September 20, 2012

The Suburban Newspaper for Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

INSIDE

JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

VOL. 22 #18

An amazing race for Grace

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 4

BRUSHING UP

Oak Mountainʼs Niki Noto travels the country with ESPNUʼs ʻRoad Tripʼ

LIFE PAGE 12

American Cancer Societyʼs Hope Gala draws big crowd

SOCIAL PAGE 14

Kitty White, left, painted the diamond pattern on the dining room walls of her Mountain Brook home. As one of the Tastemakers at this yearʼs Antiques at The Gardens, Kitty will be focusing on all the possiblities of paint when it comes to decorating.

W

Kitty White Adds Charm to Home, Fabrics with Paint Story by Laura McAlister • Photos by Lee Walls Jr.

This year’s Antiques at the Gardens will feature Tastemakers, regionally and nationally known designers. Step inside the homes Mary Evelyn McKee and Tammy Connor and find out why they’ve been tapped to share their talents. See page 22. Get a complete schedule of events for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ seventh annual Antiques at The Gardens. See page 25.

hether it’s the subtle border on a curtain or a particular finish on a kitchen cabinet, a little paint can go a long way, according to Kitty White.

Just step inside the artist’s Mountain Brook home, and

you’ll see why.

Kitty subtly uses paint to make a big difference in the decor of the house she shares with husband Tryg Hoff and daughters Isabelle and Fairbanks White.

The cozy and comfortable home is proof that paint doesn’t have to be bright and bold to give a space character and charm.

“I try to go for the unexpected, but hopeful-

ly it will still be beautiful,” said Kitty of her use of paint when decorating. “I want something different and interesting.”

Kitty’s hand-painted fabrics and custom finishes do produce something unique. She’ll be showing just how paint can make a difference at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Antiques at The Gardens.

For the first time, Antiques at The Gardens will feature 12 regionally and nationally known architects, interior designers and landscape designers who will serve as tastemakers. Each will have themed areas at the event.

Kitty’s space will be themed “The Art of Paint.” There she will be showing some of her one-of-a-kind painted fabrics, many of which were inspired by her Mountain Brook home.

About a year ago Kitty moved her studio out See BRUSHING UP, page 26

Rotaract Club hosts Hack-It Classic SOCIAL PAGE 17

April 2011storms spur new shop in Homewood

NEW BUSINESS PAGE 21

SUE MURPHY: SLOW DOWN AND SMELL THE OREGANO P. 2 • GREEK FEAST NEXT WEEKEND P. 4 • STARR POWER P. 6 • HOOVER SCHOOL GOING TO THE DOGS P. 28

2 • Thursday, September 20, 2012

OPINION/CONTENTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

I

COMING OCT. 4 Meet the Red Diamond Lecturer for this year’s Antiques at The Gardens. Alex Hitz’s is the founder of The Beverly Hills Kitchen food line sold exclusively on the Home Shopping Network and will be discussing his new book, “My Beverly Hills Kitchen” at the lecture Oct. 5.

ON OTMJ.COM

Browse through more pictures from the area’s biggest and best parties. Share your good news. Click on “Got News” to submit news items. Like us on Facebook for updates on what’s going on at the Journal.

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE LIFE SOCIAL

4 8 12 14

WEDDINGS NEW BUSINESS SCHOOLS SPORTS

20 21 28 32

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L September 20, 2012 Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Laura McAlister Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, Bones Long, Cary Estes, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Editorial Interns: Ben Johnson, Margaret Frymire Vol. 22, No. 18

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

Copyright 2012 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.

Slow Down and Smell the Oregano

cookbook selection. woke up in the dark. I was having And then, it was on to the grocery this weird dream that I was in a store for another hour of slow-going restaurant confronted by a menu slow cooker prep. The cookbook, it where all the choices were too caloric seems, with its appetizing titles and to consider, and suddenly I was wide full color illustrations, had set off awake, safe in my own bed, yet still a round of pre-Italian beef detours. surrounded by the unmistakable smell After careful deliberation at the meat of onions and tomatoes and brown counter (I sampled everything in the sugar. Barbecue. bakery department twice), Harold at And then I remembered: Harold last selected a pork roast for his maidhad cranked up the Crock Pot. en slow-cooked voyage, which is how We’d had a Crock Pot for years, I ended up with my 3 a.m. barbecue a late ’70s relic with an ill-fitting head rush. lid that heroically got me through I’m not complaining. The barbecue many a dinner hour during my teachwas indeed delicious, and I’m not just ing days. I hadn’t used it in a good Sue Murphy saying that so Harold doesn’t toss the long while, though, so in April I sent tongs back in my direction. Harold it to the Great Goodwill Beyond ...

The fact that he’s bested the barbecue throwdown, and which is why around May first Harold it’s on to the slow cooker next. It stumbled upon the wonders of Crock now comfortable now could be Hot and Sour Soup. It could Pot cookery. chopping and slic- be Boston Baked Beans. The cookThe epiphany occurred after a trip has 365 pages, and Harold is to Chicagoland where Harold became ing and not seeing book determined to plow through to the end. enthralled with Italian roast beef Hurrying through the slow cooker sandwiches. And who could blame the final results cookbook. That’s my guy, and I’m him? Slabs of beefy goodness stewed until 12 hours not surprised. Slow is not usually in in their own juices. It’s a carnivore’s Harold’s repertoire. The man does not dream. Harold ordered one for lunch later brings a He does not stroll. His dinner every single day, and when our plane happy tear to my idle. plate is cleared before my napkin hits landed back in Birmingham, he set out my lap. The fact that he’s now comto determine how he could make these eye. fortable chopping and slicing and not fabulous sandwiches at home. seeing the final results until 12 hours Every internet source said the later brings a happy tear to my eye. same thing: You need a slow cooker.

I just wish those slow hours didn’t coincide with Apparently, Italian roast beef cannot be rushed, so my sleeping. To me, 12 hours of any smell can be Harold rushed to the store and returned with a slow cooker so large it could feed an Italian army ... slowly, overwhelming. I don’t know how people in food factories do it. In Hershey, Pa., even the air out in the of course. street smells like chocolate, which sounds wonderful, Go big or go home. That’s Harold’s motto. And but I suspect there are days when the townspeople run not entirely satisfied with his Internet recipes (what screaming into the streets yelling, “Make it stop!” does Bobby Flay know?), our next stop was the bookThe Italian beef launch is set for this Saturday. store, where he pored through a stack of cookbooks Twelve overnight hours of garlic and oregano and in search of the definitive Italian beef. I wandered Good Seasons salt. If I dream I’m playing centerfield through literary fiction, self-help and a disturbing for the Cubbies, I’ll let you know. ❖ array of bestsellers before Harold finally made his

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Cooks from the Upcoming Greek Food Fest Share their Favorite Dishes

“My favorite dish is Pastichio.”

“I like Greek chicken and Spanakopita. I’ll do both.”

Hala Fawal Birmingham

Helen McEwen Shelby County

“I love Spanakopita.”

Jackie Hontzas Hoover

“My favorite is Souvlakia.

Those are lamb kabobs.”

Maria Dikis Hoover

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

2701 cahaba rd • mountain brook 205-871-7060 • bartonclay.com

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 3

4 • Thursday, September 20, 2012

ABOUT TOWN

An Amazing Race for Grace

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

A GREEK FEAST

Simmons Student Helps Homeless with 5K, Fun Run

BY LAURA MCALISTER

Anna Fowler, Ziven’s mom and a Grace’s Kitchen board member, said on any given Thursday anywhere from 75-125 homeless resiust because Ziven Fowler isn’t old enough dents are nourished through the ministry.

She and husband Rob were pleasantly surprised to volunteer for Grace’s Kitchen doesn’t mean he can’t help the program that feeds when Ziven said he wanted his race to benefit Grace’s Kitchen. She Birmingham’s homesaid the couple has less. encouraged Ziven and For the second year his sister Sasha to get in a row, Ziven, a sixth involved with the comgrader at Simmons munity.

Middle School, will “Our feelings have host the Race For always been that the Grace, more involved you are set for Race for with the community Oct. 21 Grace 2012 you live and work in, at The the more you will take Preserve When: Oct. care of it,” she said. in 21. The fun run Although Grace’s Hoover. begins at 2 p.m.

Kitchen requires volThere is and the 5K at unteers serving meals no set 2:30 p.m. to be at least 13, that registraWhere: The doesn’t mean Ziven tion fee Preserve Town and 8-year-old Sasha for the Hall in Hoover haven’t had some race. All Information: involvement with the that is Visit active.com ministry. asked is to register. All Ziven said they a donadonations go to often write Bible verses tion to Grace’s Kitchen and messages on index Grace’s cards that are packed in Kitchen. paper sacks along with “We nutritious snacks and just want people to give bottled water. Instead what they want,” Ziven Ziven Fowler, 12, of Hoover is hosting the second of handing out cash to said. “All of it will go annual Race for Grace Oct. 21 at The Preserve. homeless people, Anna to Grace’s Kitchen. I The race is a fundraiser for Grace’s Kitchen. said the family gives started this when I was Photo special to the Journal them sacks of snacks 11. I want to make it an with uplifting messages. annual event, and I want it to grow every year.”

“It only takes a few seconds, but it’s great,” The race is in its second year and is growing.

Last year, there was only a 1-mile fun run, but this she said. “We keep them in the car and give them out. Not once have we had anyone say ‘no thank year it has expanded to include a 5K race route. you.’ They are always very appreciative.”

Birmingham residents Paula Hughes and Lisa The Race for Grace will be Oct. 21 at The Latham founded Grace’s Kitchen as a way to serve Preserve Town Hall. The fun run begins at 2 p.m., the area’s homeless. and the 5K starts at 2:30 p.m.

Since 2009, the ministry has been serving a Visit active.com and search “Race for Grace” warm breakfast and sack lunch each Thursday in downtown Birmingham’s Linn Park. In addition to to register and make a donation to Grace’s Kitchen. ❖ the meals, a short worship service is held.

J

JOURNAL EDITOR

Rolling out dough for cookies for the upcoming Greek Food Festival are from Journal photo by Margaret Frymire left: Nicki Jovaras, Maria Dikis and Pat Leos.

BIRMINGHAM

40th Annual Greek Festival Sept. 27-29, 10:30 a.m.

Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral In addition to Greek cuisine, this festival includes live Greek music and Greek dancing by the cathedral’s youth and guided tours of the cathedral.. Takeout options are available for lunch and dinner with drive-through and walk-up lines. Visit www. bhamgreekfestival.com for a menu. Call 716-3086 ahead of time for orders of 10 or more. Free parking is available in the Liberty National parking deck between 20th Street and Richard Arrington Boulevard. Admission is free; food items are individually priced. The Greek Marketplace has imported food, icons, fine jewelry, art and more. ❖

Save the Date BIRMINGHAM

International Peace Corps Party Sept. 20, 6 p.m.

UAB School of Public Health The International Peace Corps will host a party, reception and recruitment function, all in one evening in room 407 of UAB’s Ryals Building. Light food will be served.

A panel of recently returned Peace Corps volunteers will make brief presentations on their experiences.

Returned volunteers and staff from the Peace Corps Southeast Regional Office will be available to discuss the Peace Corps, answer questions

and distribute information. Contact Dan Frederick, GBRPCV publicity coordinator, at 631-4680 or dfred4@ bellsouth.net for more information.

BIRMINGHAM

Barktoberfest Sept. 20, 6:15 p.m.

Avondale Brewery Hand In Paw is hosting its annual Barktoberfest at Avondale Brewery.

Pay $20 and get four beer tastings, bratwursts and kraut. There also will be door prizes, a costume contest, a stein houst contest and live music.

It is a dog-friendly event. Visit www.

HandinPaw.org for more information.

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ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL BIRMINGHAM

What Can a Girl Do at the Zoo? Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m.

Birmingham Zoo The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama will host a program open to girls ages 5-17 at the Birmingham Zoo. Girls can explore the zoo, participate in craft activities and learn about Girl Scouting while completing some badge requirements for their very first Girl Scout badge and earning a fun patch. Register at girlscoutsnca.org/content/nonmember-registration-form or at the Children’s Zoo gate. The $8 fee does not include food or extra zoo activities. For more information, contact Dnika Joseph at djoseph@ girlscoutsnca.org.

BINGO AND BREWS BENEFIT

Get more OTM news

• visit otmj.com • like us on facebook

CHRISTOPHER GLENN, INC. Antiques, Gardens, & Giving

Finalizing plans for Finish the Fight Beer-N-BBQ & Bingo are in front from left: board members Lauren DeMoss and Neillie Butler, and in back, Roxane Mackin and Lauren Silverstein.

HOOVER

Race to the Cross Sept. 22, 8 a.m.

Christ Church United Methodist First Priority of Alabama will host the Race to the Cross 5K and one-mile fun run at Christ Church United Methodist. First Priority is a nonprofit organization that works in the community as a strategic partnership of churches, ministers, business people, educators, parents and students concerned about the moral and spiritual well-being of youth in the Birmingham area. All 5K participants will receive a free T-shirt.

All fun run participants will receive a water bottle. There will also be door prizes and awards for overall and age group winners. Entry fee for the 5K is $25 for those who register by Sept. 21 and $30 on race day. The

A

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 5

Photo special to the Journal

BIRMINGHAM

Beer-N-BBQ & Bingo Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m.

Avondale Brewery The Junior Board of the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation is hosting its first “Finish the Fight” Beer-N-BBQ & Bingo Sept. 27 at Avondale Brewery. Tickets are $25 per person at the door. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation, which supports GI cancer research at UAB under the direction of Martin J. Heslin, M.D. and his team of research physicians. Additional Junior Board members assisting with the party are Emory Richardson, Matthew Echols, Joseph Holt, Annie Greaves, Catherine Close, Callen Bair, William Shafferman, Laura Willoughby, Hannon Doody, Michael Pounds, Cameron Doody, Austin Averitt, Anne Knox Averitt, Hayes Arendall and Jessica Kubat. For more information contact the Reed Foundation office at 427-5085. ❖

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About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

STarr power Birmingham

A Starr Fell on Alabama Oct. 4, 7 p.m.

The Club The Auxiliary of Big Oak Ranch will present this benefit dinner for the children of Big Oak Ranch.

Bart Starr, former University of Alabama and Green Bay Packer standout, will be the special guest and honoree. Platinum guests are invited to a reception starting at 6:15 p.m. Dinner will follow at 7 p.m. Contact Karen Palmer at 706-1084 or abkpmom@yahoo.com for more information or for tickets and tables. ❖

Carol Slaughter, front, with Annabelle’s in Vestavia designed invitations to A Starr Fell on Alabama, a Big Oak Ranch fundraiser. With her are, from left, back: Sallie Knight, Melissa Gunnells and Karen Palmer.

Photo special to the Journal

Save the Date Continued fun run/walk fee is $10. Race day registration will begin at 7 a.m. For more information and to register, visit www.gofirstpriority.com.

