9.8.2022

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

FALL ARTS PREVIEW 2022

Spotlight on the Arts

Photo courtesy Samford University

Music, theater, dance, art and other events to look forward to this fall in the Over the Mountain area. Preview begins on page 8

SPORTS

2 • Thursday, September 8, 2022

OPINION/CONTENTS

Inside

Murphy’s Law

M ‘WE KNOW RETAIL IS CHANGING’ Hoover Wants Health Care Facility at the Galleria PAGE 6

‘LARGER-THAN-LIFE’ Local Theater Legend Carl Stewart Lost This Year PAGE 8

FOOD OF THEIR ANCESTORS St. George Food Fest Offers Middle Eastern Fare, Culture PAGE 20

‘IT STARTS HERE’ ASFA Music Department Head to Lead ASO Youth Orchestra PAGE 21

ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE NEWS LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

3 5 6 8

SOCIAL FOOD SCHOOLS SPORTS

14 20 21 24

otmj.com With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter.

Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area.

To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.

Barking Up The Right Tree

y granddaughter has been first on the earth and have had a long working on a nature patch time to figure things out.” with her Girl Scout troop. One Don’t you just love that? I mean, requirement is to identify five trees by how could you hurry past that? their bark.

Being guilty of zooming past just By their leaves, I might have had a about everything, I am trying to slow chance, but by their bark? I’m ashamed down and learn to better appreciate my to admit that I haven’t been much help. deciduous and coniferous roommates.

You’d think I’d be better at it, given (Look at me throwing around plant the number of trees that have stood words!) So far, I’ve really only been faithfully in my back yard lo these many acquainted with what falls out of the years, but I’ve approached them more trees. The oaks produce acorns that pelt like trusted coworkers that I count on to my deck like grenades. The hickories Sue Murphy be there but would struggle to recall have bigger fruits that are a puzzle even their names if I ran into them at the mall. for the squirrels. The sweet gums drop I should do better. ingenious little multi-pocketed seed I like trees. They I like trees. They produce oxygen pods that my childhood Girl Scout for us to breathe, peaches for cobbler, troop used to fill with toothpicks and produce oxygen for pecans for pie and syrup to go on our spray paint gold. us to breathe, peaches pancakes. And that’s just while And the leaves ... so many leaves! they’re standing. At the end of their This fall will bring days and days of for cobbler, pecans earthly existence, they help produce raking. At that point, I won’t stop to for pie and syrup to notice whether the leaves are pointy homes and cozy firesides and paper for almost everything. Who among us go on our pancakes. or rounded or saw-toothed or smooth. is consistently that productive?

Somehow, I never noticed the And that’s just while trunks OK, occasionally, trees do fall on at all, and they’ve been right at our houses, but that’s hardly the trees’ my eye level, for heaven sakes. they’re standing. fault. Blame those lapses on overzealMaybe it’s because trunks aren’t ous winds or an unreasonable amount flashy. Bark is gray or brown and of rain. seems like a backdrop for the colorful bits above. But, If I seem to be waxing a bit poetic, it’s because the Girl apparently, the trunk isn’t just there to hold up the leaves.

Scout project happened to coincide with my reading of a It serves as a highway for nutrients and grows ring after book called “Braiding Sweetgrass.” It’s taking me a while ring of meaty substance so the rest of the tree can branch to read, but not because I’m having trouble deciphering out and be its more spectacular self. the words. No, I only read a paragraph or two at a time Maybe it doesn’t matter if I can tell one tree’s bark because each page contains something beautiful that needs from another, but now, I’d feel remiss if I didn’t at least to be savored. The author, Robin Wall Kimmerer, is a try. And I’ll have all winter to do it. The leaves will …

Native American botanist, a professor who knows the well, leave … but the trunks will remain. They will be Latin names for all of her plant friends but is working on quietly prepping for the spring ahead while getting thicker learning their “songs.” She suggests that we would do well around the middle. to show more respect for plants because they “were here I hear ya, sister. I hear ya.

Over the Mountain Views It’s Showtime in SoHo

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

J O U R N A L September 8, 2022 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writer: Anne Ruisi Photographer: Jordan Wald Sports Editor: 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 Vol. 33, No. 3

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

Copyright 2022 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.

The Homewood Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting event at Homewood Theatre’s new location in SoHo on the corner of 19th Street and 29th Avenue South on Aug. 25. Helping Executive Director Kyle Bass, center, cut the ribbon are Homewood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Meredith Drennen, left, and Homewood Theatre’s Marietta Lunceford. For info on upcoming shows at the theatre, as well as other venues in the OTM area, see Fall Arts Preview 2022 beginning on page 8.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SEPT 8 - SEPT 22

FIDO FEST | SAT., SEPT. 17

This free event celebrates and benefits our four-legged friends at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. It will be held in the parking lot area near REI Co-op. Pet vendors, arts and entertainment, giveaways and more will be on hand. When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: The Summit

Thurs., Sept. 8

Sat., Sept. 10 Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K

Smile-A-Mile will host its annual 5K to raise funds to support the organization’s mission to provide support to patients and families during the childhood cancer journey.

When: 8 a.m. Where: SAM Place Downtown Birmingham

Hoover Climb to Remember

The City of Hoover will host its annual Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony followed by a memorial stair climb in honor of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The ceremony will begin in the Riverchase Galleria’s food court followed by a stair climb equivalent to 110 stories in the north parking deck. When: 9:00 a.m.

Where: Riverchase Galleria

Shred and Recycle Day

Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce will host a recycle day for electronics as well as shredding services for sensitive files and documents.

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Gospel Music Concert

Tickets are on sale for a concert by the Grammy award-winning Gaither Vocal Band at www.shades.org/ events. When: 7-9 p.m. Where: Shahes Mountain Baptist Church.

Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 3

ABOUT TOWN

Crystal Terry with Ace and Flint at Fido Fest in 2019.

Household hazardous waste will also be collected for disposal, with the Vestavia Hills Police Department collecting unneeded medications.

When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills City Hall

Sun., Sept. 11 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and Patriot Day Celebration

Bring your family, friends and neighbors, and gloves and trash bags to help clean the creek by Meadowlawn Park. When: 10 a.m.

Where: Heights Village.

Keynote speaker will be Michael Williams, retired special agent in charge, U.S. Secret Service for Alabama and Mississippi.

When: 8:30 a.m. Where: Vestavia City Hall

DogFest Alabama

Sewanee 1899 Unrivaled

Cahaba Heights Clean Up Day

DogFest supports the mission of Canine Companions to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs free of charge. When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Railroad Park

Screening of the feature-length documentary by local filmmaker Norman Jetmundsen of the 1899 undefeated Sewanee football team.

When: 2-6 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library

Thurs., Sept. 15 Tapas and Taps

Lane Parke will host a fundraising event sponsored by Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Birmingham.

Festivities will include local beer, small plates, music and auctions.

When: 6-8 p.m. Where: Lane Parke

Fri., Sept 16 Dinnertainment

The Exceptional Foundation’s Dinnertainment is a night of exceptional entertainment by exceptional people. The unique dinner party exhibits participants’

About Town continued on page 4

Botanical Gardens’ Fall Plant Sale Set for Sept. 10 The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ much-anticipated Fall Plant Sale will be held Sept. 10 at the gardens.

Dozens of varieties of natives, perennials, tropicals, herbs, ferns, camellias, trees and shrubs will be for sale, and shoppers can get advice from seasoned gardeners at the event. Only checks and major credit cards will be accepted.

Proceeds from the sale will support the friends’ mission to protect, nurture and share the Gardens with the public.

In a change this year, shoppers can preorder bedding plants at the sale and pick them up Oct. 8.

The sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Gardens’ Formal Lawn and in the Hill Garden. Priority shopping for members of the friends group will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. the Friday before, on Sept. 9. Members also will receive their annual plant gift, courtesy of Leaf & Petal.

Tom Underwood, executive director of the friends group, said in a press release from the Gardens. that its staff and volunteers educate thousands of schoolchildren a year about the science of plants and grow thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables that are distributed to people in need in the community. He said the friends group helps maintain, improve and promote the Gardens.

For more information about the sale, visit bbgardens.org/fallplantsale.

4 • Thursday, September 8, 2022 During regular science center hours Where: McWane Science Center

Be Still My Soul

Briarwood Ballet presents this production featuring Ballet Exaltation and the Birmingham Boys Choir.

When: 7 p.m. Where: Briarwood Presbyterian Church

Sat., Sept. 17 Hold the Fort Races

Oktoberfest

Presented by Mills Pharmacy, this annual 5K, 10K and one-mile warrior walk will benefit Blanket Fort Hope, which provides services and care to survivors of child sex trafficking.

When: 8-11 a.m. Where: Oak Mountain State Park

Cahaba Brewing will host its annual Oktoberfest event, including live music, a stein-hoisting competition and more. When: noon-10 p.m.

Where: Cahaba Brewing Company

Sun., Sept. 18

Shear Genius!

Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep are featured in a hands-on exhibit that opens Sept. 17 and is geared to children ages 3-9. When:

Together in Teal

The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation event to raise awareness

of ovarian cancer’s silent signs and symptoms, remember those who have lost their lives and honor those who are battling or have beaten ovarian cancer. This moving celebration features live music, educational booths, merchandise vendors and more. When: 2:30 -4:30 p.m. Where: Aldridge Gardens

Tues., Sept. 20 Homewood Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Update

September Chamber Luncheon, where the group will receive an update from Senator Jabo Waggoner, Senator Rodger Smitherman, and Representative David Faulkner.

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: The Club ❖

ASO Musicians to Perform Two Community Concerts This Month

Courtesy

About Town continued from page 3

many talents through a variety of performances showcasing their musical and artistic abilities. When: 6 p.m. Where: A private club

Violinist Ashkenazi, who is a former student of Itzhak Perlman, has made several Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center appearances and performed in Europe, the Middle East and across North America.

L’Chaim 2022

Violinist Highlights Alabama Holocaust Education Center’s Annual Fundraiser

Courtesy

The Musicians of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra will be presenting two free community concerts this month The concert series, in its second year, is called Our Hearts Beat for Birmingham. The first will take place at Canterbury United Methodist Church, in Mountain Brook, on Sept.

1 at 7:30 p.m. The second will be at Greater Emmanuel Temple Holiness Church, in Birmingham, Sept. 18 at 3 p.m.

No tickets are required for either of the one-hour concerts, according to a statement from ASO. They also can be viewed online.

These concerts offer attendees an

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

up-close seat to the musicians, joined

by ASO Music Director Carlos Izcaray and Birmingham-Southern College professor Lester Siegel.

