake,” Stewart said. “Cy could sell openly. I couldn’t. We decided to call the agency Steiner Advertising from the beginning to not publicly acknowledge the black and white relationship because we wanted to establish a business to serve America. Our clients knew we were partners, but they hid it for us, and we hid it within the agency itself.

“If advertising is done right, it will cross over. It’s not all black and it’s not all white.”

After Steiner died, Stewart publicly took over in 1992. He eventually amassed a majority stake in what become known as o2 Ideas, which is

one of the country’s largest privately held corporate communication companies. He sold the business to his partners in 2015.

The independent agency is part of Worldwide Partners and is now run by Bill Todd, a former public relations practitioner who joined o2ideas in 2001.

Its clients include world-class health care, pharmaceutical, insurance, manufacturing, construction and retail companies, including BBVA bank, Honda, UAB and Verizon.

Stewart also co-authored two books, “The Road South: A Memoir,” co-written with Nathan Hale Turner, and “Mattie C.’s Boy: The Shelley Stewart Story,” with Don Keith.

He continues to impact the community through his Mattie C. Stewart Foundation, named after his mother. It helps young people prepare for adulthood. He works from his home in Vandiver in Shelby County.

“I am thankful to be alive and do this,” Stewart said. “I hope to continue to tell many young people about education and business.”

BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS HALL OF FAME 2020-2021 INDUCTEES

Grayson Hall Jr., Regions Financial Corp.

John A. Hand, First National Bank of Birmingham

Elmer Harris, Alabama Power Company

Dr. Basil Hirschowitz, UAB Gastroenterology

Thomas E. Jernigan, Marathon Corp.

Billy Charles Martin, Martin Advertising

William R. Pettiford, Alabama Penny Savings Bank

W. Edgar Welden Sr., WeldenField

It’s more infectious than smallpox and Ebola.

Over the past few weeks, as COVID-19 cases rose with the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, the forecast of infections and deaths offered by public health officials has been grim.

Medical experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have been releasing videos, hosting panel discussions and conducting social media Q&A sessions to help inform the public about how to protect themselves.

Transmission

According to Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of UAB’s Division of Infectious Diseases, “The Delta variant is much more infectious than any virus we have had to deal with as a routine respiratory virus in the population, ever, in our lifetime.”

The COVID-19 strain is more transmissible than well-known and feared diseases such as Ebola, smallpox and the original SARS strain.

“If that doesn’t sort of scare you, I’m really not sure how you can frame this in a way that gets people’s attention,” she said.

Marrazzo noted that, while the Delta variant can overcome vaccine protection, people who are vaccinated generally get less sick and die less often than those who are not vaccinated.

“Cases are high in the South right now in direct proportion to our lack of vaccine coverage,” Marrazzo said.

Marrazzo noted that the places in the country that have the best vaccine coverage – for example, 70% to 75% of the population vaccinated – also have the lowest COVID-19 case levels.

“You can see this most dramatically largely in New England states, particularly Vermont,” she said. “They got to about 85% vaccination coverage very early and they literally have had almost no COVID cases during this latest wave.”

According to data from the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control, Alabama has maintained the lowest vaccination rate in the country, with just more than 34% of the population vaccinated as of last week.

See DELTA, page 7

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

DELTA From page 6

At the same time, COVID-related hospitalizations in early August had grown tenfold, nearing 2,000 patients, compared to the state’s low point, on June 20.

Dr. Suzanne Judd, who teaches in UAB’s Department of Public Health, has predicted that Alabama could reach a peak of 13,000 new cases per day by the end of August, if the recent rate of transmission in south Alabama continues and spreads to the rest of the state. That’s more than triple the number of daily cases recorded in Alabama at the height of the pandemic in January.

Protect Yourself and Others

The two ways the public can not only protect themselves but also end the pandemic is through reaching a high vaccination rate and wearing masks.

The vice president of UAB Hospital Clinical Services, Dr. Sarah Nafziger, noted that the emergence of variants has been a concern since the beginning of the pandemic.

Medical officials were concerned about early variants including Alpha, first identified in the United Kingdom; the South African Beta variant; Delta, identified in India; and Gamma of Brazil. Nafziger said that while most did not pan out to be of a great threat, the Delta variant is a game changer.

“The good news, the vaccine works against Delta,” Nafziger said.

In the beginning of the pandemic, the only protection lay in social distancing, masking, hand washing and enhanced cleaning. Many of those practices aren’t enough against this highly transmissible variant, Nafziger noted.

“If we can get a high vaccination rate and we combine that with masking, which is something that we can do in the interim to keep ourselves

safe, we can put an end to this pandemic,” she said.

Why Get Vaccinated?

The vaccine protects many people from getting COVID-19 at all and others from the more serious symptoms of the virus.

Data from ADPH reveals that 99% of COVID-related deaths reported from Jan. 19 to June 30 were in people who were unvaccinated.

“Even though you can get infected with Delta, more than we did with the earlier variants of the virus, we do know that the vaccine protects us from getting very sick, especially young people,” said Dr. Michael Saag, director of the Center for AIDS Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“Delta is a different animal, but the vaccine is protecting us, those of us who are vaccinated, to a very high degree in terms of protection against hospitalization, going on a breathing machine and possibly dying.”

Researchers have not yet determined how long antibodies for the virus remain effective, so it is important to get the vaccines regardless of whether you have had COVID previously.

Studies also are supporting the safety of the vaccine, despite the wealth of misinformation that can easily be found online.

Pharmaceutical companies had been working for years to develop vaccines for other coronaviruses when COVID-19 came along. They were able to adapt the technology they’d been working on for other viruses and target it on what at first was called the novel coronavirus. They also were able to drastically accelerate their work because they suddenly were awash in money available to fight the virus.

Common vaccine side effects such as fever, chills, pain at the injection site and tiredness are normal signs of the body building

United Ability Program Snags Award for Disability Employment Services

United Ability’s Employment Services Program on Aug. 5 was awarded the prestigious Jim Green Agency of the Year Award by the Alabama Association of People Supporting Employment First.

The award is presented to an organization or agency that administers services to individuals with disabilities to promote greater community integration and to increase employment opportunities.

In 2020, United Ability Employment Services served more than 1,200 people across four employment programs and helped place 62 of them in jobs, according to a statement issued by United Ability. One hundred sixty were helped to maintain employment.

Of eligible clients, 73% were placed in competitive employment during a global pandemic.

Thursday, August 12, 2021 • 7

NEWS

The team implemented new ways to serve individuals with disabilities by doing virtual assessments with clients while working with essential businesses to develop new jobs.

United Ability was one of two agencies in the greater Birmingham area to provide a summer work program to help students with disabilities gain the skills needed for employment.

“We are proud to have been able to continue to provide services,” said Katie Dumais, director of employment services at United Ability, “and this year challenged us to adapt our services and create new programs, which we not only did but did successfully.”

“We are incredibly proud of our employment services team and grateful for their care and support of those we serve,” said Susan Sellers, United Ability’s CEO.

immunity. In addition, experts have found no evidence to suggest that fertility issues are a side effect of any vaccine, including the COVID19 vaccines.

Vaccine Breakthrough Cases

While the vaccine is a person’s first line of defense against the Delta variant, it isn’t the only defense.

Saag said it’s important for the public to keep in mind that the medical community is continually learning more about the illness.

The vaccine was proven highly

effective against both the original strain of COVID and the Alpha variant, but the Delta variant is proving more difficult. It more easily infects people, even those who are fully vaccinated.

“When that happens, what is a little bit surprising is that they can transmit that virus that they’re infected with to others, even other people who are vaccinated,” Saag said.

On the horizon is another variant, dubbed Lambda, that also seems to be more contagious than the original COVID-19. It appears that vaccines

may be less effective against Lambda, too, but studies on that variant have not been going on long enough to be sure.

To protect yourself and others, Saag notes that it is important to return to mask-wearing practices.

“We have a storm coming. I would call it a hurricane, and we need to protect ourselves with everything that we have,” Saag said.

ADPH offers answers to common questions at alabamapublichealth. gov/covid19vaccine/myths. html#credible.

8 • Thursday, August 12, 2021

‘To Life!’