Birmingham

Vulcan AfterTunes Sept. 23, 3 p.m.

Vulcan Park and Museum Vulcan will kick off its eighth year of Vulcan AfterTunes, the annual three-part concert series featuring local and national singer/songwriter acts featured on Reg’s Coffee House and Birmingham Mountain Radio.

Admission is $15 for adults, $7.50 for Vulcan members and free for children 12 and under. Tickets include live music and admission to Vulcan’s observation tower and museum.

Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served. Light snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.visitvulcan.com.

Birmingham

Memorial Dedication Service Sept. 24, 12:30 p.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens There will be a memorial dedication service for the late

Glenn E. Estess, a former Rotary International president and longtime resident of Mountain Brook. The service will be in the Japanese Gardens at the Friendship Bell.

Rotary International dignitaries, as well as family and Rotary Club of Shades Valley members will give remarks. The Friendship Bell is the new gateway to the Japanese Gardens, and was donated by the Osaka Central Rotary Club thanks to a special relationship Glenn helps form with the Japanese Club.

For more information, visit www. shadesvalleyrotary.org.

Birmingham

“The Color Purple” Sept. 27-Oct. 14; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m. and Sun., 2 p.m.

RMTC Cabaret Theatre Red Mountain Theatre Company is bringing “The Color Purple” to the Birmingham stage. Featuring a cast of Alabama performers, this is a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film.

Tickets are $30-35; group, senior and student rates are available. To buy tickets, call 324-2424 or visit www.

coming soon

more news more often

redmountaintheatre.org. Special events include the Sunday Supper Add-On every Sunday from noon1:30 p.m. A Southern meal will be served before the 2 p.m. show. Call 324-2424 for details. A gospel concert with the cast will be Oct. 9. Tickets are $20.

Alabaster

“Laura” Sept. 27-29 and Oct. 4-6, 8 p.m.; Sept. 30, 2 p.m.

South City Theatre For the first show of its 13th season, South City Theatre will stage the film noir-inspired mystery classic “Laura.” The cast includes Karow Wilson, Sarah Griffin, Scott Nesmith, Matt Cox, Amanda Lage, Eli Daggett, Sheri Daggett and Dan Strickland. Tickets are $15; student and senior rates are $12, and the group rate is $10. Call 621-2128 or visit www.southcitytheatre.com for reservations. The new South City Theatre is on Highway 26. Seating is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended.

Birmingham

Above the Line Film Festival Sept. 29, 7 p.m.

UAB Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall With 140 actors in 35 short films ranging from horror and romance to drama and comedy, the UAB Department of Theatre presents this year’s digital film festival. Admission is free and open to the public. Call 934-3236 or visit www.uab.edu/ theatre for more information.

Vestavia Hills

The Suburban Newspaper for Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

INSIDE

JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2012

VOL. 22 #17

Homemade foods highlight Middle East feast

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 4

EXCEPTIONAL ART

Western Supermarkets partners with Emmet OʼNeal Library for wine festival

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 6

Football-themed party raises funds for Childrenʼs team

SOCIAL PAGE 14

Amy Williamson assists Exceptional Foundation participant James with one of his paintings. Art is one of the many activities the program offers to adults with mental and physical disabilities. The public will have a chance to purchase some of the participantsʼ work at the foundationʼs art show Sept. 20. Proceeds Journal photo by Laura McAlister from the show benefit the foundation.

Foundation’s Show Helps Open Doors for Mentally and Physically Challenged

BY LAURA MCALISTER

H

JOURNAL EDITOR

e starts with a blank sheet of butcher paper and then carefully selects his colors.

For this particular painting, James chooses a fiery red and a bright yellow.

Then he delves into his work.

As a new participant in Homewood’s Exceptional Foundation, James has discovered a love for painting. He’s also made some pretty good friends.

The Exceptional Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving mentally and physically challenged individuals. On a daily basis, it serves adults like James, but it also offers programs and summer camps for children.

On any given day at the center, participants can be found working on an art proj-

Art in Action

Birmingham Museum lands largest Norman Rockwell traveling exhibit, page 3 Mountain Brook Artist creates paintings for the GOP National Convention, page 8 See how donors make a difference in fostering the area’s arts, page 12

ect like James with his painting. Or, if it happens to be a Wednesday afternoon, there may be some karaoke.

Whatever the activity may be, the program strives to provide these mentally and physically challenged individuals with social and recreational activities with peers, something they might not get otherwise.

“There’s always something going on here,” said Ginny Bastar, program director for the foundation. “They have a far more active social life than any of us.”

Usually activities are in the daytime, but on Sept. 20, the organization will open its doors for its ninth annual Exceptional Art Show, where budding artists like James will get to show off and sell their work.

Ruth Bean, a staff member at the Exceptional Foundation, said the show is a great way to tap into the talents of these See EXCEPTIONAL, page 7

Cats and dogs reign at Picasso Pets event

SOCIAL PAGE 17

Back to school, OTM students begin a new year

SCHOOLS PAGE 23

SUE MURPHY ON THEME BIRTHDAY PARTIES P. 2 • PATRIOTS DAY IN HOMEWOOD SEPT. 11 P. 4 • MAGIC CITY MILE BENEFITS BELL CENTER P. 6

StepStone Ceremony Essay Contest Oct. 1 Alabama Veterans Memorial Park The Alabama Veterans Memorial Park is offering five StepStones to be placed beneath the park’s American flag for the StepStone Ceremony Nov. 11 at 2:30 p.m. Write to the park about someone special who should be honored with a StepStone.

A drawing of selected essays will be held during the Oct. 2 APT program “At Your Service.” The Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation will pay for the StepStones for the five winners. All essay entries will receive

a lapel pin and the book “Identifying Courage” at the ceremony Nov. 11.

Honorees can be from any state, living or deceased. Each entry should be from one to five paragraphs, including the nominee’s name, rank and branch of service and must include the name and contact information of the person making the nomination. Essays must be received by Oct. 1. Email them to avstepstone@gmail.com or mail to StepStones – AVMF, P.O. Box 59343, Birmingham, AL 35259. For more information, call 912-2019.

VESTAVIA HILLS

Vestavia Hills National Night Out Oct. 2, 6 p.m.

Vestavia Hills Baptist Church The Vestavia Hills Fire and Police departments invite the public to this second annual event. The city’s first National Night Out earned the “Rookie of the Year” honor from the national event committee. Police and fire personnel, equipment and vehicles, including the LifeSaver One helicopter, will be on site. Vendors will provide food, fun, live music, product demonstrations and more. In connection with National Night Out is Project 365, a program in which public safety is challenged to launch an initiative that makes a positive impact on the community. Last year the departments launched Shades of Vestavia, an initiative to raise funds for tree replacement in areas damaged by the April 2011 tornadoes.

This year VHPD and VHFD will launch “Operation OverWatch.” Full details about the project will be available at the event. Businesses that would like to participate or become sponsors can visit www. vestaviahillspolice.com, call Lt. Brian Gilham at 978-0194 or email him at bgilham@ci.vestaviahills.al.us.

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 7

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN BIRMINGHAM

A Night to Believe committee members are, from left: Sandy Logan, Niva Journal photo by Laura McAlister Roberson, Misty Luna, Rosie Butler and Cathy Daniel.

A Night to Believe Oct. 2, 7 p.m.

WorkPlay Four of country music’s most famous singer-songwriters, including Grammy Award winner Craig Wiseman, will perform at WorkPlay for this Nashville songwriters hosting event benefiting the transplant program of Children’s of Alabama.

The one-night-only concert also will feature Bob DiPiero, Tony Mullins and Jeffery Steele – collectively known as The Hitmen of Music Row

of country music and reality TV fame.

The event includes a pre-concert reception of heavy hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beer and wine for sponsors at 6 p.m. followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Sponsorships are $250-$5,000. All sponsor tickets include admission to the reception, priority seating at the concert and complimentary table service throughout the evening. Individual general admission tickets are $35.

For sponsorship or ticket information, contact Misty Farmer at 638-9956 or misty.farmer@childrensal.org. ❖

INTERNATIONAL FINE ART SALE Tuesday and Wednesday, October 2‑3, 2012 11a.m.–8 p.m. >

Co-sponsored by

Virgil Johnson

Pablo Picasso

BIRMINGHAM

Homewood High School Golf Tournament Oct. 3, 1 p.m.

Highland Park Golf Course This tournament benefiting the HHS boys’ basketball team will have a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded. Registration is $125 for an individual, $500 for a team, $250 for a hole sponsorship and $1,000 for eagle sponsorship. For more information or to register, contact the HHS athletic department at 871-9663.

Salvador Dali

BIRMINGHAM

Southern Women’s Show Oct. 4-6, 10 a.m.; Oct. 7, 11 a.m.

BJCC One of the largest consumer events in Birmingham, this annual show attracts thousands of women each year for four days of fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, beauty tips, health screenings, decorating ideas and personal growth opportunities, all tailored especially for women, as well as celebrity appearances. The show will also feature New Jersey Housewife/ cookbook author Teresa Giudice, the Next Great Baker star Jay Qualls, runway shows; the popular firefighter fashion shows, makeovers and more.

Admission is $10 at the door, $8 in advance online, $7 in advance at participating Piggly Wigglys, $5 for

Kimberly J. Brannon

Viktoria Pikunova

Walter Edelman, Curator This magnificent show features works of several hundred artists from around the world as well as works from the estates of Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso. Curator Walter Edelman will bring more than 500 pieces of museum-quality art on both canvas and paper, complete with a certificate of authenticity for each. Mr. Edelman is a fourth-generation art dealer based in New York City. An expert on art history, Mr. Edelman has appeared on numerous radio and television shows and has lectured in a variety of settings on art topics. His exclusive representative in the Birmingham metro area is Clark Antiques Gallery.

2717 Second Avenue South

>

Birmingham, Alabama

8 • Thursday, September 20, 2012 children 6–12 and free for children under 6 with a paying adult, and $5 after 5 p.m. For group discount tickets and more information, call 800-849-0248 or visit www.

SouthernWomensShow.com.

Birmingham

Jazz in the Park Oct. 4, 6 p.m.

Avondale Park Magic City Smooth Jazz will host this free concert in the historic Avondale Park amphitheater.

Featured will be national recording artist Keiko Matsui. Opening the

About Town show for Matsui will be Birmingham’s The Neo Collective. Bring lawn chairs and coolers.

Birmingham

Act of Congress Concert Oct. 7, 6 p.m.

Independent Presbyterian Church Join IPC for live music, fellowship and fun as it showcases its new property adjacent to the church.

Barbecue by Delmar Hill with Hill on the Grill will be available for purchase before the concert. Act of Congress will take the stage at 6 p.m. The concert is free. Childcare will be

provided by the IPC youth group.

Donations for the After School Arts Integration Program will be accepted at the event. This program needs $11,000 to complete the funding for 25 children two days a week from October through April. For more information, visit www.ipc-usa.org.

Birmingham

Sips for CF Wine Tasting Competition Oct. 11, 6 p.m.

Kress Building The Laps for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation will host its fourth

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

annual Sips for CF Wine Tasting Competition on the rooftop of downtown Birmingham’s Kress Building. As part of the Sips for CF Wine Tasting Competition teams of one to three persons will compete in the tasting competition. To participate in the tasting competition, each team must bring three bottles of the same wine. Two of these bottles will be used for the concealed tasting; the third will be set aside as part of the grand prize. Players will vote on their favorite wines, and the three teams with the top voted wines will split the

Autumn harvest

Birmingham

EcoFest 14 Oct. 4, 5:30 p.m.

North Center Great Hall, BirminghamSouthern College EcoFest 14 includes three-course autumn harvest dinner with selected wines sponsored by Whole Foods, and handcrafted beers from Good People Brewery. This year's auction items include a pedicab tour of Birmingham, fine Avery Jewelry, Alabama/LSU zone tickets, an Alys Beach getaway, a weekend driving a TESLA, a British Soccer package with two nights in a castle and more. Tickets are $60 each.

Reservations can be made by calling 226-4934 or visit www.bsc.edu/sec/. ❖

Getting ready for EcoFest 14 are in front from left: Sally Yeilding and Sharon McDermott.

Back: Dayna Orr and Roald Hazelhoff.

Photo special to the Journal

Lifting them up

To: Paige From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: Sept.

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Mountain Brook

Fall Flea Market

Lift Your Spirits Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m.

Park Lane Community Grief Support Service (CGSS) will hold its ninth annual Lift Your Spirits benefit dinner and auction Oct. 11 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Park Lane on Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook. With a goal of $40,000, committee members are working hard.

The money will help fund six 10-week grief support groups and professional grief counseling for people struggling with grief after the death of a loved one. CGSS is privileged to honor Casey Dunn, head baseball coach at Samford University, who will serve as honorary chairman for the event. Dunn has a personal understanding of grief.

In 2004, his father, Sammy Dunn, died of stomach cancer. It was one of the few losses in his 27-year coaching career at Vestavia Hills High School.

Sponsor tables are available for $1,000 and $1,250; individual reservations are $100. Complimentary valet parking is provided. For more information or to make reservations, call 870-8667 or visit www.communitygriefsupport.org. ❖

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Getting ready for the Lift Your Spirits benefit are from left: Natalie Portera, Anne Hightower, Pam Franklin, Gina Pearson and Barbara Moore.

Photo special to the Journal

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multi-bottle prize. The event, hosted by the Laps for CF Junior Board, also includes food and drinks, live music by The Negotiators and a silent auction. Free parking will be available in the Park Rite parking deck on the corner of 19th Street and 4th Street North. Tickets are $15 each prior to the event at www.LapsForCF.org or by calling 871-9140. Tickets are $20 at the door. Registration and hors de oeuvres will commence at 6 p.m. and the tasting competition at 7 p.m. For more information visit www.

LapsForCF.org. ❖

Sale Sat., Sept. 22nd 10 - 4

• visit otmj.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter 2406 CANTERBURY ROAD • MTN. BROOK VILLAGE • 879.2730

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Samford Universityʼs Abby Casey, left, of Vestavia Hills received the schoolʼs 2012 Presidentʼs Award, and Randy Todd of North Shelby County received the schoolʼs John H. Buchanan Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching.

Todd, Casey Cited at Samford Convocation

Photo special to the Journal

C

lassics professor Randy Todd of North Shelby County and senior systems analyst Abby Casey of Vestavia Hills were recognized during the opening convocation of the fall semester at Samford University Aug. 28.

Dr. Todd, founding chair of the Samford classics department, received the John H. Buchanan Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching. The annual award includes a lapel pin and a $1,000 cash prize.

Finalists for the award were nominated by members of the 2012 graduating class.

Todd was honored for his leadership in building a thriving classics program that is the envy of many schools throughout the nation, said Provost J. Brad Creed.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Furman University, Todd has a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.