The two unique programs include works for strings by Mozart and Tchaikovsky, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 and other works.

Each concert will spotlight a community partner nonprofit. This year, attendees and online viewers will be

encouraged to donate to One Place Family Justice Center and Scrollworks Music School if they have enjoyed the concerts.

In addition to supporting family and children’s services during the past year, the musicians have actively supported the Ukrainian community in Birmingham and statewide refugee organizations through performances and fundraising.

Virtuoso violinist Niv Ashkenazi is to perform Sept. 18 using one of a collection of instruments that survived the Holocaust and then were restored by a father-son pair in a Tel-Aviv workshop.

The concert is part of the Alabama Holocaust Education Center’s annual fundraising event L’Chaim, being held at Red Mountain Theatre.

Avshalom “Avshi” and Amnon Weinstein, the The concert is part of founders of the Violins of Hope project to restore the Alabama Holocaust the violins, are two of the honorees at this year’s Education Center’s event, as are Sallie Downs, Dr. Henry Panion III annual fundraising event and Kay Donnellan. Event chairmen are Daniel L’Chaim, being held at Odrezin and Stephen Royal.

Red Mountain Theatre.

Jeffrey and Gail Bayer, and Dr. Selwyn Vickers are honorary event co-chairs, and Medical Properties Trust is this year’s presenting sponsor.

“The Holocaust took place because individuals, groups and nations made decisions to act or not to act. It was not inevitable,’” Daniel Odrezin, chair of L’Chaim 2022, said in a press release. “Focusing on those decisions leads to insights into history and human nature that are critical to ensuring a peaceful and just world for everyone. That is what L’Chaim and the Alabama Holocaust Education Center are all about.”

Violinist Ashkenazi, who is a former student of Itzhak Perlman, has made several Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center appearances and performed in Europe, the Middle East and across North America. The event begins at 3 p.m.

For tickets and more information, visit aheclchaim.swell.gives.

Legion Post 911 Bike and Jeep Ride Draws Attention to Veteran Suicides

The American Legion Ryan Winslow Post 911 Riders group will hold a Bike and Jeep Ride, followed by a Bike and Jeep Night, Sept. 24 to help bring awareness to veteran suicide.

The event is called Operation S.A.V.E., which stands for Suicide Awareness for Veterans Everywhere.

The ride will start at Heart of Dixie Harley Davidson and end at Mt. Laurel for the Bike and Jeep Night.

Registration for the ride starts at 10 a.m., and start engines is at 2:30 p.m.

Cost is $20 per vehicle and $5 for each additional rider.

“Suicide is a significant issue for veterans. We want our brothers and sisters to know there is help,” said Barry Nance, Post 911 Riders director. “We will support our veteran brothers and sisters with a donation of part of our proceeds to Vet Force Multiplier.”

Vet Force Multiplier is a website created by Krulak Marine Alliance of Alabama that offers suicide prevention and emergency services links. It can be found at VetForceMultiplier.org.

The riders group is accepting donations for two prize packages, worth about $1,000 each. About 15 area individuals and businesses, ranging from restaurants to teeth whitening to music lessons, have sponsored the fundraising effort, and Hoover Tactical Firearms has donated an annual range membership.

Tickets for the prize drawings will be $5 each or five for $20. Tickets also will be available the day of the event for a $100 bar tab at Red Shamrock in Mt Laurel.

The Bike and Jeep Night, which is set for 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., will include live music outside. Red Shamrock will have beer and drink specials throughout the night.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

PEOPLE

Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 5

ExVoto Vintage Founder Listed in Who’s Who

Elizabeth C. Adams has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who in recognition of her work as a jewelry designer and entrepreneur.

She is the creator of ExVoto Vintage, a collection of jewelry made using antique elements, and operates jewelry and apparel stores in Mountain Brook, Montgomery and Rosemary Beach, Florida.

Adams began creating art, including jewelry and mixed-media collages, after losing her daughter to a brain tumor in 2009. Now she donates a portion of her company’s sales to The Cure Starts Now Foundation for pediatric brain cancer research. She also is planning to publish a book about her daughter’s journey battling cancer.

Earlier this year, she was named Best Jeweler in the State of Alabama

by Alabama Magazine, and in 2015 she was given Small Business of the Year honors from Elizabeth C. Adams the Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham Inc. She also has been featured in publications such as the Garden & Gun gift guide, Southern Living and InStyle.

Adams also is a member of the Female Founder Collective, The American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen and the Texas Diaper Bank.

Monsignor Martin M. Muller presented the Ernie Eltz Volunteer of the Year Award to Dr. Frances Andrews.

OLS July 4 Volunteers Thanked With Appreciation Dinner

More than 100 volunteers from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood were served a catered dinner Aug. 10 in appreciation of a successful 73rd annual Independence Day Festival.

The Knights of Columbus Council 4304 organized the festival.

During dinner in the parish hall.

Grand Knight Clark Tucker expressed his gratitude to the crowd. School Principal Mary Jane Dorn thanked the volunteers on behalf of the students.

Monsignor Martin M. Muller presented the Ernie Eltz Volunteer of the Year Award to Dr. Frances Andrews, who offers many services to the parish, including serving on the Liturgy

To: From: Date:

Committee, making banners and assisting before and after Masses.

Festival proceeds were shared by Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School and the Knights of Columbus for their charitable work.

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George Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., July 2022 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the July 28, 2022 issue.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

NEWS

6 • Thursday, September 8, 2022

‘We Know Retail Is Changing’

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

By Anne Ruisi Some type of health care facility could be in the Riverchase Galleria’s future, as Hoover city officials look into redevelopment of the largest enclosed mall in Alabama and the adjacent Patton Creek shopping center.

Developing health care facilities is a national trend in retail centers as owners look for new ways to use vacant space left by closed big box stores such as Sears, which once was the largest retailer in the country.

The city’s Health Care Authority has hired an attorney with expertise in the health care industry to prepare the paperwork for a Certificate of Need, which is required by the state, Mayor Frank Brocato said.

“It’s interesting. Hoover is the

sixth-largest city in the state. We’re a city of 100,000 and need a medical facility,” the mayor said.

A Certificate of Need affirms that a proposed health care facility is needed in an area after looking at other facilities in the vicinity. Brocato said it’s clear Hoover needs one.

The proposal is part of the city’s comprehensive plan, which maps growth and opportunities for redevelopment. The Galleria and Patton Creek are two well-established commercial developments that are important to the city as major contributors to Hoover’s commercial tax base, Brocato said.

The vacant Sears store at the Galleria offers an opportunity for redevelopment.

“We have the Sears store and looked at how it could be filled. We believe it is a great place for a great health care facility,” the mayor said, adding that the city is also studying what type of facility would best fit the site.

The Galleria offers remarkable opportunities as the footprint of retail changes, with plenty of parking and excellent travel access, Brocato said.

Two ideas that have been discussed are transforming the vacant

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Hoover Wants Health Care Facility at the Galleria

“It’s not dying” and remains “very vibrant,” with 6 million cars carrying shoppers visiting (the Galleria, above) a year, Hoover mayor Frank Brocato said.

Sears store into a large surgical center or a small center for overnight stays following procedures.

“We’ve talked to physicians and health administrators. So many things are moving out to surgical centers,” he said.

Having such a facility at the mall would benefit people who accompany someone undergoing a procedure by giving them something to do, the mayor said.

Developing health care facilities is a national trend in retail centers as owners look for new ways to use

vacant space left by closed big box stores such as Sears, which once was the largest retailer in the country.

That Hoover would like a medical facility there by no means signifies the Galleria is failing, Brocato said.

“It’s not dying” and remains “very vibrant,” with 6 million cars carrying shoppers visiting a year, Brocato said.

“We know retail is changing, he said. “I see every weekend people from all over the state there and it’s not unusual to see tour buses,” he said.

Plans for the Galleria are among the ideas being studied as part of the overall redevelopment of the U.S. 31 and Alabama 150 corridors, the mayor said. A state-of-the-art performing arts center, for example, is one proposal that has a lot of community support.

Hoover also is working with Patton Creek’s owner to develop proposals for Patton Creek, which the city hopes to roll out later this year or by next summer.

“It’s still a work in progress,” Brocato said.

Ribbon Cutting Marks Renovation of Samford’s Buchanan Hall Mountain Brook

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Samford University celebrated the renovation of Buchanan Hall with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 1.

School officials, students, faculty and staff, alumni and civic leaders attended the ceremony, which was held on the quad. The university’s marching band and A Cappella Choir performed for those gathered.

The 15-month renovation transformed Buchanan Hall, which has

housed the School of the Arts’ music program since 1958, with state-of-theart improvements, Ashley Smith, the university’s marketing and communications manager said.

The project re-imagined the space, providing areas for growth and, most importantly, access for all students and faculty members, Smith said.

Davis Architects, a firm that has guided Samford’s campus design for

decades, created plans to transform the interior of the building to meet students’ needs.

The renovation of Buchanan Hall honors the historical architecture outside while creating more welcoming, contemporary spaces inside. There are community gathering spaces for students and faculty, which will encourage interaction and collaboration as the focus is on the needs of training

21st-century musicians, Smith said.

There is a glass front on the first floor, which contains a student-centered zone with a student commons, instrument storage, practice rooms, a computer lab and a new recording studio, she said.

On the second floor, a glass-fronted office in the reception area for the School of the Arts welcome center allows more natural light into the area. Administrative offices, studios and classrooms round out this level.

Classrooms and faculty studios are located on the third floor, and the fourth floor has offices, a commons area and a smaller classroom/conference room space, Smith said.

Other updates include a new elevator, additional stairs, sound proofing, technology-efficient classrooms and labs, and better-quality practice rooms and studios.

Samford University president Beck Taylor, (looking up) cuts the ribbon at Buchanan Hall. He’s joined by community leaders and school representatives, from left, Meredith Drennen, Turner Burton, Neil Davis, Jeff Poleshek, Larry Thompson, Cindy St. Clair and Rebekah Lamb.

Voters Reelect 2 to Council

By Anne Ruisi Mountain Brook voters returned two incumbents to the City Council and elected a member of the city’s Planning Commission to replace Councilwoman Alice Womack, who did not run for another term.

Graham Smith defeated Christopher Powanda for Womack’s Place 1 seat, 5,530 votes to 1,990, according to unofficial results from the city’s website, www.mtnbrook.org.

Smith won with 73.5% of the vote.

In Place 2, incumbent William S. “Billy” Pritchard III defeated Kent Osband with 5,320 votes to 2,186 votes. Pritchard won with 70.7% of the votes.