Tenth L’Chaim Fundraiser Honors the Late Phyllis Weinstein, BHEC Founder The Birmingham Holocaust Education Center will present its 10th L’Chaim fundraiser Aug. 22, livestreaming it from Red Mountain Theatre’s new arts campus and offering a blend of local talent with worldrenowned speakers to create a celebration of life.

Sponsored by Medical Properties Trust, the annual event will honor the memory of the BHEC’s founder, the late Phyllis Grusin Weinstein.

Host for the festivities will be Birmingham native Alison Goldstein Lebovitz, TV host of The A List with Alison Lebovitz.

Co-produced by RMT Executive Director Keith Cromwell and BHEC board member Deborah Layman, the festivities will offer a combination of musical and theatrical entertainment, education and remembrance.

The program also will feature a conversational one-on-one interview

Photos courtesy BHEC

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

BHEC’s founder, the late Phyllis Grusin Weinstein, was honoree for the first L’Chaim event in 2012. She passed away in early January at the age of 100.

with Wolf Blitzer by Birmingham resident Esther Schuster. Blitzer, host of CNN’s The Situation Room, is the son of Holocaust survivors.

Performances will include a col-

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

laboration with the Red Mountain Performing Ensemble and special guests, including Mountain Brook native Alie B. Gorrie.

Honoring Its Founder

Weinstein was honoree for the first L’Chaim event in 2012. She passed away in early January at the age of 100.

An official statement from the BHED said, “Weinstein’s particular gift as a leader was to bring others along on the way and get them involved. She mentored a generation of Jewish leaders in Birmingham. She recruited, she taught, she inspired, she steered, she insisted. The Birmingham community continues to reap the benefits of Phyllis’ leadership through the many leaders she has mentored.”

Her work to establish the BHEC began in 1984, when she was a charter member of the Alabama State Holocaust Advisory Council, later known as the Alabama Holocaust Commission.

In 2002, she established a sub-committee of the Alabama Holocaust Commission, dubbed the Birmingham Holocaust Education Committee, with a group of like-minded citizens. This committee became known as the

Host for the festivities will be Birmingham native Alison Goldstein Lebovitz and include a one-on-one interview with Wolf Blitzer.

Birmingham Holocaust Education Center in 2011.

When asked why she worked so hard to preserve the history and lessons of the Holocaust, she answered, “It was something that needed to be done.”

Weinstein served as a community mentor, teacher, advocate and leader throughout the local Jewish community. She was involved in the Birmingham Chapter of Hadassah, Collat Jewish Family Services, the Birmingham Jewish Federation and the federation’s Community Relations Committee.

She spearheaded the founding of the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School,

FUTURE of at the time,” she said.

After the screening, Doidge was informed that there was something in her screening that needed a second look. When meeting with an oncologist, she discovered that there was a one-centimeter lump in her right breast.

The doctor informed Doidge that, if it were his own family member, he would suggest a lumpectomy. “At the time, quite honestly, I was not happy to hear that, but it was such a relief that it wasn’t something that I had thought was going to be a life-changing experience,” Doidge said.

Believing the lumpectomy was the end, she decided she wasn’t going to tell her family, hoping to avoid causing any worry for her husband or her two college-aged children.

Yet, based on her age and history, her oncologist ordered an MRI, which showed a deeper issue. There was a six-centimeter lobular cancer located in her left breast. That meant her lumpectomy was now upgraded to a double mastectomy.

While the major surgery was far more invasive, Doidge said she got through it relatively smoothly.

“I had no problems with the surgery,” Doidge said. “I felt like it was over before it started.”

Just as she thought she was in the clear, her doctors found that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, and her battle continued through the

Photos courtesy American Cancer Society

From Page One

The American Cancer Society’s 41st annual Hope Gala will take place in person this year on Aug. 21.

Co-chairs Jeamer Nichols, Kathleen Doss and Crawford Bumgarner have chosen the theme “The Future is Bright”.

pandemic.

“That process took me to various rounds of chemo followed by 38 treatments with radiation,” Doidge said.

This summer, she completed her last reconstructive surgery and skin grafting, and she now is on the road to recovery.

With her future beginning to look brighter, Doidge said she is thankful for past support of cancer research, specifically in the breast cancer world. Through research that led to the development of new treatments, breast cancer is not the inevitable death sentence it was years ago.

“It used to be, when you heard you

had cancer, a lot of folks didn’t make it through,” Doidge said. “I unfortunately know people who didn’t make it through their journey. So, the amount of money that stays here locally is so important.”

Perseverance

Along with Doidge, fellow honorees represent cancer survivors as well as current patients.

Segers is a 23-year survivor of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a diagnosis she received in her second year of marriage.

When she underwent a bone marrow transplant years ago, she was told it was a temporary fix to buy time for

a bone marrow donor to be found.

She was given a 20% chance of survival following the treatment, yet her body fought and has continued to win as she remains in remission.

“I support ACS not only because of the resources, community and support it provides patients and their families today, but the promise and the hope it provides people who will be facing cancer tomorrow,” Segers said.

Barnes, a gynecologic oncologist, recalls receiving the news that his father had been diagnosed with lymphoma during his time as a medical student.

“There was a certain irony six

which continues to educate children in a building it shares with the Levite Jewish Community Center.

Beyond her local Jewish community, she served on the board of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and worked hand-in-hand with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute on projects that involved partnerships between African-American and Jewish communities.

The BHEC continues its founding mission to educate the public about the history and lessons of the Holocaust in an effort to create a more just and compassionate world that recognizes the dignity, potential and humanity of every individual.

The organization is a leader in Holocaust education, providing professional development for teachers throughout the state. In addition, the organization offers scholarships to advance national and international seminars on Holocaust education and provides speakers, exhibits and resources to schools, universities, corporations and civic groups across Alabama at no cost.

To view the upcoming fundraiser online or to make a donation, visit bheclchaim.swell.gives.

months ago when I was diagnosed with lymphoma and started on that journey of treatment,” Barnes said.

While his father lost his life to the disease, Barnes recently finished his chemotherapy treatments and has moved on to the maintenance stage of his cancer journey.

His experiences led him to reflect on his patients’ experiences and to serve them and support them during treatments when they aren’t meeting with him in his office.

“This diagnosis for me has had several levels,” he said. “Maybe I got this from my dad. … When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t want to go through this and not become a better person in some way.”

For honoree Mitchell, the battle continues. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia two days after Christmas.

According to Mitchell, what drives her to support the American Cancer Society is her will to live and the awareness the organization brings to lifesaving research and patient battles.

Her treatment will require a bone marrow transplant, and while one of her two sons is a 50% match, she is hoping to find a better match to achieve the best result.

“I choose to live to see my kids get married, to see my grandbabies, to see the possibilities this life has ahead,” Mitchell said.

The Hope Gala chairs noted that donations can be made on the event website, acshopegala.swell.gives.

Donors can give in honor of one of the four honorees or of a loved one.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Mountain Brook’s Foster Named Miss Jefferson County’s Outstanding Teen

Anna Bella Foster, a junior at Mountain Brook High School, recently was named the 2022 Miss Jefferson

Miss Alabama Lauren Bradford with Anna Bella Foster.

County Outstanding Teen.

A part of the Miss Alabama Scholarship Program, the event was held at Mortimer Jordan High School on July 18.

Thursday, August 12, 2021 • 9

LIFE In addition to the overall title, Foster won the talent portion of the competition. She sang Puccini’s aria, O Mio Babbino Caro.

Foster will go on to compete in the state scholarship program, to be held in March.

Ellie Everett of John Carroll Catholic, Shea Boeker, who is homeschooled, and Shannon Boutwell of Harvest Homeschool.

Julianna Abenoja Named 2022 Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County

Hoover’s Kennedy Leonard was named the 2022 Distinguished Young Woman of Shelby County.

The program took place at the Shelby County Center for the Arts in Columbiana on July 24.

Leonard is a senior at Spain Park High School. After graduating, she plans to attend either the University of South Alabama or the University of Alabama at Birmingham to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner.

The Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County is part of a national scholarship program for high school girls, providing scholarships to more than 765,000 women across the country at local, state and national levels.

Leonard and five other contestants competed in five categories: interview, talent, fitness, scholastics and selfexpression. Her talent performance was a self-choreographed jazz dance to “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige.

Leonard will advance to the

On July 17, Mountain Brook’s Julianne Abenoja was named the 2022 Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County in a program held at John Carroll Catholic High School.