Casey, who has worked in Samford’s technology services department for 13 years, received the 2012 President’s Award as a staff member who exceeds all expectations and offers exemplary service to all segments of the Samford community.

Casey was cited as a “willing and dedicated co-worker with wonderful ideas and a generous spirit,” said Samford president Andrew Westmoreland in presenting the award.

A graduate of Auburn University, where she was a math major, Casey received a glass plaque and a $1,000 cash prize. ❖

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 9

10 • Thursday, September 20, 2012

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People Notes Huckeba Graduates Naval Academy

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U.S. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant William Austin Huckeba, son of Paul and Vickie Huckeba, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD on May 29, and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Huckeba successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical, and professional training, resulting in a bachelor of science degree with a major in aerospace William Austin engineering.

Huckeba As a graduate of the Naval Academy, Huckeba completed a fouryear, total immersion program where a strong, balanced academic program, focused on the educational needs of the Navy and Marine Corps superimposed on a strict, professional military training environment emphasizing the development of leadership skills.

Following graduation, Huckeba has service selected Marine Pilot where he will continue his Marine training at TBS in Quanitco, Va. and then proceed to flight school in Pensacola, Fla. Considered one of the top educational institutions in the country, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845 and has graduated more then 60,000 men and women as Naval and Marine Corps officers. Its graduates include 4,000 admirals and generals, one president, 200 members of Congress, three governors, 73 Medal of Honor winners, one Nobel Prize winner and 40 astronauts.

The Naval Academy has more than 4,000 students who comprise the Brigade of Midshipmen and who come from every state in the union.

He is a 2008 graduate of Hoover High School and was president of his senior class. Rep. Spencer Bachus nominated Austin to the academy.

Girl Scouts Earn Silver Award Several Girl Scouts in Over the Mountain troops have earned Silver Awards, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn.

The award symbolizes a Cadette’s accomplishments in scouting and community activities as she works to better her life and the lives of others.

Members of Bumpus Middle School’s Troop 79 who earned the award are Lydia Powell, who designed invitations and a photo backdrop for her service unit’s annual dance; Christina Dolensky, who created art kits for children without access to art enrichment programs; and Alexis Turek, who improved a garden planted in memory of a young fellow church member.

Troop 350 members who won the award are Madison McCaskey, a student at Irondale Middle School, and Virginia Estes, a student at Homewood Middle School. They earned the award by starting a Daisy Girl Scout troop for the Avondale area.

Also from Troop 350, homeschooled student Caitlin Gilbert and Alabama School of Fine Arts student Madeline Pratt, both from Homewood, won the award by raising pet care awareness for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

Silver Award winners from Troop 215 were Anna Michaels, Mia Owens and Caroline Adams, students at Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills. They repaired and painted cabins in the Older Girl Unit at Camp Coleman.

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Corts, Kassouf Join CGSS Board Community Grief Support Service recently named two new members to its Marla Corts board. Each will serve threeyear terms.

Marla Corts is a civic leader and member of the Advisory Board of the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing at Samford University.

Gerard Kassouf Gerard J. Kassouf is managing director and director of Healthcare Services Group at Kassouf & Co. Outgoing Chairman J. Terrell Spencer, Charles “Chuck�

M.D., thanked King board members Ben Schillaci and Ralph Yarbrough, who both rotated off the board, and presented them with plaques in appreciation for their eight years of dedicated service.

Robby Owens Officers elected for 2012 are: Chairman Robby E. Owens Jr., Shelby County District Attorney; Vice Chairman Charles “Chuck� King, retired geology and land resources manager, Vulcan Materials Co.; Secretary Dr. Neal Schooley, retired associate pastor, Dawson Memorial Baptist Church; and treasurer Gerard J. Kassouf.

Community Grief Support Service has been providing free grief support services to the Birmingham area since 1996.

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Merrill Lynch financial advisor John Beauchamp was recently recognized among the top advisors in Alabama in Barron’s magazine’s annual “America’s Top 1,000 Advisors: State-by-State� list.

Beauchamp is among 287 John Beauchamp Merrill Lynch advisors on this year’s list, the most advisors for any firm.

Advisors considered for the ranking have a minimum of seven years’ financial services experience and have been employed at their current firms for at least one year.

Rankings also are determined by client assets, return on assets, client satisfaction and retention, compliance records and community involvement.

Reeves Finishes Recruit Training David Reeves graduated Aug. 3 from recruit training at Parris Island, S.C. He was the honor graduate for his platoon and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. He also achieved expert status on the rifle range, the highest level that can be David Reeves attained.

Reeves graduated from Shades Mountain Christian School in 2011.

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 11

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

the Greater Birmingham Council. His approved project was refurbishing the stadium at John Carroll.

The project included power-washing the visiting stands, weed-eating two large hills on each side of the visiting team’s bleachers and beautifying them with pine straw, cutting back tree limbs that had grown over the top of the bleachers and digging up and replacing dead trees on each hillside.

Terry also is about to complete a merit badge project on personal finance.

Once both projects are finished, he will have met the requirements for Eagle

Scout status.

Terry is not only personally bringing a new look to the stadium, he is directing a crew of fellow John Carroll students, other scouts and friends who are working together to complete the project.

“Not many people can say they are an Eagle Scout,” said Terry. “It requires a lot of hard work and dedication.

Reaching this level of scouting says I’ve accomplished something not easily done.”

At John Carroll, Terry is a Thomas Messina Memorial Award winner, a

mathematics tutor for Mu Alpha Theta and a Peer Minister. On the football team, he is a defensive end and wide receiver. He also is on the basketball team as a center and forward and on the soccer team as a middle defender.

After graduating in May, Terry plans to major in engineering at Auburn University. ❖

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Player Improves Stadium for Eagle Scout Project K.C. Terry, a John Carroll Catholic High School senior, isn’t only playing football this season. He’s beautifying the stadium the Cavaliers play in, too.

Terry, a member of the Boy Scouts since he was a sixth grader at Our Lady of the Valley, started work this past summer to complete requirements for Eagle Scout status in Troop 71 for

Sunburst Mirror, circa 1910 To: Largejharwell@realtysouth.com Desk from Bordeaux, France, circa 1830 From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, Date: aug. 2012

K.C. Terry, a senior football player at John Carroll, improved the schoolʼs staPhoto special to the Journal dium as part of his Eagle Scout project.

This is your aD prOOF from the Over The M Sep. 6, 2012 issue. please fax approval o

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12 • Thursday, September 20, 2012

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

ESPNU’s Niki Noto started the second season of the network’s “Road Trip” in Dallas for the Alabama-Michigan game.

Sideline Star Oak Mountain’s Niki Noto Travels the Country with ESPNU’s ‘Road Trip’ Story by Donna Cornelius Journal Features Writer Photos by Lee Walls Jr.

T

Florida-Texas A&M matchup. eacher Sherri Spears remembers the At the Cowboys Classic, Niki got to day a bright ninth grader made a cover her alma mater, the University of strong case for getting into a class Alabama, as well as the UM Wolverines. usually restricted to upperclassmen.

She and Ali showed off the massive stadium The student, Niki Noto, had her heart set and chatted with Jerry Jones, owner of the on taking Sherri’s broadcasting class at Oak Dallas Cowboys. And in one segment of the Mountain High School. show, the co-hosts played the NCAA 2013 “Niki told me she’d do anything – even video game on the stadium’s 160-feet-long take out the trash – if I’d let her take the JumboTron. class,” Sherri said. “She told me, ‘All I want “I’m a girl, but that has to be every guy’s to do is be a sportscaster for ESPN.’” dream,” Niki said.

Today, that’s exactly what Niki is doing.

The co-hosts also had some fun at Six The 25-year-old Oak Mountain graduate is now in her second season with ESPNU’s “Road ESPNU’s “Road Trip” airs on Tuesday nights Trip,” a weekly half-hour show that takes viewers at 7:30 p.m. You can also follow Niki on behind the scenes at college Twitter and Facebook. football venues. Niki and co-host Ali Nejad travel to game day sites to interact Flags Over Texas on the Texas Giant, a roller with tailgaters, explore things to do on and coaster that has the world’s steepest drop. off campus and interview well-known sports They dropped in at Rangers Ballpark to visit figures and other celebrities. with baseball players, most of whom cor“We get to experience what the normal rectly predicted Bama would win the game. fan doesn’t,” Niki said. “We find out what Texas isn’t the only place where Niki has makes each campus unique.” found exciting features for her show.

Niki was “born and raised” in the “I barrel raced with the Nebraska Rodeo Birmingham area, she said. Her mother and Association and went skydiving with the stepfather, Rhonda and Clayton Davie Jr., club from Kansas State,” she said. live in Riverchase, while her dad, Louis She interviewed filmmaker Spike Lee Noto, is in Cullman. at last year’s national championship game Her home base now is Atlanta, but she and loved talking to beach volleyball player typically flies out on Wednesdays to game Kerri Walsh “since I played volleyball in sites and starts work on the show at 8 a.m. high school,” she said. on Thursdays. Recently, Niki and Ali were Sherri Spears, now an eighth grade teachin Dallas for the Cowboys Classic game er at Chelsea Middle School, isn’t surprised between Alabama and Michigan and then to see her former student living her dream. returned to Texas the following week for the

“She was always very enthusiastic and was one of the few teen girls who was comfortable in her own skin,” Sherri said. “She had that competitive, tomboy side, but she could be a ‘girly girl,’ too.”

Sherri has never regretted her decision to let Niki take the high school broadcasting class.

“Her sophomore year, she and two others pretty much led the class,” Sherri said. “They’d come in at 5:30 in the morning or meet me at midnight to get film in. Niki would do her work and then take up time slots that other students failed to do.

“It was just amazing to teach a child like her.”

After high school, Niki headed for the University of Alabama, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications.

“Alabama has a great program,” she said. “And it pays to get to know your professors and to make them your best friends. It’s good to let them know your dreams and aspirations. They’re happy to help you achieve them.”

Niki found this to be true once she’d graduated.

“I was working for the Tennessee Titans’ media relations department, and one of my professors called and said the ESPN crew was coming to Tuscaloosa for the 2009 LSU game,” Niki said. “They needed a production assistant for the show I’m hosting now.”

That gave Niki a foot in the door with ESPN. Between that

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 13

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first experience with “Road Trip” and joining the show as a co-host, she also worked for the Atlanta Falcons.

“I was in Cancun with the Falcons to shoot their cheerleader swimsuit calendar, and a man approached me,” she said. “He thought I was one of the cheerleaders and wanted to interview me.

“It turned out he was with Georgia Public Broadcasting’s sports broadcasting. They took a chance on a 22-year-old and hired me to do high school football games. I still do state championship games and sideline reporting for GPB.” In the meantime, Niki kept in touch with her contacts at ESPN, which led to her regular gig with “Road Trip.”

“I love the football atmosphere,” she said. “It’s my favorite sport, hands down.”

While Niki couldn’t be happier with her job, she may choose a different direction in the future.

“I want to teach broadcasting in high school one day,” she said.

And although she’s not married yet, she already knows “that I want to be involved in my kids’ lives and give them a great home,” she said.

Whatever path Niki chooses, Sherri Spears won’t be surprised to see her former student succeed.

“She always went through her problems, not around them,” Sherri said. “She’s like a little light – she always shines bright.” ❖

While covering the Alabama-Michigan game, Niki had the opportunity to chat with Alablama athletic director Mal Moore on the sidelines.

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hopeful for a cure T

From left: Kristi Parrot, Mark and Tricia Drew, Patsy and Bob Riley, Penney and Roger Hartline and Keith Parrot Photo special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Hope Gala Draws More than 500

he American Cancer Society’s 32nd annual Hope Gala raised more than $310,000 to support lifesaving cancer research and provide support services for patients receiving cancer treatment at area hospitals.

The Aug. 25 event honored former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and wife Patsy for their commitment to finding a cure for the disease.

This year’s gala was chaired by Kendall Eagan, Lisa Jernigan Bruhn and Penney Hartline. More than 500 guests and members of the Riley family attended the black-tie gala, which was designed by Dorothy McDaniel.

Guests enjoyed an elegant dinner, participated in live and silent auctions and danced to music from Bobby T and the Aristocrats.

A special request was made at the end of the evening for donations to help the American Cancer Society continue to fund the lifesaving research of Dr. Warner Huh at UAB. Entertainment included jazz music from Goodfellas during the cocktail hour and a live auction after dinner.

Auction items included a walk-on part in a Paramount film, a personal invitation by actress Jane Lynch to attend a taping of “Glee” and a trip to the Golf Channel in Orlando as a guest of host Charles Rymer.

Emcee was Mike Royer of Alabama’s 13. The auctioneer was more photos Guin Robinson.

The evening closed with a video produced by Sophie Martin that featured nine local cancer survivors.

Several, including Roxanne Given, Heidi Holman, Val Holman, Frances Faulconer and Lee Dawkins, were gala committee members.

At the event were: Beth Adams, Jimmy and Jennifer Ard, Paula Beck, Vicki and Michael Briggs, Lois and George Bradford, Elizabeth and Tom Broughton, Susan and David Brouillette, Terry and Mariah Chapman, Caroline and Patrick Darby, Michelle and Jim Creamer, Vickie and Jay Crenshaw, Lynn and Alan Creighton, Jacqueline and Paul DeMarco, Jeanne and Cal Dodson; Tricia and Mark Drew, June and John Eagan, Brian Edwards, Elizabeth and David Farrar, Walton and Key Foster, Nell and Todd Fredella, Cheryl and Ron Fritz, Perry Given, Emily and Sam Heidi, Kitty and Trygg Hoff, Bill and Patti Ireland, Libby Lassiter and David Ball, Elizabeth and Tom Jernigan, Margaret and Jim Little, Janet and Matt Lusco, Laura and Burton McDonald; Lynn and Scott Ortis, Lenora Pate and Steve Brickman, Liz and Andrew Pharo, Kristi and Keith Parrot, Kristin and Ken McPherson, Sid and Leanne Philips, Valerie and Ron Ramsbacher, Nicole and Billy Reed, Hillary and Mike Ross, D.J. and Karen Simonetti, Staci and Ben Thompson, Amy and Scott Tully, Ed and Danielle Weldon, Laura and Jesse Vogtle; June and John Eagan, Anne and Sam Oliver, Brooke and Tom Coleman and Pratt Trucks and Chris Cole.

The fun continued at an after-party, where Bobby T and the Aristocrats played among special LED light effects.

Those enjoying the late party included Elizabeth and Chuck Branch, Melinda and Cotton Shallcross, Perryn and Mike Carroll, Francie and Ogden Deaton, Robin and Bradford Kidd, Cindy and Tom Marbury, Mary Louise King, Laurie Hereford, Patti Ann and Richard Randolph and Lisa Sharp and Jimmy Taylor Jr. ❖

at

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Garry and Terri Archer, Cindy and Tom Marbury

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Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 15

Above: From left; Ann Simmons, Nichole Cummins, Jeff Pizitz, Herman Heinle, Libba Williams and Fran Goodrich. Left: Leigh Hancock, Betty Knight, Katherine Cox, Helen Drennen, Holly Goodbody and Elizabeth Hubbard Photo special to the Journal

Over 125 shops and restaurants within walking distance.