In Place 3, incumbent Lloyd C. Shelton defeated Tate A. Davis 5,051 votes to 2,459 votes. Shelton won with 67.2% of the votes.

The council was set to certify the election results Aug 30. Smith, Pritchard and Shelton will be sworn in Nov. 7, City Clerk Heather Richards said.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 7

NEWS

Courtesy

The zoo had to submit a lengthy application and pass a thorough inspection by experts in animal welfare and zoo operations to obtain accreditation. Among the other aspects examined were veterinary programs, staff training, safety, financial stability, risk management and visitor services.

AZA requires zoos and aquariums to complete the rigorous accreditation process every five years to maintain accreditation. The Birmingham Zoo is the only AZA-accredited zoo in

Shown are, from left, Allyson Mouron, Carrywell community relations coordinator; Mallory Wear, Carrywell executive director; Hallie Dawson, Carrywell director of development.

Blessed Brokenness Rebrands as Carrywell, Expands Services

Alabama.

“We are extremely proud to have achieved AZA accreditation through maintaining the highest standards in animal care and welfare and providing a fun, safe and educational family experience,” Chris Pfefferkorn, Birmingham Zoo president and CEO, said in a statement.

“This is a testament to the outstanding leadership of your zoo’s board of directors and the dedication and commitment of the zoo’s staff,”

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Blessed Brokenness has changed its name to Carrywell and launched Carrywell Groups and Grants.

The faith-based organization supports women and couples struggling with infertility by offering support groups and financial assistance for medical treatments.

Support groups meet weekly for about 10 weeks. Registration for sessions beginning in September and November is open. Visit www.Carrywell.org.

The women-only version of the support groups are based on the book “The Hannah Anointing.”

The organization began in 2018 with one Birmingham-based group for women and now offers groups for women and couples in 16 states.

“The path to parenthood can be challenging, so providing support through our faith-based Carrywell Groups, financial assistance for fertility treatments through our grant program and Invocell partnership, and additional services are crucial resources for couples facing infertility and loss,” Executive Director Mallory Wear said in a statement from Carrywell. “Although our mission remains the same, our heart is to meet people where they are, cultivate and grow relationships and reach those near and far who are on their journey to hope and healing in a hard-to-navigate season.”

Invocell is an affordable in vitro fertilization method that is one-third the cost of traditional IVF. Carrywell is working to raise more than $75,000 for grants to provide financial assistance for fertility treatments to conceive.

The organization also offers a grief grant program, in which it has partnered with Christian counselors to offer discounted sessions and priority scheduling for those who have lost children, according to its website.

American Village Board Names New President and CEO Alan B. Miller, a criminal defense attorney from Chelsea, has been named the new president and CEO of the American Village.

Miller replaces American Village founder and former President Tom Walker, Alan B. Miller who retired in February. Walker will continue as president emeritus.

“Alan is committed to continuing our educational mission of building new leaders by teaching the foundations which built this great country we all are honored to call home,” Carol Brown, chair of the American Village Citizenship Trust board of trustees, said in a statement.

“We look forward to his tenure at the village as we move into a period of growth and new and exciting

he continued. “We appreciate the continued support of the community in recognizing that we are a vital resource for working together to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders in the conservation of our natural world.”

Pfefferkorn also has been elected to the AZA board of directors, which guides AZA to support member zoos and aquariums, conserve endangered species and educate the public. There are 241 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums globally.

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partnerships that will continue to expand our reach outside the village campus.”

Miller, who was appointed by the board in July, was a founding partner of Hepburn & Miller LLC in Shelby County.

He also has been executive director of Shelby County COMPACT 2020 and chief assistant district attorney for the 18th Circuit District Attorney’s Office in Columbiana.

He is a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve with experience in the Marine Forces Europe, in the Republic of Georgia; the 4th Marine Logistics Group and Force Headquarters Group, both in New Orleans; and the 3rd Battalion 14th Marines, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He attended Air War College in Montgomery.

Birmingham Zoo Maintains Accreditation The Birmingham Zoo has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, indicating it has met the highest of standards in all aspects of operations, including animal care and welfare, education and conservation.

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LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

FALL ARTS PREVIEW

Samford School of the Arts Sets Performance Schedule of Almost 100 Events

By Ashley Smith

Samford University

T

The critically acclaimed SPA Trio featuring Susanna Phillips, soprano, Paul Neubauer, viola and Anne-Marie McDermott, piano, will be performing on Oct. 6 as part of Samford University’s annual Davis Architects Guest Artist Series.

he School of the Arts at Samford University has a performance season planned that includes almost 100 events, including well-known artists, student ensembles and faculty events.

The season includes the annual Davis Architects Guest Artist Series, the Emma Taylor Theatre for Youth Series, the Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series, the Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series, and an Art and Design Series highlighting one of Alabama’s most notable artists – Thornton Dial (see story on page 9).

It kicks off with the Faculty Gala, which will take place Sept. 13 in Brock Recital Hall.

This event is sponsored by Ann and Howard Holt. Other faculty to perform throughout the year include Joel Scott Davis, Brian Viliunas, Cindy St. Clair, Sadie Goodman, Brad Diamond, Michael Averett and the Samford String Quartet.

The Davis series, which is in partnership with the Birmingham Chamber Music Society, will feature five performances: euphonium player Demondrae Thurman with pianist

See SAMFORD, page 12

Local Theater Legend Carl Stewart Lost This Year

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Terrific New Theatre Facebook

irmingham’s theater scene lost one of its greats this year as Carl Stewart, who for more than 40 years at Birmingham Festival Theatre and Terrific New Theatre helped mold what Birmingham theater is today, died at the age of 80.

“Carl was a larger-than-life presence who

took up a lot of space in the room,” an announcement of his death by TNT stated.

“Some might say he was Birmingham’s most infamous curmudgeon, but there was a heart beneath that cantankerous nature, and everyone who ever worked with Carl is better for having done so. He was truly one of a kind, and his legacy will remain for decades to come through the artists he shaped, the theaters he

Carl Stewart

Alabama Ballet at Home Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-23 A home studio performance of an all-new repertoire that offers a chance to see the dancers perform in an intimate atmosphere with complimentary drinks and an affordable ticket price of $20. At Home offers the excitement of live ballet performances in the company’s studio in the Lakeview District.

The Nutcracker, Dec. 16-23 Tickets are on sale for “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” at the BJCC Concert Hall.

The Alabama Ballet remains one of only eight companies in the world granted the rights by The Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday classic.

ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA alabamasymphony.org

‘Larger-Than-Life’

By Alec Harvey

ALABAMA BALLET alabamaballet.org

Alabama Ballet

Planning for the Season

founded and the audiences he entertained.”

Stewart grew up in Florala, attended Florida State University and moved to New York to study acting with Stella Adler. In New York, he became director of supernumeraries (the extras in opera) for the New York City Opera.

He returned to Alabama in 1968 before leaving for California with friends.

After a brief stint there, he settled back in Birmingham, where he was a hairdresser by day and a prolific and acclaimed director by night.

Stewart, Vic Fichtner and Randy Marsh cofounded Birmingham Festival Theatre, and Stewart directed BFT’s first show, “Threepenny Opera.” He would go on to direct more than 60 shows at BFT. Birmingham Festival But that was Theatre Marks 50th only the beginning.

Year. Page 13 In 1986, Stewart and his partner, Steve Stella, opened Terrific New Theatre, where Stewart directed every show produced by the theater until he retired in 2016. Stella designed every show until his death in 1996.

Though he would do well-known works, Stewart’s preference was little-known plays and musicals that audiences wouldn’t find anywhere else.

BFT is still in existence, though TNT closed its doors earlier this year, and actors See STEWART, page 13

Symphony 30 Picnic, Sept 25, The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform a selection of music during the picnic at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. There is a kids zone including crafts and other activities

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

8 • Thursday, September 8, 2022

available during the concert. The picnic will include a buffet by Urban Cookhouse with wine, beer, water and tea, and all proceeds will go to supporting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s outreach missions.

Opening Masterworks: Pictures at an Exhibition, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 Pictures at an Exhibition takes the listener on a musical journey through an art gallery. Valerie Coleman’s 7 O’clock Shout, an anthem inspired by the tireless efforts of frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic, opens the concert, which will also feature two compelling works

by Ravel, including his Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, performed by award-winning pianist Yakov Kasman.

See FALL ARTS, page 10

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

By Ashley Smith

Critically Acclaimed

S

Samford Art Gallery Part of Multi-Gallery Thornton Dial Exhibit Thornton Dial, McCalla, Alabama, 2007 (courtesy of the artist, ©️ Jerry Siegel)

amford University has partnered with the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Maus Contemporary art gallery and the Wiregrass Museum to present the first Alabama solo exhibition for the late Thornton Dial Sr. The overall multi-venue retrospective will include “Thornton Dial: I, Too, Am Alabama” at the AbromsEngel Institute for the Visual Arts at UAB. It presents seminal works from the 1980s alongside major works from the height of his production and some of his later works.

At Samford, “I, Too, Am Thornton Dial,” curated by Paul Barrett, focuses on Dial’s works on paper. It will then travel to the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan and then onto the Louisiana State University Museum of Art. “Anyone Can Move a Mountain,” at Maus Contemporary, will feature works by the artists commissioned to write for AEIVA’s catalog.

Although works on paper are sometimes dismissed, the Samford exhibition makes the case that Dial’s drawings are as significant to his practice as his monumental assemblages and powerful in their own right. It includes drawings on loan from the Dial family and public and private collections, with many works never before exhibited or published.

Before “I, Too, Am Thornton Dial,” only “Thornton Dial: Thoughts on Paper,” organized by the Ackland

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LIFE

Dial’s work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at the American Folk Art Museum, the New Museum, Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Indianapolis Museum of Art, New Orleans Museum of Art, Mint Museum and the High Museum of Art.

Art Museum at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, has previously focused on the strength of Dial’s drawings. That exhibit also was shown at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in 2013.

“We are most fortunate to have works loaned from the Dial family and other significant private collections, including Samford alumni,” Barrett said. “Their generosity allowed me to show a great variety of techniques and subject matter. The inclusion of two major paintings and a selection of small sculptures from the

1980s provides context so visitors can connect the works on paper with both earlier and later Thornton Dial works.”

Along with a range of works on paper, this exhibition features a 2007 photograph of Thornton Dial in his studio in McCalla, taken by Jerry Siegel. The image had never been printed before and was selected specifically for this exhibition. Another portrait of Thornton Dial’s created that day was selected for the cover of Siegel’s first monograph, “Facing South: Portraits of Southern Artists,”

published in 2012.