Abenoja is a senior at Mountain Brook High School and one of 16 women from around Jefferson County who participated in the program. With her title, she won $4,400 in tuition scholarships.

The Distinguished Young Women of Jefferson County is part of a national scholarship program for high school girls, providing scholarships to more than 765,000 women across the country at local, state and national levels.

Abenoja competed in five categories, including interview, talent, fitness, scholastics and self-expression.

Her talent performance was Ballet Solo en Pointe (Gaîté Parisienne Variation,

Kennedy Leonard Named 2022 Distinguished Young Woman of Shelby County

Julianne Abenoja is a senior at Mountain Brook High School.

by Angela Walker.)

Abenoja will advance to the Distinguished Young Women Program of Alabama, to be held Jan. 21-22 in Montgomery, where she will compete for more than $40,000 in cash-tuition scholarships and more than $1 million in college-granted scholarships.

Bailey Levering of Homewood High School was named second alternate. Other finalists were Cheryl Kaye Marshall of Evangel Christian,

Distinguished Young Women Program of Alabama, to be held Jan. 21- 22 in Montgomery, where she will compete for more than $40,000 in cash-tuition scholarships and more than $1 million in college-granted scholarships.

Kennedy Leonard is a senior at Spain Park High School.

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10 • Thursday, August 12, 2021

Party of the Year

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Annual Otey’s Fest Returns to Crestline Village

T

he parking lot in front of Otey’s Tavern in Crestline Village was transformed into a music festival venue July 31 as the restaurant hosted the annual Otey’s Fest.

After taking a year off due to pandemic restrictions, this year’s lineup showcased local Birmingham bands, including The ‘Hams, Jackson Walls and headliners Party of the Year, from the producers of Black Jacket Symphony.

A portion of the funds raised at the event will benefit The Phoenix Club of Birmingham, a social and philanthropic organization that supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Anna Giardina, Julia Giardina, Harris McCullough and Logan Sanderson.

Caroline Bertella and Emily Burke.

HANNA

ANTIQUES MALL

Hatton Smith and Alexis Solare.

Out with the OLD & In with the ANTIQUE

2424 7th Ave. So. • (205) 323-6036 • MON-SAT 10:00-5:00

Mary Kate Pumes and Fredta Cardwell.

Adrienne and Hud Hudson.

Emily Baergen and Shelly Hale.

Tripp Hubbard and Cody Nall.

Miranda Burchfield and Christian Burchfield.

Rachel Bean and William Walker.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

“Grease is the Word”

SOCIAL

Thursday, August 12, 2021 • 11

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Botanical Gardens Hosts Annual Flicks Among the Flowers Movie Screening

Above left, Sylvie Sussman, Julia Castillo, Keara Friel and Claire Mahon. Above right, Taylor Baker, Elizabeth Reavis and Hannah Reavis. Below left, Jason and Stella Vice. Below right, Jackson Davis and AnnaRuth Dorris.

The Friends of the Botanical Gardens junior board recently hosted its annual Flicks Among the Flowers fundraiser, featuring a screening of the 1978 film “Grease” on the lawn of the Formal Garden in front of the conservatory.

In homage to the film, set in the 1950s, a costume contest was held with awards given out to some of the best Grease-inspired looks, such as leather jackets, poodle skirts and bobby socks.

In addition, serving up food as guests spread out on picnic blankets were Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Porky’s Pride Smokehouse, Steel City Pops

and hotdogs and popcorn by The Gardens Cafe by Kathy G. Funds raised at the event will

support the Friends of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ internship program. ❖

cookmuseum.org

12 • Thursday, August 12, 2021

Rehab Reality...

by Judy Butler

Meet and Greet

Homewood Rescue Departments, West Homewood Farmer’s Market Team Up for National Night Out

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Addiction is a Family Affair

All too often it’s the family that has the problem more so that the addict. The addict may be in lala land while the drugs and/or alcohol is in control for his or her emotions and thoughts. Meanwhile it’s the family that is suffering.

Often a family member calls because he or she is exhausted from dealing with the financial woes or the fear that the last drink or drug will literally be the last one.

Interestingly, after years of being manipulated by this addictive behavior the family still doesn’t understand that this behavior can’t be fixed in a week or two or even four.

Sometimes parents and others expect a “quick fix”… it doesn’t happen. The addiction didn’t happen overnight and neither will the solution. When clients come to Bayshore Retreat they can begin to see how the world is different and can be different for them without drugs or alcohol controlling their every thought. There’s great food, a beautiful home, access to a phone (either their cell or the house phone) and life is good.

That’s a life we want them to desire going forward.

Next comes the hard work to get there by identifying the toxic personalities in his or her life and helping them see the truth. Reality checks such as relationships, irrational thinking, money management, anger, and a list of life challenges follow this with coaches and counselors to guide them through what we call Life Skills.

Someone told me that they couldn’t see how 12-step meetings could help. I don’t see it as a rehab program, but I do see the benefit afterward as a possible support group.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Ryan Isley, Nolan Isley with Leah, Luke and Jakob Stephens.

For the final installment of the West Homewood Farmer’s Market’s summer event season, the organization teamed up with the Homewood fire and police departments to mark National Night Out.

National Night Out is a community-building campaign by the National Association of Town Watch that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

Community members had an

Evans and Jane Smith, Caitlin Shiflett and Allison Little.

Addison and Neal Owens.

The Birmingham-based organization Our Hope International celebrated its third annual gala fundraiser, A Night in Hollywood, at B&A Warehouse on July 31.

The organization was founded by local Jenny Taylor Agricola, an

Addie Phillips and Lece Wedd.

Bennett, Taylor, Boone and Hattie Wayman.

opportunity to meet some of the members of the city’s local law enforcement and rescue departments.

Food trucks onsite included Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Cantina on Wheels, Wasabi Juan’s Sushi Burritos

Elizabeth Sturgeon, Melanie Fincher and Elizabeth Kolakowski.

Matthew Kidd and Caroline King.

For the Kids

Our Hope International Hosts Night in Hollywood Fundraiser to Benefit Ugandan Orphanage occupational therapist as well as

and Cousins Maine Lobster.

In addition to more than 30 vendors and artisans, the event included a display of rescue vehicles from the city’s rescue departments and live music from Jeremy Moore. ❖

director and board president of Our

Jessi and Michael Cowan.

Hope International, which raises funds to support Home of Hope, a special needs orphanage in Jinja, Uganda.

Gala festivities included a cocktail dinner, a silent auction and dancing to music played by a live DJ. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, August 12, 2021 • 13

SOCIAL/WEDDINGS

Sink-Brooks

Emily Dean Sink and Jonathan Luke Brooks were married July 20, 2021, at Redeemer Community Church in a ceremony officiated by the Rev. Joel Eugene Brooks and the Rev. Jonathan Daniel Brooks. A reception followed at the Country Club of Birmingham.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lee Sink of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Ms. Albert Edward Dean Jr. and Ms. Dennis Jackson Sink.

The groom is the son of the Rev. and Mrs. Jonathan Daniel Brooks of Salt Lake City, Utah. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Arnold Brooks and Ms. Terrance Fredric Johnson.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a fit and flare Robert Bullock gown featuring spaghetti straps in satin with a lace overlay.

Attending the bride as maid of honor was Mary Carolyn Sink, who is the sister of the bride.

Bridesmaids were Hailey Ann Brooks, Katherine Marie Brooks, Emily Raquel Cameron, Sarah Moyd Dale, Shelby Maris Doria, Haley Michelle Fenn, Emma May Gibney, Helen Grace Hardy, Mackenzie Ann Hawkins, Emma Caroline Himes, Bailey Bradford Irizarry, Jeanetta Helen Mistler, Noah Padgett Vick and Laura Ruth Padgett.

Virginia Grace Poe and Cler McLeod Sink.

Serving the groom as best man was Daniel Seth Brooks, who is the brother of the groom.

Groomsmen were Jonathan Daniel Brooks, Joshua Louis Davidson, Braden Larson Elmer, Diego Leovigildo Figueroa, James Elliot Figueroa, Joshua Daniel Harm, Stephen Robert Jones, Austin Dean Kaser, Spencer Carl Pagliuca, Andrew Lee Sink Jr., James Alex Steryous, Michael Adam Steryous, Paul Cheatham Whigham and David Bradley Wilson Jr. After a wedding trip to St. Lucia, the couple resides in West Homewood.

