December 13 2012 Over the Mountain Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012 VOL. 22 #24

holiday cards issue Turn to page 3 for names of our cover artists

2 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

OPINION/CONTENTS

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

Over the Mountain students outdid themselves creating holiday cards for this issue.

The students must know how difficult it is for us to select which cards to include because Charles Skinner, right, a third-grader at Brookwood Forest Elementary, told us that if we could only choose one card, to make it the one drawn by his friend, George Loyd, left. Charles, look on page 30 for your Christmas wish come true. (Look on page 30 for your card too)!

Thanks to all the schools that participated, we had a record number of cards turned in from 26 OTM schools to make this our biggest Holiday Cards issue ever. Eight pages of holiday art begins on page 30.

IN THIS ISSUE SANTA CLAUS COMES TO TOWN P. 16

VESTAVIA FAMILY RUNS FOR THE HILLS P. 4 MOUNTAIN BROOK MOM PENS BOOK ON GIVING P. 10 SENIORS WARNED ABOUT ID THEFT P. 14 32 DEBS PRESENTED AT HERITAGE BALL P. 18 POINSETTIA DEBS TO DEBUT AT 45TH BALL P. 20 JENNIFER GREEN GROWS HER MUFFIN BUSINESS WITH GRANDMOTHERʼS RECIPE P. 28 MOUNTAIN BROOK HIGH SCHOOL BAND HELPS HAITI WITH FUNDRAISER P. 38 HOOVER SHUTS OUT OPELIKA TO WIN 6A STATE TITLE P. 44 ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE NEWS LIFE

3 10 14 16

SOCIAL WEDDINGS NEW BUSINESS SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

MURPHY’S LAW

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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.

Christmas in the Trenches

share holiday packages from home, hen folksinger John but when the sun comes up, they realMcCutcheon appeared ize that Christmas is over and return to in Birmingham back in their opposite sides.

1984, a backstage janitor told him McCutcheon puts it this way: “Back a story. to the Trenches. Back to the Waiting.

It seems that on Christmas Eve, Wondering what had just happened to 1914, as German and British soldiers us and wondering what the next move huddled in their World War I trenches, should be.” a miracle of sorts occurred. There was The story made me cry, of course, a truce, or really a series of truces, for those poor, weary soldiers, for the enacted not by the military powers that courage it took to make that first step planned and strategized and schemed out across the snow, for the fact that from behind but by the front line solthe moment had to end. Each man was diers themselves. somebody’s son, somebody’s father, The story made such an impact on just some scared, tired person far from McCutcheon that he sat down immeSue Murphy home. diately and wrote a song about the But aren’t we all? We’re alterincident that later became a book nately scared and tired and joyful called “Christmas in the Trenches,” resilient, each wondering exactly illustrated by Henri Sorensen and Each holiday season and what the next move should be. But published by Peachtree Press in comes with a built-in down deep, we already know. We Atlanta. what we should do, but we just McCutcheon’s telling is a fictionwhite flag of oppor- know can’t seem to get there. alized account, a composite of events We’re looking out from trenches reported in the diaries of soldiers tunity, a free pass of our own, some of our own makwho were there that long-ago eveto end all that cra- ing, some we most certainly did not ning, truth gathered into fiction.

It begins with a group of British ziness, if only for a choose.

Democrats and Republicans, soldiers who hear an unusual sound day.

Christians and Jews, even the coming from the enemy trenches a deep, deep divides of Alabama and few yards away. The German solAuburn. We posture, we take sides, we harbor resentdiers are singing, singing a Christmas carol. The British ments. We gather justifications as reinforcements and soldiers listen, then answer with one of their own. When with each turning inward we dig our trenches a little the German soldiers begin to sing “Stille Nacht,” the deeper.

British sing the English version, “Silent Night.”

Each holiday season comes with a built-in white flag Two languages, one beautiful song. Miracle enough, of opportunity, a free pass to end all that craziness, if right? only for a day. We can do nothing, remain frozen in our But a few moments later, a German soldier appears fear and anger, or we can take that one brave step out walking across the frozen space that divides them. The across the snow.

British ready their rifles until they see that the young I’m hoping you step out this year, look around at your man is carrying a white flag ... and a Christmas tree. own particular trenches, grab a white flag and offer your One of the British soldiers leaps from his hiding place to hand to someone you can’t see for the depth of his own greet the young man, and soon soldiers on both sides are misgivings. Will it change anything? Maybe, maybe not. pulling themselves up out of the trenches into the cold Maybe it will just change you. uncertainty of No Man’s Land.

Miracle enough, right? ❖ All that night, they exchange pictures, play soccer,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

December 13, 2012

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Keysha Drexel Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Interns: Margaret Frymire, Ben Johnson Vol. 22, No. 24

18 27 28 44

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

“It’s probably going to the candlelight services at our church, Saint Mark United Methodist Church.”

“We enjoy going to the walk-through live nativity at Briarwood.”

“My favorite holiday tradition is going to Christmas Eve communion services at Riverchase United Methodist Church.”

“I try to do something special with my grandchildren every year, whether it’s going to a movie or to Zoolight Safari.”

Carolyn Baker Vestavia Hills

Josh Torres North Shelby

Susan Vann Hoover

Cathy Moss Hoover

Happy holidays from the Over the Mountain Journal. After our annual break, we’ll return with our first issue of the new year on Jan. 10.

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Fundraiser and Book Collection Dec. 13-14 Jefferson County Libraries The Jefferson County Library Cooperative is teaming up with California Pizza Kitchen and Barnes & Nobles to collect books for the YWCA’s annual Santa’s Workshop while raising money for local libraries.

Through Dec. 14, patrons can purchase children’s or young adult books at Barnes & Noble and then donate them at collections bins at The Summit and Galleria locations of California Pizza Kitchen. The bookstore and restaurant will also donate a portion of proceeds from sales when patrons present a special voucher when making purchases through Dec. 14. The vouchers can be picked up at any Jefferson County public library or by visiting www.jclc.org. The vouchers can also be used for online orders. For more information, call Pat Ryan, JCLC executive director, at 226-3615 or email pryan@bham.lib.al.us.

Save the Date

Birmingham through Dec. 15. Stop by the store to donate a book for BBBS. The organization will give the books to children in the program at its annual holiday party.

BIRMINGHAM

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon will be Dec. 13 in Strange Auditorium. The potluck luncheon at 11:30 a.m. will be followed by an awards presentation and entertainment. For

more information, contact Taylor Steele, volunteer coordinator, at 414-3962 or at tsteele@bbgardens.org.

VESTAVIA HILLS

Christmas Yard of the Month Dec. 13-14 Vestavia Hills The Vestavia Hills Beautification Board will be out conducting judging for the Christmas Yard of the Month Dec. 13-14. Judging started Dec. 9. The yards will be judged during the day and night. Judges will be looking for overall yard neatness and decorations.

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HOOVER

Big Brothers Big Sisters Book Drive Dec. 13-15 Barnes & Noble Patton Creek Barnes & Noble at Patton Creek will hold a book drive to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater

Cover Artists

FIRST ROW, FROM LEFT: Sela Trimm, Advent, 3rd grade; Lily Davis, Mtn. Brook, 4th grade; Kylie Nequette, Shades Cahaba, 2nd grade; Ashlyn Carroll, Gwin, 3rd grade. SECOND ROW: Max McGwin, OLS, 3rd grade; Isabel Swoger, Crestline, 4th grade; Adelia Crawford, Highland School, 2nd grade. THIRD ROW: Frances Hodges, Cherokee Bend,1st grade; Hudson Durrett, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 4th grade; Sabrina Thornton, Green Valley, 2nd grade; Emma Noble, Edgewood, 2nd grade; Margaret Mason Trammell, Southminster, 2nd grade. FOURTH ROW: Lucy Mantooth, Vestavia East 3rd grade; Walker Shaw, Liberty Park, 1st grade; Kailey Swancey, Vestavia Central, 4th grade; Briana Faison, Hall Kent, 2nd grade; Chris Wilson, Deer Valley, 4th grade. FIFTH ROW: Annabelle Harper, Oak Mountain, 1st grade; Lyle Barrocas, N.E. Miles, 2nd grade; Amir Kahn, South Shades Crest, 4th grade; Caroline Robinson, Brookwood Forest, 4th grade; Elizabeth Butterfield, Greystone, 4th grade. SIXTH ROW: Frances Rooney, Spring Valley, 5th grade; Andrew Watson, Shades Mtn. Christian, 5th grade; Campbell Alexander, Inverness, 2nd grade; Abby Jemison, Cahaba Heights, 4th grade.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

OTMJ.COM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012 VOL. 22 #24

holiday cards issue Turn to page 3 for names of our cover artists

Tom Williams Porsche I-459 @ Grants Mill Road 205-397-2700 / 800-571-6399 www.TomWilliamsPorsche.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 3 The Vestavia Hills Beautification Board readies to choose the Christmas Yard of the Month. From left: Kim Alexander, Elizabeth Faught, Board President Ann Boston and Bob Eskew.

Photo special to The Journal

4 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

About Town

Power Cuffs.

It Runs in the Family

Vestavia Couple’s Health Goals Lead to Charitable Race

By Keysha Drexel

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

and Shannon looked forward to, he said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever experienced the runner’s high, but there are times where it feels good and you feel good. It becomes a state of mind,� he said.

Steve said it helped him and Shannon to have each other for support as they trained. “We were accountable to each other, and that kept us going,� he said.

Steve said for him, running has become a welcome way to take a break from the chaos of everyday life while doing something good for himself. “Running is better than therapy. You throw in your earbuds and you’re almost in your own private world for a little while where people aren’t calling you,�

hat started off with a single step toward a healthier lifestyle for a Vestavia Hills couple has grown into an annual event that gets people moving and raises money for the community.

Vestavia Hills City Council President Steve Ammons started Run for the Hills in 2007 as a way to help schools, parks and other organizations in Vestavia Hills.

This year’s event is slated for Dec. 15, starting at 7:30 a.m. at Liberty Park Middle School. Run For The Hills includes a 5K, 10K and 1-mile fun run.

Shannon and Steve Ammons get ready for the annual Run The race begins near the for the Hills in Vestavia. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel Vestavia recreational softball fields parking lot. he said.

Steve and his wife, Shannon, After participating in several 10K will be among the runners lacing up events and running a marathon in their sneakers to raise money for a 2007, Steve said he started talking club at Vestavia Hills High School to other members of the Vestavia that teaches students about the U.S. Hills Rotary Club about organizing Constitution. an annual running event in Vestavia “We want to help a different orgaHills. nization every year, and this year, the When: Dec. 15, 7:30 a.m. “The motto for Rotary is ‘Service race will benefit the We the People Where: Liberty Park Middle Above Self,’ so I wanted a way we program at the high school,â€? Steve Details: A new course for the could serve the community through said. “Students learn about consti5th annual Run For The Hills an annual running event,â€? he said. tutional law and do a more in-depth will provide an easier and fun The first Run For The Hills event study of the Bill of Rights.â€? race for all ages and skill levels. in 2007 raised money for the Vestavia The journey to this year’s Run For Races include a 5K, 10K and Hills schools foundation. The next The Hills started around 2005 when 1-mile fun run through Liberty runs raised money for the city’s park Steve and Shannon decided to take Park. Proceeds benefit We The foundation and for youth leadership the first step towards transforming People at Vestavia Hills High. programs. their lives.