Barrett said he hoped visitors to the exhibit being shown at the Samford University Art Gallery Sept.

15-Dec. 2 will also visit “Anyone Can Move a Mountain” at Maus Contemporary, open through Oct. 1, and “Thornton Dial: I, Too, Am Alabama” at the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts at UAB Sept. 9-Dec. 10.

“Working alongside guest curator Paul Barrett and having Samford Art Gallery be included in his historic visionary multi-venue curatorial proj-

ect has been especially inspiring,” Lauren Evans, gallery director and assistant professor of art at Samford, said. “I can’t wait to witness the widespread impact that presenting Thornton Dial’s work here on our campus promises to provide to both Samford and our Birmingham community.”

Dial, 1928-2016, was one of Alabama’s most critically acclaimed artists, and his works can be found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the High Museum of Art, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Birmingham Museum of Art and numerous other important institutions.

His work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at the American Folk Art Museum, the New Museum, Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Indianapolis Museum of Art, New Orleans Museum of Art, Mint Museum and the High Museum of Art. A catalog featuring new essays and many artworks never presented to the public will be available at the opening reception Sept. 15, 4:30-7 p.m. The exhibit is made possible through a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the MISA Collaborative, a partnership between Samford University and Miles College.

The Samford Art Gallery is in 153 Swearingen Hall, which is free to enter and open to the public MondayFriday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

G I B F ON O

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BROWN in Concert

OCT 7 - 8 2022

DEC 1 - 18 2022

FEB 3 - 19 2023

MAR 31 - APR 16 2023

JUNE 2 - 25 2023

JUL 21 -AUG 13 2023

SAMFORD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS presents the

D A V I S

A R C H I T E C T S

GUEST ARTIST SERIES in partnership with the Birmingham Chamber Music Society

SPA Trio OCT. 6, 7:30 p.m.

Demondrae Thurman, euphonium with Kathryn Fouse, piano SEPT. 22, 7:30 p.m.

Itamar Zorman, violin with Adam Golka, piano Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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Spencer Myer, piano Part of the Morris Piano Competition and Festival Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.

Camille Thomas, cello April 11, 7:30 p.m.

Brock Recital Hall tickets.samford.edu • 205-726-2853 All events subject to change.

FALL ARTS From page 8

ASO Continued

Bach’s Musical Offering, Oct. 11 Celebrate one of history’s greatest composers with concertmaster Daniel Szasz and special guests Lisa Wienhold, Carlos Izcaray and Lester Seigel performing Bach’s Musical Offering. One of his last major compositions and a monument to the art of counterpoint, Bach’s Musical Offering is a collection of fugues, canons and other works based on a theme given to him by Frederick the Great.

Beethoven’s Third Symphony: Eroica, Oct. 28 and 29 Explore the revolutionary and stirring Eroica (Heroic) Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven. These concerts also kick off a year-long exploration of the music of Magic City native Brian Raphael Nabors with his Letters from Birmingham.

West Side Story Symphonic Dances Nov. 18 and 19 Join the ASO to celebrate one of Bernstein’s most joyful creations, West Side Story Symphonic Dances. The concert also will feature the world premiere of the Hammond Organ Concerto by Birmingham native Brian Raphael Nabors.

ASO at Avon: Bach’s Brandenburg 2 & Holiday Brass, Dec. 1

Witness the seamless polyphony and ethereal beauty of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 featuring incredible soloists from the Orchestra: Paul Halberstadt, Lisa Wienhold, James Sullivan, and Ryan Beach.

In addition you’ll hear the beautiful sounds of holiday music scored for brass ensemble and the charming and gallant Symphony No. 29 by W.A. Mozart.

The Dance Foundation is

a non-profit organization with the mission to teach the art of dance to all, inspiring creativity, curiosity and confidence. We strive to create an inviting, non-competitive, inclusive environment to be, to move, to explore and to discover.

Everyone is welcome. Classes start Sept. 6.

Dance with us!

2022-2023 Season Moving Together, ages 1 and 2 Movement to Music, ages 2-4 Young Dancer Program, K-2nd Dance for Students With Disabilities Dance Artist Program, 3rd-12th Adult Classes Live music through 1st grade

thedancefoundation.org Homewood | 205.870.0073

ALYS STEPHENS CENTER alysstephens.org Lonnie Holley featuring Lee Bains Sept. 10 Artist Lonnie Holley has devoted his life to the practice of improvisational creativity in art and music, never performing the same song twice. Lee Bains is an alternative Southern rock musician. Both are from Birmingham.

Croce Plays Croce, Sept. 13 It’s the 50th anniversary of Jim Croce’s “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim.” A.J. Croce performs Croce Plays Croce, a night of music featuring a complete set of classics by his late father, some of his own tunes and songs that influenced both him and his father.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Sept. 16 For more than a quarter of century, Kenny Wayne Shepherd has played some of the most hard-driving rock ‘n’ roll around. The young Louisiana musician who erupted onto the mid-

’90s scene with his burn-it down guitar solos and gut-punch songcraft has become even more magnetic. He still is pushing his Fender Strat while diving deep into human truths and personal evolution with an honesty that comes only with miles on the clock.

Kevin Spencer, Sensory Inclusive Magic Show, Sept. 18 Kevin Spencer, Ph.D, is an artist who believes in creating inclusive communities where everyone could experience an authentic sense of belonging and no one is relegated to the margins.

He is an educator, teaching artist, researcher, consultant, speaker, curriculum designer, award-winning film producer and long-time UAB Arts in Medicine partner. Spencer also is widely considered to be the leading authority on the educational and therapeutic benefits of magic tricks in education and rehabilitation. He returns to Birmingham in September for his annual residency.

Concert Artists Guild Series: Vision Duo, Oct. 13 Vision Duo, composed of violinist Ariel Horowitz and percussionist BrittonRené Collins, performs classical works with a contemporary twist. Through an exploration of musical genres and sonic possibilities for violin and percussion, Vision Duo seeks to contribute to the ongoing redefinition of classical music programming and structures.

Roseanne Cash, Oct 21 One of the country’s pre-eminent singer/songwriters, Rosanne Cash has released 15 albums of extraordinary songs that have earned four Grammy Awards and nominations for 11 more.

Lizz Wright, Oct. 23 Acclaimed vocalist Lizz Wright is a steward of American music, bringing brilliant color and vibrancy to original works and compositions by some of the greatest songwriters of our time.

Wright gained widespread attention as one of the most venerable popular singers of her generation through the release of five critically acclaimed albums.

Concert Artists Guild Series: The Balourdet String Quartet, Nov. 3 The Balourdet String Quartet, based in Boston, is in residence at the New England Conservatory’s Professional String Quartet Program. The quartet received the Grand Prize at the 2021 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition as well as the top prize awarded in the 2021 Premio Paolo Borciani in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

The group also received the Gold Medal in the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the Gold Medal and Audience Award at the 2021 Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition, and the Second Prize in the 2019 Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition.

Geena Davis, Nov. 10 Two-time Academy Award winner Geena Davis is one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, appearing in several roles that became cultural landmarks, such as Muriel Pritchett in “The Accidental Tourist,” Thelma in “Thelma & Louise,” and Dottie Hinson in “A League of Their Own.” She is also a world-class athlete, having at one time been the nation’s

Alys Stephens Center

10 • Thursday, September 8, 2022

13th-ranked archer, and a member of the high-IQ society Mensa. She also is recognized for her tireless advocacy of women and girls, as founder and chair of the nonprofit Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, which engages film and television creators to dramatically increase the percentage of female characters and reduce gender stereotyping in media made for children.

BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL THEATRE bftonline.org “How I Learned to Drive” Sept. 23 - Oct. 9 A wildly funny, surprising and devastating tale of survival as seen through the lens of a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man. “How I Learned to Drive” is the story of a woman who learns the rules of the road and life from behind the wheel.

“Side by Side by Sondheim” Nov. 4-20 Get ready to laugh, cry and fall in love with lyrics that are heartbreakingly true and music that captures the soaring emotions of a new generation with “Side by Side by Sondheim.”

Simple and unpretentious, this Tony Award-winning musical is a perfect introduction to the work of this contemporary master and a must for diehard fans.

BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE bftonline.org “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” Sept. 10 and 24 A new galactic recruit, a missing star and a bit of unexpected mayhem create the world of the Star Keepers.

Every night, the Star Keepers must make sure each star is awake and ready to shine, but what happens when one goes missing? This interactive play takes kids ages 0-5 years on a journey that reminds all of us that mistakes happen, but no problem is too big if you ask for help.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

“The Emperor’s New Clothes” Oct. 22 and 29 In honor of its 75th anniversary, join BCT for the show that started it all back in 1947. Adapted from the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale, Birmingham playwright Lee Shackleford has penned an updated version of the story of two opportunistic weavers who make a fool of a vain king and his entourage.

While speaking the truth and doing what is right is not always easy, lying to hide vulnerabilities can leave people exposed.

BROADWAY IN BIRMINGHAM americantheatreguild.com/ birmingham/shows/ “Anastasia,” Oct. 25-30 Anastasia, a romantic and adventurefilled new musical, is a dazzling show that transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave

young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART artsbma.org A Gift of Photographs from John Hagefstration, until Nov. 1 Birmingham-based collector John Hagefstration’s gift of close to 300 photographs is an example of a transformative offering, vastly expanding the museum’s collection representing the history of photography in the United States and beyond.

the museum’s permanent collection that shows the influence and use of light in art.

Ways of Seeing: Sports and Games until May 21 The exhibition is drawn from across the museum’s permanent collection that shows the influence of sports and games on art. From ancient to contemporary, art has emphasized the importance of sports to societies

Journal photo by Maury Wald

“Amelia Earhart” Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and 22 A curious reporter begins to uncover the story of Amelia Earhart’s mysterious disappearance, and what he finds along the way pieces together the thrilling life story of one of America’s most fascinating heroines.

Just as the world was inspired by one young woman’s courage to dare the impossible, this show will inspire young audiences to undertake their biggest, wildest dreams.

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Expanding Darshan: Manjari Sharma, To See and Be Seen, until Jan.15 Bringing together the striking work of rising star and contemporary artist Manjari Sharma with the diverse historic collections of the Birmingham Museum of Art, this exhibition introduces nine of the most significant deities of the Hindu pantheon and their contemporary relevance in art and faith, serving as a gateway to the concept of darshan, seeing and being seen by the divine.

Light Play, until Jan. 29 Light Play is an exhibition drawn from

based contemporary artist Rico Gatson, who will transform the walls of the museum lobby with a colorful, lifesized image of an iconic Birmingham figure and an abstract composition.