Minutes from UAB, Samford, Vulcan and Downtown. The Hill apartments offer uptown living in the heart of the city.

Linly Heflin Previews Annual Fashion Show

L

inly Heflin members were treated to a sneak peek of new fashion trends at their September meeting at the Country Club of Birmingham.

Informal modeling by members previewed the upcoming 54th annual Linly Heflin Fashion Show and Luncheon set for Sept. 27. Megan LaRussa, style director of Southern Femme, will produce the show.

Emcee is Miss Alabama 1994 Amie Beth Shaver.

The long-running fundraising event is a partnership with Birmingham clothier Gus Mayer. Los Angeles-based designer Lourdes Chavez will present her fall/winter 2012 collection in the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel Ballroom.

Doors open just before noon.

Tickets are $50 and available by calling the Linly Heflin office at 871-8171.

The scholarship luncheon and fashion show continues to be the primary fundraiser for the organization’s scholarship program, which benefits women seeking higher education in Alabama.

The Linly Heflin Unit is a group of 125 volunteers headed by president Dalton Blankenship.

Co-chairmen of this year’s luncheon and fashion show are Fran Goodrich and Libba Williams.

Other key members involved in the event are Susan Alison, Happy Anthony, Patti Badham, Gina Boyd, Suzanne Chenoweth, Laura Colebeck, Deane Cook, Beth Corey, Kate Cotton, Martha DeBuys, Eugenia Greer, Kay Grisham, Leigh Hancock, Penney Hartline, Elizabeth Hubbard, Beff King, Kate Millhouse, Margaret

Moor, Pam Prichard, Babs Quinn, Cynnie Sproull, Helen Terry,

Caroline Thomas, Jane Wade and Grace Whatley. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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To: jharwell@realtysouth.com John and Virginia Hornsby, Philippe Lathrop From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: aug. 2012 This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for the Sep. 6, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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udith Crittenden and Philippe Lathrop opened their home recently to host the Birmingham Literacy Council’s final Signature Series of the 2012 season.

Among those on hand to meet Birmingham author Gin Phillips were Cathy and Tom Adams, Mary Francis and Bob Bailey, Peggy Goodwin, Sheryl and Jon Kimerling, Virginia Patterson, Joy and Ed Phillips, Rhoda Watkins, Elna Brendel, Jennifer more photos at Buettner and Ernest Bates, Dorothy Drake, Cathy Friedman, Jackie Goldstein, Virginia and John Hornsby, Jane Kelly, Leslie McLeod, Lani and Tom Powell, Carol Smith, Tracie Todd, Joel Williams and Kathy and John English.

Also attending were Jane Paris Smith and Dr. Chandler Smith.

The Smiths have been faithful supporters of the Literacy Council and Signature Series, missing only one reception since the series began.

Phillips entertained the crowd with stories of her adventures in archeology as she wrote her new novel, “Come In and Cover Me.” Literacy Council tutor Adrienne Marshall thanked patrons for their support and shared the story of her work with an 82-year old learner.

Tickets for the 2013 season go on sale at the end of November. To buy tickets, call the Literacy Council at 326-1925. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Rotaract Club Hosts Hack-It Classic

T

he Rotaract Club of Birmingham held its fourth annual Hack-It Classic Golf Tournament Aug. 25 at Highland Golf Course.

Twenty-one teams of four competed in the tournament. The club also hosted a 19th Hole Party at Tin Roof.

The Rotaract Club of Birmingham was founded in 2004 to develop effective leaders and promote responsible citizenship. The club’s membership includes young professionals committed to playing key roles in serving communities locally, nationally and globally.

The Club’s Ready 2 Read project was recognized by Rotary International as the Service Project of the Year in 2009. The Rotaract Club of Birmingham is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Birmingham and Rotary International. ❖

From left: Anna Price, Brandy Bradford, Sarah Johnson, and Nicole Hudson Photo special to the Journal

Women’s Committee Hosts Guest Day

Andy’s

F

rances Gorrie welcomed the Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham to her home to celebrate the committee’s 2012 Guest Day. Event chairman Bet Wright asked members to share their favorite afternoon tea refreshments.

Annette Green and Sandy Logan brought chicken salad and pimento cheese; Nita Collinsworth shared assorted cookies. Bowls of fruits came from Fay Hall, and Judy Haise brought chocolate bonbons and chocolate liqueur candies.

Gera Comfort, who created handmade notecards for those who attended, made chunky-nut brownies, while Catherine Allen, who gave the blessing, brought cheese straws.

Other items came from Ethel King’s granddaughter, owner of Ashley Mac’s, who also received the Small Business Award from the Committee of 100.

Sue Parker Trammel, Anne Hollans and Carolyn Reich served cranberry punch, tea and Cokes to members and their guests.

Dorothy McDaniel displayed her floral talent by filling a wooden container with pink garden roses, bells of Ireland, fuchsia stock, purple kale, Japanese asters, alchemilla, hydrangea and kermit fronds flanked with potato vines.

President Kathryn Porter thanked outgoing officers and committee members. She also introduced committee past presidents Mary Louise Hodges, Frances Wideman, Elouise Williams, Helen Mills, Anne Hollins, Dr. Winyss Shepard and Anne Gibbons.

New executive officers are Carolyn Satterfield, president; Jeanna Westmoreland, first vice president; Jean Liles, second vice president; Pauline Fugazzotto, recording secretary, Carolyn Reigh, treasurer; and Patricia Barr, assistant treasurer.

Other officers are Winyss Shepard, Anne Durward, Katie Lasker, Frances Wideman, Elouise Williams, Anne Gibbons, Mary

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Louise Hodges, Rebecca Mason, Lena Knight, Angela Comfort, Martha Black, Carolyn Long, Laura Ramsey and Harriet Maloof.

Carolyn Ratliff told guests about her recent Rotary Club trip to Thailand and Laos with her mother Carolyn Sloss, Dot Naughton, Betsy Bancroft, Alice Williams and Jo Ballard.

Big Beautiful Mums, Huge Assortment of Pumkins & Gourds www.AndysGardenCenter.com

Catherine Cabaniss, Martha Bartlett, Marianne Sharbel and Catherine Shepherd admired the collection of paintings, To: while Nanandysnur@bellsouth.net From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Teninbaum, Lena Knight, Virginia McDorman, Ira Day, Rae 205-824-1246, fax Trimmer and Helen Date: Mills recalled Sept. 2012 Prince Edward’s recent visit to This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for the Birmingham. ❖ Sept. 20, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

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570 Southland Drive, Hoover, AL 35226 Call Viki Mullins @ 205-823-2393

18 • Thursday, September 20, 2012

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Heart Ball Leaders Host Annual Meeting

T

he Birmingham Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team, a group of local business leaders that cultivates sponsorships for the event, held its annual meeting recently at the Summit Club in downtown Birmingham.

Leaders included co-chairman Lee Thuston, managing partner of Burr & Forman; Kim Hull, Heart Guild president; honoree Terry Kellogg, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama; Tammy Savage, Heart Ball chairman; Zeke Smith, executive vice president of external affairs at Alabama Power; and Leigh Collier, who represented Wells Fargo, the Heart Ball’s signature sponsor.

Kellogg thanked all in attendance for their support, highlighting survivors of cardiovascular diseases and stroke who benefit from research and education funded by the American Heart Association.

Stan Starnes, CEO of ProAssurance, shared his personal connection to heart disease, encouraging those present to keep in mind the American Heart Association’s 2020 Impact Goal: to improve by 2020 the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20 percent.

Susan Compton of BB&T Bank attended the meeting on behalf of the AHA board of directors.

The 26th Birmingham Heart Ball will be March 2 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. The event features live and silent auctions, entertainment and dancing, with proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association.

For more information, visit www. heart.org/birminghamheartball. ❖

From left: Lee Thuston, Kim Hull, Terry Kellogg, Tammy Savage and Zeke Smith Photos special to the Journal

Stan Starnes

Inverness Golfers Host Tournament

T

he Inverness Ladies Golf Association held its Member Guest Tournament Aug. 22.

Committee chairmen were Joyce Bonovitch, Jane Moore and Peg Perry.

More than 40 guests from 12 different country clubs played in the event.

After golf, a luncheon was served and prizes were awarded.

Team winners included Nita Funderburg, Brenda Dailey, Betty Lenoir and Bok Stamper, first place; Pat Engel, Debbie Atchley, JoAnn Davis and Marie Roberts, second place; Donna Wynne, Carol Nuckles, Helen Walker and Crista Sligh, third place; Sue Clements, Lori Eans, Liz Crotwell and Joy Brown Clark, fourth place; Janet Barnes, Margie Kirkland, Valerie Mennen and Janet McPherson, fifth place; and Ann Jeffcoat, Barbara Woods, Pat Ervin and Lib Dillard, sixth place.

Other winners were Betty Lenoir and Linda Morris on No. 13, closest to the pin; Linda Morris on No. 8 and Sue Soloman on No. 14, longest drive; and Pat Engel, closest to the line. ❖

Ski Club Hosts Summer Party

• Cards 2 For $1 • Glasses • Giftwares & Candles • Paper Goods Toys

R

ock & Roll Sushi in the Pinnacle Shopping Center in Trussville hosted a day of live music on the patio to benefit the Alabama Rivers Alliance.

At the Aug. 11 event, owners Ryan and Annette Hallmark offered food and drink specials with 25 percent of the day's proceeds donated to the Alabama Rivers Alliance. The event also included a silent auction benefiting the ARA. Music was provided by Bob Griffin and Leah Hill of One Eyed Mary, Ted Tedder and Ryan Bradley and B.J. Parnell.

ARA board president Henry Hughes and executive director Cindy Lowry attended the party.

Also there were Melanie Smith, Baird Castleberry, Duncan Lamb, Leslie Ramey, Scott Russel from the Alabama Environmental Council, Frank Chitwood from Coosa Riverkeeper, Keith Tassin of the Nature Conservancy, Jeremy Adkins, Kelly Vail, Carol Vardaman, Kelli Beaird, Missy Allen, Meagan Wilson, Ryan Shaddix, Ashley Shaddix, Alison Griswold and artist Michael Fernambucq.

Other ARA participants included Katie Shaddix, Adam Johnston, Eartha McGoldrick, Rob Angus and James Lowery. ❖

Fancy Goods Variety Now Open On Rocky Ridge!

You will love Fancy Goods Variety! Every aisle is an adventure. We have many of the things you shop for in the big box stores, but in a customer friendly easy to shop environment.

Locally Owned & Operated!

Come visit us for a spooktacular Halloween!

978-1451

Open: Monday - Friday 9-6 & Saturday 9-4 www.fancygoodsvariety.com

2512 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 102 • Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243

Helium Balloons • Pet Supplies • Aluminum Pans Jewelry

Music Event Supports Alabama Rivers Alliance

Photos special to the Journal

“ A Friendly Store With a Little Bit of Everything.”

• Health & Beauty Aids • Make-Up

Baird and Kellee Castleberry

Convenience • Selection • Customer Service Thousands of Items!

• Tableware

From left: Suzanne Daniels, Joyce Wise, Debra Gilbreath, Sharon Tatum and Photo special to the Journal Donna Walker

FANCY GOODS VARIETY

• Hardware

he Birmingham Ski Club held its annual summer party at the Hoover Country Club Aug. 25.

In accordance with the event’s Greek theme, guests dressed in goddess and warrior costumes.

Party chairman Debra Gilbreath and hostesses Suzanne Daniels, Joyce Wise, Sharon Tatum and Donna Walker planned a menu of Greek dishes and decorated the club in Greece’s colors of blue, white and gold. The Deja Blue band played while guests danced.

The party was the first opportunity to sign up for this season’s ski trips, cruises and rafting trips. More than 100 attended. ❖

Seasonal • Cleaning Supplies • School • Supplies Housewares

T

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 19

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Leah Hill

The Perfect Gift.

Make it personal... a custom portrait or painting

by Judy Butler Hand drawn and/or painted from photographs in your choice of media,charcoal, pencil, pastels, watercolor or oil/acrylic.

www.jbutlerart.com or call 205-907-0700 To: From:

Fancy Goods Variety Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: WeSept.

2012to have our home on the campus of Brookwood are glad

e-mail butlers101@aol.com

coming soon

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for

Hospital, grateful the issue. trust placed in fax us by referring Sept. 20,for 2012 Please approval or changes to 824-1246.

more news more often

physicians, Please and honored to servesure you, our with make all patients, information

We are

is correct, patient including and phone excellence in cardiac care. Weaddress welcome new patients to ournumber!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from youHospital. by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We office in Brookwood Monday.

The Suburban Newspaper for Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

INSIDE

To make an appointment, please call 205-250-6964.

JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2012

VOL. 22 #17

Homemade foods highlight Middle East feast

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 4

EXCEPTIONAL ART

Western Supermarkets partners with Emmet OʼNeal Library for wine festival

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 6

Football-themed party raises funds for Childrenʼs team

SOCIAL PAGE 14

Amy Williamson assists Exceptional Foundation participant James with one of his paintings. Art is one of the many activities the program offers to adults with mental and physical disabilities. The public will have a chance to purchase some of the participantsʼ work at the foundationʼs art show Sept. 20. Proceeds Journal photo by Laura McAlister from the show benefit the foundation.

Foundation’s Show Helps Open Doors for Mentally and Physically Challenged

BY LAURA MCALISTER

H

JOURNAL EDITOR

e starts with a blank sheet of butcher paper and then carefully selects his colors.

For this particular painting, James chooses a fiery red and a bright yellow.

Then he delves into his work.

As a new participant in Homewood’s Exceptional Foundation, James has discovered a love for painting. He’s also made some pretty good friends.

The Exceptional Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving mentally and physically challenged individuals. On a daily basis, it serves adults like James, but it also offers programs and summer camps for children.

On any given day at the center, participants can be found working on an art proj-

Art in Action

Birmingham Museum lands largest Norman Rockwell traveling exhibit, page 3 Mountain Brook Artist creates paintings for the GOP National Convention, page 8 See how donors make a difference in fostering the area’s arts, page 12

ect like James with his painting. Or, if it happens to be a Wednesday afternoon, there may be some karaoke.

Whatever the activity may be, the program strives to provide these mentally and physically challenged individuals with social and recreational activities with peers, something they might not get otherwise.

“There’s always something going on here,” said Ginny Bastar, program director for the foundation. “They have a far more active social life than any of us.”

Usually activities are in the daytime, but on Sept. 20, the organization will open its doors for its ninth annual Exceptional Art Show, where budding artists like James will get to show off and sell their work.