Registration is $25 for the 5K Steve said the event features “We both wanted to quit smoking, and 10K and $15 for the fun run. something for walkers and runners of and we knew it was something we To register online, visit www. all ages and skill levels. would have to do together and at the active.com/running/vestavia“We wanted to have a 5K because same time. We decided it was time to hills-al/run-for-the-hills-2012. that will get the most people to particget healthy,â€? Steve said. ipate, but we also wanted to include a So Steve and Shannon started out 10K because as people start running, their healthy lifestyle to the next slowly, walking together every mornthey want to be challenged more, and level, Steve said. ing at Wald Park off U.S. 31. a 10K is a lot less common for fun“After we’d been doing walking “We started out by walking togethdraisers than a 5K. The fun run lets a while and we were starting to feel er after we got the kids to school. We better physically, we decided to try everyone participate,â€? he said. made the commitment together,â€? he running,â€? Steve said.

The Run For The Hills has raised said.

Once Steve and Shannon started money for the Vestavia Hills comThe going was rough in the beginrunning, they set goals to keep themmunity and helped him and his wife ning, Steve said, as the couple transireach their health goals, Steve said. tioned from a sedentary lifestyle to an selves going and to make sure they were improving.

It also put him on the track to active one. “If you’re a goal-oriented person, becoming a public servant, he said. “It was physically painful at first. you’re always asking what’s next. “This really spurred my politiWe had been lethargic because we cal career. After seeing the good we From walking, we started running, had been smokers and smoking was and from there, we set a goal to run a could do through Run For The Hills, our pastime. We had to readjust our I was inspired to look for more ways 10K. After that, we set our sights on mindset as we tried to make our bodcompleting a marathon,� Steve said. to give back to my community, and ies healthier,� he said.

Not only did training for runs and that’s what led me to run for political Steve said the hardest part about marathons together strengthen the office,� Steve said. the couple’s early efforts to make In November, Steve began his seccouple’s bodies, Steve said it also exercise and health a priority in their strengthened their marriage. ond term on the Vestavia Hills City lives was simply a matter of mind “It gave us time to walk and talk Council. over mattress. and catch up and to have that kind “That’s been the evolution of this. “The hardest part of any of it is It started out as a way for my wife of time set aside in our busy lives getting up and going out early and for each other. Our marriage became and I to get into shape, and it has stronger because of that time together, changed our lives,� he said. doing it. We just kept encouraging because of that common bond,� he For more information on the 2012 each other to keep at it,� he said.

Run For The Hills, visit http://vestavisaid.

But after a while, the couple got Running became something Steve asunriserotary.com/run-for-the-hills. â?– into the routine and decided to take

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 5

Reliable Truth Richard E. Simmons III

N What do science, history, and logic have to say about the reliability of the Bible?

This book presents in a profound way how the Bible reflects the true nature of reality.

Reliable Truth is about seeing the world as it is while debunking the myths, legends, and false beliefs of the Bible.

“Richard Simmons has hit a homerun with this book.” ~ Kevin Elko, Author and Sports Consultant “Reliable Truth answers the questions that both Christians and tough-minded skeptics are asking. I highly recommend this book!” ~ Chris Hodges, Senior Pastor, Church of the Highlands “Great research and scholarship... written in plain language we can all follow.

Once I started, I found it hard to put down.” ~ Drayton Nabers, Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice and CEO of Protective Life “Richard Simmons has done an outstanding job…I highly recommend this book.” ~ Frank Barker, Pastor Emeritus, Briarwood Presbyterian Church “A much needed book in our day of relativism.” ~ Tim Kallam, Senior Pastor, Mountain Brook Community Church “This may be Richard Simmons’ best book yet, because Reliable Truth is what the world needs now.” ~ Frank Limehouse, Dean, Church of the Advent “Simmons provides convincing and convicting evidence for the reliability of the Bible...a great book to give to college students, and every pastor and Bible study leader needs to read it as well.” ~ Gary Fenton, Senior Pastor Dawson Baptist Church “Richard Simmons provides the kind of no nonsense scholarship that supports the Bible and Biblical Truth.” ~ Rich Webster, Rector St. Luke's Episcopal Church “...this book takes on the most pressing questions of contemporary society and gives answers to them.” ~ Doug Dortch, Senior Pastor, Mountain Brook Baptist Church “Richard Simmons makes a compelling case for why the Bible is what it claims to be: The Truth.” ~ Larry Taunton, Executive Director Fixed Point Foundation

Richard E. Simmons III

For More Information view www.reliabletruthbook.com or call 205-789-3471

6 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Santa’s Holiday helpers

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department is collecting donations for Toys for Tots through Dec. 3. From left: Scott Boone, Alan Bates, Mat Burkett and David Martin. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

Vestavia Hills

Toys for Tots Drive Dec. 13-20 Vestavia Hills Fire Stations The Vestavia Hills Fire Department is collecting toy donations for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program, which provides holiday gifts to children in need. The deadline to donate new, unwrapped toys is Dec. 20. Fire Station 1 is at 509 Montgomery Highway, Fire Station 2 is at 2925 Columbiana Road, Fire Station 3 is at 3201 Morgan Drive, Fire Station 4 is at 13041 Liberty Parkway and Fire Station 5 is at 3241 Cahaba Heights Road. For more information on how to donate, call 9780248. ❖

Save the Date Birmingham

Christmas Movie Marathon Dec. 13-22, 7 p.m.

The Alabama Theatre Catch a different Christmas classic every night from Dec. 10-22 at the Alabama Theatre. The theatre will show “Home Alone,” “Christmas Vacation,” “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “White Christmas,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and “A Christmas Story.” Tickets for each show are $8 at the door. For more information, call 252-2262.

Haines, Anthony Washington and Cecil E. Washington, Jr., accompanied by the RMTC Youth Programs. The show includes classics like “White Christmas,” “The Sleigh,” “Christmas Lullaby,” “Steam Heat” and “Christmas Time is Here,” plus original songs. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tickets are $3035, with group, senior and student rates available. For tickets, call 324-2424 or visit www.redmountaintheatre.org.

birmingham

A Christmas Memory: A New Musical Dec. 13-23 Virginia Samford Theater Based on Truman Capote’s childhood memoir, this new adaptation of “A Christmas Memory” is the story of a young boy’s loving friendship with an eccentric aunt in a small Southern town in the 1930s, where misfits Buddy and Sook launch kites, haunt speakeasies and mail fruitcakes to everyone from Jean Harlow to President Roosevelt.

Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-8, 13-15 and 20-22 and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 23. Tickets are $30 for center seats and $25 for side seats. For more information, call 251-1206.

Birmingham

Holidaze Dec. 13-21 RMTC Cabaret Theatre Red Mountain Theatre Company celebrates the season with Holidaze Dec. 13-21 at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre. The all-new holiday spectacular features performances by local favorites Lexie Dorsett, Haley Evans, Davis

Mitchell’s Place Junior Council President Laney Naramore and student Jourdan get ready for Christmas in Dixie. Photo special to The Journal Birmingham

Christmas in Dixie Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m.

Good People Brewery Mitchell’s Place Junior Council’s Christmas in Dixie will include an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest. It costs $25 per person to enter the contest, which includes entry fee, beer, food and music.

Prizes will be awarded for the ugliest men’s sweater and the ugliest women’s sweater. The event will also feature a

taco bar from Chuy’s, live music and an auction. For more information, call 9570294 or visit www.mitchells-place.com.

Birmingham

Zoolight Safari Dec. 13-31 Birmingham Zoo Enjoy lights, fun and holiday spirit as the Birmingham Zoo comes alive for 17 nights with Zoolight Safari. The event includes the new ice skating rink, rides on the Holiday Express Train, story time, animal demonstrations, Santa’s Roller Racer Ride, Jingle Bell Carousel, Winter Trail Hayride and an expanded holiday light show synchronized to favorite holiday tunes. Photos with Santa will be available through Dec. 23. Ride tickets, required for some attractions, are $3.50. Ice skating tickets are $5.50.

All-You-Can-Ride Wristbands are $12.

The event is from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 14-16, 19-23 and 26-31. For more information, visit www.birminghamzoo.com.

Birmingham

George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” Dec. 13-23 Samford University Wright Center The Alabama Ballet remains one of only seven companies in the world granted the right to perform this holiday classic by the Balanchine Trust.

Performed to Balanchine’s exacting specifications, this production features dazzling choreography, opulent costumes and extravagant sets.

The professional company includes 35 dancers. For more information, call 9752787 or visit www.alabamaballet.org/ Nutcracker2012.shtml.

Birmingham

Gifts Inspired by Nature—Enjoyed by All!

pepper place mon-fri 9:00 - 5:30 2805 2nd Ave. S, Ste 300 sat 7:00 - 4:00 Birmingham, AL 35233 205.328.1000

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Handel’s “Messiah” presented by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Dec. 15-16 Alys Stephens Center The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will present Handel’s “Messiah” at the Alys Stephens Center Dec. 15-16.

Maestro Gary Thor Wedow will be back in Birmingham to conduct the holiday masterpiece. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets start at $39. Student tickets are $18 with valid identification. The Alys Stephens Center Box Office is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. For Saturday and Sunday performances, the box office opens at noon and closes after the last intermission. For more information, call 975-2787.

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Santa Is Coming to Town

St. Nick To Make Stop at Macy’s for Make-A-Wish Event

S

anta Claus brings his nationwide tour supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation to the Over the Mountain area on Dec. 17 aboard the Santa Bus as part of the Macy’s Believe campaign.

Santa’s motor tour started in New York City Thanksgiving day at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.

While he’s in town, Santa will be raising awareness about the Macy’s Believe Campaign benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Macy’s is asking children and Jayda Hammons mails her letter to Santa with help from Make-AWish ambassador and former wish recipient Mark Rhoads.

Photo special to The Journal

BIRMINGHAM

Dec. 14, 12:30 p.m.

A Christmas Celebration Concert Cathedral Church of the Advent The Ramsay High School Concert Choir directed by Myrna Ria Ross will perform a 30-minute concert of seasonal music at the Cathedral Church of the Advent.

Admission is free. Call 226-3505 for more information.

NORTH SHELBY

Meadow Brook Runs Dec. 15, 9 a.m.

Aliant Bank, U.S. 280 The 18th annual Meadow Brook

adults of all ages to deliver their letters to Santa at Macy’s this holiday season to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, up to $1 million, to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Santa’s Birmingham visit will shift into high gear at Barber Motorsports Park where he’ll host a party for Make-A-Wish kids and their families. Rumor has it a red Porsche convertible may be involved.