BLUFF PARK ART ASSOCIATION bluffparkartassociation.org 59th annual Bluff Park Art Show Oct. 1 The ever-popular Bluff Park Art Show will be held at the Hoover Met this year, a one-off relocation due to construction at its usual site in Bluff Park. The show features works in a variety of mediums created by local and regional artists.

HOMEWOOD THEATRE homewoodtheatre.com

globally. While images of athletes and games have had major impacts on artistic practices worldwide, art has also shaped the image of the athlete in popular consciousness. Drawing a parallel between the artists and athletes, this exhibition reveals the longstanding relationship between art and sports and games. Local artist Steve Skipper’s “Forever Bart” on display above.

Wall to Wall: Rico Gaston until July 2023 The second iteration of Wall to Wall presented by PNC features Brooklyn-

Three on a String, Sept. 9 They play bluegrass and folk music – and keep you laughing while they do it! Jerry Ryan, Bobby Horton, Brad Ryan and Andy Meginniss provide “good, clean, hilarious entertainment.” Three on a String is four entertaining guys who have learned their craft and enjoy sharing their talents with each new audience.

Neil Simon’s “I Ought to be in Pictures,” Oct. 27 - Nov. 6 This classic Neil Simon comedy is about a scriptwriter who is surprised by his teenage daughter and her dreams of movie stardom.

THE LIBRARY THEATRE hooverlibrary.org/thelibrarytheatre The Abrams, Sept. 22 and 23 Brothers John and James Abrams became the youngest Canadians to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in 2005. They made their mark at many high-profile U.S. bluegrass festivals and toured across multiple continents while still in their teens and 20s. The Abrams are fourth generation songwriters and recording artists instilled with the ability to tell stories that speak to the hearts of their fans.

Vitaly Beckman: An Evening of Wonders, Oct. 20 and 21 Best known for fooling the legendary Penn & Teller on their hit TV show, “Fool Us,” not once but twice, Vitaly is a world-class illusionist. He orchestrates original illusions such as erasing audience members’ faces from their own driver’s licenses or causing a paintbrush to paint on its own. Brace yourself for a whole new take on magic as art is blended with illusion in this one-of-a-kind visual experience.

Pat Hazell’s Permanent Record Nov. 3 and 4 Seinfeld writer Pat Hazell uncovers his own “Permanent Record” in a confessional night of humor, heart and humanity. From his early addiction to card tricks – up to three packs a day – to his recent divorce and happily

See FALL ARTS, page 12

12 • Thursday, September 8, 2022

From page 11 ever after, Hazell (below) opens the vault to all his faults, turning a stroll down memory lane into a high-speed chase down memory highway.

FAB (Find Art Birmingham) mossrockfestival.com

OPERA BIRMINGHAM operabirmingham.org

Moss Rock Festival, Nov. 5 and 6 The nonprofit eco-festival explores nature, art and design at the Hoover Met. Mentone-based Lydia Adele Randolph (middle) will be one of the many artists with work on display at this year’s festival.

Little Red’s Most Unusual Day Oct. 15 A hilarious and adorable retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood story brought to life with the world-famous music of J. Offenbach and G. Rossini.

This children’s opera is brimming with fun and laughs. Join Little Red, her mom and granny, Forest Ranger Dudley and that sneaky wolf Mr. Bigbad himself as they discover the importance of being kind to others and always doing the right thing.

RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE redmountaintheatre.org

The Del McCoury Band, Nov. 13 The Grammy Award-winning bluegrass icon was awarded two Grammys for Best Bluegrass Album, in 2005 and 2014, as well as doubledigit Grammy nominations.

The Magical World of Santa’s Circus: Holiday Cirquetacular December 1 and 2

A spectacular holiday-themed circus production beautifully decorated to capture the essence of the season.

Celebrate wonder and joy with your favorite characters through a beautifully woven story line, breathtaking stunts, comedy and the unexpected.

Human Rights New Works Festival, Sept. 22-25 Red Mountain Theatre is working to spark world-changing conversations through great art that explores issues and emotions too difficult for words. The theater will present five pieces to explore these issues during the festival, now in its fifth year.

Jason Brown in Concert Oct. 7-8 Kick off the 2022-23 season with Broadway legend Jason Robert Brown in concert. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune for his “extraordinary, jubilant theater music,” Brown is equally skilled as a composer, lyricist, conductor, orchestrator, director and performer.

THEATER UAB uab.edu/cas/theatre/ “A New Brain” Oct. 12-16 From the Tony Award-winning authors of “Falsettos,” here is an energetic, sardonic, often comical musical about a composer during a medical crisis.

Contains strong language and mature themes.

“Sense and Sensibility” Nov. 9-12 and Nov. 16-19 A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes and misfortunes of the Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne, after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable.

VIRGINIA SAMFORD THEATRE virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Holiday Spectacular, Dec. 1-18 Cozy up to the annual Holiday Spectacular by Birmingham’s best talent and Red Mountain Theatre’s Youth Ensembles (above).

Courtesy Sozo Children

FALL ARTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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Beehive: The ‘60s Musical Oct. 20-30 The show highlights songs by women who sang in the 1960s, from Connie Francis to Janis Joplin.

Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man Jr.,” Nov. 17-20 A young cast performs the classic Broadway musical.

The Wright Center on the campus of Samford University will host several events, including Sozo Children’s Choir, above, on Sept. 27.

SAMFORD From page 8

Kathryn Fouse on Sept. 22, SPA Trio on Oct. 6, violinist Itamar Zorman with pianist Adam Golka on Jan. 24, pianist Spencer Myer on Feb. 9, and cellist Camille Thomas on April 11.

All events in the Davis series will be in Brock Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.

There will be a pre-concert reception for the SPA Trio event and a pre-concert lecture for the Zorman concert, both of which start at 7 p.m.

The theater season will begin with the Emma Taylor Theatre for Youth’s performance of “Orphie and the Book of Heroes,” Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Harrison Theatre. The Freeman series launches with “Mr. Burns, a PostElectric Play,” which will be presented on the Boren Courtyard Stage Oct. 27-30.

The Art and Design Series started this summer with “Good on Paper,” works by printmakers Liz Chalfin and Noah Breuer. The exhibition coincided with the inaugural Alabama Printmaking Conference in partner-

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ship with PaperWorkers Local. It runs until Sept. 8.

“I, Too, Am Thornton Dial,” being presented Sept. 15-Dec. 2, is a partnership exhibit with Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Wiregrass Museum. It is the first Alabama solo exhibition for the late Thornton Dial Sr. Curated by Paul Barrett, the presentation at Samford focuses on Dial’s works on paper.

The president of the White House Historical Association, Stewart McLaurin, will speak at Samford on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in Brock Recital Hall.

Graphic design student work will be on display at the end of the fall semester. The exhibit “Mother Nature/ Mother Nurture” will run Jan. 12-Feb 23, followed by the Art and Design Student Showcase March 16-April 6 and the Studio Art Seniors exhibit April 13-29.

The Smith Opera Series will present “Amahl and the Night Visitors” for Samford’s holiday production, running Dec. 1-4 in Harrison Theatre.

This event is sponsored by Elouise Williams. Opera students will also present their annual workshop in the spring.

Student ensembles will perform in the fall and the spring semester, including the Samford Orchestra, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Commercial Music Series ensemble Lakeshore, A Cappella Choir, University Chorale, Marching Band, Chamber Ensembles and the Worship Arts Ensemble.

The Wright Center also will host several events, including Samford alumnus and magician David Garrard on Sept. 22, Sozo Children’s Choir on Sept. 27, several Alabama Symphony Orchestra concerts, the Birmingham Boys Choir Christmas Concert on Dec. 12 and Opera Birmingham’s Sounds of the Season on Dec. 19.

Wright Center events and tickets can be found at Samford.edu/wrightcenter.

A full calendar of events can be found at Samford.edu/arts/events, with tickets available at tickets.samford. edu.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

STEWART From page 8

Stewart directed are appearing on stages all over Birmingham and, in some cases, around the country.

“I was only 20 when he put me in ‘Jacques Brel,’” said Carolyn Messina, who performed numerous times in Stewart shows. “He and Steve were at the top of their game, and I was able to be a part of the ‘old core regime’ as a mere pup. … I was so fortunate to have known him when he was still spreading stardust and it was art for art’s sake. I wouldn’t be who I am as an artist without his influence.”

“Carl Stewart forever changed the landscape of the performing-arts scene in Birmingham by introducing a brand of theater that was new to mainstream audiences here in the 1970s and 1980s: avant-garde, sometimes controversial, often racy, but always entertaining,” then-interim president of the TNT board Chuck Evans said at the time of his death.

“Every actor who ever worked under him learned the most valuable lessons about their craft and, really, about life. Carl’s legacy will be felt for many years to come through the brilliant work of his pupils and the treasure trove of ‘Carl stories’ collected over the past 50 years by artists and patrons alike,” he continued.

Evans himself acted in several productions directed by Stewart.

“As someone who didn’t get ‘bit by the acting bug’ until my mid-30s, I was blessed by the gods to have been directed by Carl Stewart seven times,” Evans said. “My first show at TNT was ‘El Grande de Coca Cola’ in 2008. Although I had made my acting debut on a different Birmingham stage four years earlier, I was still very much a novice actor when Carl cast me – not having had the benefit of a high school theater program or acting classes.

“Under Carl’s direction, I was a

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LIFE

‘Honoring Our Roots’

Birmingham Festival Theatre Marks 50th Year Birmingham Festival Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The organization has been offering theater in the Magic City since 1972 and has been a pillar of historic Five Points South since 1973, according to a statement from the theater’s board of directors.

The 50th season kicked off this month.

“This year, we are honoring our roots for our milestone anniversary,” the statement read.

The Play Selection Committee came up with the idea to honor the theater group’s history by selecting a show from each decade and closing with a show that is new to not only Birmingham Festival Theatre but also to Alabama.

“There are also three Studio BFT shows added throughout the season.

The Studio BFT pieces were selected with keeping in mind the edgy, black box theater we began to be, while also showcasing where we are going,” the statement said. dry sponge soaking up an enormous amount of knowledge, not only about acting technique, but also about communicating to an audience and about life lessons and, ultimately, about myself. Thanks to Carl, I

‘Every actor who ever worked under him learned the most valuable lessons about their craft and, really, about life.’

CHUCK EVANS, FORMER BOARD PRESIDENT OF TNT

can call myself an actor without feeling like a fraud. I loved that man, faults and all, and will forever be grateful to him.”