To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, call 205-823-9646.

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14 • Thursday, August 12, 2021

FOOD

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

FOODIE NEWS Caterer Opens Cafe in Homewood

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

This month, Sorelle Catering owner and chef Joy Smith has a lot on her plate.

Smith will be opening the company’s first storefront, Sorelle Cafe, in the coming weeks in the heart of Homewood’s business district, at 903 Broadway St. She teamed up with Daniel Roy, a veteran chef whose resume includes Galley & Garden, to serve as Sorelle’s executive sous chef.

“My dream for Sorelle Cafe is to become a neighborhood staple — a place where people feel like they’re walking into a friend’s home, and a place where kids will recall coming to eat after they grow up,” Smith said.

The cafe will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and will feature a mix of Sorelle Catering dishes as well as new offerings.

Sorelle’s acclaimed cheesecake will be sold by the slice along with pre-prepared dishes such as pork tenderloin with mustard sage sauce and grilled ginger lime chicken at a grab-and-go cafe and pie counter.

Once in operation, the cafe will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

At the Unless U Scoops grand opening last week were, from left, Ford Balogh, Paula Heath, Marye Grace Browning, Lindy Cleveland, Meredith Binkley and Hannah Bishop. Below, Rene Alderson and Susan Rutledge enjoy an ice cream treat after the ribbon cutting ceremony.

GOOD SCOOP

Unless U Scoops Support Adults With Special Needs While Scooping Up Ice Cream

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

U

nless U opened an ice cream shop on its campus Aug. 6 staffed by and serving its special needs students.

Unless U Scoops, with its wallpaper decorated using student drawings of whimsical ice cream in cones, bows and sundaes, serves Big Spoon Creamery products to the public at Unless U’s campus in Vestavia Hills.

“Unless U Scoops is an ice cream shop where students will have the opportunity to

‘It’s so much bigger than ice cream. It’s watching our students gain confidence and pride in themselves as they learn a new skill and excel.’

UNLESS U SCOOPS MANAGER MEREDITH BINKLEY

receive job training, and we will be selling ice cream to the public,” founder and Executive Director Lindy Cleveland said, in a video celebrating the new shop. “We also wanted to create a space where the students would be employed, because we know that jobs provide purpose and we wanted to create the opportunity for our students to wake up and feel purposeful every day.”

A 2013 study commissioned by the Special

Olympics and conducted by the Center for Social Development and Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston found that only 44% of working-age adults with intellectual disabilities are in the labor force, with 21% unemployed and 28% having never held a job.

While Unless U has been offering academic, social, physical and spiritual programming to support students’ independence, the ice cream shop gives students vocational support.

Students began receiving their food handler certificates from the Jefferson County Department of Health in late July.

“It’s so much bigger than ice cream,” Unless U Scoops Manager Meredith Binkley said, in a released statement. “It’s watching our students gain confidence and pride in themselves as they learn a new skill and excel. It’s fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding as we welcome those who may

have never had the privilege of working with those like our students before. It’s learning to love others who are different than you and showing Jesus to every person who walks through those doors.”

After breaking ground on the Unless U Campus in 2018, the organization announced that the facility would include an ice cream shop about a year later.

According to a release, the idea for the shop was inspired by Cleveland’s older brother, Jordan Williamson, and his experiences living with Down syndrome.

Cleveland’s first choice for a partner was Big Spoon Creamery because of the quality of their product and the way their missions in the community align.

“Everything Unless U does aligns so well with what we value as a company,” said Ryan O’Hara, owner of Big Spoon Creamery along with his wife, Gerri-Martha O’Hara.

The couple started Big Spoon in 2014 serving artisanal, small-batch ice cream out of an ice cream trike. They set out to use ice cream as a vehicle to make positive change in the community.

Before meeting Cleveland, the couple had little knowledge about Unless U, O’Hara said, “but it was something I knew we had to be a part of as soon as she pitched the idea.”

The idea for Unless U Scoops sounded similar to a national coffee company with which O’Hara was familiar, Biddy & Beau’s Coffee.

Biddy & Beau’s was established in 2016 in Wilmington, North Carolina, by Amy Wright, See SCOOP, page 15

Melt to Open New Location at Lane Parke in 2022

Birmingham-based restaurant Melt will open its fourth location, at Lane Parke, in 2022, Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors announced in late July.

According to a release, what drew founders Paget Pizitz and Harriet Reis to open a location in Lane Parke was the atmosphere. Reis is a Mountain Brook resident and said she is thrilled to be bringing their business to her community.

Melt Avondale, which started as a food truck, has been open since 2012 with two franchised locations, in Hoover and Huntsville.

The menu features artisan grilled sandwiches, burgers and salads and serves vegetarian, veganfriendly and gluten-free options.

While much of the menu at the new location will remain the same, there will be some additions created specifically for the area.

“It’s been a big year for Lane Parke, and we’re happy to welcome Melt as a new tenant in our Phase II addition,” said Sam Heide, CEO of Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors. “We’ve been diligent about seeking out tenants who are a great fit for the area, and this announcement is one of many exciting new things coming to Lane Parke in the near future.”

Melt will be joining new Lane Parke tenants Jeni’s ice Cream, Basecoat on Fifth and Ignite in 2022.

Birmingham Restaurant Week Set for Aug. 12-29

Birmingham Restaurant Week, presented by Spire, will return Aug. 12-29.

The event will feature more than 70 participating Birmingham restaurants offering to-go and dine-in menus.

“Birmingham Restaurant Week 2021 is a bright spot for everyone,” said Bill Stoeffhass, co-founder of BRW and owner of Style Advertising, in a released statement. “This 18-day culinary affair provides an opportunity for the public to revisit old favorites or to experience new restaurants while allowing local chefs to showcase the delicious recipes that put Birmingham on the foodie road map.

See FOOD NEWS, page 15

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, August 12, 2021 • 15

FOOD

SCOOP

From page 14 Dining options will range from fine dining establishments to casual food trucks, offering special two and threecourse prix-fixe menus ranging from $5 to $50 per person.

The wine tasting event, Wine-O-logy, will take place Aug. 18, 4:30-7 p.m., at Vino & Gallery Bar in English Village, featuring food and live entertainment.

For more information, visit bhamrestaurantweek.com.

From page 14

Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival Returns in Sept.

Saint George Melkite Catholic Church has announced plans to host its 39th annual Middle Eastern Food Festival Sept. 23-25.

This year’s festival will coincide with the church’s 100th anniversary.

The menu will include baked kibbee, stuffed grape leaves, spinach and meat pies, falafel, Mediterranean-style chicken and other foods. In addition, a variety of Middle Eastern sweets will be served, including zalabieh, a freshly fried doughnut dipped in rose flavored syrup and dusted with powdered sugar.

“We anticipate a full-fledged festival, though there may be a few modifications made based on CDC guidelines,” said festival co-chair Annette Ritchey.

Festival hours will be from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. each day, with drivethrough service available from 11 a.m.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

FOOD NEWS

Enjoying the secret recipe at Troop 97’s annual Pancake Breakfast were, from left, Kathleen, Will and Tommy Thompson. until 7 p.m. In addition, lunch orders of $75 or more can be delivered to the downtown area on Thursday and Friday.

Tours of the church will be conducted daily until 8 p.m.

Ten percent of the proceeds from the festival will benefit the local and diocesan charities.

For more information, visit saintgeorgeonline.org.

Secret Recipe the Key to Troop 97 Scouts’ Annual Pancake Breakfast

Each year, Boy Scouts of America Troop 97 hosts a fundraiser featuring a garage sale, pancake breakfast and

silent auction.

Before the onset of the pandemic, the fundraiser was held on Mother’s Day weekend. This year’s fundraiser took place July 31 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood.

What sets these pancakes apart is the recipe, according to troop officials. Pancakes are made from scratch using a secret formula that has been passed down from scoutmaster to scoutmaster over the years.

Throughout the morning, volunteers and scouts flipped pancakes and served them on a plate with syrup and sausage as guests headed to the church gym to peruse the garage sale and silent auction items.

mother to two children with Down syndrome. It now is a multi-location chain that focuses on employing staff with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to being highlighted by a number of national media outlets, Wright was named 2017 CNN Hero of the Year.