At 6 p.m. on Dec. 17, all children in the Birmingham are invited to meet and greet Santa at Macy’s Colonial Brookwood Village. ❖ prizes. Registration and start and finish lines are at Aliant Bank, 1100 Corporate Parkway. For more information, contact Bob Cosby at JVPOA@juno.com or 991-6054.

Runs will include a 5K run and a 1-mile fun run. The 5K will start at 9 a.m. The fun run will begin at 10 a.m. Walkers and pets on leashes are welcome. A printable entry form and the results and sponsors from previous years are at www.meadowbrookruns.org. Entry fees will be contributed to The Jesus Video Project of Alabama. A $15-$25 minimum donation is suggested. Late registration will be from 7:30-8:45 a.m. on race day. There will be an awards ceremony and prize drawings at 10:30 a.m. The event will also feature “Taste of 280” food offerings, gift bags and

BIRMINGHAM

Reindeer Romp Bar Crawl Dec. 15, 5-7:30 p.m.

Tin Roof Join the Ronald McDonald House Young Leadership Board for the first Reindeer Romp Bar Crawl around Lakeview.

The event kicks off at Tin Roof, moves on to Nana Funks and ends

Savor every moving moment.

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8 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SONGS OF THE SEASON

BIRMINGHAM

Community Christmas Festival Dec. 16, 6 p.m.

Briarwood Presbyterian Church The 24th annual Community Christmas Festival will take place at Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

The Adult Choir will be joined by the Briarwood Ballet and the Alabama Philharmonic Orchestra in a musical celebration of the Christmas story.

This year’s program is “How Great Our Joy!” It will include renditions of “Carol to the King,” “How Far Is It To Bethlehem?” and “Love Came Down at Christmas.”

Admission is free. ❖

Save the Date at Innisfree. With drink specials and no cover charges, the crawl will help Ronald McDonald House families.

Tickets are $25.

For more information, call 638-7263.

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3:30-5 p.m. The last class is on Dec. 23 from 2-3:30 p.m. For more information, call 807-3217.

afternoon and make a Christmas craft for someone on your gift list. Call 3326619 for more information.

BIRMINGHAM

HOMEWOOD

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 15 and 22 Birmingham Zoo Make your reservations now for this popular holiday event. Come at 8, 9:15, or 10:30 a.m. to have breakfast with Santa in the zoo’s Kudzoo Cafe. The event features breakfast followed by a visit from Santa with all of the children receiving a special treat. Admission for members is $14 for adults and $9 for children and for non-members $19 for adults and $15 for children. For more information, call 879-0409.

BIRMINGHAM

Shawn Reese as Bob Cratchit.

BIRMINGHAM

Sweet Sunday Sale Please join us for a

(ONE DAY ONLY)

Sunday, December 16 2 pm until 4 pm

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10-50% off your entire purchase!

3930 Crosshaven Drive | (205) 968-0909 | www.thebluewillow.com Half a mile behind the Summit

E

ArtPlay’s A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol Dec. 15, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Alys Stephens Center The Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center’s ArtPlay will present “A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol” with two shows on Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Patrons can enjoy holiday craftmaking and photos with Santa one hour before the morning performance.

The Birmingham Girls Choir will perform carols before the evening show.

Hot cocoa and cookies will be served before both performances. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.

For more information, call 975-2787 or visit www.alysstephens.org.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Kids’ Gingerbread House Class Dec. 15, 16, 19, 22 and 23 Sugar in Crestline Village Drop off those little ones at Sugar in Crestline Village and do some shopping while the kids take a gingerbread house class. Children will get instruction from Sarah Franklin Johnson while constructing their very own gingerbread home. There will be hot cocoa, snacks and socializing. The class is open to ages 4 and older. Space is limited to 10 children per class. There are two classes Dec. 15. The first is from 9:3011 a.m., and the second is from 3:30-5 p.m. On Dec. 16, classes are from 2-3:30 p.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. The Dec. 19 class is from 4:30-6 p.m. Classes on Dec. 22 will be from 9:30-11 a.m. and

Arova Contemporary Ballet’s The Snow Queen Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

ASFA’s Dorothy Jemison Day Theater Join Arova Contemporary Ballet for its rendition of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.” Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Following the matinee, a children’s time will include a reading of the story “The Snow Queen,” free coloring book pages and a visit with the Snow Queen. Before the evening performance, patrons can enjoy holiday treats and hot chocolate with the Snow Queen. For more information, visit www.arova.org.

Opera Birmingham Home for the Holidays Concert Dec. 21 and 23 Samford’s Brock Recital Hall Opera Birmingham continues its merry tradition with a sixth season of Home for the Holidays. This 75-minute family-friendly concert featuring familiar carols and Christmas songs will be presented Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 2:30 p.m. at Samford University’s Brock Recital Hall.

Performers will include tenor Matthew Newlin, winner of the 2012 Opera Birmingham Vocal Competition, and Leah Patridge, soprano. Adult tickets start at $20 and can be purchased by calling 322-6737 or at www. operabirmingham.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Opera Birmingham office, 3601 Sixth Ave. South, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Student tickets are $12 for ages 25 and under with a valid full-time student ID. Student tickets must be purchased at the Opera Birmingham office.

HOOVER

Holiday 5K and Kids’ Fun Run Dec. 15, 8 a.m.

Heardmont Park The Legacy for Good Foundation at Heardmont Park and Senior Center will present the second annual Holiday 5K and Kids Fun Run Dec. 15. Proceeds will benefit the Christmas Blessings Program, which provides nutritious Christmas meals to families in need.

The foundation has pledged to support 50 families this Christmas season. The entry fee for the 5K is $35. The entry fee for the fun run is a toy donation for Toys for Tots. Registration is due by Dec. 13.

Registration and race packet pickup begins at 8 a.m. on race day, with the 5K starting at 9 a.m. The fun run will follow the 5K. For more information, call 930-5076.

HOMEWOOD

Christmas Crafts Dec. 20, 3 p.m.

Homewood Public Library Stop by the Children’s Department at the Homewood Public Library for the

Sarah Miller of Vestavia Hills will be a featured artist at Incubate Gallery.

BIRMINGHAM

Art Show Opening Reception Dec. 21, 5-9 p.m.

Incubate Gallery A Vestavia Hills native will be one of two artists featured in a main gallery exhibition at Incubate Gallery Dec. 13-Feb. 2. Sarah Miller paints iconic landmarks in Birmingham in a pop art style. She will be featured along with Chris Mason of Chelsea. An opening reception for the “Hatch III” exhibit will be Dec. 21 from 5-9 p.m. The gallery will also open its theme exhibition

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

a Christmas promise

Hoover

A Christmas Promise Dec. 19-23, 7 p.m.

Renaissance Ross Bridge The Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort in Hoover will be the setting for a new Christmas experience, a theatrical presentation of “A Christmas Promise” Dec. 19-23. Based on Lark Carrier’s story, the presentation is at 7 p.m. each evening. The resort will also have special holiday packages for $169 Dec. 19-23. For more information, visit www. rossbridgechristmaspromise.com or call 949-3107. ❖ From left: Joe Saling, director of sales and marketing, and Steve Miller, general manager, join actor Jamie Filstein to prepare for the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort’s holiday experience, “A Christmas Promise.”

Photo special to The Journal

“Angels Among Us” featuring art by Red Mountain Community School students. The current “Iron Bowl Pride” exhibition, with original artwork inspired

by Alabama and Auburn football, will be on display through Dec. 15. For more information, call 202-4558 or visit www. incubategallery.com.

Birmingham

School’s Out Winter Break Days Dec. 24, 26-28, 31 and Jan. 2-4 LJCC School’s out, but the J’s in during Winter Break Days at the Levite Jewish Community Center. Each day will be filled with fun and games for students in kindergarten through fourth grade.

The times are from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Space is limited. The fee is $35 for non-members and $25 for members.

For more information or to register, visit

the LJCC Fitness Desk, go to www. bhamjcc.org or call 879-0411.

Vestavia Hills

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec. 24, 5 p.m.

Shades Mountain Baptist Church Shades Mountain Baptist Church will have its annual Christmas Candlelight Service beginning at 5 p.m. This is a free event. For more information, visit www.shades.org or call the church office at 822-1670.

Vestavia Hills

Cookies with the Mouse Jan. 3, 10 a.m.-noon Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Bring your camera and meet the mouse from the beloved children’s book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.

The mouse will visit the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest as part of a fundraiser for the library’s children’s department. The event will also include cookie decorating, crafts, story time with Ms. April and music and movement activities. Children will receive the newest addition to the “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” book series. The event is limited to 200 children. Tickets are $10 per child or $25 maximum for a family.

To reserve a spot and purchase tickets, visit www.librarypals.org.

Tickets will also be sold at the door if spots are available. A shuttle will run from the parking lot of Wald Park off U.S. 31 beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. For more information, call the library at 9780115. ❖

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 9

10 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Season for Giving

Mountain Brook Mom Writes Christmas Book

By Margaret Frymire

T

Journal Intern

he desire for her children to focus more on giving than receiving during the holiday season has led one Mountain Brook mother to pen a book.

Allison Puccetti Adams is the author and illustrator of “The 12 Days of Christmas Giving,” which has hit the bookshelves just in time for the holidays.

Allison, a mother of four, said the inspiration for her latest book struck last Christmas.

“The book came from all of my kids saying, ‘Which present is mine?’

That’s how it started, and I just played with that idea,” she said.

Along with their children, Allison and her husband, Chad, have been involved in volunteering and giving efforts for several years. During the holiday season, the family participates in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

Allison said her children have a lot of fun participating in charitable events, and she wanted to strengthen the realization that in the spirit of the holidays, giving feels so much better than receiving.

That’s the message behind “The 12 Days of Christmas Giving,” Allison said.

The story follows a family as they seek to give away 12 presents, one each day leading up to Christmas.

Each page, illustrated with Allison’s artwork, showcases the gifts the family gives – from breadcrumbs for the birds and a scrapbook for their

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giving away a present a day this holiday season.

“It would be fun to start a tradition where you have a present you give away,” Allison said.

“We started last Christmas when I wrote the book and are planning on doing it again this Christmas as well.”

Allison said her family wants to continue the spirit of giving in many ways, so they volunteer frequently through Church of the Highlands and the Dream Center.

Recently, her famAllison Puccetti Adams of Mountain Brook is the ily hosted exchange author of “The 12 Days of Christmas Giving”, a children’s book. Journal photo by Margaret Frymire students, collected gifts for women and grandmother to a toy for a sick boy children in need and became involved and flowers for a neighbor. in various other charitable efforts.

The children in the story search Allison said the family tries to for the spirit of Christmas throughout give back to the community, especialthe book. Through their giving they ly at Christmas, and that her 16-yearrediscover it, and the book concludes old daughter, in preparation for the with, “In our hearts was the dearest Mountain Brook High School’s Miss lesson. It is more fun to give than to Olympian, is heading up the family’s receive.” philanthropic efforts.

While her book sends a warm In addition to “The 12 Days of Christmas Giving,” Allison has Christmas message that many have authored two other children’s books, heard before, Allison said “The 12 which she self-published. Allison Days of Christmas Giving” shows a said by self-publishing “Gathering of practical way to apply that message.