Tam DeBolt, an actress who took over as TNT’s executive director

after Stewart retired, said: “Carl Stewart’s spirit and love of theater will live in all of us who knew him.

If you ever worked with Carl, you knew his room-filling laugh, you have a favorite quote from rehearsal and you probably learned something you didn’t know before.”

Stewart talked about his legacy in a story in Iron City Ink when he retired.

“It used to always bother me that still, after all this time, we only can seat 98 people, and I was hoping the day would come that would demand that we have more seats to fill,” Stewart said. “But that didn’t happen. What did happen is all the other theaters started opening up, and in that sense, there are more chairs.

You can’t fling a cat in Birmingham without seeing a theater, and that possibly might be my legacy.”

Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 13

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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14 • Thursday, September 8, 2022

Alex and Katherine Gast and Debbie and Billy Johnson

William King III, Christopher Biggens and Susan E Sellers

JOURNEY OF HOPE United Ability Celebrates With Evening of Awards and Entertainment

U

nited Ability on Aug. 20 celebrated families it serves along with dedicated staff during the Journey of Hope event at the Red Mountain Theatre Arts.

Among those honored was Christopher Biggens, the world’s newly third-ranked golfer with a disability. Angela Rhetta, supervisor of United Ability’s Life Enrichment Program at LINCPoint Adult Program, received the 2nd annual Dr. Gary Edwards Award of Inspiration.

Brianna Collichio, who has cystic fibrosis and who sang the National Anthem for three NFL football games, performed. A silent auction and cocktail reception followed the program. ❖

Chris Alexander, Christopher Alexander Jr. and Abe Bernstein

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Leland Record, Kelly Lampkin and Julie Brandrup.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 15

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Journal photos by Jordan Wald

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Ken and Nina Botsford, Claude and Kate Nielsen and John Sherman

Welcome and Thank You Six Being Added to Kiwanis Business Hall of Fame

The Kiwanis Club of Birmingham added six new members to its Business Hall of Fame at an event at The Fennec on Aug. 25.

This year’s inductees included Kirkwood R. Balton of Booker T. Washington Insurance Co., Thomas E. Jernigan of Marathon Corp. and Judy M. Merritt of Jefferson State Community College, who are all deceased; Claude B.

Nielsen of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United; and the brothers David W. Wood II and John H. Wood of Wood Fruitticher Grocery Co. Each year, a committee selects for induction in the Hall of Fame business leaders who have shown strong leadership and made extraordinary contributions to the Greater Birmingham area. ❖

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Rehab Reality...

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

by Judy Butler

The Art of Healthy Living

I recently had a call from a young man about his mother who was in the hospital and was convinced that she was addicted to the medication she was taking. Her pain management doctor said that was not the case. When you think about it why would he? After all he would lose a patient (customer) if he agreed that she might be addicted to whatever medication he was subscribing.

We, at Bayshore Retreat, hear this all too often. We have a holistic approach to getting our clients healthy. Dr. Donchey sees them when they first arrive and goes over their medical history with them. He might suggest alternatives or perhaps a wean down program of meds that can either be illuminated or substituted with non-addictive alternatives.

After extensive blood tests are done we begin sauna and massage therapy to help clients rid their bodies of the toxins.

It’s about health with vitamins, freshly prepared meals by a chef and exercise. This combined with about 30 hours of counseling weekly helps our clients find new beginnings.

It’s easy to lose tract of healthy living and hard to get back on track especially when an injury or incident introduces a substance to ease the pain.

Some have never been there to begin with therefore Bayshore Retreat can be their kick start to a new healthier life.

People leave there with a new outlook and the understanding that we’re only a phone call away should they falter. Because of our small size (only 6 clients at a time) there is a bonding between staff and clients that strengthens the fortitude to be successful.

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20 • Thursday, September 8, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Food of Their Ancestors

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

St. George Food Fest Offers Middle Eastern Fare, Culture

By Anne Ruisi

A

Rolling Leaves

On a recent Saturday cooking effort, about 80 church members worked on the rolled grape leaves.

Piles of prepared grape leaves were set before the dozens of volunteers, who took a leaf off the pile, placed a healthy dollop of the meat mixture onto the green leaf and carefully rolled it into a cylinder, tucking the sides in to create a neat roll.

Megerdigian and another volunteer, Jeanine Danforah of Vestavia Hills, recalled making rolled grape leaves with their own mothers when

Spinach Pies Recipe from “Our Favorite Recipes” by the Society of Saint Anne of Saint George Church Makes 20 pies. May be eaten hot or cold.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

nnette Ritchey remembers visiting her grandfather’s homeland of Greece at 13 and watching people stomp grapes on one of the islands.

Years later, on a recent Saturday morning, she was in the parish hall of St. George MelkiteGreek Catholic Church on Birmingham’s Southside working with other church volunteers to use another part of the grapevine to make warak – rolled grape leaves stuffed with meat, rice and fragrant spices – for the church’s 40th annual Middle Eastern Food Festival being held Sept. 22-24.

“We do the grape leaves over two days. We’ll make 18,000,” said Ritchey, a North Shelby County resident who is co-chair of this year’s festival with her son, Jeremy Ritchey of Hoover.

The festival is an annual event at the 101-year-old church featuring traditional favorites based on church members’ family recipes passed down through the generations.

Falafel, meat pies, spinach pies and hummus are on the menu, as are kibbe – a baked ground beef dish mixed with cracked wheat and spices – golden baked chicken and green beans simmered with crushed tomatoes, spices, onions and garlic.

Sweets for dessert include pastries such as baklava and zalabieh, or Arabic doughnuts. Booza, a type of Arabic ice cream, and Arabic coffee will be available.

The menu is online at www.saintgeorgeonline. org and everything is prepared in the parish hall’s commercial kitchen.

About 8,000 people will be served during the three-day festival, Jeremy Ritchey said.

Preparing all that food is a Herculean effort.

Everyone pitches in, including several children who came with their parents.

“The kids all have a job. The small ones might put trays on a rack and push the racks to the kitchen,” Annette Ritchey said.

“This is a family affair,” noted volunteer Suzan Megerdigian of Hoover.

Work has been going on since early July, with members cooking different menu items on Saturday mornings. In mid-August, for example, church members cooked 1,500 pounds of kibbee – that’s 500 pounds short of a ton.

They’ve also made 4,098 pieces of falafel, 5,800 meat pies, 2,800 half chickens, 900 mamoul cookies and 4,200 ka’ak cookies in plain and date varieties, Annette Ritchey said.

The ka’ak cookies are circular rings representing that God is never ending, she said.

JoAnn Shahid added that the ka’ak is made using a Lebanese recipe from the family of her husband, Rickey Shahid.

Basic dough for spinach pies INGREDIENTS: 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon Crisco shortening 1 package yeast 1 cup warm water Piles of prepared grape leaves were set before the dozens of volunteers, who took a leaf off the pile, placed a healthy dollop of the meat mixture onto the green leaf and carefully rolled it into a cylinder, tucking the sides in to create a neat roll.

Dissolve yeast in warm water and place in a bowl with other ingredients. Mix thoroughly and knead until smooth.

Cover bowl with wax paper and a folded towel to keep warm. Allow dough to rest for 1½ hours. Roll dough out thin and cut with a large biscuit butter for individual pies.

Spinach filling INGREDIENTS:

2 10-ounce packages frozen spinach ½ cup vegetable oil Juice of 5 lemons 1 large onion, chopped fine ¼ cup pine nuts 1 tablespoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper

they were young, and it’s a tradition they’ve passed on to their own children.

While making rolled grape leaves is the main task today, a number of volunteers are working on making the last 1,000 spinach pies of the 7,000 being prepared for the festival. They place a small mound of spinach mixed with chopped

‘We want people to see what Middle Eastern Christians are like.’ onions, lemon juice and spices on a round of yeast dough and fold the edges to create a triangle.

The triangles are partly baked so the dough rises, then cooled down and placed in the church hall’s walk-in freezer, along with all the other food prepared in advance. Each day of the festival, the spinach pies will be thawed and then warmed, which will finish the baking process.

The Rev. Justin Rose, St. George’s pastor, said it was humbling that so many church members have volunteered.

Rose said he’s happy the church can contribute to the cultural renaissance he’s seen in Birmingham in the past few years.

This year’s food festival has a full menu, unlike the menu last year, which was abbreviated because of the COVID pandemic, Annette

Ritchey said. Arabic salad is back, and individual sweets are, too. Last year, sweets were served in variety boxes. This year, they will be served in packages of two.

Church members will make the sweets Sept.

10.

Festivalgoers will not only have a lot of food to try. There will be continuous guided church tours during the festival, many led by church member Rosalie Ritchey of Hoover.

“I love this church and I am so proud of this church. Giving tours, to me, is one of my favorite things to do,” Rosalie Ritchey said. She said the highlight of the tour for her is to see scripture come alive through the icons in the church.

Vendors will be selling items such as handcarved olive wood from the Holy Land, Byzantine icons and literature, glass jewelry made from the church’s original stained glass and the church’s cookbook, “Our Favorite Recipes.”

Entertainment will be available throughout the weekend, including performances from Amin and the Sultans, a band from New York that plays Middle Eastern music, and cultural dancing by the children of the parish.

All this helps the church, which is Catholic but follows the Eastern Orthodox tradition, and its members share their culture, Annette Ritchey said.

“We want people to see what Middle Eastern Christians are like,” her son added.

Thaw spinach, squeeze as dry as possible and chop coarsely. Mix spinach and all ingredients in a large bowl.

Using basic dough recipe, roll out on floured board and cut into approximately 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Center each round with a heaping tablespoon of spinach mixture.

Fold into triangles, pressing edges together firmly.

Place in greased baking pan, spaced an 1/8 inch apart. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

St. George’s Food Festival

Hours for dine-in and take-out at St. George’s Middle Eastern Food Festival, Sept.

22-24, are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and drivethrough hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Orders of more than $100 can be delivered that Thursday and Friday and must be placed the day before.

For deliveries within 5 miles of Saint George, orders can be placed online at www. saintgeorgeonline.org. For deliveries outside of that 5-mile radius, call (205) 492-9621 or email foodorders@saintgeorgeonline.org.

Curbside and pickup orders can be placed online at www.saintgeorgeonline.org.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 21

Thank you!

Ir n City Chef Vestavia Hills Rotary Club

This Vestavia Hills Rotary and Sunrise Clubs Thanks to the generosity of these Participants, Community Partners Rotary and Corporate/Individual Spo event raised over $13,000 in donations supporting Vestavia Hills Rotary Club and our programs to improve our community and world.