In seeing the community support for Biddy & Beau’s, O’Hara said he knows that Unless U Scoops will be a success.

One of his favorite aspects of the project is that it exemplifies Big Spoon’s philosophy that ice cream is more than just a dessert.

“Ice cream is always about more than food, it’s an experience,” O’Hara said. “It’s celebratory; it’s fun; it’s meant to be shared with others. I can’t wait to see how our friends at Unless U impact their community through sharing these type of experiences.”

The Big Spoon team has been involved throughout the process of conceiving and opening the ice cream shop, even helping Unless U develop its own unique ice cream flavor.

Scoops Signature Flavor is made from a cake batter ice cream with sprinkles topped with a “uni-cone” in a nod to Unless U’s school mascot, the unicorn.

Other flavors that have made it on the opening menu include standards

such as vanilla, chocolate and cookies ‘n’ cream; as well as Beach Bonfire, which is smoked coconut vegan ice cream with vegan fudge and vegan/gluten-free graham crumble; and Blueberry Cobbler, which is vanilla ice cream with blueberry jam and sour cream cobbler top pieces.

“It has been a life-changing experience to have a chance to spend time around their students, and to play a small part in giving them purpose is so meaningful to us,” O’Hara said.

Unless U Scoops will be a space where members of the community will see Unless U students not through the lens of their disability, but their work serving up scoops of ice cream.

The store hours will be Tuesdays through Thursdays, 1-6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 1-8 p.m.; and Sundays, 1-6 p.m. The shop will be closed on Mondays.

For more information, visit unlessu.org.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Tree’s Fall Y’all Alabama Sawyer Creates Environmentally Sustainable Products

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

Premo Factory is located in a more-than-100-year-old building that was originally constructed to house Preston Motors Corp., which made the Premocar. It is now home to Elegant Earth, The Arbor, Alabama Sawyer and InTown Wholesale Nursery. Above, from left, Leigh Spencer, co-founder of Alabama Sawyer; Elegant Earth President Chadwick Stogner, Premo Factory owner; and Jared Sarubbi, Intown Wholesale Nursery.

Trading Places

For Leigh Spencer, co-founder of Alabama Sawyer, the history behind Premo Factory’s building and its recent renewal presents a perfect metaphor.

The factory, built in 1920, was set to be demolished but Chad Stogner and his team at Elegant Earth saw its potential and recycled the old building to create a modern factory that focuses on the trades.

That aligns with what lies at the heart of Alabama Sawyer, a company that obtains fallen trees from Birmingham’s urban forest and uses them to create environmentally sustainable products.

Spencer and co-founder Cliff Spencer have spent much of the pandemic settling into the company’s new home at Premo Factory in Norwood.

“In between the scrap yards and the palette factories, it’s a little slice of heaven,” Leigh Spencer said.

By Emily Williams-Robertshaw

T

he newly branded Premo Factory is putting Birmingham on the map for creative manufacturing.

When Elegant Earth President Chadwick Stogner was looking for a home for the company’s garden-inspired furniture manufacturing operations, he saw potential in a warehouse in Norwood at 1700 Vanderbilt Road that had seen better days.

Over time, the factory has grown to house four synergistic manufacturing and wholesale brands: Elegant Earth, The Arbor, Alabama Sawyer and InTown Wholesale Nursery.

After purchasing the property, Stogner became acquainted with a local historian, the late J.D. Weeks of Gardendale, who filled him in on the history of the building.

The more-than-100-year-old building originally was constructed to house Preston Motors Corp., which made the Premocar.

The history led Stogner to name his new facility the Premo Factory, speaking to the quality of each brand while paying homage to the building’s past and legacy of manufacturing.

Weeks had amassed a large collection of old postcards and ephemera about businesses and buildings in the Birmingham area, which inspired his work as a historian. He authored a number of books, including “Premocar: Made in Birmingham.”

The Premocar, built from 1919 to 1923, featured a carriage that was crafted by hand using

Premo Factory houses manufacturing and wholesale brands Elegant Earth, The Arbor, Alabama Sawyer and InTown Wholesale Nursery. kiln-dried wood.

President Warren G. Harding was chauffeured in a Premocar during a 1921 visit to Birmingham.

“It was a well-funded operation at the time, and it was a big deal to have a car manufacturing plant in Birmingham,” Stogner said.

Stogner has used historical advertising and graphic design materials from the original Preston Motors as inspiration for Premo’s branding.

To Stogner, the Norwood neighborhood seemed a little forgotten when he bought the building in 2013.

“There’s so much great architecture and history in this area,” he said.

The 185,000-square-foot factory was in poor condition and was slated for demolition.

“It would have been a waste to see it torn down,” Stogner said.

While other industrial manufacturers saw the building as a “white elephant,” he added, he felt the facility’s historical charm and the vast space lent itself perfectly to his creative manufacturing operation.

The sawtooth roof design allows a lot of natural light to enter the facility, but it also “harkens back to the days of American manufacturing at its zenith.”

The factory’s design naturally evolved into a shared space.

Operations Coming Together

“When we first moved in, the building had been carved up,” Stogner said. “There were maybe 10 or 12 different people working out here and they just used chain-link fencing to divide the areas.”

See PREMO, page 18

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Newly Branded Premo Factory Brings Together Birmingham Trades with National Footprint

Alabama Sawyer cuts the wood into slabs and lumber, which is stacked and left to dry for at least six months before it’s finished off in a kiln.

Before the move, Alabama Sawyer had been operating in multiple locations, based in a space at the Avondale co-working operation MAKEbhm. They were also milling their wood at a facility in Bessemer.

For several years, the Spencers had been renting wood storage space at Premo Factory.

“I grew attached to the property and just kept envisioning our shop and milling operation all in one place,” Spencer said.

They will have some pieces in The Arbor, which has relocated to Premo, and will be selling urban wood out of their wood barn, but it’s about the trade.

“Our space is a factory, not a showroom,” Spencer said. “I can show people samples they can take home and we can visit the work in progress. They can see the process in real time.”

Attracted by the Trees

The Spencers initially established a professional woodworking brand in Los Angeles.

See TREES, page 17

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

TREES From page 16

Leigh Spencer, a California native, was working as a graphic designer.

“Since graphic design is intrinsic to business, that prepared me for the

Thursday, August 12, 2021 • 17

HOME sourced wood through a partnership with the City of Burbank, diverting urban trees from landfills and instead using them to make furniture and other products.

In 2016, they made the move to Birmingham drawn, in part, by Alabama’s large urban forest.

The company’s official tagline,

Urban trees are also a product of their surroundings and can grow around many things, Spencer said.

The wood can contain objects like wires and bullets. Alabama Sawyer once found part of a transformer embedded in a tree.

An estimated 75% of the wood that Alabama Sawyer mills and uti-

THE CLEAR CHOICE Cahaba Glass specializes in the installation of custom shower enclosures, mirrors, glass shelving, furniture top glass, cabinet door glass and specialty glass.

Photo courtesy Alabama Sawyer

‘The wood tells a story.

We try to work and design in a way that doesn’t take away from that. … By the time the project is done, the process generally does reveal something interesting – a story, a lesson, a new idea, hopefully a feeling of satisfaction.’

LEIGH SPENCER

creativity and structure needed to build a business,” she said.

Originally from Birmingham, Cliff Spencer relocated to Los Angeles to work in the film industry, where he gained experience in professional woodworking shops working with experienced woodworkers.

The couple established their first wood shop in California, where they

“Trees Fall Y’all,” says it all.

“Urban trees are hidden gems within the confines of the city, which could easily be missed,” Spencer said. They are also more challenging to work with.

What gives urban wood a unique character also makes it a risk and undesirable to large mills who are looking for consistency.

lizes in the products they create comes from the Birmingham area.

“We have 6,000 square feet of storage full of lumber we have gotten from tree services,” she said.

“The rest is from regional wood sources. Occasionally, we buy something from my home state of California, for old times’ sake.”

See TREES, page 19

To: From: Date:

Cahaba Glass Company is a familyowned glass business with more than three decades of service in installation and repair works of most types of glass. cahabaglassco.com | 205.621.7355!

Terry Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646 Oct. This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Oct. 15, 2020 issue.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

18 • Thursday, August 12, 2021

From page 16

Elegant Earth’s manufacturing operation originally took over the entire facility, but by 2019 they realized they had too much unused space. Several out-buildings were being used for dead storage.