Angels” and “Southern XYZ’s,” she She said that her family plans on folwas allowed to print and edit as she lowing the example in the book of chooses. and sconces Y Allison is currently working on several other projects, including a novel and two more children’s books.

Allison said she affectionately calls her 7-year-old daughter Ann Kathryn “Little Miss Happyness,” and the new children’s books will be

bronzes • lamps • terra cotta

A graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in interior design, Allison recently started Fluff! Designs. She and two other decorators are providing holiday decorating consultation and assistance this season.

“The 12 Days of Christmas Giving” is at Interiors by Kathy Harris, Grandmother’s Joy and A Tiny Kingdom. These stores carry copies of the book signed by Allison.

Hardback copies are $20, and paperback copies are $15. ❖

People Notes Daniel Named Executive Director of Foundation The Vestavia Hills Library Foundation recently announced the selection of Lauren Daniel as the organization’s executive director.

In her new role, Daniel will focus on cultivating donors and promote the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest as a vital community learning center.

She is a lifelong Vestavia Hills resident and brings more than 12 years of experience Lauren Daniel in marketing, event management and fundraising to the VHLF. As director of marketing for the Bruno Event Team, she was responsible for generating sponsorship revenue for the Bruno’s Memorial Classic Foundation. She has also held a development position with United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham and has experience as an independent consultant/contractor for various organizations.

“I am honored to join the library foundation and look forward to expanding upon its success,” Daniel said. “While taxpayer support keeps the lights on, the building open and materials on the shelves, the Library in

the Forest can be so much more. That’s what the foundation does--it makes a good library a great one.”

Kiley Watson, foundation board chairman, said the executive director’s position is key for the foundation as it moves forward.

“Lauren’s nonprofit and for-profit business knowledge is invaluable,” Kiley said. “We are thrilled to have found the right candidate to lead and fulfill our mission.”

Founded in 1997, the VHLF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advocacy and leadership to promote the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.

Hanrahan on Samford Homecoming Court A Hoover resident was named to the 2012 Samford University Homecoming Court. Brooks Hanrahan was elected by his classmates to represent the freshman class on the homecoming court.

The court members were introduced at Brooks Hanrahan halftime during Samford’s Oct. 13 homecoming game against Appalachian State University.

The son of Tracey and Tom Hanrahan, he is a church music major.

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based on her adventures.

Both of Allison’s new children’s books are rhyming stories that she is pitching to larger publishers, she said.

Besides writing and illustrating, she has her hands in several other ventures.

She is a professional photographer with several of her photos on display at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Allison said she also does occasional writing for several publications, including the Magic City Post.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

People

SERVICE DEPT. OPEN SATURDAY AT HWY 280 LOCATION

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 11

12 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

PEOPLE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

BBG Announces New Board of Directors

Birmingham Botanical Gardens has announced its 2013 Board of Directors.

They include, from left: Mary Boehm, Tricia Noble, Lou Willie and Emily Bowron.

Photo special to The Journal

B

irmingham Botanical Gardens has announced its 2013 board of directors.

Tricia Noble will serve her first term as president, taking over for Past President Henry Ray. Scott Walton returns as treasurer, and Barbara Burton will serve her first term as secretary.

Hanson Slaughter is the new president-elect. Jeanie Sherlock will assume the role of vice president of

development, while Brian Barr returns as vice president of facilities and planning.

Carl Jones is governance chairman. Lou Willie and Elizabeth Broughton are officers.

Sherlock is one of seven new board members for 2013. The group also includes Mary Boehm, Chris Boles, Emily Bowron, Beverly Hoyt, Houston Gillespy and Charles Goodrich.

Rotating off the board are Shane Boatright, Sheryl Kimmerling, Mike Malone, Fred Murray and Janet Taylor.

Completing the 2013 BBG board of directors are Cathy Adams, Laurie Allen, Maggie Brooke, Gary Burley, Tricia Holbrook, Robert Holmes, Margi Ingram, Clarke Gillespy, Kathryn Porter, Lucy Tutwiler and Mary Williamson. â?–

People Notes Vestavia Native Chosen for University Chorus Sarah Jane Driskell of Vestavia Hills has been selected for the 201213 Harding University Chorus.

Following auditions at the

beginning of the fall semester, Driskell was among students chosen for the 60-member ensemble that performs on and off campus.

She is a junior vocal music education major. She performs choral classics, new works,

spirituals, opera, folk songs, novelties and contemporary Christian songs.

The Harding University Chorus travels throughout the U.S. and the world to perform for a variety of audiences.

Vestavia Teen Named Eagle Scout of the Year Austin Brooks, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout last year, was named the Eagle Scout of the Year by the Sons of the American Revolution.

Brooks is a member of Boy Scout Troop 76 at Liberty Crossings United Austin Brooks Methodist Church.

The son of Danny and Nelda Brooks, he began his scouting career as a Cub Scout in 2001. During that time, he earned many belt loops, arrow points and Cub Scouts’ highest award, the Arrow of Light.

He also personally collected more than 2,000 pounds of food for local food banks.

Brooks crossed over to Boy Scouts in 2007.

On his road to becoming an Eagle Scout, Brooks hiked more than 150 miles, camped more than 50 nights and accumulated more than 500 hours of community service.

He has served his troop as a patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, chaplain aide and quartermaster and was elected by his fellow scouts to the Order of the Arrow, a national Boy Scout honor society.

Brooks attended multiple years of BSA summer camps as well as the

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 13

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M., and earned 26 merit badges and the Polar Bear and Good Turn for Scouting awards.

For his Eagle Scout project, Brooks planned, constructed and installed an all-sports storage facility for the Liberty Park Middle School athletic program.

He funded the project with donations from friends and community members.

A junior at Vestavia Hills High School, Brooks is a member of the Vestavia Hills baseball team, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and a member of Church of the Highlands.

Mountain Brook’s Jiang Named Mr. UAB Kevin Jiang of Mountain Brook was named Mr. UAB 2012 during the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s homecoming festivities Oct. 6 at Legion Field.

He received a $2,500 scholarship as part of the honor to represent the school.

The Mr. and Ms. UAB Scholarship Competition is sponsored by the UAB National Alumni Society.

The 31-yearold program recognizes outstanding Kevin Jiang students who have demonstrated scholastic achievement, leadership, campus and community involvement and overall

enthusiasm for UAB. Jiang is a junior majoring in molecular biology and philosophy.

He was named National Most Outstanding New Member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and is secretary for Pi Kappa Phi, a member of UAB’s Ethics Bowl team and a call volunteer at the Birmingham Crisis Center.

He is the son of Wei Jiang and Liu Zhiyong.

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Centor Named to Board of Regents Dr. Bob Centor, professor of internal medicine and associate dean of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Medicine Huntsville Program, has been named to the Board of Regents of the American College of Physicians.

Centor lives in Mountain Brook.

The board manages the business affairs of the American Dr. Bob Centor College of Physicians and is the main policymaking body of the college.

The American College of Physicians is a national organization of physicians who specialize in the prevention, detection and treatment of illnesses in adults. ACP is the largest medicalspecialty organization and secondlargest physician group in the U.S. ❖

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vestaviafamilydentistry@gmail.com Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Dec. 2012 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Dec. 13, 2012issue. 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.

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14 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Seniors Warned About Identity Theft ◆ MOUNTAIN BROOK

BY WILLIAM C. SINGLETON III

I

JOURNAL CONTRIBUTOR

dentity theft is rising in Alabama, and elderly residents need to become familiar with fraud schemes to better protect themselves and their life savings, a panel of experts said recently.

“There are a lot of fraudsters out there. And folks, you’re the target,” Joe Borg, director of the Alabama Securities Commission, said to about 65 audience members, mostly senior citizens, attending an Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Town Hall meeting at Mountain Brook’s Emmet O’Neal Library Nov. 28.

Borg and Neal Morrison, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Senior Services, led a panel discussion, moderated by state Rep. Paul DeMarco, to inform seniors about various schemes designed to separate them from their hard-earned savings.

Experts shared that within the span of a year, Alabama rose from 15th in 2010 to 12th in 2011 as the state with the highest number of identity theft cases.

Borg said con artists target elderly residents because they expect them to have saved up large sums of money.

He also said thieves prey on the soft spot elderly residents have to secure or pass on money to their loved ones. Con artists often

approach elderly residents, telling them they need to leave money for their children or grandchildren, hoping they will participate in a sham investment scheme.

Borg said fraud abuse can happen through church investment schemes, computers and email to-good-to-be-true bargains, through the regular mail and even at automated teller machines (ATMs).

A common scheme is for thieves to place a device over the top of an ATM which reads card information as a card is being scanned. The

“No bank will ever in an email ask you for your Social Security number, your PIN (personal identification number) or your account number.”

JOE BORG, ALABAMA SECURITIES COMMISSION thieves will later retrieve the device and steal the information, Borg said.

◆ HOMEWOOD

Police Urge Holiday Safety

BY WILLIAM C. SINGLETON III

S

JOURNAL CONTRIBUTOR

anta Claus isn’t the only one trying to enter homes by unorthodox means this Christmas season.

Playing the part of Dr. Seussian grinches, burglars are looking for ways to steal Christmas gifts from homes and automobiles, especially this time of year, said Homewood Police Chief Jim Roberson.

Roberson encouraged residents to make themselves less of a target for crime through some very common-sense steps.

The first step is to lock the doors of your homes and turn on alarm systems if you have them, Roberson said.

“You’d be surprised at the number of people who leave their doors unlocked,” he said.

Many burglars merely walk up to a home and turn the doorknob to see whether it’s unlocked. Roberson also said many homeowners are in the habit of not setting their alarm systems when they leave.

The Homewood police chief advised homeowners discarding large appliance and equipment boxes to

dispose of them on the day of garbage collection, reducing the amount of time they remain in public as advertisements for the contents of one’s home.

If they need to be set outside prior to the day of collection, identifiers should be removed or should not be made visible as they set out on the street, he said.

Roberson also said many automobile owners don’t lock their car doors and leave valuable items visible for thieves to steal.

“You’re going to reduce your chances of becoming the victim of a car burglary four to five times if you just take those items of value and keep them out of view and lock your car,” Roberson told a recent Homewood Chamber of Commerce audience at the Homewood Public Library.

“Most of the time they’re not going to break your windows, they’re not going to punch your lock if they can’t readily see something in there.”

Roberson said the Homewood police will provide a patrol service to residents traveling out of town for the holidays and will also stop by and check on businesses.

The Homewood Police Department’s number is 332-6200. ❖

“They’ll go to another machine and start debiting your account until it’s zero,” he said.

“You can tell (it’s a fake machine), but you have to look. It’s something that sits on top of the ATM machine.”

Borg said this scheme is bigger up north, “but it’s coming this way.”

Among the top fraud schemes in Alabama are fake cashier’s checks, dumpster diving and email fraud.

Borg told audience members to be wary of cashier’s checks that require the recipient to fork over money to receive an even larger payout.