Ruth Bean, a staff member at the Exceptional Foundation, said the show is a great way to tap into the talents of these See EXCEPTIONAL, page 7

Cats and dogs reign at Picasso Pets event

SOCIAL PAGE 17

Back to school, OTM students begin a new year

SCHOOLS PAGE 23

SUE MURPHY ON THEME BIRTHDAY PARTIES P. 2 • PATRIOTS DAY IN HOMEWOOD SEPT. 11 P. 4 • MAGIC CITY MILE BENEFITS BELL CENTER P. 6

Alfred W.H. Stanley, Jr. M.D., F.A.C.C Saji C. Jacob, M.D., F.A.C.C Michael E. McKinney, M.D., F.A.C.C. Dianne Barnard, M.D., F.A.C.C Leah C. Ashworth-Edge, CRNP Jeffery W. Herald, CRNP

20 • Thursday, September 20, 2012

Weddings & Engagements

Here we GROW again!

Henderson & Walton Women’s Center is excited to announce our new satellite office in Chelsea! The physicians you know and trust at our main office in Birmingham will now be coming to YOU in Chelsea. They bring with them the excellence you have come to expect—healthcare that is delivered in a personal, considerate, sensitive and knowledgeable manner. Henderson & Walton’s physicians are Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and affiliated with St. Vincent’s Birmingham.

So, if you’ve been looking for quality women’s healthcare, you’ve found it—right here in your neighborhood! Give us a call today at (205) 678-8093 to set up an appointment in our Chelsea office and meet our physicians.

398 Chesser Drive, Suite 3 | Chelsea, AL 35043

Wilson-Beebe

Rachel Danielle Wilson and Donald Alexander Beebe were married June 16 at Highlands United Methodist Church in the historic Five Points South district of Birmingham.

The wedding had a vintage feel with strong ties to history and tradition. Rev. Mikah Hudson officiated the ceremony and was assisted by the bride’s uncle, Rev. Michael Robinson of Brundidge.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Richard Zeski of Birmingham and Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Dwight Wilson of Atlanta. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Monza Henson Wilson and the late Mr. H. Dwight Wilson of Ozark and the late Mr.

Chandler-Gibson

Mary Lawrence Chandler and James McMillan Gibson were married June 23 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. The Rev. Mike Holley officiated the evening ceremony.

A reception was held following the ceremony at Vestavia Country Club.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cary Scott Chandler of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Joseph Lawrence of Augusta, Ga., and Mrs.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

and Mrs. Robert Eugene Lovvorn of Dothan.

The bride is a 2007 graduate of Auburn University and 2012 graduate of Clemson University with a master’s degree in biological sciences.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Guy Beebe of Mobile.

He is the grandson of Mr. James Rockett Van Hoose and the late Mrs. Van Hoose of Sarasota, Fla., and Mr. Norman Guy Beebe and the late Mrs. Beebe of Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Beebe is a 2007 graduate of the University of South Alabama and is completing his doctorate in environmental engineering at Clemson University.

Given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore an ivory Alvina Valenta fit-and-flare silk duchess satin gown with a white empire Alencon lace bodice and off the shoulder neckline.

The dress featured a lace back with the center waistline accented by a bow and streamers. A deep border of Alencon lace surrounded the hemline and sweep train. She wore her mother’s white fingertip veil adorned with appliqués, pearls and Swarovski crystals.

Her wedding rings belonged to the groom’s grandmother, the late Mrs. Barbara Clark Van Hoose. Ivory double-face satin ribbon was festooned through her cascading bouquet of antique green hydrangeas, blush peonies, porcelain roses, white lilies, free-

sia and stephanotis with pearls. A small piece of lace from her grandmother’s wedding dress was included.

Rebecca Walton Quinn of Fairhope was the matron of honor. Brooke Gail Wilson, the bride’s 3-year-old sister, was the flower girl.

The groom’s father was his best man. Ushers included the groom’s brother, David Andrew Beebe of Mobile; Nathaniel Dwight Robinson, cousin of the bride, of Auburn; and John Richard Zeski. Matthew Dwight Wilson, the bride’s 5-year-old brother, was the ring bearer.

Greeters included the groom’s sister, Allison Renee Beebe of Mobile; Karoline Kristine Wilson of Birmingham; and Marian Margaret McDonald of Auburn. Acolytes were Allison Renee Beebe, David Andrew Beebe, Nathaniel Dwight Robinson and Joshua Andrew Nelson of Anniston, cousin of the bride.

A tea reception hosted by the mother of the bride immediately followed the wedding in the church greeting space. A string quartet orchestrated by the Cahaba River Strings provided entertainment for the afternoon. Family and friends were hosted at a beach-themed rehearsal dinner by the groom’s parents at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

After a honeymoon trip to San Francisco, the couple live in Clemson, S.C.

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Alan Yoder of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Caroline Whitney Yoder, to Seth Daniel Cohen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Alan Cohen of Pittsfield, Mass.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Jack Melville Whitney II of Chicago and the late Mr. Whitney and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Esser Yoder Sr. of Naples, Fla. Miss Yoder is a cum laude graduate of Duke University with bachelor’s degrees in English and psychology. She received a master’s degree in nutrition from Meredith College in

Yoder-Cohen

Raleigh, N.C. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon Sumner Goldberg and Mr. Moritz Anton Cohen Jr. of Bethesda, Md., and the late Mrs. Honey Cohen.

Mr. Cohen is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Rochester with bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics. He received a master’s degree in physics from Duke University, where he is a doctoral candidate in physics. Mr. Cohen is employed with Duke University.

The wedding is planned for Nov. 3.

John Chapple Chandler Jr. and the late Mr. Chandler of Carrollton, Ga. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cecil Gibson Jr. of Thomasville. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Ray Spinks Sr. of Sunny South and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cecil Gibson Sr. of Thomasville.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory gown of Alençon lace over silk tulle accented by a vintage satin sash, featuring a handknotted silver and gold floral medallion, and a cathedral-length train. Her fingertip-length veil of French illusion was edged in lace, and she carried a bouquet of white roses and stephanotis.

Chapple Christine Chandler and Elizabeth Sparks Chandler served as their sister’s honor attendants. Jessica Alyse Dewberry, Joanna Michelle Everett, Mary Elizabeth Gibson, Mandy Jones Graham, Campbell Brown Marshall, Rachael Jean Sparrow and Megan Allyssa Williams were bridesmaids. Mary Kathryn Elizabeth Martin was flower girl.

Robert Cecil Gibson Jr., was his son’s best man. Groomsmen included Preston Bailey Cates, Cary Scott Chandler Jr., Seth Henson

Crosby, Robert Cecil Gibson III, Michael Weslee Hagler, Stephen Kyle Hammon, Benjamin Whitfield Hughey and James Lawrence Spinks. Ushers were Wade O’ Connell Christopher, Chance Allen Graham, Jordan Andrew Marshall and Benjamin Henry Williams III. Andrew Sparks Watson was ring bearer.

Frank Joseph Lawrence III was crucifer. Acolytes were John Henry Lawrence and James William Watson.

Dr. Lester Seigel was organist.

Vocalists were Daniel Seigel and Jennifer Faulkner Seigel.

The bride is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and has a master’s degree in education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a teacher at Clarke Preparatory School in Grove Hill.

The groom is a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He is employed as operations manager of Alabama Timber Industries in Thomasville.

Following a wedding trip to Italy and France, the couple live in Thomasville.

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 21

New Business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

NEW IN TOWN Incubate Gallery

Incubate Gallery opened this summer and features local, emerging artists.

Owner and Birmingham native Billie Dupree is introducing an eclectic collection of art to Birmingham from her 41st Street South gallery in the revitalized neighborhood of Avondale.

Billie Dupree is an artist and entrepreneur who is returning to her artistic roots after more than 30 years in accounting.

The gallery also has a studio, where art classes will be offered.

For more information visit incubategallery.com.

Get Connected The chambers of commerce in the Over the Mountain area offer several networking opportunities.

Below are a sampling of some of them.

Hoover

Rachel Vincent, above, with the wooden frames that helped start her Homewood shop, A Touch of Whimsy. Below, Stephen Journal photos by Margaret Frymire Vincent makes all the wood furniture, including this daybed, featured in the shop.

Tornadoes to Tables

Storm Spurs Rachel Vincent to Open Homewood Shop

By Margaret Frymire

E

Journal Intern

ighteenth Street, in the heart of downtown Homewood, houses a variety of clothing boutiques, decorative shops and little lunch spots. Nestled among the stores is Rachel Vincent’s A Touch of Whimsy.

Light and airy, the shop holds everything from hanging daybeds and dining tables to wood picture frames, pottery pieces, throw pillows and scarves. The shop owners act as a great couple-team. Stephen Vincent, Rachel’s husband, builds all the furniture out of wood, and Rachel does all the finishing work. They do custom orders of wood furniture ranging from tables to bookshelves to daybeds.

Opening her own shop had long been Rachel’s dream, and it started to become a reality through a most unlikely circumstance.

Rachel had been in nursing school at Bevill State Community College while her husband Stephen attended the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University.

Her plan was to pursue nursing while her husband completed school and one day in the future open her own shop. Then on April 27, 2011, Rachel and Stephen found themselves among those hit by the tornadoes that ran rampant through the state last year.

“When the tornado hit, it just turned everything around,” Rachel said.

The Vincents’ home in Pleasant Grove was damaged but salvageable.

The tornadoes jarred Rachel, and she decided not to put off her dream of owning and running her own shop.

“I just decided, this is something I really want to do right now,” Rachel said. “I didn’t

A Touch of Whimsy  Where: 2937 18th St. South  Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.atouchofwhimsydecor.com want to wait.”

With the support of her husband, she began to pursue that dream. She started with her home’s front porch swing that was broken during the tornadoes.

“We made the front porch swing into a picture frame,” Rachel said. “When you tear apart your swing, it comes into three squares, so we started making those picture frames.”

Showcased on the wall at A Touch of Whimsy are several sets of the frames.

Rough-hewn wood frames, crafted by Stephen and finished by Rachel, are sold in sets of three like the swing frame or individually for smaller spaces.

The couple started with the picture

frames, added some mirrors and a few of Rachel’s paintings and headed to art and furniture shows in Atlanta. From there, the business began to grow.

Rachel asked Stephen if he would try his hand at building a custom kitchen table.

He did. Adding a headboard, the table and a few more furniture pieces to their shop, Rachel and Stephen started receiving custom orders.

Rachel said she chose to open a shop in Homewood rather than in Pleasant Grove because she’s always had a fondness for 18th Street. She said she would not have wanted to put her shop anywhere else.

“I love this street,” said Rachel. “I love how all the stores complement each other.”

When driving in downtown Homewood one day early in the year, she saw a space available for rent on 18th Street. The original spot she looked at was too small to house the furniture, but she looked across the street and noticed another available space. She and Stephen were thrilled to settle on that spot in February of this year. They opened the doors of A Touch of Whimsy March 30.

The shop name itself comes from a favorite saying of Rachel’s mother and aunt. Both avid decorators, the women would bring home a cute soap dish or a quaint lamp and with that piece say they were adding “a touch of whimsy” to the room. When Rachel was trying to come up with a name for the shop, the phrase immediately came to mind.

A Touch of Whimsy houses a variety of decorative and gift items, carries pottery and an all-natural skincare line from local vendors and receives custom furniture orders for tables, beds, bookshelves and more. ❖

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. The Hoover Business After Hours will be from 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Southern Legacy BBQ & Brew at 2943 John Hawkins Parkway. Contact Lyndsie Harman 988-0744 or Lyndsie.Harman@ qrcllc.com for information. www.legacybbq.com/.

Vestavia Hills

The deadline to sign up for Vestavia Hills’ annual Holiday in the Hills is Sept. 21. Holiday in the Hills is a series of community events that take place in the city during November and December, celebrating the holiday season. It is also a passport to savings and prizes when visiting the participating Holidays in the Hills businesses. For more information on Holiday in the Hills or to fill out a merchant form, visit www. vestaviahills.org.

Mountain Brook

The Mountain Brook Chamber will host its monthly lunch Oct. 11 at Park Lane in English Village. John Cooper, director of the Alabama Department of Transportation, will discuss current and future regional transportation projects. Reservations are $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Table sponsors are $250. Visit www.welcometomountainbrook.com for more information.

Homewood

The Homewood Chamber of Commerce and the Homewood Public Library will sponsor a Disaster Preparedness for Small Business Workshop from 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 25 in the large auditorium at the library. This program will feature Tom Appleby, an experts in the field. He will be teaching how to implement a disaster recovery plan that fits your business.

Birmingham

The Birmingham Business Alliance will host its annual Small Business Awards from 5:30-9 p.m.

Sept. 20 at the Harbert Center. The BBA opened nominations for the awards this summer. The BBA’s Small Business Council hosts the Small Business Awards each year to complement its year-round efforts to educate and grow small businesses throughout the Birmingham region. For more information visit www.birminghambusinessalliance. com

New in the OTM Area?

The New Business section features new businesses in the Over the Mountain area. Know of an interesting business that’s recently moved to the area? Let us know. It could be featured in this space.

Call 823-9646 or email editorial@otmj.com.

home

22 • Thursday, September 20, 2012

antiques at the gardens

The Botanical Garden’s 2012 Antiques at The Gardens will feature regionally and nationally known designers known as tastemakers. In this section, you’ll find a taste of what some of these Tastemakers will have to offer by taking a peak inside their homes.

Clockwise, from above left: Decorator Mary Evelyn McKee’s granddaughter Madelyn is right at home in her new bedroom in Mary Evelyn’s Mountain Brook home. Mary Evelyn loves mixing storied family pieces in her home. The table, she said, has been in every home the McKees have lived in. A steel bowl sink gives the powder room a modern edge, but antique mirrors and a silver trumpet vase give the room some traditional touches.

Home Extension

M

Decorator Adapts House to Beautifully Accommodate Her Family Story by Laura McAlister • Photos by Lee Walls Jr.

meet the tastemaker Mary Evelyn McKee of Mountain Brook began her interior design career in 1986, which later led to the opening of her downtown Homewood shop, Mary Evelyn Interiors. She describes the shop as a “well edited” collection of great design, all U.S. made.

ary Evelyn McKee’s Mountain Brook home was originally built for an extended family, but for the last couple of years it’s been used by empty nesters – until recently.

The interior decorator and owner of Mary Evelyn Interiors in Homewood has lived in her Mountain Brook home for about eight years. Her three boys are grown, but one recently brought his family back to Birmingham from California.

Temporarily, the family of three are making their home with Mary Evelyn, and true to her design style, she’s making it one the family will likely want to stay in.

“This house really was built with an extended family in mind,” she said. “So we’ve really come full circle.”