In light of this, Stogner decided to sell The Arbor building in Lakeview, which the company had owned since 1997, and relocate the business to the factory.

It was an emotional decision, he said, as The Arbor’s Lakeview location had been a Birmingham institution since 1976, selling garden products made by Elegant Earth and other

similar manufacturers to both the trade and the general public.

As Stogner began clearing out the unused spaces at the factory for The Arbor’s move, it became apparent that there would be more space than even an expanded Arbor could occupy.

The idea of creating a multi-tenant destination space for designers, architects and landscapers began to materialize.

Stogner immediately thought about his friends who ran InTown Wholesale Nursery in Atlanta.

“I had introduced them to a couple of our customers and they were shipping to Birmingham on a regular basis,” he said. “They have a unique business model that was missing in

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the local market.”

After one visit, InTown jumped on the opportunity to establish a Birmingham location. Premo Factory features a large outdoor area for plants.

According to Stogner, an industrial yard once full of trash and scrap metal is now, “a lush oasis of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs.”

It compliments Elegant Earth’s acres of garden containers made inside the factory and arranged in the yard.

Alabama Sawyer, a nationally recognized local producer of furniture made from urban timber saw Premo Factory as a place to bring its entire operation under one roof.

The company had a wood shop in Avondale’s MAKEbhm and a milling operation at Grey’s Tree Service in Bessemer.

In addition, Alabama Sawyer had been renting storage space in an outbuilding on Premo Factory’s property.

Premo Factory is now comprised of multiple working production facilities pouring concrete, milling logs and loading and watering truckloads of plants. Therefore, customers are encouraged to make appointments and wear appropriate clothing for their visit.

“It’s an industrial setting and we’re not trying to make it into any sort of high-end retail space, but it’s also an inspiring place with a sense of discovery,” Stogner said. “Here, people can have a peek into the cre-

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

PREMO

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOME

‘... it’s also an inspiring place with a sense of discovery. Here, people can have a peek into the creative manufacturing process.’

CHADWICK STOGNER

ative manufacturing process.”

Not only are the brands at Premo manufacturing and sourcing domestically, they are manufacturing world class products out of materials with heft and integrity, according to Stogner.

Stogner is not quick to brag, but his company as well as Alabama Sawyer ship their creations all over the country, he said, “and increasingly so as international supply chains are stressed and there is a ‘return to quality’ among consumers who value

the craftsmanship and the honesty of the materials they offer.

“We are getting people from all over the region and beyond coming here,” he said.

A few weeks ago, Stogner had a customer from Panama who flew to Birmingham to see the operation before going to a market in Atlanta.

“It’s such a unique resource for Birmingham to have, nearly everyone that comes here says that they’ve never experienced anything quite like it,” Stogner said.

Rare Opportunity 4 Lots Available

To: Tricia From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646 Date: August This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the August 12, 2021 issue.

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

Homesites for Sale in Prestigious Gated Vestavia Hills Community: $109,000

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.

Only 4 lots remain in the exclusive community of Viridian, one mile off Highway 31 on Thank you for your prompt attention.

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Bring your builder or let Wedgworth Construction design and build your dream home.

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Mike Wedgworth (205) 365-4344

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

TREES From page 16

Alabama Sawyer obtains their trees from local municipalities, businesses and homeowners through local tree services.

The company’s technicians then cut the wood into slabs and lumber, which is stacked and left to dry for at least six months before it’s finished off in a kiln.

That dry lumber then makes its way to the wood shop, where it becomes a piece of furniture, countertop or even a home accessory.

“The wood tells a story,” Leigh Spencer said. “We try to work and design in a way that doesn’t take away from that. … By the time the project is done, the process generally does reveal something interesting – a story, a lesson, a new idea, hopefully a feeling of satisfaction.”

Alabama Sawyer works with interior designers, architects, builders and suppliers throughout the nation, creating products and contributing to builds with materials created in Birmingham.

“An important purchase like a piece of furniture deserves careful consideration of all the resources involved, from raw materials to transportation to the labor,” Spencer. said.

The company also has the opportunity to work directly with homeowners through their Tree Concierge service.

If someone has a tree that is suit-

Thursday, August 12, 2021 • 19

HOME able for milling, they can reach out to Alabama Sawyer to give it a new life.

“We can only accomplish that through the tree services,” Spencer said. “The tree service is crucial, since they have the equipment and resources to take a tree down and transport it to us.”

Tree Concierge is at its best when the homeowner wants Alabama Sawyer to utilize the wood to create a piece of furniture or as building materials in their home.

“Those end up being some of the nicest pieces,” Spencer said. “Often, the tree is taken down when the homeowner is building an addition or a new house and the wood can go right back in the build out.”

Alabama Sawyer’s work and products have garnered national acclaim. They’ve earned recognition from Goop, Martha Stewart, Dwell magazine and The Wall Street Journal.

After a pandemic lull in the sec-

ond quarter of 2020, business has been booming locally and nationally.

Just before the pandemic, Alabama Sawyer worked on the redesign of Birmingham’s Hot and Hot, as well as the Equal Justice Initiative construction in Montgomery.

One of the company’s current projects is with the Jones Valley Teaching Farm’s new Center for Food Education. Projected to be completed later this year, the facility will be the location of field trips and educational programs for local students, community gardens and culinary programs.

“Next year, we’ll be working on

the ALDOT 59/20 City Walk with Brasfield and Gorrie, which is exciting,” Spencer said.

“We are building out a finishing booth in the immediate future,” she

added. “We are also developing more training to fill our need for more skilled labor.”

For more information, visit alasaw.com.

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Shades Cahaba’s Phelps Advances to Final Four for Alabama Teacher of the Year

Shades Cahaba Elementary English language teacher Allison Phelps, above, with students, is one of the final four teachers in the running to be named 2021-2022 Alabama Teacher of the Year.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

This month, the Alabama Department of Education will name the winner of its 2021-22 Alabama Teacher of the Year as well as an alternate.

Among the four finalists chosen from schools throughout the state is Shades Cahaba Elementary English language teacher Allison Phelps.

The Teacher of the Year program is one of the state’s oldest and most esteemed awards programs. The four finalists were selected from a group of 150 highly skilled educators.

Leading up to the announcement, Phelps and her three fellow finalists participated in extensive interviews with a state judging committee.

A release from the department of education states that, at a young age, Phelps knew teaching would be her personal calling. As a college student, she worked two part-time jobs to save enough money to travel internationally to begin her teaching career at a highly respected Australian boarding school with one of the world’s largest and most diverse international

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populations.

Afterward, the release continues, Phelps returned to teach at Homewood High School while simultaneously earning a master’s degree.

She joined the staff of Shades Cahaba Elementary School in 2009 and is now a member of the Homewood Schools’ Superintendent Leadership Team, a College Choice Foundation scholar mentor, an Assistance League of Greater Birmingham Operation Literacy liaison and a personal mentor to several educators in her region.

OTM Students Earn Perfect ACT Scores

Two students from the Over the Mountain area recently received word that they earned top scores of 36 on the ACT. Liam Falconer is a rising senior at Indian Springs School. He is the son of Heidi and Bill Falconer.

Ethan Wylie is a rising senior at Vestavia Hills High School. He is the son of Lori and Jason Wylie.

According to ACT officials, fewer than .5% of students who take the ACT earn a top score. In the United States high school graduating class of 2020, 5,579 students out of 1.67 million scored the perfect 36.

“Earning a top score on the ACT is a remarkable achievement,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “A student’s exceptional score of 36 will provide any college or university with ample evidence of their readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.

The ACT consists of tests on English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1-36. A student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores. The score for the ACT’s optional writing test is reported separately and is not included in the composite score.

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Mountain Brook Schools Director of Administrative Services Lisa Beckham announced her retirement July 30.

According to Mountain Brook Schools Lisa Beckham officials, Beckham is an integral part of the district’s staff.

Beckham has spent 15 of her 34 years in education in the Mountain Brook system, serving as assistant director of instruction for three years and then department director for two years. She has spent the past 10 years working alongside Superintendent Dicky Barlow in administrative services.

“Lisa has had a great impact on MBS in many different venues,” Barlow said. “From curriculum development to designing institute days and student showcase, her reach extends well

beyond the four walls of her office. Not to mention the multiple administrative services that have to be done every day.”