Alex Fokkens was born in South Africa and raised in Cape Town, where he attended the University of Cape Town and earned his bachelor’s degree in music.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Particpating Chefs

‘It Starts Here’

o Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q TAILGATE PARTNERS o Moe’s Original Bar B Que o Shane’s Rib Shack Baumhower's Victory Grille o The Culinary & Hospitality Institute of Jefferson State Community College

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ASFA Music Department Head to Lead ASO Youth Orchestra

By Anne Ruisi When last year in his native South Africa Alex Fokkens heard about an opportunity to head the music department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, he didn’t hesitate to apply.

“This job is exactly what I was looking for,” said the Hoover resident, who got the job and arrived in Birmingham a year ago this month. “I always enjoyed working with young people.”

Now he has the opportunity to work with even more budding musicians.

Fokkens, who teaches and directs the school’s orchestra, also is the newly appointed conductor of the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra. He held the first weekly Sunday rehearsal with the youth orchestra Aug. 28.

As conductor, he’ll be working with orchestra members, mainly high school students with a few who are college aged. Most are from the Birmingham area, but some travel from Tuscaloosa and Huntsville.

There are 79 musicians, which is a good-sized orchestra, but he’s still looking for some percussionists to join, Fokkens said.

He said his goals for the youth orchestra are one of the reasons he was excited about the possibility of working at ASFA. “You’ve got the opportunity to really mold the way they see music and how it (affects) their life, of bringing the ensemble together to create memorable moments,” Fokkens said, adding he also wants the young musicians to have fun.

“Not all of them will be professional musicians,” he noted, adding that participation in a youth orchestra teaches amazing life skills. “My ultimate goal is when they’re done, they feel like they have achieved something great and have been part of something incredible.”

Sunday rehearsals involve preparing for the youth orchestra’s three concerts

this year. The first is Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Thompson High School in Alabaster.

The concert will feature a full program, including the popular overture from the Strauss operetta, “Die Fledermaus,” Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italiene,” a piece the conductor described as “loud and fun” and four movements from Prokofiev’s ballet “Romeo and Juliet.”

Orchestra members also will play the overture to “The Boatswain’s Mate,” an opera by Ethel Smyth, an early 20th century English composer whose works are being rediscovered today.

The remaining concerts will be presented at Christmas and in April at the Alys Stephens Center.

While his new duties with the symphony Youth Orchestra are beginning, it’s clear Fokkens also relishes working with his students at ASFA. “The school is remarkable,” he said, praising the faculty and the students, whom he said work hard to be better musicians. “I’m lucky to be a part of it.”

“This next generation is the future of the arts, the musicians, audience members, the patrons. It starts here,” he said.

From Cape Town to Birmingham

Coming to Alabama has been “a really wonderful opportunity for my family,” Fokkens said.

He and his wife, pianist Margaret Foxcroft, have three grown daughters, two of whom were born in the U.S., and a son who is studying theater at ASFA. Fokkens was born in South Africa and raised in Cape Town, where he attended the University of Cape Town and earned his bachelor’s degree in music. He and his wife studied in Europe and then decided to pursue graduate studies in the U.S. Fokkens earned his master’s degree

to support Vestavia Hills First Responders; Vestavia Hills Schools Student Programs: Math, Debate and Robotics Teams; and Children's of Alabama Critical Care Transport Team Go to www.vestaviarotary.org to see event pictures

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TEAMS & SPONSORS in double bass performance from Texas Christian University in 1999 and purAmFirst Credit Union sued extensive graduate theory study, Ascension Episcopal Church according to his biography on the Bruster's Real Ice Cream Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s webo Culotta, Scoggins, Hendricks & Gilles Corporate Sponsors site.

Cahaba Benefits Group CPAs and Consultants He then to SouthBenefits Dakota for o went Allstate Cajun Steamer six years, where he was director of o Dan Moran Rocky Ridge Hardware o America’s First Federal Credit Union Core Chiropractic orchestra activities and instructor of o David City Center Crawford Square RealMartin Estate Advisors Angelica Rohner, Dentistry strings at o Northern State University in D.M.D, Pediatric o Doodle's Sorbets and Ices Crumbl Cookies Aberdeen. While there, he worked with o Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings, LLP, o Don Wiginton a youth symphony orchestra.

Dear Emmaline South Africa beckoned the family Attorneys o Feet First Partners Bank Fleet home in 2005, and overCompass the next 16 Bank o BBVA FunoStuff George Gammill years, Fokken held a variety of musical o Beach Shaggers of Birmingham Greenhalgh Insurance o graylillies Floral Design posts. He was artistic director and CEO o State BlackRock Financial Advisors Hoar Construction of the Free Symphony Orchestra, o Greenhalgh Insurance Agency, Inc. music director of the Symphony Choir Equipment & Supplies o Bresco Restaurant InnovaoCoffee Highland Bar and Grill of Cape Town, music director and cono Bromberg’s Justin Richardsono& Whit HoarStrickland Construction ductor of the University of Cape Town o Brookdale Senior Living Solutions Land & Sea o John Saddler Allstate Agency String Ensemble and Symphonic Band Mayor Curry & Jeff Downes o conductor Champion and resident of theCleaners University o John Wright Meld Financial o Chuck Conyers of Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. o Dr. Kenneth Olson Fokkens performed in La Method Mortgage o has Coca-Cola o Langley Systems, Inc., Environment Turbie, France; Ravenna, Italy; Cardiff, Mugshots o Collier’s Nursery Conservation & Ecological Services Wales; Birmingham, England; and at Planet Fitness the Royal Festival Hall in London.

Renta Urban Land Design When he accepted the ASFA job last Senior Care Authority year, COVID-19 meant it took six months to get the necessary paperwork Sentry Heating and Air before he and his family could move to Southminster Presbyterian Alabama. In Cape Town, where the Speegle Construction family lived, the U.S. consulate was State Farm John Henley shut due to the pandemic, resulting in a Steed's Jewelers delay. Once his work permit was approved, they were ready to leave for Strickland Haggerty & Allen their new home.

Vestavia Hills Sunrise Rotary Club They arrived in September 2021 and The Youngins are enjoying their new lives here.

Troup’s Pizza “We’ve been very happy moving to Vestavia Hills Fire Department Birmingham,” he said, noting how beautiful the area is.

Vestavia Hills Police Department The family is still discovering their Vestavia Hills Public Service new home and they try to explore difVestavia Hills Rotary Club ferent areas, such as Red Mountain and Your Choice Senior Care Oak Mountain parks.

At home in his spare time – when he has spare time – he tries to “tame the TOP FUNDRAISERS CORNHOLE WINNERS backyard,” where a groundhog the famCahaba Benefits Group, 1st Sentry Heating & Air ily has nicknamed “Sir Chomp-a-Lot” Strickland, Haggerty & Allen 2nd Speegle Construction has taken up residence.

“He eats a lot,” Fokkens joked.

22 • Thursday, September 8, 2022

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Mountain Brook senior quarterback John Colvin had thrown only three touchdown passes in the first two games of the season, but matched that on his first three passes last Thursday.

Colvin connected with Jackson Beatty on scoring strikes of 42 and 54 yards, sandwiched around a 53-yard touchdown toss to Clark Sanderson, as

Mountain Brook thrashed Minor 49-14 in its Class 6A, Region 5 opener at Spartan Stadium.

Colvin added a 7-yard touchdown pass to Carter Kelley for good measure in the second quarter. He finished the game 8-of-15 for 209 yards and four touchdowns. Beatty finished with four receptions for 120 yards and two TDs. In the second half, the Spartans turned to their ground game. Cole Gamble scored on runs of 19 and 68 yards in the third quarter and Will Waldrop raced 49 yards for a touchdown in the final period.

Mountain Brook had more than 300 yards rushing with Gamble running for 154 yards on 16 carries and Waldrop 101 yards on 17 attempts.

“We are a good football team, but we can be a great team if we keep improving each game,” Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager said afterward.

Mountain Brook (3-0, 1-0 in region) will host Woodlawn this Friday for homecoming in another region game.

Senior quarterback John Colvin finished the game 8-of-15 for 209 yards and four touchdowns.

Evan Smallwood makes good use of the talent around him. He completed 35 of 50 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns in the Jags’ first two games. Spain Park visits three-time reigning Class 7A Thompson this week.

Pressure Cooker

Beyond Blue Returns to September for Prostate Cancer Awareness

By Rubin E. Grant Anna Slive Harwood is happy that Beyond Blue is back in the month it belongs.

The 2022 event, presented by Medical Properties Trust, will be held Sept. 22 at Protective Life Stadium Club with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge serving as host.

Beyond Blue benefits the Mike Slive Foundation’s effort to raise awareness about prostate cancer and fund cutting-edge research.

Last year, the event wasn’t held until November because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re really excited to be back in September, which is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,” said Harwood, executive director of the Mike Slive Foundation. “And we’re excited about having it at the Protective Life Stadium Club, which is ideal for it, as a live event.”

Dr. Edward Partridge will be the 2022 Beyond Blue honoree. As a former clinician, past president of the national board of the American Cancer Society, director emeritus and distinguished professor at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, and founding board member of the Mike Slive Foundation, Partridge has dedicated his life work to fighting cancer.

He was instrumental in the creation of the Mike Slive Foundation, the first and only dedicated prostate cancer nonprofit organization in the Southeast. Partridge’s leadership and expertise has continued to guide the foundation’s exponential growth.

Beyond Blue 2022 will feature silent and live auctions, which will include a variety of sports opportuni-

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Spartans Roll

SPORTS

ties and travel experiences as well as items such as a collector’s private collection bourbon to bid on.

Among the sports opportunities are tickets to the Southeastern Conference football championship game, the SEC basketball tournament, a trip to Los Angeles for the college football national championship game, tickets to Wimbledon and donated VIP packages from the Sugar, Liberty, Music City and Birmingham bowls football games.

“People have said, ‘You have tickets to Wimbledon? That’s on my bucket list,’’’ Hardwood said.

Some of the other auction items include a trip to Cetona, Italy, dinner at Gianmarco’s and dinner with chef Chris Hastings.

“This is our largest annual fundraiser,” Harwood said. “We want to end prostate cancer and make blue ribbons a thing of the past.”

Common Form of Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer among men and the second most common form of cancer-related death among men.

Harwood’s father, Mike Slive, who was one of the most influential powerbrokers in the history of college athletics and a longtime SEC commissioner, was a prostate cancer survivor.

He died in 2018.

“Of course it’s personal,” Harwood said. “Before my father’s death, he realized he could have more of an impact than just in college sports. He could help save men’s lives through the foundation.