It also comes full circle with Mary Evelyn’s theme at this year’s Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Antique at The Gardens. Mary Evelyn is one of the tastemakers, and her theme will be pied-á-terre, a term frequently used in big cities to refer to a See home extension, page 23

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Antiques Abound at BBG Show

T

he seventh annual Antiques at The Gardens: Arts, Jewelry and Antiques will be at Birmingham Botanical Gardens Oct. 4-7.

Presented by IberiaBank, this year’s event will feature “tastemakers” – regionally and nationally known architects, interior designers and landscape designers.

Each designer will curate themed areas with goods selected from Birmingham and other sources around the country. The show will continue to include dealers from across the U.S. presenting antiques, furniture, porcelain, fine art, silver, garden accessories and jewelry.

Tastemakers include Barbara Ashford, Wendy Barze, Tammy Connor, Cameron Antiques Crowe, Cathy at The Harvey, Leah Hazzard, Gardens Judy Hill, Antiques at Bill Ingram, the Gardens Marjorie will be Oct. 4-7.

Johnston, For a complete Karen Luce, schedule of Mary Evelyn events see page McKee, Ware 25.

Porter, Troy Rhone, Kitty White and Liz Woods.

Tastemakers will join national dealers including John Dennison Fine Art from North Myrtle Beach, S.C., Thomas M. Fortner Antiques from Memphis, Tenn., Joseph M. Hayes from Columbus, Ohio, McDounough Fine Art from Atlanta, Edwin C. Skinner Antiques from Fairhope and Whitehall Antiques from Chapel Hill, N.C. The Sterne Agee Gala in The Gardens kicks off the weekend’s festivities Oct. 4. The exclusive black-tie event gives guests an opportunity to shop in a cocktail environment before the sale opens to the public Friday.

This year’s Red Diamond Lecture Series Oct. 5 will feature renowned chef and author Alex Hitz.

The Atlanta native regularly hosts elegant, Southern-themed dinner parties in his Los Angeles kitchen and has welcomed guests like former First Lady Nancy Reagan and heiress Betsy Bloomingdale. His food line, The Beverly Hills Kitchen, is available exclusively through Home Shopping Network, and he will release a new cookbook this fall.

Hitz will sign copies of his cookbook, which will be available for purchase, following the lecture.

For more on Hitz, see the Oct. 4 issue of the Journal.

Proceeds from Antiques at The Gardens support educational programs at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Since 2006, the event has raised more than $1.8 million for the gardens. ❖

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 23

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

home extension,

Visit us at this year's Antiques at the Gardens

from page 20

small, secondary living space – or in the case of Mary Evelyn and part of her home, a temporary living space.

When it comes to tackling such spaces, Mary Evelyn takes the same approach as she would in a larger permanent space: It should be comfortable and inviting, combining special family pieces with beautiful design.

“I’m inspired by personal items of the people who inhabit the space,” she said. “It has to have a soul. It has to come from the people who spend time there.”

Evidence of this philosophy is found all over Mary Evelyn’s own home.

Whether it’s in her permanent living space or her granddaughter’s room, Mary Evelyn mixes family heirlooms with a combination of modern and traditional pieces to create spaces that are inviting and, as she likes to say, “less than perfect, and not too demanding.”

Take her granddaughter’s new room, for example.

That was a fun one for Mary Evelyn. Being the mother of three boys, she said it was fun to create a room for her 3-year-old granddaughter, Madelyn.

While it would have been easy to go with an all-over pink – which there is plenty of in the bedroom – Mary Evelyn added some surprising yet still feminine touches, like the wallpaper.

The Nina Campbell wallpaper is covered in butterflies but has a softer palette. Mary Evelyn liked the way the pattern paired with an old rocking chair

October 5th - 7th Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Mary Evenly has several paintings by New Orleans artist Beth Lambert. This one hangs in the foyer of her Mountain Brook home.

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See home extension, page 27

To: From: Date: To: From: Date:

Constance Longworth Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Sept. 2012 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Sept. 20, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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Jennifer Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Sept. 2012

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN J Sept. 20, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Decorator Tammy Connor’s exhibit at Antiques at The Gardens is themed “Let there be Light.” In her Hollywood home, Photos courtesy Jean Allsopp she prefers lamp lighting, but she does use some accent lighting in her book shelves.

Shining Moments Tammy Connor Knows How to Light Up a Home

By Laura McAlister

W

Journal Editor

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meet the tastemaker Tammy Connor is the principal owner of Tammy Connor Interior Design. Founded in Charleston, S.C., the business is now in Homewood, where Tammy and her family live. She recently was awarded the Phillip Trammell Shutze Award for Interior Design and was named one of Traditional Home’s 2012 New Trad Designers.

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hen it comes to interior design, decorator Tammy Connor considers lighting to be somewhat like the icing on a cake.

When done correctly, it only enhances the decor, said the principal owner of Tammy Connor Interior Design in Homewood.

Her nearby home in Hollywood is a good example of just how the right lighting and fixtures can make a home shine.

“I have lots of lamp lighting in my house,” she said. “The way I approach lamps is I want them to be functional but pretty. They’re just sort of the icing. It’s the opportunity

to introduce something pretty but also functional.”

Tammy said there are three types of home lighting. There’s general or ambient lighting, which provides overall illumination of a room or space. Then there is task lighting for specific purposes like reading, cooking and preparing food. Finally, there’s accent lighting, which is used to add drama to a particular piece like a painting.

Tammy will have different types of lighting and show how they can enhance a home at her exhibit at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Antiques at The Gardens. As one of the event’s tastemakers, her theme will be “Let There Be Light.”

Just like in her home, Tammy said most of the lamps and light fixtures she’ll have on display will come from markets she frequently visits in Charleston, S.C., New Orleans, New York and Atlanta.

Tammy has filled her home with timeless lamps and lighting fixtures to create the sort of Southern elegance she’s become known for.

Tammy and her husband, who have two children, have lived in their house for about six years. The Tudor-style home built in 1926 was familiar to Tammy long before the couple purchased it.

“This is a house I grew up playing in,” she said. “As a kid I always loved it.”

Tammy grew up not far from her current home, and her mother still lives right around the corner.

Though she loved the house growing up, she admitted it needed some work by the time she and her

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 25

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Antiques at The Gardens Schedule

Dress Your Table for the Holidays

Public Show Hours

• Oct. 5 and 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Oct. 7, 1-5 p.m.

• Tickets: $10 Special Events

Above: The crosses above her daughter’s crib were made by Tammy’s friends at a baby shower for her. Below, left: Tammy added a seating area to the foyer to make the small space welcoming. Right, a small lamp gives off soft light in Tammy’s daughter’s nursery.

• Sterne Agee Gala in The Gardens Preview Event featuring culinary tastemakers: Veranda on Highland, Fleming’s, Ocean, Kathy G, GianMarco’s and daniel george • Oct. 4, 7 p.m.-midnight.

• Tickets: $150 (includes show admission) Red Diamond Lecture Series: Alex Hitz

• Oct. 5, 10:30 a.m.

• Tickets: $30 (includes show admission) Luncheon

• Oct. 5, 12:30 p.m.

• Tickets: $125 (includes show admission and lecture)

husband purchased it.

They renovated the kitchen and refinished part of the attic to start.

They also added lots of built-ins, especially in the study, where they sandblasted a painted wall to reveal the original stonework. The light fixture there is from a flea market Tammy visited in France.

She also added a cozy seating area at the entryway of the house.

“I wanted it to be welcoming, but it was a small space,” Tammy said. “So we added the built-in seat.”

When it came to the decor, Tammy said she wanted pieces that reflect her style but also ones that tell a story. She points to her 4-yearold daughter’s room as an example.

The room is a soft shade of pink with more built-in shelving. A collection of crosses with a special significance hangs over the bed.

“The crosses are all ones my friends made at a baby shower,” she said. “I like things that tell a story. It makes them more than just

‘stuff.’”

She also likes to layer textures and mix different styles.

Throughout her home she uses soft, neutral colors, accenting them with accessories she’s collected from her travels.

She said most of her lighting is from lamps with one-of-a-kind shades. She’s added some accent lighting for artwork and book shelves, but for the most part she wanted to keep with the style of the house. ❖

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26 • Thursday, September 20, 2012

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Clockwise from near right: The pool and art studio were added to Kittyʼs Mountain Brook home about a year ago. In addition to painting, Kitty also makes jewelry. She painted the fabric for a pair of stools in her family room.

Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

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Jim Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Oct. 2010 BRUSHING This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the from Cover Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

UP,

of the basement, or what she refers to

Please make sure all information is correct,as the dungeon, and into the daylight.

Construction work on a neighincluding address and phone number! boring house allowed the family to

finally make some additions to the house it’s lived in since 1994.

Her new studio, unlike the baseIf we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, ment, is open with lots of light. your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Windows on one side open up to the Thank you for your•prompt pool, also added during the renovaDecorator Fabrics • Hardware Rugs •attention.

Trim tion about a year ago.

Kitty said her studio is really 1820 Greensprings Highway 322-5878 “organized chaos.” She has fabrics up to select www.kingcottonfabrics.com and stencils laid out on tables as well as an area where she creates jewall and Elegant Earth elry. Her eclectic pieces are carried

by Regina Jewelry and Treasures at Gus Mayer and at boutiques in Palm Beach, Dallas and Nashville.

When it comes to her painted fabrics, as well as her home decor, Kitty is often inspired by her travels.

Displayed on a top shelf in her studio are some Indian block stamps Shop early in our newly-designed courtyard as we clear out The Arbor’s old she found at a jewelry show in inventory to make room for exciting new Elegant Earth at The Arbor products.

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different and interesting,” Kitty said.

“I love a little ethnic influence.”

Looking out the window of Kitty’s studio, one is transported to a faraway country. The pool has the feel of a Greek or Italian resort with slate flooring. Large lounge chairs with white cushions surround the rectangular-shaped pool. Indian-style ceramic elephants add to the worldly feel.

Kitty said the pool area has been a great source of inspiration for her.

She even duplicated the tiling trim in the pool on one of her painted fabrics.

Inside the house, Kitty continues to use paint and interesting pieces to accessorize her home.

She painted the built-in cabinets in the kitchen as well as an adjoining office in a taupe-gray. Her dining room is white, but stencils of dark green diamonds give the room an old Hollywood feel. The light blue ceiling adds to the ambiance.

Throughout the home are pieces purchased during the family’s travels. Some favorites include white, beaded chairs the couple found in Los Angeles while celebrating Kitty’s birthday.

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another satisfied customer

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shipments Arriving Weekly Thank you for your prompt attention.

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that had these chairs,” she said. “I just thought they were incredible, so my husband asked me if I wanted them for my birthday. I thought, I do jewelry, and these are beaded chairs.”

Some of the décor, like the many pictures from Italy that cover the walls, pays homage to places Kitty hopes to go someday.

Kitty loves old books, and she and a friend found an old book of photography from Italy. Instead of arguing over who would get the book, the friends split it up. Kitty framed the pages, hanging them throughout her home.

“The book is all of Italy, primarily Venice,” she said. “I’ve never been, but I’ve lived all around it.”

Kitty’s house is certainly a blend of her different artistic abilities as well.

She graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in apparel design. Her love for paint finishes was inspired by her aunt, artist Penny Trammell.

“She invited me to go for a twoweek workshop in San Francisco,” Kitty said. “I loved it. My aunt has really been a great influence to me.”

The workshop taught Kitty about many painting techniques and finishes, and she used those skills while working as an assistant decorator with Birmingham designer Richard Tubb.

Later, she opened her own studio in Pepper Place where she worked on both residential and commercial projects. One of her favorite projects was glazing the walls of Birmingham’s Highlands Bar and Grill.

Kitty would later get into jewelry design, and her latest venture has been painted textiles, which will be on display at Antiques at The Gardens.

“I’ve always loved textiles,” she said. “This has created a new avenue for my medium. Instead of painting walls, I’m painting fabrics.

“It’s labor intensive, but I love coming up with something different.” ❖

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 27

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Hoover Antique Gallery

home extension, from page 21

that has been in her family for five generations.

The old wooden single bed frame is also special to the family. It was Madelyn’s father’s when he was a child; now, it’s covered in hot pink bedding. Pillows in shades of pink by John Robshaw decorate the bed. Another splash of hot pink is found in the chair and chaise where Madelyn likes to sit and read.

“I’ve never had a little girl, so I might have gone overboard on the pink, but I think that’s OK,” Mary Evelyn said. “I love the quote that ‘hot pink is the navy blue of India.’”

When it came to decorating the permanent living spaces in the house, the color palette is much more neutral.

The breakfast room is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Cotton Ball. Mary Evelyn designed the banquette seating with a Greek key trim along the bottom that’s paired with an antique trestle table.

“That table has been in every house we’ve had,” she said. “It has a new life every time we move.”

Mary Evelyn found the large round mirror above the table years ago at Robert Hill Antiques. The chest on the opposite wall of the table repeats the Greek key border found on the banquette seating.

“I’ve just always been drawn to neoclassical elements,” Mary Evelyn said.

She also is drawn to art, which is displayed throughout the house.

One of her favorite paintings hangs in the gallery at the front of the house. It’s by Birmingham artist Annie Kammerer Butrus.

“It’s one of a series she’s done over the years on the Chilton County peach harvest,” Mary Evelyn said.

Mary Evelyn also loves to mix the old with the new, as she does in the downstairs powder room.

The breakfast room in the McKee house is a gathering spot for the family.

Soft neutral colors make the room warm and inviting. Below, a painting by Birmingham artist Annie Butrus is a favorite of Mary Evelyn’s. It hangs in the Journal photos by Lee Walls gallery of her home.

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There, a modern steel bowl sink open her store in Homewood about six 3411 Old Columbiana Rd. (Hwy 31 @ Patton Chapel Rd.) sits on top of a custom-made table. A years ago. There, just like in her home, wall of antique mirror gives the room a she has a wide variety of accessories 822-9500 • www.hooverantiquegallery.com classic feel, and the room wouldn’t be and furniture to make a home inviting See our Facebook page for more info complete without a family treasure: A yet comfortable. ❖ trumpet vase that belonged to her husband’s great-grandmother is displayed next to the sink.

Mary Evelyn’s home is a mix of family heirlooms and classic pieces, giving the spaces a timeless feel, which hooverantiques@bellsouth.net is the design philosophy she’s had since To: From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 starting her career in 1986.

Her success in decorating led her to Date: September 2012

We Buy...

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28 • Thursday, September 20, 2012

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Going to the Dogs

Hoover Crossroads Program Offers Students Chance to Work with Four-Legged Friends

S

ome four-legged friends have enrolled in a new class called Barkology 101 at Hoover’s Crossroads alternative school.

The school’s New Beginnings program received a grant from the Hoover City Schools Foundation this summer to fund the new class. Eight students and five dogs from the school’s personal development class were chosen to work together in becoming Hand in Paw Therapy Teams.

During the first semester, the students will go to the Hoover PetSmart every Wednesday for dog obedience training with an accredited instructor. During the second semester, they will work with Hand in Paw to certify the dogs as visiting therapy dogs while the students will study to become handlers for the dogs.