Throughout her career, the work came second to Beckham as her co-workers and peers described her primarily as a loving and caring individual.

“Such a big part of her job is caring for the people here,” Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction Lanie Kent said. “Lisa the person far surpasses Lisa the employee because of her welcoming demeanor and her kind treatment toward everyone.”

One of Beckham’s mantras is “people and relationships matter the most,” according to a release.

Dr. Missy Brooks, director of curriculum and instruction and special education, referred to Beckham as “the consummate professional.”

“Lisa has developed her professional voice and supports others as they work to develop theirs,” Brooks said. “She’s always there to coach or offer words of encouragement.”

As she retires from MBS, she embarks on a journey at her alma mater, Samford University, where she will be teaching in the educational leadership program and helping doctoral students in their dissertation process.

Crestline Principal Christy Christian added: “Lisa navigates a room so unassumingly that you don’t even realize it until you reflect on the major impact she has not only on your way of thinking but your life.”

VHCS Director of PR Earns National Communications Recognition

At a meeting of the Vestavia Hills City Schools board of education on July 26, Superintendent Todd Freeman recognized recent accolades paid to district Director of Public Relations Whit McGhee.

In July, McGhee attended the National School Public Relations Association’s 2021 National Seminar in New Orleans.

While at the event, he earned an award in excellence for the system’s 2021 Teacher of the Year video.

“What I appreciate about this (2021) award is that it was the in-house video category, so in other words, he did it himself,” Freeman said. “It wasn’t produced anywhere else.”

During the school year, Freeman noted, McGhee earned state recognition for communications for the district’s 4Habits4Health plans and another for the district’s 50th anniversary campaign.

He has been with the school system since 2014, and it’s not his first recognition.

In 2020, McGhee was named Alabama Communicator of the Year by the Alabama School Public Relations Association.

Previously, McGhee was recognized with two awards from the National School Public Relations Association for a 2019-20 Teachers of the Year video as well as the school system’s 2018-19 Annual Report.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

Kids Ahoy!

Established in 1974, the Mountain Brook Community Education’s longest-running program has served as a place for local 4- to 7-year-olds to engage during the summer.

S.H.I.P., which stands for Summer Happiness in Play, now serves children at Crestline Elementary School, and former Mountain Brook Schools kindergarten teacher Sarah Creveling has been a part of the summer learning initiative every year.

“The goal is first and foremost for the kids to have fun,” Creveling said.

“And that’s done through a variety of ways.”

Over the years, Creveling has had the opportunity to teach generations of children, including kids whose parents participated in the program as children.

Two week-long sessions are held in June, with children spending three hours a day playing games, doing crafts, enhancing their creativity, hearing interactive stories and participating in other activities.

There are traditions at the camp, including serving rainbow cookies – a program staple for 46 years.

“I thought it was important to come back and be a part of it, even when I was away,” Creveling said.

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do.

Photo courtesy Mountain Brook City Schools

Mountain Brook Program Treats Young Students to Ocean-Themed Sessions

Thursday, August 12, 2021 • 21

Mountain Brook Schools kindergarten teacher Sarah Creveling, above with students, has been a part of the summer learning initiative every year.

“Plus, it is just so much fun.”

A theme is chosen each summer, something “ocean related,” Creveling said.

This summer Creveling took her sailors aboard S.H.I.P.’s boat, the “SS Happiness,” and set sail for Mobile Bay. All week long, camp participants learned about birds and fish in the Mobile Bay area. Crafts included drawing pelicans and snacks included goldfish to go with the theme.

Returned From Afar

After retiring from teaching kindergarten at Crestline Elementary in 2000, Creveling was on the move. Her husband’s work as a probate lawyer for the American Cancer Society took the couple to Atlanta and Oklahoma.

Despite distance, she returned to Mountain Brook each summer to lead S.H.I.P. The concept for S.H.I.P. began in the early 1970s when Creveling was sent by the Junior League of Birmingham to a conference in San Antonio.

It was there where she learned about Summer Adventure in Learning, better known as Sail, a program conducted by a group of teachers in

WE DO WHAT WE DO B E C AU S E C H I L D R E N H AV E D R E A M S .

which students can explore new interests and prevent summer learning loss.

The idea for S.H.I.P. didn’t materialize until years later, when Creveling and her friend Lucia Chambers, former children’s librarian for O’Neal Library, stumbled upon a toy ship sandbox in the Forest Park area.

The sandbox wasn’t being used, so the owner gave it to the pair, and it became the centerpiece for what would become S.H.I.P. While working to develop the program with then head of Mountain Brook Community Education Jim Felton, the ship was stored at Brookwood Forest Elementary School before being transferred to S.H.I.P.’s first location in an old Girl Scout House that was next to Crestline Field.

After the first two years, the program was moved to Mountain Brook Elementary School, where it remained for 18 years before moving each summer between the district’s elementary schools.

Over the years, Creveling has had the opportunity to teach generations of children, including kids whose parents participated in the program as children.

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22 • Thursday, August 12, 2021

SPORTS

Mission Accomplished

Local Junior Beach Volleyball Players Exceed Expectations at Nationals

By Rubin E. Grant

Photo courtesy

When Addie Holden and Stella Yester traveled to New Jersey for the Association for Volleyball Professionals Beach Volleyball Nationals last month, their only goal was to do better than they had done in their previous national tournament.

They finished a disappointing 33rd in the girls 16U competition in the AVP America Junior East Coast Championships last November in Clearwater.

It was an entirely different story in the AVP Beach Volleyball Nationals July 21-23 in Atlantic City.

Holden, a junior at Mountain Brook High School, and Yester, a junior at John Carroll Catholic who lives in Pelham, placed fifth in the 16U Gold Cup division, becoming the first beach volleyball duo from the Birmingham area to finish that high at Nationals.

“I think we exceeded expectations,” Holden said. “Last year we were 33rd and this time fifth. That’s a big difference. Instead of being knocked out in the first round, we weren’t knocked out until the fourth round. It showed how we had improved and how much the hard work we did paid off. We put in extra work.

“We are good friends. We spent a lot of time practicing with each other.”

Holden and Yester had entered the tournament seeded seventh in the 68-team field and were determined not to come home with another disappointing outcome.

“We communicated a lot better,” Yester said. “One of the teams we played, we had lost to them in pool play. But during the night we discussed how we wanted to attack and came out and beat them.”

Addie Holden, left, a junior at Mountain Brook High School, and Stellar Yester, a junior at John Carroll Catholic who lives in Pelham, placed fifth in the 16U Gold Cup division, becoming the first beach volleyball duo from the Birmingham area to finish that high at Nationals.

Joe Alaimo, the girls’ coach at Birmingham Beach Volleyball Club, was pleased with what Holden and Yester accomplished. They have

been playing beach volleyball for five years and partnering for the past three years.

“They’re two fantastic players,”

Alaimo said. “Their goal was to get into the gold cup bracket, and to do that you had to be in the top two of your pool. Their goal after that was to win a game and they won three to make it to the quarterfinals. It’s the best finish by an Alabama team in a long time.”

Holden, a setter, and Yester, a defensive specialist, also play on their high school teams, and Alaimo believes that helps them succeed in beach volleyball.

“They’re all-around athletes,” he said. “To be great in beach volleyball, you have to have all the skills.

You have to be a passer, a setter, an attacker, a defender and a server since there are only two of you. One of them is a libero and the other a setter on their high school teams, and I think that’s what makes them good at beach volleyball.

“I think they could probably play at the next level. It all depends on how they continue to grow and get better. We’ve sent five girls to college, three to Division I and two to Division II.” Yester and Holden prefer beach volleyball.

“I definitely like beach more,” Yester said. “It’s more laid back and easier to make connections. And you get to travel. It’s so much fun traveling. I love it, seeing all the different cities.”

Holden enjoys being more involved in the action on the beach.

“I like it more because you get a lot more touches and get to hit more,” Holden said.

The tournament in New Jersey was part of the AVP Beach Volleyball beach week, making it even more special for Holden and Yester.

“The tournament was great,” Holden said. “There was a lot of strong competition from all different states. We got to meet some new people and see how other people play. We got to see some pros, which was cool.

“It’s always fun playing at the beach. There’s different weather with the wind and rain.”