While the check goes through the process of being validated, a suspect may have to cough up some of his money to acquire an additional sum promised by the scheme. But the bank will require the victim to pay the sum of the fraudulent check after validation, and the victim will be out of his own money in the process.

Dumpster diving involves people sorting through trash, particularly in wealthier neighborhoods, trying to find personal and financial information.

“It’s very easy to protect yourself on this,” Borg said. “Shred your documents. Don’t just throw them in the trash. Tear them up good.”

He also told elderly residents to be aware of email schemes from con artists who use the letterhead of legitimate companies like Regions or Wells Fargo requesting personal information.

Neal Morrison, left, commissioner of the state Department of Senior Services, and Joseph Borg, director of the Alabama Securities Commission, lead a discussion on elder abuse and fraud at the Emmet OʼNeal Library in Mountain Brook. Journal photo by Margaret Frymire

“No bank will ever in an email ask you for your Social Security number, your PIN (personal identification number) or your account number,” Borg said.

Morrison encouraged residents to contact the appropriate authorities if they’re uncertain about a particular scheme or if they believe they’ve been subject to fraud abuse.

The website for the Alabama Department of Senior Services is www.alabamaageline.gov/ cares.cfm.

The website for the Alabama Securities Commission is www.asc.state.al.us/.

DeMarco said the legislature is expected to take up legislation this spring creating harsher penalties for elderly abuse. ❖

Trinity Wins Appeal ◆ OVER THE MOUNTAIN

BY WILLIAM C. SINGLETON III

T

JOURNAL CONTRIBUTOR

rinity Medical Center is a step closer to moving to a new location on U.S. 280.

The Alabama Civil Court of Appeals recently ruled in favor of Trinity’s attempt to relocate to the unfinished HealthSouth building.

By a 5-0 vote, the appeals court ruled that Montgomery County Circuit Judge Jimmy Pool in July erred in invalidating a decision by the Alabama Certificate of Needs Review Board approving the Trinity’s proposed move.

The appeals court reinstated the decision by state regulators, allowing Trinity to proceed with its plans barring another appeal.

Brookwood Medical Center and St. Vincent’s Health Systems had sued Trinity to prevent the move, saying Trinity’s relocation to U.S. 280 would cost them millions of dollars.

Attorneys for the two hospitals said after the ruling they were considering an appeal to the state Supreme ◆ HOMEWOOD

Better Basics Wins Nonprofit Award Better Basics has been honored by a website that provides reviews and ratings of nonprofit organizations.

The Homewood-based literacy organization was recognized with the 2012 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, a website that aims to inspire and inform donors and volunteers, enable nonprofits to show their impact and promote greater feedback and transparency.

Court. Efforts to reach both for additional comments were unsuccessful.

Trinity CEO Keith Granger said he’s not worried that the latest ruling may be appealed.

“We feel the courts have spoken carefully with this unanimous ruling, but we are prepared, if necessary, to take this case further into the Supreme Court and remain confident that we will prevail,” he said.

Barring no further setbacks, Trinity expects to begin construction to complete the HealthSouth building next year, Granger said.

Trinity officials plan to spend about $280 million to finish the building and install equipment. Trinity officials also plan to build a professional building and a parking deck, Granger said.

The facility was scheduled to serve as HealthSouth’s most technologically advanced hospital, but construction was interrupted after HealthSouth’s billion-dollar accounting scandal.

Construction would take about two years to complete, Granger said. ❖

“We are honored to be named a Top-Rated 2012 Nonprofit,” said Karen Kapp, executive director of Better Basics. “The positive reviews we received highlight the work we are doing to make a difference for struggling students in our community.”

Better Basics served more than 16,000 students last year through its literacy enrichment and intervention programs.

Better Basics was selected for the Top-Rated Nonprofit Award based on the large number of reviews it received. The reviews were written by volunteers, donors and clients.

On the GreatNonprofits website, people wrote about their personal experiences wit h Better Basics.

For example, one person wrote, “Watching a child grow as a reader over the course of a school year is such an amazing and rewarding experience. Better Basics has done a wonderful job of creating valuable volunteer opportunities while providing a real service to children of the Greater Birmingham community.”

For more information on how to volunteer with Better Basics, visit www.betterbasics.org or call 9442928.❖

u vestavia hills

City Hall Move Considered

By William C. Singleton III

F

Journal Contributor

uture Vestavia Hills City Council meetings could be held at the Vestavia City Center shopping complex.

City officials have identified property at the shopping complex as a possible site for a future municipal complex, which could house not only city administration but the fire administration and police headquarters as well.

“The intent is to go across the street,” said City Manager Randy Robertson at a recent council meeting.

“There’s about 40,000 to 50,000 square

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 15

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

feet (available). The owners have made it crystal clear they will sell us that.”

However, Robertson added, no deal is firm yet. Excel Vestavia owns the center, which has been plagued by vacancies.

City officials have decided they need to relocate from the current municipal building at 513 Montgomery Highway to another site, possibly the Vestavia City Center, located in the 700 block of Montgomery Highway, or the old Food World building in the Vestavia Plaza Shopping Center at 1052 Montgomery Highway.

The city last month agreed to purchase the former Food World store

property for $1.15 million.

Robertson said the current city hall was built in the 1950s and was designed as a municipal building. It also doesn’t meet the needs of the police or fire administration.

The current building is about 35,000 square feet, Robertson said.

“We’ve got to get out of city hall,” Robertson said. “Walk through the basement. It’s absolutely abysmal. We can’t even do certain forensic experiments. They (police) have to go in the parking lot because there’s no ventilation system.”

He said the city plans to sell the current municipal complex and has an

offer from a buyer.

If negotiations fall through with the Vestavia City Center site, city officials still have the old Food World property to consider for a location.

“We’d have to tear that down anyway,” Robertson said of the Food World building. “It’s never been about that building. That building isn’t structurally large enough to support a second story.”

The city has an offer on the old public library site at 1112 Montgomery Highway. Robertson said he couldn’t get into specifics about the proposal but called it a solid offer. The old facility has been up for sale since December 2010 when the library moved into its new facility less than a mile south on Montgomery Highway, also called U.S. 31.

“The council’s concern is what kind

u vestavia hills

Pedestrian Bridge Planned for Park

By William C. Singleton III

T

Journal Contributor

The Vestavia Hills City Council is paying $50,000 for a pedestrian bridge to be built in McCallum Park. The bridge will connect the park to 35 acres on the opposite side of Little Shades Creek.

Journal photo by William C. Singleton III

he Vestavia Hills City Council agreed to put up $50,000 in matching funds to build a pedestrian bridge at McCallum Park.

The council agreed to put the money on hold until funds come through from the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Foundation, which has committed up to $100,000 toward the bridge project from its fundraising efforts.

of business would” be there, Robertson told the library board recently. “The council’s focus is creating jobs and creating sales tax dollars and something that will blend into the community.

The council wants to be very particular about who will buy it because they want it to complement the U.S. 31 study.”

The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham recently released a long-term plan to transform U.S. 31 into a more vibrant economic area. The plan can be found on the city’s website at www.vestaviahills.net.

The party with whom the city is negotiating to purchase the old library building wants to tear down the facility, Robertson said. The party has until March to do its due diligence on the site to see if it wants to move ahead with the purchase of the site, he said. ❖

Earlier this year, the city applied for a $50,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to build a bridge to connect McCallum Park to 35 acres on the opposite side of Little Shades Creek.

The Fresh Water Land Trust owns 17.5 acres, the city the other half. The bridge will provide access to that property.

Vestavia Hills officials said they also hope to build a trail system on the city’s part of the property. The trail system would connect to Vestavia Hills High School, which abuts the wooded area.

City officials have already learned they will receive $50,000 to build a 1.25 mile walking trail and $50,000 for the bridge project.

The trail is expected to cost $120,000 and the bridge more than $200,000.

McCallum Park bears the name of former Mayor Charles “Scotty” McCallum, who during his tenure from 2000 to 2008 led the city’s efforts to acquire more than 300 acres of green space.

The park encompasses about five acres and sits off Rocky Ridge Road at the end of Rosemary Lane. ❖

LIFE

16 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Santaʼs little helpers, above greet their fans and Santa, left during the Mountain Brook Christmas Parade on Dec. 2. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr. The Christmas Belles from Linda Dobbins Dance throw candy during the parade. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

We Love a Parade And a Tree Lighting

Elves are spotted at the Hoover tree lighting.

Photo special to the Journal

Over The Mountain Communities Sparkle with the Season The Vestavia Hills Belles attended the tree lighting ceremony at the Vestavia Hills City Center.

Photo special to the Journal

Sean Fredella was the Grand Marshal of the Mountain Brook Christmas parade this year. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

Children wait for Santa at the Hoover Christmas tree on Municipal Lane. Photo special to the Journal

Hoover

The City of Hoover kicked off the Over the Mountain festivities with its Nov. 29 Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Municipal Center. Mayor Gary Ivey welcomed the crowd and the Rocky Ridge Holiday Choir and Janie Bryant performed. Santa Claus hitched a ride to the event with the Hoover Fire Department. Event organizers said about 500 people attended this year’s festivities to watch the illumination of the 60,000 lights on the 32-foot Hoover Christmas tree.

Kindergarten students in the Rocky Ridge Holiday Choir perform at the Hoover Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Photo special to the Journal

Mountain Brook

In Mountain Brook, organizers said about 3,000 came out for the Christmas Parade on Dec. 2. Sean Fredella, an 11-year-old cancer patient, was the Grand Marshal this year. The event featured holiday floats, music, a marching band and Mayor Terry Oden riding in an antique fire truck. This year’s parade had a new and longer route. After the parade, Santa visited with children and posed for photos on the center stage at Mountain Brook Village.

Vestavia Hills

Mayor Terry Oden rides in an antique fire truck in the Mountain Brook parade. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

Vestavia celebrated Holiday in the Hills with a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4 in the City Center. Festivities including screenings of holiday films, performances by the Pizitz Middle School Girls Choir, the Vestavia Hills High School Rockettes and the A2 Band. The event also included a business expo. Mayor Albert “Butch” Zaragosa did the honors of lighting the city’s Christmas tree. Santa also made an appearance at the event, visiting with children in the plaza.

Homewood

The city of Homewood ushered in the holiday season with the annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting ceremony Dec. 11.

The parade featured local bands, civic organizations, school organizations, church groups, businesses and individuals. After the parade, the city’s Christmas tree was set aglow during a ceremony at City Hall Plaza.

For photos of the parade and tree lighting ceremony, visit www.otmj.com. ❖

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 17

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The Homewood High School Marching Band will perform at the BBVA Compass Bowl on Jan. 5 at in the 125th Tournament of Roses Parade in January 2014.

Photo special to The Journal

Homewood Band Peforms Locally, Sets Sites on Tournament of Roses

T

he Homewood High School Marching Band won’t be on the road this holiday season, but that doesn’t mean band students will be taking a break from their busy performance schedule.

The band is slated to perform its Holiday Spectacular Dec. 14 in the high school auditorium, and students are preparing for a performance at the BBVA Compass Bowl at Legion Field Jan. 5.