The students will ultimately be able to take the dogs to

places such as Children’s Hospital, UAB Hospital, senior living facilities and possibly other schools.

New Beginnings accepts 60 students each academic year and provides nontraditional learning activities to help young people achieve personal, academic and vocational success. The class is led by teachers Kim Spidell, Charles Crowder and LeAnna Hurst, Gateway counselor.

Therapy dogs are not new to the school campus.

Principal Anna Whitney, the program creator, began taking her dog Andy to school six years ago. She saw the impact his presence had on students and staff and later added two more dogs, Gumbo and Izzie.

Whitney wanted to “do something out of the box” to enhance student learning and to be a positive reinforcement for the students as they learn to be good citizens. ❖

Participating in Hoover Crossroad’s Barkology 101 are front from left: Taylor Brewer, dog Clara Bell and Sara Jane Griffin. Back row: Bella, Charles Crowder, Katilyn Sanders, Kevin Thrasher, Josh Wakefield, dog Evie, Asia Rodriquez, Rachel Little, LeAnna Hurst, Kim Spidell and dog Big Gumbo.

Photo special to the Journal

School Notes

Vestavia High’s Rebelettes won team and individual honors at a summer Photo special to the Journal dance camp.

Rebelettes Win Camp Awards The Vestavia Hills High School Rebelette dance team attended a National Dance Alliance camp this summer at Guntersville State Park.

The varsity Rebelettes received a Gold Circle of Winners Award and a bid to NDA’s national competition after their home team performance.

Varsity and junior varsity teams received superior ratings and NDA Spirit Stick awards for their positive attitudes and cooperation during camp.

Individual winners included: Top Gun: Rachel Caskey, turns; Curran Umphrey, kicks; Rachael Snow, hip hop; and Ashlyn Lovell, leaps.

All American nominees: Maria Inman, Allison Howell, Chandler Kitchens, Emily Lytle, Haley Evans, Jane Thornton, Anna Watts, Caroline Bottcher, Maria Christine, Rachel Caskey, Rachael Snow, Brooke Westhoven, Chandler Moss, Ellie Barrentine, Haley Dellacio, Ashlyn Lovell, Catherine Carroll and Curran Umphrey.

All-American team members: Jane Thornton, Maria Inman, Caroline Bottcher, Allison Howell, Curran Umphrey, Maria Christine and Ashlyn Lovell.

Student.”

Parents gathered in their student’s homerooms to begin the evening with prayer over the intercom. Homeroom teachers then told parents about expectations for the year.

Parents participated in an abbreviated schedule that allowed them to go to each class. Each group traveled as a homeroom to different places throughout the building.

Eighth grade students wore their best uniforms and served as Ambassadors for the evening, guiding parents through the halls. Classes visited were art,

guidance, physical education, library, Spanish, science lab, lunch, outdoor classroom, computer and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

Parents were also introduced to the school’s 2012-13 theme, Strong in Faith, which was displayed in many ways throughout the building. The theme is a response to Pope Benedict’s call for a “Year of Faith” to begin this October.

The school will be using YOUCAT, the youth version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, as a resource for learning more about their Catholic faith.

The school is also planning special opportunities to practice faith as well.

The event was sponsored by the St. Francis Xavier Home and School Association, which provided refreshments in the lunchroom. Father Bob Sullivan, pastor at St. Francis Xavier School, was on hand to greet parents.

Gwin Flags Will Show Daily Air Quality As part of a project initiated by Abigail Ford and Emma Burch, Harriette W. Gwin Elementary is raising a brightly colored flag to make teachers, coaches, students and members of the

St. Francis Hosts Open House St. Francis Xavier School welcomed parents to an open house celebration Aug. 25. The theme of the evening was “A Day as a St. Francis Xavier School

Ambassadors for the St. Francis Xavier Home and School meeting included, Photo special to the Journal from left: Sami Sinak, Maria Holder and Jackson Clark.

Prince Will Compete in Miss Alabama Teen USA

Gwin fifth graders Abigail Ford, left, and Emma Burch, students of enrichment teacher Traci Ingleright, started a project to raise awareness of air quality conditions. Photo special to the Journal community aware of daily air quality conditions.

Gwin’s students and staff have joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s School Flag Program to help protect children’s health. Gwin will begin raising its flags in May. Students will raise a flag each day based on the color of the Air Quality Index to show how polluted the air is expected to be, according to Traci Ingleright, Gwin enrichment specialist.

By comparing the colored flags to the AQI, teachers and coaches will know what actions to take to protect the health of their students.

Green signals good air quality, yellow is moderate and orange means unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children and people with asthma. Red signals unhealthy air for everyone, and a purple flag means the air quality is very unhealthy and sensitive groups should avoid all outdoor exertion while others should limit outdoor exertion.

The flags can help students with asthma track their symptoms when air pollution levels are in an unhealthy range. Flags may also help teachers know when to modify outdoor activities.

Gabrielle Prince, a senior at John Carroll Catholic High School, was recently chosen from applicants throughout the state to take part in the Miss Alabama Teen USA pageant.

The winner will go on to compete in the national Miss Teen USA pageant, owned by Donald Trump and NBC Universal.

The preliminary rounds will be Dec. 7 with the finals Dec. 8 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel’s Performing Arts Center.

Prince’s title is Miss Magic City Teen. She is a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Birmingham.

As a contestant, she will speak about bullying, cyberGabrielle Prince bullying and self-esteem issues. She is partnering with the City of Birmingham’s Division of Youth Services campaign KNOWBULL: Take the U out of Bullying under the direction of Cedric Sparks, executive director. The KNOWBULL campaign is a traveling performance troupe which uses a dramatic approach to show youth how to apply positive choices to difficult situations.

Prince said she’d like to win the title to promote this platform and to raise awareness of a medical condition called sarcoidosis.

“I love Alabama and am proud to be an Alabamian,” said Prince. “Being Miss Alabama Teen USA offers me a way to give back to the state and also gives me a platform to heighten the awareness and early treatment of a disease entitled sarcoidosis, a systematic inflammatory disease that can affect any organ.

“Also, I would like to continue spreading the word to my peers about peer pressure, bullying and self-esteem issues.”

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 29

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Homewood High students Ameera Steward, left, and Riordan Wyatt show off their anatomy projects.

To: From: Date:

Photo special to the Journal

Learning Takes Shape at HHS

Homewood High School 11th and 12th grade students in Mindy McBride’s anatomy and physiology class recently participated in hands-on learning by using modeling clay to demonstrate their understanding of body planes and anatomical landmarks.

INDEPENDENT BOARDING SCHOOL FAIR

Allyn Holladay Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Dec 2009

Meet admission representatives from 22 boarding schools in 11 states.

Fifth-graders from Cherokee Bend Elementary worked hard on renewable This is your AD prOOF from the Over THe MOunTAin JOurnAl for the energy projects for the community. Collin Bussman, Betsy Edwards and George Davis were asked to present their energy project to Mountain Brook December 17, 2009 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Photo special to the Journal Mayor Terry Oden.

please make sure information correct, MONDAY , Oall CTOBER 8, is2012 including address and phone number!

All schools attending offer small college-preparatory classes, high-quality academics, and excellent arts and athletic programs. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

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BWF Students Take Marshmallow Challenge Fifth-graders at Mountain Brook’s Brookwood Forest Elementary School learned about the importance of teamwork during the Marshmallow Challenge.

Students in Emily Brown’s science class at BWF were required to work in teams to build the tallest structures they could.

The catch was the building materials they were required to use in the project.

Students could create their structures using only 20 pieces of dried spaghetti, one yard of string, one yard of tape and one marshmallow.

The students had to first plan how to use the materials to get their structures off the ground.

Teachers said the exercise taught the students how to execute a plan by working together and that they also learned not to make assumptions about anything--especially when building with marshmallows.

Bluff Park Holds Fundraising Drive Bluff Park Elementary School kicked

SCHOOLS BOYSbefore SCHOOLS if we have CO-ED not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday the press date, Asheville Blue Ridge School (VA) yourSchool ad will (NC) run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Baylor School (TN) Christ School (NC) Christchurch School (VA) McCallie School (TN) Darlington School (GA) Indian Springs School (AL) GIRLS SCHOOLS Lake Forest Academy (IL) Oldfields School (MD) Miller School of Albemarle (VA) St. Margaret’s School (VA) Perkiomen School (PA) St. Timothy’s School (MD) Rabun Gap School (GA) Westover School (CT) St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School (TN) St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (TX) MILITARY SCHOOLS The Bolles School (FL) Lyman Ward Military Academy (AL) Fork Union Military Academy (VA) The Webb School (TN)

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Fifth-graders at Brookwood Forest Elementary School in Mountain Brook learned the importance of teamwork during the Marshmallow Challenge.

They are, from left: Lindsay Davis, Nick Blackwell, Alex Black and Ann Inskeep. Photo special to the Journal off its first fundraising campaign of the year with pep rallies for all students Aug. 24.

Bill Lavenby, Charleston Wrap area representative, came to school and displayed several items that are for sale and some of the prizes available to students who participate in the school’s fundraiser. Bluff Park Elementary’s PTO uses the funds raised to enhance the experience and education of the entire student body as well as provide money for dedicated teachers to use in their classrooms.

Bluff Park Elementary students ready to help Bill Lavenby with the school’s fundraising drive include, from left: Elise Rose King, Gavin Seewald and Katrina Golden.

Photo special to the Journal

Pilot Program Provides Nooks for RRE Students The Hoover Engaged Learner Initiative has provided Nooks from Barnes and Noble to select third and fifth-grade classes at Rocky Ridge Elementary.

The color tablets provided through this initiative enable students to download books, access educational applications, and search the internet through the school’s Wi-Fi connection.

While four classes are piloting this program, the hope is to add more devices and classes each year. ❖

Email your school pictures and news to editorial@otmj.com.

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30 • Thursday, September 20, 2012

sports

Flinging It

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huge Class 6A Region 4 clash.

John Carroll Catholic 23, Talladega 6. Trent Marshall was a classic double threat in the Cavs’ win over the Tigers. He ran 55 yards for a touchdown and booted a 55-yard field goal.

After a lopsided loss to Chelsea in the season opener, it looked like it might be a long year for John Carroll. Two consecutive Class 5A Region 4 wins, however, have put the Cavs in the running for a playoff spot.

Hoover 50, Jackson-Olin 0. In some ways, you have to feel for Buccaneer coach Josh Niblett. He keeps pointing out his team’s flaws, but nobody listens to him. Of course,

Niblett is just trying to keep his players’ feet on the ground and prevent them from getting caught up in the hype that surrounds them. The reality is that Hoover looks like an unstoppable juggernaut which by all rights should be the odds-on favorite for the Class 6A championship. If this wasn’t enough, the Bucs are also playing against their own tradition: Some observers think this Hoover team could be the school’s best ever. But longtime rival Vestavia has never been particularly awed by the Bucs, and the pair meet at Thompson Reynolds Stadium Sept. 28.

Stay tuned.

Journal Sports Writer

Journal Intern

ove the golf course but have a terrible swing? Have you tried throwing a disc instead?

Disc golf is one of the nation’s fastest growing sports, and enthusiasts in Birmingham hope the new Inverness Disc Golf Course in Hoover will bring in more players to the area.

“It’s a great sport to play because you get a lot of physical activity, and it’s a lot cheaper than real golf,” said Clifford Smith, an avid disc golf player.

Smith is the communications coordinator of Disc Golf of Birmingham, a club responsible for the disc golf courses in the area.

“The club basically does the upkeep of all the disc golf courses while also organizing and promoting different tournaments,” said Smith.

Disc golf is a lot like regular golf, except instead of using a golf club and golf ball, the player uses a disc to play. The player throws the disc at a basket that acts as the “hole.” The number of throws it takes the player to get the disc into the basket is the player’s score -- and like golf, a lower score is better.

Alabama already has a thriving disc golf community.

There are three other disc golf courses in the Birmingham area: one at George Ward Park off Greensprings Highway and two in Trussville. However, Smith said the DGB expects the Inverness course to bring a little more prestige to disc golf in Alabama.

“It was our goal to make this park one of the most premiere courses in the state,” said Smith. “We started this project about a year ago. We first went to the city of Hoover to convince them to help us create this park. They agreed and then poured concrete slabs over the park. After the concrete was set, we began putting baskets in and clearing out brush in order to make a path.”

The DGB celebrated the opening of the new park with a tournament for both professionals and amateurs Sept.

8. According to Smith, the park has been officially open since last spring, but the DGB waited to make an official announcement until the course had been broken in.

seemed at low ebb when Coach Jeff Harris resigned following his team’s second consecutive 2-8 record last season. Cris Bell was hired from Marietta, Ga., to salvage the wreckage and turned heads at the summer media day with his frank assessment of the program.

“I don’t know if the house was condemned or not,” said Bell. “But we went ahead and condemned it ourselves.”

The reclamation project must have been successful, because Oak Mountain’s record so far speaks for itself.

Here’s a quick look at last Friday’s results and what it means for the future.

Homewood 27, Briarwood 12.

Patriot quarterback Luke Porter showed why he is one of metro Birmingham’s top signal-callers with an impressive showing. Homewood is clearly on the verge of returning to its longtime status as one of Alabama’s Class 5A titans. Briarwood’s 0-3 start is the Lions’ roughest beginning in years, but sophomore quarterback Chandler Watkins’ gallant performance in defeat against the Patriots gives the Lions hope for the future.

Coach Fred Yancey’s team will have a great opportunity for its first win against Shelby County in Columbiana

he city of Vestavia Hills broke new ground two years ago when it introduced its own Sports Hall of Fame, designed to honor athletes, coaches and others who brought recognition to their community through sports.

That original class in 2010 was impressive. It included legendary coaches at Vestavia Hills High School such as Buddy Anderson (football), the late Sammy Dunn (baseball) and Fran Braasch (girls’ basketball); athletes who had reached the upper levels of competition such as David Jordan (NFL), Chris Hammond (MLB) and Trey Hardee (Olympics) and others who had distinguished themselves in a variety of fields of competition.

What I liked best about the class, however, was that it was composed of men and women who had actually accomplished something in a field of sports endeavor. There have been far too many similar Halls of Fame that have been overpopulated with folks who got there because of political connections or because the right people happened to enjoy their company.

The Class of 2012 was announced last week, and the new members very much follow in that tradition. They include: Peter Braasch – Longtime Vestavia assistant in football and basketball. He has coached by Anderson’s side since 1978.

Steve Gaydosh – The Rebels’

wrestling coach since 1982, who has led Vestavia to 12 state championships.

He also coaches Pizitz Middle School football.

Ryan Halla – Former Rebel pitcher who earned All-American honors at Auburn University. He also played professionally in the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations.

George Hatchett – The Rebels’ head boys’ basketball coach since 1981. He led the Rebels to state championships in 1992 and 2009, while posting a career record of 535-379. Hatchett was inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2011.