“So what Beyond Blue means to me is it’s a fulfillment of my father’s mission and I’m grateful to be a part of that.”

Smallwood Thriving in Late-Game Situations for Spain Park

E

By Rubin E. Grant

van Smallwood is quickly gaining a reputation as someone who thrives under pressure.

In the first two games of the 2022 high school football season, with his team trailing late in the fourth quarter, the Spain Park senior quarterback directed touchdown drives to give the Jaguars the lead.

In the opener against Calera, Smallwood spearheaded a nine-play, 70-yard march, capping it with an 8-yard touchdown run with 23 seconds remaining to give the Jags a 14-10 victory.

The next week against Briarwood, Smallwood led the Jags on a 90-yard scoring drive, muscling his way into the end zone on a 3-yard run to put Spain Park ahead 21-17 with 1:02 remaining.

But this time, Briarwood responded with a touchdown drive of its own and scored on the final play of the game to saddle Spain Park with a 23-21 loss.

Even so, Smallwood had done what he needed to do.

“The pressure situations are awesome,” Smallwood said. “You have to take your team down the field and give yourself a chance to win or you get stopped and you lose. I like being the guy to lead the team in those situations.

“The first two games were really exciting and fun. We came out on top the first week and the next week we played a good tight game and suffered a tough loss.”

The Jags visited cross-town rival Hoover last Friday in their Class 7A,

Region 3 opener. But because of early deadlines related to Labor Day, the game was played after the Over The Mountain Journal had gone to press.

Spain Park visits three-time reigning Class 7A Thompson in another region game this week.

First-year Spain Park head coach Tim Vakakes believes Smallwood’s makeup is the reason he has responded so well in late-game situations.

“I think he’s a leader,” Vakakes said. “He’s not going to be loud, but the other kids have a lot of faith in him. He’s cool, calm and collected.

The kids love him and follow behind him.”

Smallwood had to learn a new offense during the offseason with Vakakes’ arrival.

“They ran a lot of veer with a flexbone, sort of like Georgia Tech,” Vakakes said. “We put him in the shotgun. I think it fits him well.

“He’s smart and knows where to go with the ball and he’s getting better at getting us out of bad plays into better plays. It’s an offense that allows him to show his leadership skills.”

He did that in the first two games with the game on the line.

“Both games we were in two-minute drill situations and both times our offense delivered, thanks to him,” Vakakes said.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Smallwood didn’t have any qualms about the offense Vakakes installed.

“It was a little bit of a change, but it was a good change,” Smallwood said. “We’ve opened up the offense more and that’s good because we’ve got some talented skill guys to get the ball to and it allows us to play at a

faster pace.”

Smallwood makes good use of the talent around him. He completed 35 of 50 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns in the Jags’ first two games.

Double Threat

Smallwood is also a standout baseball player as a middle infielder. He was named to the 2022 All-OTM team in the spring after hitting .355 with eight doubles, 17 stolen bases and 21 runs batted in. He recently committed to Jacksonville State to play baseball.

“I love both sports,” Smallwood said, “but I think baseball fits me best for the future and I think Jacksonville State is the right fit for me.”

Smallwood was Spain Park’s backup quarterback as a sophomore and was slated to be in that role again during the 2021 season. But when Bennett Meredith transferred to Hoover, Smallwood was thrust into the starting role.

It was tough sledding. The Jags also had a few of their best skilled players transfer to Thompson and had difficulty maintaining any offensive consistency as they suffered through a 2-8 season.

Smallwood also missed 2½ games midway through the season because of a concussion.

This season, Smallwood hopes the Jags can turn things around.

“Our first goal is to make the playoffs,” he said. “I think we have the guys to do it. The coaches give us good game plans and we just have to go out and execute.

“Even though we have a tough schedule, I think we can make the playoffs. I believe in this team.”

Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 23

SPORTS

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

From page 24

JOSEPH From page 24

there were only about 12 seconds between 1-5 on the team. This year they will be fun to watch.”

Joseph agrees.

“We always have a deep team and we’re so close,” Joseph said.

“The top guy can bounce around all season because we’re so talented.

We’ll be competing against each other and then we’ll be competing for state.”

Joseph figures to be in the hunt, something he was wasn’t able to do in the spring as Hoover won the Class 7A outdoor track and field state title. He was still feeling the effects of the flu he had during sectionals and did not qualify in the 1,600- or 800-meter runs. He did help Hoover finish second in the 4x800 relay, an event it won in the 2022 state outdoor meet en route to the team title.

“I’m beyond excited about my

Paul’s in three sets in a tri-match to open the season and then having a strong showing in the Juanita Boddie Tournament in Hoover, going 5-1.

“At the Boddie tournament, I was kind of taken aback about how well we were playing,” Gann said. “We were just being in the moment.”

The second weekend of the season, the Rebels hosted the Vestavia Hills Classic and reached the semifinals before losing to Jasper.

“It was a good tournament for us, but we expected to do a little better,” Gann said.

Last week, the Rebels traveled to

senior year,” Joseph said. “I’m ready to redeem myself this fall.”

Hoover opened its cross-country season last week in the Warrior 2 Mile Invitational at Thompson. The Bucs will compete in the Chickasaw Trails Invitational on Sept. 10 in Moulton at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park, site of the state meet.

kid. With distance runners you have to be smart, and he is.”

Joseph’s personal best time in cross-country (5K races) is 15:50. His best in the 1,600 is 4:17 and in the To: 800 it’s 1:54.

He prefers track to cross-country From: because he believes it’s a truer test of who’s better.

Date: “Cross-country is a great sport for building character, but the course – some are flat and some are hilly – and the elements could determine the outcome,” Joseph said. “But track shows who’s better because there are no variables.”

For Joseph, there is one constant whether he’s running cross-country or track.

“I love the process of building up for a race,” he said, adding that includes sleeping and eating right.

“For me, it’s all about mental preparation, especially in a cross-country race. You know there’s going to be pain, so you have to keep pushing through the pain when it hits and the only way you can do that is to be mentally prepared.”

‘He’s Got That It factor.’

Joseph became a runner when he was in the third grade. He was playing church league basketball when his coach, former Hoover track coach Devon Hind, noticed him and told him he should try track.

“He kind of got me out there,” Joseph said. “He apparently saw something in me eight to 10 years before I started running seriously.”

Schmidt also sees it.

“He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” Schmidt said. “Athletes with that have a huge advantage.

“He’s a guy who knows how to prepare himself when he works out and when it’s time for race day, he knows how to turn it on. He’s a gritty

Tuscaloosa for a tri-match, defeating host Northridge but losing to Trinity Presbyterian. Later in the week, Vestavia Hills played host to Helena.

The Rebels will play their first Class 7A, Area 5 game Sept. 8 at Thompson. Hoover and Tuscaloosa County also are in the area.

Vestavia Hills advanced to the Class 7A North Super Regional tournament last year, and Gann believes they can make another postseason run this fall.

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Hardee said Gann has the ability to play at the next level, but Gann is still weighing her options.

“It would be amazing to play in college, but honestly, I’m still in the process of making a decision,” Gann said.

Gann has been playing volleyball since she was in the fourth grade, and she’s been on the Rebels’ varsity team since she was a freshman.

Gann is one of five seniors on the

team this season, including setter Kate Kaiser and Elizabeth Jackson, Mackenzie Merrill and Kaylee Rickert, who each play various positions.

Gann enjoys her senior teammates.

“I’ve known just about all of them since I started playing,” Gann said.

“It’s amazing to go through all the steps together, including middle school and club, and to finally be seniors. I am definitely super excited about being a senior.”

The Rebels finished the first two weeks of the season with a 13-4 record, knocking off Pelham and St.

“I think if we can keep progressing we can make it all the way to the end and get to state,” Gann said.

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Left, Vestavia Hills freshman Millie Burgess in action against Helena last week. Above, Rebels celebrate a score against the Huskies.

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Pressure Cooker: Smallwood thriving in late-game situations for Spain Park PAGE 22

SPORTS

Thursday, September 8, 2022 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Spartans roll in Week 2 win over Minor PAGE 22

Ready to Run

Joseph, Bucs Looking to End Hoover’s State Cross-Country Title Drought

E

By Rubin E. Grant lijah Joseph earned All-State honors by finishing seventh in the 2021 Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A state cross-country meet.

This fall, Hoover’s senior distance runner has loftier goals in mind, and they’re not just to win the individual title.

‘You can see the He wants to help the Bucs win their first boys cross-country team state potential of my championship since 2007. class the last four “It’s kind of a big deal,” Joseph said. “We haven’t been able to win it years to compete for the past 15 years. I’m going to help for the blue (state my team as much as possible to win it.”

The Bucs finished third last year championship) behind Huntsville, which won its fourth trophy, but now consecutive Class 7A title, and St. Paul’s Episcopal. it’s time to win it.’

“You can see the potential of my class the last four years to compete for the blue (state championship) trophy, but now it’s time to win it,” Joseph said.

Joseph is one of five top runners on the squad. The group also includes seniors Danny Tackett, Matthew Harden and Cannon Peters, and junior Zander Dakis.

“They’re a good group, a tight group,” Hoover track coach Chris Schmidt said. “Every week a different guy can lead our team. Last year, See JOSEPH, page 23

Savannah Gann has racked up 209 kills in 17 matches, an average of more than 12 per match.

Elijah Joseph

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

‘BEST ATTACKER’

By Rubin E. Grant

S

avannah Gann has become a killing machine — on the volleyball court, that is.

During the first two weeks of the 2022 season, Vestavia’s 6-foot senior outside hitter racked up 209 kills in 17 matches, an average of more than 12 per match.

Gann is rapidly and well on her way to surpassing the 317 kills she had last year as a junior “Savannah is doing great,” secondyear Vestavia Hills coach Ashley Hardee said. “She’s our best attacker, our go-to player. She’s tall and athlet-

ic and can be effective on the front row and back row. Her height and

‘I’m trying to be the best I can for our team. I want to leave it all on the court each game we play.’

SAVANNAH GANN

length help her to create angles and be difficult to defend.

“She’s a six-rotation player who

gives us so much value, not just with kills, but serving, digging and blocking, too. She fills up the stat sheet, which is critical to our success.”

Gann recorded 91 digs in addition to her 209 kills in those 17 games.

Gann entered this season regarded as one of the top seniors in the state, so her dominating start isn’t surprising. But she’s not trying to be the best player in the state. The team comes first.

“I’m trying to be the best I can for our team,” Gann said. “I want to leave it all on the court each game we play.”

See GANN, page 23

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Gann’s All-Around Play Has Vestavia Volleyball Team Off to a Solid Start