The girls have rejoined their respective high school teams, getting ready for the start of 2021 season next week. When their high school seasons are done, they will get back together to return to the national tournament in Clearwater Beach.

“We try to get together as often as we can,” Holden said. “We’ve got to continue to get stronger and stronger when we go back to Clearwater.”

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Vestavia Hills City Schools Names New Athletic Director

The Vestavia Hills board of education named Myra Miles as the new athletic director for the school system during a meeting July 26.

Miles served as athletic director for Hoover High School from 2007 to 2014, during which time the Buccaneers won more than 20 state championships in 10 sports.

Most recently, Miles had been working at the University of Tennessee as the executive assistant to Volunteers head football coach Jeremy Pruitt.

Miles brings more than 30 years of experience in Alabama schools to Vestavia Hills with skills in athletic administration, coaching and physical education.

“Coach Myra Miles Miles is regarded as one of the most outstanding athletic directors in Alabama,” Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Todd Freeman, Ed.D., said. “She is wellrespected by her peers and brings a wealth of successful experiences to Vestavia Hills. Coach Miles will lead an athletic program with a storied tradition and one that is poised for greatness in the future. We are very excited that she will be a part of our team.”

According to a release, Miles said she felt an “immediate connection” to Vestavia Hills and spoke about the strength of the school system’s athletic program.

“Vestavia Hills has a rich tradition that comes from many years of excellence, but with that tradition comes a responsibility to take our program to the next level,” Miles said.

“We can’t settle; we want to be the best,” she said.

Miles said her early focus will include a review of the school system’s athletic strategic plan, which was developed by a group of community stakeholders over the past year and identified long-term goals for the growth of Vestavia Hills athletics. She added that she looked forward to galvanizing community support for all of the school system’s athletic programs.

“I want families to be all in with us and be invested in our ‘1REBEL’ mindset, from kindergarten all the way through high school,” she said.

Miles’ hiring follows the departure of Vestavia Hills alum and former athletic director Jeff Segars, who left in June to become assistant director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

Thursday, August 12, 2021 • 23

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ANDERSON

From page 24

From page 24

guided the JV team to the most single-season wins in school history in 2018 before becoming the varsity’s top assistant.

Since taking over as head volleyball coach in the spring, Gardner has been busy evaluating what the Spartans have done in the past to become an elite program and how to continue their standard of excellence.

“I have been looking at what we have done to be successful and how to adapt and change for our current girls and staff to maintain our culture and standards,” Gardner said.

Gardner has assembled a top-notch coaching staff and re-established a freshman team as she tries to keep the Spartans on top.

Her coaching staff includes Haley Haggard, Tien Le and Ellie Ritter. Haggard played at Hoover and has been a club coach and will assist Gardner with the varsity. Le was the head coach at Oak Mountain before taking last year off from coaching.

“He actually reached out to me and said he wanted to get back into it,” Gardner said. “He will be in charge of the JV.” Ritter played on Mountain Brook’s teams that won three consecutive Class 7A titles from 2014 to 2016. She graduated from the University of Georgia in the spring and will coach the freshman team.

“She wanted to get involved,” Gardner said.

“I am really excited about the way the staff has come together. They are experienced and will help us continue our level of play.”

The Spartans will have a freshman team for the first time in three seasons, thanks to an abundance of young talent.

“That’s how the numbers shook out,”

Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry

SPARTANS

The Spartans will begin their title defense when they open the season Aug. 19 against perennial powerhouse McGill-Toolen at Spartan Arena, then compete in the prestigious Juanita Boddie Tournament Aug. 20-21 at the Finley Center in Hoover.

Gardner said. “We have a tremendous amount of quality players. The junior high is always really good and we have a lot of girls coming back.”

The varsity is loaded with experience with six players returning from their 2020 championship team, including four seniors: middle blocker Greer Golden, outside hitter Hannah Hitson, outside hitter Lucy Ridden and defensive specialist Alexandra Carlson.

The other two returnees are sophomore setter Hannah Parant and junior right side hitter Sims Kilgore.

Rounding out the 11-player roster are

Caroline Heck, a junior middle blocker/right side hitter; Anna Frances Adams, a junior defensive specialist; Addie Holden, a junior setter; Alice Garzon, a sophomore middle blocker; and Paige Parent, a sophomore outside hitter/defensive specialist and twin sister of Hannah Parant.

Mountain Brook has a demanding schedule.

The Spartans will open the season Aug. 19 against perennial powerhouse McGill-Toolen at Spartan Arena, then compete in the prestigious Juanita Boddie Tournament Aug. 20-21 at the Finley Center in Hoover.

“We’re not backing down,” Gardner said confidently.

used to be Pizitz. I am the dean of students and I work with the kids. Sometimes, I go tell stories to an elementary class. I am still figuring out my role, but I’m also retired. It’s not 8-to-5.”

Anderson always had his players uppermost in mind when he coached. Not seeing them regularly has been the biggest change.

“The bottom line is I miss the kids like crazy,” he said, “but a lot of the other stuff I don’t miss at all,” he added with a laugh.

“One of my grandsons is in the seventh grade at Pizitz and I went to pick him up after practice and it was so hot. I don’t miss that.”

Anderson has been a sounding board for Vestavia Hills’ new coach, Sean Calhoun, but he doesn’t expect to be showing up every Friday night when the Rebels play on the field named after him. That’s because Anderson has other plans.

“I told Sean, ‘Don’t be offended if I’m not there every game,’” Anderson said. “I have another grandson who is in his first year of playing on the seventh grade team over in Georgia, so I plan to go over and see him sometime.”

Anderson believes Calhoun will do fine as his successor, but he will have a challenging season competing in a region that includes twotime defending Class 7A champion Thompson as well as perennial powerhouse and longtime rival Hoover.

“I haven’t talked to Sean as much lately,” Anderson said. “He’s a good guy. They’re going to tee it up and play, but we’ll have to wait and see how well they do. The competition in Region 3 is brutal.”

Anderson probably won’t miss that, either.

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Vestavia Hills City Schools Names New Athletic Director Page 22

SPORTS Thursday, August 12, 2021 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Local Junior Beach Volleyball Players Exceed Expectations at Nationals Page 22

New Normal

Anderson Adjusting to Not Coaching Football

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By Rubin E. Grant

From left, Alexandra Carlson, Hannah Hitson, Lucy Redden and Greer Golden and new Spartan volleyball coach Maddie Gardner.

High Expectations Gardner Eager to Maintain Mountain Brook Volleyball’s Elite Status

M

attie Gardner can’t withhold her enthusiasm as she enters her first season as Mountain Brook’s head volleyball coach.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled and honored,” she said.

She’s also eager to maintain the Spartans’ status as an elite program.

“My expectations are to win a state champi-

onship again,” Gardner said. “That hasn’t changed.”

Gardner has been with the Spartans’ volley-

‘My expectations are to win a state championship again.

That hasn’t changed.’ ball program since 2017 and served as a varsity assistant the past two seasons, so she had a front

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See ANDERSON, page 23

row seat as Vickie Nichols led Mountain Brook to state championships in 2019 (Class 7A) and 2020 (Class 6A).

Nichols decided to retire in January, but since then she has become the head coach at Florence High School.

Gardner, who played at Samford, has had her own share of success in the Spartans’ program.

She led Mountain Brook’s freshman team to the Birmingham metro championship in 2017 and

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

By Rubin E. Grant

For the first time in 50 years, Buddy Anderson was somewhere other than the football field when high school practice officially began Aug. 2.

It was a peculiar feeling for the legendary Vestavia Hills coach.

“Of course it was real strange,” Anderson said. “But the one who is having the toughest time is my wife Linda. It’s all she knows.

We said our ‘I dos’ and a month later I went to coach at Vestavia for 49 years. She’s not used to me not coaching.”

Anderson retired at the end of the 2020 season after 43 years as the Rebels’ head coach and six years as an assistant. He left as the winningest high school coach in state history with a 346-160 record and two state championships.

In his final season, the Rebels were 4-6 after starting 1-6, including two forfeits because of COVID 19, something Anderson contracted before the season.

He is getting along fine these days at the age of 71 as he adapts to his new normal.

“It’s an adjustment, but God has other plans for me,” Anderson said. “He’s not through with me yet.

“I’m still working with the school. I am working with the ninth grade school that

See SPARTANS, page 23

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