Beanie Ketcham –Former Rebel who earned varsity letters in baseball, softball and girls’ basketball.

She played minor league baseball for one season and later pitched for the Colorado Silver Bullets, a women’s professional baseball team. She also coached softball at Samford University.

Sam Short – Assistant principal at Vestavia Hills High School for 27 years. He officiated high school football and basketball for decades. He is a member of the National and Alabama High School Halls of Fame.

Les Stuedeman – Former Rebel who starred in volleyball, basketball and softball and earned All-American honors in softball at Huntingdon College. Stuedeman has coached softball at the University of Alabama at Huntsville since 1995 and is only the 19th coach in NCAA Division II history to win 800 games.

Distinguished citizen Charlie Dickinson – Longtime supporter and volunteer coach for the Rebel program.

The new class will be officially inducted at a banquet Oct. 11 at Vestavia Hills Country Club. For ticket information, call 822-8310.

By Lee Davis

By Ben Johnson

from back cover

Hall Monitors

Vestavia Adds to Members in Sports Hall of Fame

Hoover Has New Disc Golf Course

davis,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Clifford Smith stands beside a disc golf basket at the new Inverness Disc Golf Course in Hoover. Smith is the communications coordinator of Disc Golf of Birmingham, a club responsible for the disc golf courses in the area.

Journal photo by Ben Johnson

“We needed to wait and work out the kinks of the park,” said Smith. “We had to make sure that all the pars were fair, that the paths were cut down and that the course was playable. It took a couple of months to work everything out, but now we’re ready for people to play.”

Smith said he is really proud of the work the DGB has done on the course, which he thinks is one of the best in the area.

“It’s such a picturesque course,” he said. “There’s lots of trees and a river that even runs through it.”

Smith hopes this new course will help attract more people to the sport.

“Disc golf is a lot of fun,” he said. “The discs cost only about $10-$15, much cheaper than a golf club, and it’s a great way to get exercise and enjoy nature.”

Inverness Disc Golf Park is on Inverness Parkway off U.S. 280. It’s open every day, and there’s no cost to play.

this week.

Vestavia Hills 45, Huffman 20. As the Rebels turn in yet another dominating performance against a good team, people are starting to realize that Vestavia might even be better than its No. 5 rating in Class 6A might indicate. But honestly, who is surprised?

Since Buddy Anderson took over the Rebel program in 1978, the template has been simple: Run the ball, play good defense and win. Everybody knows what Vestavia is going to do, yet rarely are the Rebels ever stopped.

Why should 2012 be any different?

Mountain Brook 35, Gardendale 14. The biggest news at Mountain Brook isn’t the fact that the Spartans rallied from a 14-0 deficit to rout Gardendale last week, although that isn’t a bad story. Even more impressive is the Spartans’ 3-0 start despite the return of only four starters from last season’s 12-1 team. With renewed confidence, Mountain Brook could easily be 6-0 before a three-game October stretch against HewittTrussville, Huffman and Vestavia could determine the course of the season. For the moment, however, the Spartans are rolling.

Oak Mountain 10, Stanhope Elmore 7. If the election were held today, the Eagles’ Cris Bell would be a landslide choice for Over the Mountain Coach of the Year. Oak Mountain has already won almost as many games as it did in the previous

two seasons, when it compiled a composite record of 4-16. Bell has turned a tough situation around by preaching defense, hard work and perhaps most importantly, a positive attitude. Three games don’t make a season, but the buzz coming from Heardmont Park is real.

Spain Park 37, Chelsea 23. Jaguar quarterback Nick Mullens and his aerial circus put on yet another show in a win over the tougher-than-expected Hornets. Spain Park rallied from a 21-7 deficit on the road by scoring the game’s final 23 points. All of the sudden, the Jags’ Oct. 12 home date against Oak Mountain is looming as a

Correction: In a story and photo caption about Mountain Brook’s linebackers in our last issue, we incorrectly listed two players’ names. The Spartans’ linebacker unit that has helped lead the team to a 3-0 start are, from left: Jordan Donald, Drew Herndon, Will Deer, Austin Chapman, Buddy Pell and Aaron Shapiro.

Patriots,

Week 3 results

from back cover

ond quarter touchdowns to coast to a 27-12 win over the host Lions.

The prime movers for the winning cause were quarterback Luke Porter and running back Justin Hardy. Porter ran and passed for a touchdown, while Hardy rushed for 139 yards and a score.

Homewood was bolstered by the return of center Zac Sims and guard Jordan Sims to the offensive line after they struggled with nagging injuries.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Patriots earned touchdowns on each of their second period possessions.

Walter Rutledge’s seven-yard scoring run gave Homewood a 6-0 lead with just over seven minutes remaining in the first half. Leo Santo’s kick raised the margin to 7-0.

On their next opportunity, the Patriots marched 52 yards for a score.

Hardy’s five-yard touchdown dash gave the visitors a 14-0 advantage with 3:58 left to play in the half.

Homewood wasn’t finished. With only 49 seconds remaining, Porter found D’vonte Wallace down the sidelines and connected with him for a 71-yard scoring bomb. Santo’s third conversion gave the Patriots an unexpected 21-0 halftime cushion.

“Anytime you play a program with the tradition of Briarwood, you have to be ready,” Porter said later. “Our coaches did a great job of preparing us. That was the difference.”

Briarwood coach Fred Yancey said the late score hurt his team’s comeback chances. “Homewood’s a great team and can strike anytime,” he said.

“They can make you pay.”

The Patriots didn’t slow down in the third quarter. In the first minute, Porter sprinted 57 yards to the end zone to give Homewood an insurmountable 27-0 margin.

oak mountain, from back cover

the right way. We have to prepare our guys for life when they are 25 and 35 and 45 years old.”

Bell, a graduate of HamptonSydney College, was an assistant at Marietta High School in Georgia prior to answering the call from Oak Mountain. Previously, he had successful runs as a head coach at Strong Rock Christian School in Georgia and James River High School in Virginia.

Bell also worked as an assistant coach at Hampton-Sydney and CarsonNewman College.

The amiable father of four said changing the mindset for football was his biggest challenge upon arriving at Oak Mountain. Bell’s frank assessment of the program he inherited at the annual high school media day made reporters sit up in their chairs: “We have torn it down and started over. I do not know if the house was condemned or not, but we went ahead and condemned it ourselves.”

Translated, it meant the new coach brought a fresh attitude and approach.

“When a program is losing, the psyche of everyone involved takes a big hit,” said Bell. “After I took the job, people told me that Oak

Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 31

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

hoover 50 Jackson-Olin 0

The Bucs shut out the Mustangs in an area game.

Hoover goes on the road to take on the undefeated Jaguars of Northridge Tuscaloosa this week in a key Region 5 contest.

John carroll 23 Talladega 6

The Cavs improved their record to 2-1 with Class 5A Region 4 win.

John Carroll visits Sylacauga Friday.

attack generating almost 400 yards in total offense to improve to 2-1 on the season.

The Jaguars travel to Wetumpka this week.

Vestavia 45 huffman 20

Senior running back Stuart Jacobs had a big night for the Rebels in their Region 6 victory over the Vikings.

Vestavia travels to Gardendale this week.

Mountain Brook 35 Gardendale 14

Briarwood quarterback Chandler Wilkins tries to get by Homewood defender Trey Davis during Friday night’s game won by the Patriots. Journal photo by Bryan Bunch

Porter credited his offensive line for much of his success.

“Our guys are unbelievable,” he said.

Briarwood battled back. Daniel Robert’s one-yard scoring plunge with 2:16 left in the third period sliced the margin to 27-6. The Lions had another opportunity after their defense recovered a Patriot fumble.

Sophomore quarterback Chandler Wilkins passed nine yards to Sam Morris for a touchdown to bring the score to 27-12 as 1:54 remained in the third period.

Briarwood couldn’t get any closer in the fourth quarter.

“Coach (Doug Goodwin) told us to keep our head in the game and play hard,” said Hardy. “We did that.”

Homewood’s victory overshadowed a courageous performance by Wilkins, who completed 28 of 49 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown in only his second start.

After losing their opener to Class

6A power Vestavia, the Patriots earned their second consecutive Class 5A Region 4 victory to run their overall mark to 2-1. Briarwood uncharacteristically fell to 0-3 overall and 0-2 in region play.

Yancey said his team would bounce back.

“We had some good effort out here tonight that I was pleased with,” he said. “We’ve got to figure out how to put together four good quarters.”

Homewood has even more reasons to be pleased. After the solid road win against the Lions, the Patriots are likely to be favored in each of their remaining seven games. In his second season, Goodwin may well have Homewood back among the elite in its classification.

Perhaps the best news out of Friday night is that Homewood and Briarwood are at last playing again.

And for a year, the Patriots have the bragging rights for the Battle of the Woods.

Mountain was a great place to be, but we’d never win much in football.

“That was hogwash. I didn’t buy that for a second. My previous job as a head coach had been at a start-up program at a private school, and we were successful there.”

Bell said the formula for winning is simple.

“You can’t accept mediocrity and low expectations,” he said. “That’s no way to approach life. We say let’s go out there, work hard all the time and get after it.

“I won’t accept anything less than the best my players have to offer, and they shouldn’t accept anything less from me than my best.”

The first evidence that things were changing at Oak Mountain came in the opener against Shades Valley at Heardmont Park. The Mounties led 7-6 with 15 seconds remaining and needed only to successfully execute a punt from their own 22-yard line to secure a victory.

But a high snap gave junior defensive back Chris Johnson the opportunity to block the kick. The impact knocked the ball through the back of the end zone for a safety, giving the Eagles an improbable 8-7 triumph.

“Maybe the biggest thing about the Shades Valley game was that it

showed our kids that what we are preaching pays off,” said Bell. “It gave them something tangible to see.

We had been asking a lot of them, and that game showed them the rewards that can come.”

One characteristic of the new look at Oak Mountain is defense. The Eagles have yielded only 28 points in the first three contests. Bell attributes much of that success to the work of new defensive coordinator Rusty Frisch – a longtime fixture in high school in Idaho – who moved south to join the Oak Mountain staff.

“It was a leap of faith for Rusty to pick up and move here from Idaho,” said Bell. “Our kids have really responded to him.”

The Eagles make the short trip to Pelham to face the Panthers in a key region game Friday, but Bell said his team must take a longer view.

“Sure, it’s exciting and fun to be undefeated after three games,” he said. “We can’t lose sight of how we got here. The coaches tell the kids all the time that we have to take it day to day, doing the things you have to do to be successful. If we lose sight of that, it won’t be good.”

Three games don’t make a season, but for the moment Oak Mountain’s Eagles are flying high.

The Spartans stage a comeback to beat the Rockets in Region 6 action after being down by 14 early.

Mountain Brook will host Woodlawn this Friday in Region play. oAK MOUNTAIN 10 Stanhope elmore 7

The Eagle defense played inspired football in holding the Mustangs to one score in a Region 4 match up.

Undefeated Oak Mountain visits Pelham Friday.

Spain Park 37 Chelsea 23

Spain Park used a balanced

Vestavia running back Stuart Jacobs had a big night for the Rebels in their win over Huffman.

Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry

Hoover tight end Cooper Carden tries to avoid a Mustang defender in week three action Friday night. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sports

Vestavia announces Hall of Fame class of 2012 P. 30 Hoover has new disc golf course P. 30

game of the week

woodwork

Patriots Rip Lions in Series Renewal

By Lee Davis

A

Journal Sports Writer

decade ago, there wasn’t a better football rivalry in Class 5A – or maybe even in Alabama – than Homewood versus Briarwood.

The Patriots’ annual battle with the Lions often portended which team would seriously compete for a state championship. And it was one of those oldtime rivalries where teams and coaches competed intensely on the field and also got along well off the field.

Unfortunately, Homewood’s rise to Class 6A ended the storied series in 2007. The new reclassification that went into effect this fall brought the Patriots back to Class 5A, setting the stage for the renewal of the game affectionately known as the Battle of the Woods.

And while Friday night’s game didn’t quite have a playoff-like atmosphere, Homewood looked much like a team that could have an extended post-season in its future. The Patriots exploded for three secSee Patriots, page 31

Bell Tower

New Attitude Taking Eagles to Heights

By Lee Davis

C

Journal Sports Writer

ris Bell is probably glad that Oak Mountain High School is in an unincorporated area of Shelby County.

That’s because if the school was in a city, a lot of people might be asking the Eagle football coach to run for mayor.

“I just want to keep coaching at Oak Mountain,” Bell said.

Lee Davis

Pick a Team, Pick a Story 2012 Football Season Opening with a Bang

W Homewood quarterback Luke Porter picks up yardage as Briarwood Christian linebacker Ethan Simmons Journal photo by Bryan Bunch closes in. More photos at otmj.com

That’s good news for Eagle fans.

After three games, Bell’s team has become the talk of metro Birmingham by starting the 2012 season with a 3-0 record.

Opening a season with three consecutive victories may not be a big deal at Hoover, Vestavia Hills or Mountain Brook. For long-struggling Oak Mountain, however, the strong beginning means a lot. The Eagles posted only four victories – against 16 losses – in the past two seasons combined.

Oak Mountain’s most recent heroics came last Friday night in a narrow 10-7 win over Class 6A Region 4 foe Stanhope Elmore. The Mustangs drove to the Eagles’ four-yard line in the final period before Jake Kelley’s interception in the end zone preserved

the victory to keep Oak Mountain undefeated.

While football fever may be gripping the school’s community in a way it hasn’t in years, Bell is taking the new-found success in stride.

“What we have to do is keep things in perspective,” he said, shortly after the victory over the Mustangs.

“We’ve got to concentrate on doing the little things that put us in a position to win those close games.”

As fun as winning can be, Bell insists the bigger picture is far more important.

“There are a lot of good coaches that work very hard but aren’t winning,” he said. “It’s great to get those wins on the field, but you can’t lose sight of the fact that it must be done See Oak Mountain, page 31

Week 3 Results page 31

hen a sportswriter takes a look at the first three weeks of the 2012 high school football season, it’s easy to feel like the proverbial fly in the meat house: Where do you begin?

Seriously, the writer might need a doctorate in journalism to determine the biggest story in Over the Mountain football so far. Is it Oak Mountain’s amazing 3-0 start? Or Spain Park’s stunning upset of defending state champ Prattville in the second week?

What about the strong openings for Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills? Then of course there’s Hoover, which almost looks like it could contend in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference and just might have its best team ever.

Those aren’t the only page-turning narratives working this season.

Homewood, fresh from an impressive win at Briarwood, seems headed back into Class 5A’s penthouse. And John Carroll Catholic, coming off a disappointing 2011, already has a pair of wins under its belt.

It’s a tough call, but Oak Mountain’s undefeated start narrowly takes the prize as the year’s biggest story so far. The Eagle program See Davis, page 30