The band will be the only high school marching band to perform during a pregame tribute to the armed forces before kickoff of the game between Pittsburg and Ole Miss.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to work with ESPN to honor the armed forces and to be a

part of the BBVA Compass Bowl, “ said Ron Pence, band director.

The band also marched in the Homewood Christmas Parade on Dec. 11 and will welcome Santa to town at Macy’s at Colonial Brookwood Village on Dec. 17 as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Macy’s Believe campaign.

The band has a history with Macy’s, having been selected to perform several times in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

The band will also showcase its talents on the national level in the 2013-14 school year, Pence said.

The Homewood High School Marching Band has been invited to play in the 125th Tournament of

Roses Parade in January 2014. It will be the Patriots’ fourth appearance in the Rose Bowl festivities. The band was selected to perform in the parade in 1984, 2003 and 2009.

The band will travel to the Tournament of Roses Parade performance Dec. 28, 2013 through Jan. 2, 2014.

“It is always such an honor and so rewarding for the kids to play at the Tournament of Roses. We’re looking forward to it,” Pence said.

Pence said he tries to schedule a good mix of performances for the band each year, making sure students are able to bring their talents to local audiences and get experience performing in front of large, out-of-town crowds.

“We try to do a lot for our community with local performances while at the same time looking for other opportunities to highlight the program,” he said.

On Dec. 14, local audiences will hear holiday favorites like “Sleigh Ride” as the band presents its version of the classic Radio City Music Hall holiday show. The show is at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Tickets for the show are $10 for adults and $5 for students, with all proceeds going to help the fine arts department at Homewood High School, Pence said. ❖

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2012 Heritage Ball social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

32 Debutantes Feted at the Country Club of Birmingham

From left: Ann Marie Gieger, Callie McCraney, Elizabeth Bean and Madelyn Hereford. Photos special to The Journal

Henderson Cole, Elizabeth Hodges, Mary Jordan Moore and Rushton Wood-Thuston.

Emma Reich, Kathryn Yates, Bentley Bruhn and Collier Tynes.

Elizabeth Hicks, Abbi Bromberg, Emily Eagan and Kaylee Beauchamp.

Quinn Corey, Anne Hayden Bromberg, Ginna Miller and Sarah Crosier.

Hope Simpson, Campbell Estes, Tullia Rushton and Emily Donovan.

Laura Ezell, Lizzy Wade, Roxanne Walker and Elizabeth Morris.

Priester, Mary Emmalyn Reich, Tullia Price Rushton, Hope White Simpson, Collier Dickinson Tynes, Elizabeth Parker Wade, Roxanne O’Neal Walker, Rushton Elizabeth Wood Thuston and Kathryn Kaul Yates.

Following the presentation, guests moved to the East Room. Leah Hazzard and her talented team used dramatic lighting, antique silver containers, white flowers, mirrors more photos and hundreds of yards of floor-to-ceiling sheer voile draperies to transform the ballroom into an elegant escape.

The sheer flowing fabric was softly backlit with white lights accented by light columns of Tiffany blue. In a modern twist, Tiffany blue fabric was draped from disco balls at the center of the ceiling.

Mirrored tabletops were centered with tall crystal vases

T

he 32 members of the 2012 Debutante Club of Birmingham were honored by their parents Nov. 23 at the Heritage Ball at the Country Club of Birmingham.

The debutantes were presented in the living room through an entrance framed by tall mirrored pedestals topped with antique silver vases and silver gazing balls.

Presentees included Elizabeth Ann Bean, Kaylee Marie Beauchamp, Abigail Lisette Bromberg, Anne Hayden Bromberg, Elizabeth Bentley Bruhn, Mary Henderson Cole, Kathryn Quinn Cory, Sarah Bunnell Crosier, Emily Kent Donovan, Evelyn Adams Drennen, Emily Oliver Eagan, Campbell Swann Estes, Laura Elizabeth Ezell, Anne Marie Gieger, Madelyn Fletcher Hereford, Elizabeth Terry Hicks, Mary Elizabeth Scott Hodges, Lauren Alexandra Jenkins, Rose Caldwell McCraney, Virginia deVilliers Miller, Mary Jordan Moore, Elizabeth Lee Morris, Lynn Otey Priester, Margaret Tutwiler

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Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 19

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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filled with water bubbles, floating candles and white hydrangeas. Votive candles surrounded the centerpieces.

Dancing continued until midnight to the music of Nationwide Coverage.

The long weekend of fun started Wednesday night with a casual party at Billy’s in English Village.

Hosts for the Wednesday night party included Manning Abele, David Anthony, William Anthony, Johnny Ault, Will Austill, Alexander Barineau, Terry Bryan, John Burke, Tommy Coleman, Will Cooper, Peary Cox, Mark Drew, Zachary Edwards, Wilkerson Given, Perry Given, Tyler Goodwyn, Mills Gorrie, Sam Gray, Evans Grenier, David Grisham, Charlie Grizzle, Peter Hall, Gibson Hand, Charles Harrison, Mackey Harwell, Steve Hawley, Gordon Henry, Patrick Hill, Warner Hornsby, Jimmy Hubbard, Parker Israel, Owen Joiner, Winn Kellye, Patrick Lavette, Bill Matthews, Bill

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Saint Andrew’s Society Celebrates Scottish Ancestry

resident Charles Smith convened the patriarchs of the clans and families of the Saint Andrew’s Society of the Middle South Oct. 18 to celebrate their ancestry in the Vestavia Country Club living room.

Charles opened the festivities with his own Scottish flair, followed by food prepared and orchestrated by Vestavia Country Club’s Scottish chef, Michael Murray.

Following the feast, Dr. Gilbert Klemann of 13th Colony Distilleries LLC shared his story of producing small batch whiskey in Americus, Ga., and what it takes to do so legally. This industry is regulated and supervised by numerous state and federal agencies and is not an undertaking for those either faint of heart or lacking in patience, he said.

Auctioneer Rick Towns led a fundraising opportunity for the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band as the group prepares to go to the World Piping Championship in Glasgow, Scotland. Only a limited number of pipe bands from the U.S. are offered an opportunity to participate in this international event.

In addition to Charles, patriarchs at the gathering were Lt. Col. E. T. Brown, III (Ret.), Rick Towns, Rob Walker, Donny Adams, James C. Morris, J. Kelvin Terry, Brian Keith, Charles Nothen, John Smith, Seth McCoin, Bill Hairston, Hall Thompson, Joseph (Rich) Henry, J. Sharp Gillespy, Ron Wolff, Art McConnell, Williard McCall, Bill Satterfield, Erskine Ramsay, Phillip Black, Clarence R. Baxter, Charles M. Miller, Willard McCall, Rev. John Harper, Gilbert Johnston, Will Satterfield, J. Dowe Bynum, Winfield Baird, Edward L. Ramsey, Arnold G. Mooney, David Bright, Joseph Stuart Miller, J. Scott Vowell, Jeff Hendry, Joe To: Farley, Gilbert Douglas, III, Charles (Pete) McCarn, Brian Bruce Sullivan and Charles M. Hartman. ❖ From:

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20 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Debs To Be Presented at Poinsettia Ball

T

he Poinsettia Men’s Club and Ballet Women’s Committee will host the 45th annual Poinsettia Ball Dec. 27 at Vestavia Hills Country Club.

Nineteen young women will be presented at 9 p.m. in the club’s grand ballroom.

The girls will be introduced at the Benefactor’s Dinner by Tommy Davis, Men’s Club president, prior to being presented at the ball. Chairman of the dinner is Nancy Kennedy.

Mary Jo Angelo is president of the Poinsettia

Ball Board. Ruby Cade and Leigh Ann Yeilding are the ball chairmen. Cynthia Looney is social secretary.

Other Ball Board members are Susie Baker, Sherry Bohorfoush, Beth Glisson, Liz PhillipsGuest, Denise Lewis, Denise Oliver and Tammy Towns.

Committee chairmen include Una Ray Barrett, decorations; Kelly Carlton, program; Lynn Webb, publicity; Patti Pierce, invitations; Allison Miller,

rehearsal; Mary Esther Mathis, photographer’s assistant; and Lisa Stephenson, reserved seating.

The young women are presented by their fathers or another escort of their choice. After being presented, the girls and their escorts begin with a waltz. The evening will end with dancing and music by Az Izz. For ticket information to the ball, call Patti Pierce at 617-2460 or Cythnia Looney at 967-6815.

For the Benefactor’s Dinner, call Nancy Kennedy at 822-6818. ❖

Milan Adrianna Ballard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Hugh Ballard

Mary Margaret Barr, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Clarence William Barr III

Leslie Carol Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Ray Brown

Emily Catherine Covington, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Frances Covington Jr.

Clare Crawford Dowell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Balcke Dowell

Lauren Dees Ferguson, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Alan Lee Ferguson

Jenna Elizabeth Foyt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Matthew Foyt

Ashley Sayers Hays, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Kenneth Hays

Emily Annette Helveston, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Carol Helveston

Haley Carol Helveston, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Carol Helveston

Savannah Lane Kay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Otis Kay III

Ashley Elizabeth Martin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cliff Martin III

Allison Renee Rohrer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Christopher Rohrer

Lauren Elizabeth Spivey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Delane Spivey

Katherine Ellen Summers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lynn Summers

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Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 21

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Candlelight Dinner Raises Money for Arthritis Research

Nanci Griffith Entertains Crowd at Swan Lake Stables

T

he Riversong Candlelight dinner at Swann Lake Stables on Oct. 12 raised more than $75,000 to support rheumatoid arthritis research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Bill and Mary Battle and their close friends Alex and Marjorie Jones, owners of Swann Lake Stables, hosted the seated dinner for 150 guests and private concert by Nashville singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith.

Fall flower arrangements topped round tables of eight on the lawn and inside the stables.

Bill and Mary Battle and her daughter, Kayla Kitchens, told the crowd of friends and family why they created the Battle Research Acceleration Fund at UAB. They said they wanted to fund a promising line of research by Dr. Robert P. Kimberly that ultimately could lead to a new and better therapy for Kayla and others who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

After dinner by Shindigs Catering, the crowd enjoyed a long set by Griffith, who played on a stage just outside the stables.

Spotted in the crowd were Kayla’s fiancé, Frankie Smeraglia, and his parents, Eve and Frank Smeraglia.

Others attending included Ed and Dee Anderson, Brian and Wendy Barze, Mike and Mary Fleeta Battle, Pat and Alice Ann Battle, Bob and Brooke Battle, Theresa Bruno, Harold and Jane Bissell, Kenny and Laurie Bramlett, Will and Maggie Brooke, Tom and Elizabeth Broughton, Russ and Ann Chambliss, Hartwell and Martha Davis and Tony and Dana Davis.

Also attending to help fund

David Henderson, Harold Bissell and Jane Bissell.

Above: From left: Frankie Smeraglia, Kayla Kitchens, Mary Battle, Bill Battle, Sue Kimberly and Bob Kimberly.

Left: Gates Shaw and Raymond Harbert. Below: Mary Fleeta Battle, Alice Ann Battle, Kelly Styslinger and Isabelle Dreher.

Photos special to The Journal

more photos at

OTMJ.COM

arthritis research were Whit and Adair DeBardeleben, Skip and Jenna Dorland, Allen and Patsy Dreher, Georgie and Betsy Dreher, Paul and Isabelle Dreher, Margaret Finn, Erby and Laura Fisher, Jim and Alison Gorrie, Raymond and Kathryn Harbert, Milton and Allison Harsh, Chip and Lynn Hazelrig, Keith and Tookie Hazelrig, David and Vicki Henderson, James and Pam Henderson, Jim and Tricia Holbrook, Bill and Patti Ireland, Shirley Salloway Kahn, Bob and Susan Kimberly, Allan and Janie Jones and Flint and Alicia Liddon.

Other guests were Bob and Virginia Loftin, Mike and Karen Luce, Grant and Emily Minor, Keith and Connie Norton, Paul and Pate Owens, Foots and Allene Parnell, Billy and Allison Pritchard III, Robbie and Lori Robertson, Gates and Margot Shaw, Stan and Joan Starnes, Lee and Kelly Styslinger, George and Nancy Thompson, Vince Thompson and Mike and Genie Thompson.

Also enjoying the candlelight

dinner event were Thunder and Eileen Thornton, Peggy Townes, Sam and Cheryl Upchurch, Read and Parmelia Voigt, Robin and Jeanette Wade, Drew and Lauren Weil, Stewart and Kathie Welch, Mat and Kathy Whatley, Bill and Laura Dee Wood, Copeland and Beth Wood and Peter and Sally Worthen. ❖

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22 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Leta Parsons, Gene Davenport and Galeata.

Leigh Leak and Tommy Tomlinson, co-chairmen of the Sportsman’s Social. Photos special to The Journal

Sportsman’s Social Has Special Guest, Contest

A

s part of the 2012 Alabama Charity Clays event and the women’s Annie Oakley shoot, a Sportsman’s Social was held at Park Lane in Mountain Brook Oct. 25.

Returning for the 2012 Sportsman’s Social was Scott Leyseth, “The Sporting Chef,” a leading authority on the preparation of fish and game and the author of several recipe books.

The event also featured the “Last Man Standing” more photos at contest.

Guests had the opportunity to win a specially selected Beretta shotgun, Beretta clothing, jewelry, dinners, a quail hunt, $500 gift certificates and other items.

Over the past four years, Alabama Charity Clays has raised more than $425,000, money that has been used each year for a specific purpose within Baptist Health System.

OTMJ.COM

PResents

At The Club On February 2, 2013, the Alabama Ballet will host an evening of dinner and dancing at the thirteenth annual Pointe Ball making its debut at The Club.

The night will include: An intimate performance by Alabama Ballet’s professional company members in the Ball Room of The Club. Gourmet dinner with the amazing night views of Birmingham, and music after dinner by the Soul Searchers for guests to enjoy on the dance floor.

To purchase tickets, please call Stacey Turner at 205.322.4300. For sponsorship information, contact Executive Director Megan R. Cottle at 205.322.1259.

Carol and Mike Drummond and Lynn and Susan Jones.

Proceeds from this year’s Alabama Charity Clays will be added to funds received from the Women’s Breast Health Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to help Baptist create a breast cancer survivor network and resource center.

This service will be a unique hub for information, services and longterm support for breast cancer survi-

Annual Golf Ball Celebrates Champions and Diamonds

Enjoying the fifth annual Golf Ball at Vestavia Country Club are Leslie and Steve Kincaid.

D

iamonds are a girl’s best friend, it’s said. But members of the Ladies Birmingham Golf Association might argue that golf balls are a close second.

Lucky for these women, this year’s fifth annual Golf Ball, hosted by the Vestavia Country Club Ladies Golf Association, celebrated both.

Diamonds in the Rough, the theme of this year’s event, didn’t disappoint in the sparkle department.

On Nov. 9, guests were greeted with white linens that served as a backdrop to the glistening diamond rope draped over white branches on

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each tabletop. Silver candelabra with glowing white tapers completed the effect.

After a menu that included beef tenderloin tournedos, jumbo shrimp and Grand Marnier roulage, attendees danced to the music of Tony Marino

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vors and their families from across the region.

Those attending included Chase and Rebecca Weiss, Carol and Mike Drummond, Lynn and Susan Jones, Leta Parson, Gene Davenport, Colleen and Clem Cotter, Shad and Tina Wilks, Laura Sink, Renee Fenn, Lisa Mills and Michael and Polly Perry. ❖

and the Checkmates.

The LBGA event honors club champions from each of the 16 participating clubs. This year’s event honored seven of those champions: Heather Norris, Vestavia Country Club; Beverly Lance, Old Overton Country Club; Sandra Smith, Altadena Country Club; Trish Carter, Hoover Country Club; Marie Roberts, Ballentrae Country Club; Lori Eans, Inverness Country Club; and Jaycylyn Nail, Grayson Valley Country Club.

The popularity of this golf community-building celebration grows each year. What began in 2007 with a small representation from each club drew 95 attendees in 2012. ❖

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 23

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Payne Roast Benefits Exceptional Foundation

M

ore than 50 people gathered at Aloft Hotel in Homewood on Oct. 29 to roast and toast George Hunter Payne.

Those attending had a lot to say about Hunter--and it was all for a good cause.

In lieu of gifts, guests at the event made a donation in Hunter’s name to the Exceptional Foundation.

The Exceptional Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1993 to serve mentally and physically challenged individuals in the greater Birmingham area. The organization started out as small group meetings at Homewood Park and Recreation. After a capital campaign in 1999, the foundation built its own 12,000-square foot recreational and administrative facility next to the former location at Homewood Park.

A second capital campaign in 2006 funded a 12,000-square foot addition to meet rising enrollment numbers in the foundation’s programs.

At the roast, Tricia Kirk, Exceptional Foundation’s executive director, presented Hunter with a portrait created by a foundation participant. Those attending signed the portrait for Hunter.

Guests showed their appreciation to Hunter for his service to the city and to the foundation over the past four years.

A selection of Hunter’s favorite foods from Michael’s was served at

Buy local from artist Darrell Ezekiell

furniture • pottery • glass

Above: From left: Winston Payne, Frances Payne, Hunter Payne and Collier Payne. Left: Paul and Connie Doran. Photos special to The Journal

the event.

Those attending included Winston Payne, Frances Payne, Collier Payne, Quida and Bruno Fritschi, Dr. Paul Doran, Connie Doran, Kevin Forsyth, Mary Ellen Snell, Paul Preston, Tricia Kirk and Heather and Michael Hallman. ❖

Happy Holidays from the staff at OTMJ! Our next issue is January 10

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To: Tricia From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: Dec. 2012 This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for the Dec. 13, 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.

ate:

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

An Illuminating Evening

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Annual Ball Benefits Children’s of Alabama

he 2012 Children’s of Alabama Illuminations Ball was held at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center Nov. 9.

Each year, the event raises money for Children’s of Alabama.

This year’s Illuminations Ball, presented by Protective Life Corp., included a seated dinner with live music & marketplace by the Ray Reach Band.

Christie King and CKing 930 Oxmoor Rd. • 414.9945 Benefit Auctions conducted Mon. - Sat. 10am-6pm • Sun. 1pm-6pm • www.homewoodantiques.com live and silent auctions.

Live auction items included a boxer puppy and underground fence, a 14-carat gold diamond cross necklace, a Spanish wine tasting for 24 with catered tapas, an African safari trip for two and a beach house stay in Seagrove and gift Dr. Raymond G. and Fiona Watts Michael and Anne Warren Since graduating art school, Ayala Bar cards to Bud and Alley’s, Photos special to The Journal has worked in many areas, from theater George’s at Alys Beach and Christo interior design. Her current designs the Sugar Shak.

Illuminations Tree display, which was the emcee. blend natural elements and glass with Overassorted The Mountain PHONE: 205-823-9646 included about 40 exquisitely The auction committee includThe five presenting sponsors metals andJournal, fabrics to create a FAX:rich 205-824-1246 designed holiday trees, was open to for this year’s Illuminations Ball ed Fiona Watts, Tracy Pharo, mosaic, resulting in the most intricate the public Nov. 5-Dec. 3 in both the were Protective Life Corp. Regions pieces. Starting at $59.95 Katherine Brown, Molly Stone, Dec..limited-edition 2012 McWane Building and the Benjamin Bank, HOAR Construction, Sirote & Heather Lebensberger and Tammy This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Russell Hospital for Children lobbies.

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The presenting sponsors were HOAR Therapy.

Dec. 13, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Interiorscapes, Inc. coordinated and Sirote & Permutt, PC. ❖ In conjunction with the ball, the the decor for the event. Mark Prater

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24 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

Order of the Pearl honoree Gussie Arnett, left, with Alumnae Chapter President Krystle Gilchrist Campbell.

Photo special to The Journal

he Delta Zeta Birmingham Alumnae Chapter celebrated Founders Day Oct. 21 with a tea at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church.

Chapter President Krystle Gilchrist Campbell recognized 12 alumnae for achieving membership milestones. Among those honored were Mildred Downs Noojin and Bernice Krout Stacey, who were presented with the Order of the Diamond for 75 years of membership.

Gussie Arnett was honored with the Order of the Pearl for 65 years of membership.

Golden Rose honorees, with 50 years of membership, were Terry Peerson Bowen, Anita Townes

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Fowler, Beverly Richmond Francis, Martha Youngson Haarbauer, Marilyn Cisco Matthews, Jacqueline McFarland, Wayne Bynum Phelps, Sarah Lindsey Scholl and Linda Bagley Small.

Alumnae in attendance included event chairman Carol Medders, Lindsey Beth Brown, Liz Fox, Pat Crumpton Grey, Nancy Magel Harper, Tamara Davis Harrison, Jessica Brooks Lane, Glenda Hamner Lott, Sharon Sheaff Lovell, Dorothy Sarris McDaniel, Wendy King McDowell, Sherri Mewbourne, Kara Walker Thors, Penny Hudgins Bailey, Anne Calhoun, Mary Ella Hamner, Linda Hamner McPhillips and Frankie Smith.

Also attending were Delta Zeta National Standard Chairman Tracy Wilson LeSieur, 2002 Delta Zeta Woman of the Year Jean Wickstrom Liles and DZ National Foundation Trustee Virginia Gilbert Loftin.

The chapter meets regularly and includes Delta Zetas in a range of ages and from chapters across Alabama and other states.

For information about the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter and its upcoming events, contact Wendy King McDowell at wmwendymcdowell@gmail.com. ❖

Happy Holidays from The staff at OTMJ! Our next issue is January 10

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 25

Social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Teens Lend a Hand To Local Seniors

F

or the 11th consecutive year, teens from the Birmingham area pitched in to make the lives of seniors adults better.

Teens Lend a Caring Hand Day, or TLC Day, was sponsored by Collat Jewish Family Services Nov. 4.

TLC Day is a program designed to connect area teens with senior adults so that the teens can perform seasonal tasks to help the seniors.

More than 30 teens in grades 7-11 participated in the event. They visited the homes of 25 senior adults to perform yard work and other tasks and to present the seniors with plants. The plants were in pots painted by N.E. Miles Jewish Day School students.

In addition, one group of teen boys went to a cemetery and spent the afternoon raking and bagging leaves.

The teen participants in this year’s TLC Day included Matan Abrams, Cassidy Anderson, Harrison Bleiberg, Sarah Coleman Causey, Seth Cohen, Trey Collat,

Matthew Derr, Ethan Elgavish, Ellis Goldstein, Sam Hirsberg, Benjamin Honan, Mack Krell, Rose Levine, Haley Lewis, Gabe McPherson, Sarah Michel, Rebecca Michel, Jack Pake, Joey Peller, Seth Perlman, Katie Reiss, Sam Rotenstreich, Jack Segal, Charlie Steinmetz, Hannah Strickland, Kristen Thomas, CJ Thompson, Lydia Watson, Adam Weil, Alex Weintraub, Eric Weintraub, Samantha Wheeler, Juliet Wiatrak, Katie Wiatrak, Meyer Wolnek, Joshua Weisberg and Jordan Weisberg.

Adult volunteers drove the teens to and from the homes of the senior adults on TLC Day. The drivers included Jimmy Krell, Nancy Lewis, Sarah Ellen Levine, David Michel, Michelle Pake, David Reese, Madeline Reiss, Valeria Thompson, Debbie Wiatrak and Meredith Weintraub.

Collat Jewish Family Services

Caldron Club Embarks on 86th Year

T

he Cauldron Study Club began its 86th club year with an October meeting at The Club.

The club formed in 1926 and has consistently met annually from October to May. Mrs. David Kirk, president, called the meeting to order. Minutes from last May were read, and treasurer Mrs. Karl Kesmodel gave a report.

Karyl Kesmodel-Rice gave each member who attended a 2012-13 yearbook.

After lunch and passing of “Bubbles” from the Cauldron, Mrs. Kirk adjourned the meeting.

Members are Mrs. Joe Bancroft, Mrs. John Allen

Holiday Silent Auction & Art Show Dec. 13th!

Auction from 10 am - 9 p.m.

Cocktail Party & Art Show from 5 pm - 9 pm

The Auction features ladies' clothes, shoes and purses from famous designers, such as, Prada, St. John, Valentino, Hermes, and many more!

The art show features local and international artists, such as: Leo Ticheli, Jim Owens, Allison Wheeler, Peggy Johnson, Ron Rabun, Rhonda Allen, Luanne Bondarenko, and Jerry Otts.

The party is at The Retriever (next to Frontera). Cocktails start at 5 p.m.

30% of proceeds from this event will be donated to Hand in Paw.

Do not miss out on this fabulous show!

THE RETRIEVER

antiques.retro.vintage.architecture

3024 3rd Ave. So. & 31 St. (next to Frontera) Tues-Sat 10-5 • Call Karen for more info: 601-8900

From left: David Michel with daughters Sarah and Rebecca.

Photo special to The Journal

staff members Lauren Perlman, executive director, and Debbie Bunch, volunteer coordinator, coordinated the event. ❖

Boggs, Cynthia Boggs, Mrs. Loyal Curry, Mrs. O.Z. Hall, Mrs. Robert Handrahan, Mrs. Karl Hofammann III, Mrs. Fred Jenkins, Mrs. Karl Kesmodel Jr., Karyl Kesmodel-Rice, Mrs. David Kirk Jr. Mrs. Ernest B. Oliver and Mrs. Joseph Schnieder.

Honorary members are Mrs. Job Foster (Dot), Mrs. William Carruthers (Muzze), Mrs. Owen Scott (Sarah) and Mary Pate.

In 1926 the Junior Shakespeare Club, made up of five or six “genteel young women,” changed its name to the Cauldron Club, from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”

The club’s purpose, then as now, is to stir the minds and ignite the desire to learn while building very abiding friendships. The club has 18 members. ❖

To: From: Date:

Karen Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824 Dec. 2012

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURN Dec. 13, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-

Please make sure all information is correct, in 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 the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

26 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

Back in Black Luncheon Benefits Assistance League

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Only six clients at a time means true individualized drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Our home-like environment and holistic approach includes dry sauna to cleanse the body, LMHC counseling, Life skills coaching, cognitive behavior therapy and much more.

24/7care. State licensed and qualifies for court referrals.

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Call 1-850- 687- 6831 Located in Destin, FL. All contact and consultations are confidential.

If you are a man age 40 or over with urinary symptoms, you may be eligible for a research study offering wellestablished therapies that could help.

Symptoms may include: • frequent urination • waking up at night to urinate • urgency to urinate, or • accidental loss of urine.

These studies do not involve any experimental treatments. You must be willing to attend appointments at the UAB Continence Clinic and take FDA-approved medications.

To receive more informaTion call (205) 934-3259

A

social

ssistance League of Birmingham hosted its annual Little Black Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show Nov. 6 at Vestavia Country Club.

The event benefits the three philanthropic programs of Assistance League: PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and Operation Literacy.

Chairman of the event was Melinda Thornbury.

Char Bonsack provided the unique table décor of decorated miniature wire mannequins on glass mirrors.

Liz Warren donated bottles of Little Black Dress wine as a surprise gift for one attendee at each table.

The fashion show was presented

by Sylvia Gonda of Serendipity Boutique. Modeling the fun outfits and accessories were Assistance League members Colleen Adams, Char Bonsack, Carol Carlton, Beth Clarke, Jody Dean, Pat Dormuth, Winnie Hughes, Barbara Kelley, Mary Ann Wade and Heidi Wasson.

Special guest model was Judy Bates, the “Bargainomics Lady” of

Hot, Hot, Hot Five Alarm Gala Raises Money for Shelter

T

he fifth annual 5 Alarm Gala raised a record amount of money for the Firehouse Shelter this year.

More than 300 tickets were sold and nearly $50,000 was raised at the Nov. 8 event at B&A Warehouse.

James Spann was the emcee, with music provided by Les Moore and the In-Betweens.

The event also featured a silent auction and live auction led by auctioneer Guin Robinson.

Guest speaker Nichrien Smith

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Assistance League of Birmingham models for the Little Black Dress Luncheon and Fashion Show were, from left: Colleen Adams, Barb Kelley, Heidi Wasson, Char Bonsack, Beth Clarke, Sylvia Gonda, Mary Ann Wade, Winnie Hughes, Jody Dean, Pat Dormuth and Carol Clarkson. Photo special to The Journal

Fox-6. She modeled an outfit from Encore, the Assistance League thrift shop.

Jazz music was provided by Goodfellows.

The event also included a shopping boutique with an assortment of

his life.

The B&A Warehouse staff provided gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a buffet. Complimentary drinks were provided by Supreme Beverage Co., Inc. and E&J Gallo Winery. Tech Rentals provided a video and audio presentation for the crowd.

Katie Byrd, Marc Corsini, Mona Fouad, Angie Sanders and Willie Shepherd were the event’s leaders. The Firehouse Shelter’s staff, board of directors and many volunJane Jones and Deedee Wood at the recordteers worked behind the breaking fifth annual 5 Alarm Gala. scenes to create a special Photo special to The Journal evening. gave a moving testimony about how “Our annual fundraiser the Firehouse Shelter has transformed allows us to underwrite many of our homeless services, such as transitional and permanent housing, a Safe Haven for men with serious mental illnesses and our street outreach program,” said Steve Freeman, executive director.

“This event not only raises muchneeded funds, but also it brings our staff, volunteers and board members together, reminding us of the homeless needs in our community.

“Isn’t it a wonderful testimony to our supporters, that even in the midst of challenging financial times, we are able to come together for a night of fun and fellowship to raise a record amount of money for our programs?”

For nearly 29 years, the Firehouse Shelter has provided homeless men in the Birmingham area a nurturing and caring environment while empowering each individual to reach his full potential.

The event’s sponsors included Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LCP, Cemex Ready Mix USA, Colonial Properties Trust, Dunn Investment Co., Pilgrim Church UCC, Church of the Highlands, Cobbs, Allen & Hall Inc., Dent, Baker & Co., Kelly Construction, Lehigh Hanson Cement Co., Merrill Lynch, O’Neal Foundation, Regions Bank, Southland Tube, Tractor and Equipment, Trinity United Methodist Church and Vulcan Materials. ❖

Happy Holidays!

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jewelry from Sandra Sweatt and an array of goods from the Pampered Chef.

A 14-carat necklace was raffled off. The winner was Darlene McCullough, a guest of member Jackie Tevendale. ❖

Lewis-Landham

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ayers Lewis of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Kristin Michelle Lewis, to Jonathan Barton Landham, son of Mr. Edward Carlin Landham Jr. and the late Mrs. Peggy Christensen Landham of Birmingham.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Lila Lewis and the late Mr. H. Kent Lewis of Birmingham, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Evans of South

Willis-Cannon

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Maurice Harrison Jr. of Dothan announce the engagement of their daughter, Courtney Cathryn Willis, to Robert Isaac Cannon, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Robert Cannon Jr. of Enterprise.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gamble Shannon Sr. of Hoover and the late Mrs. Virginia Ann Harrison of

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 27

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Carolina, Ms. Elaine LaCroix of Florida and the late Mrs. Carolyn Evans of Florida.

Miss Lewis was a 2001 valedictorian at Oak Mountain High School and a 2005 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Wyoming with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She received a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2009. She was a fouryear letter winner and team captain of the University of Wyoming swim team. Miss Lewis is a PA at Princeton Medical Center in Birmingham.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Hazel Christensen and the late Mr. Paul Christensen of Colorado and the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Landham Sr. of Birmingham.

Mr. Landham is a 2004 graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts and a 2007 graduate of Georgia Technical Institute with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He is a third-year medical student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine.

The wedding is planned for Dec. 15 in Beaver Creek, Colo.

Marietta, Ga. Miss Willis is a graduate of Northview High School and Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science.

She was a member of Pi Beta Phi fraternity. She will receive her master’s degree in occupational therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Dec. 14.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Robert Cannon Sr. of Dawson, Ga., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Lee Rollins Sr. of Enterprise.

Mr. Cannon is a graduate of Enterprise High School and the University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and a master’s degree in marketing. He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. He is employed with Army Fleet Support at Fort Rucker in Fort Rucker.

The wedding is planned for Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. at Covenant United Methodist Church in Dothan. A reception will follow at The Grand on Foster.

Recently engaged or married?

Let us help you spread the word of your good news!

Send your announcement to editorial@otmj.com or visit www.otmj.com and fill out the form under “Forms, Issue and Info.”

of honor. Bridesmaids were Rebecca Marchman, sister of the bride, and Jessica Johnson, both of Florence, Ala..; Cabray Marchman, sister-in-law of the bride, of Florence, S.C.; Leslie Morris and Abbie Morris, sisters of the groom, of Birmingham; Elizabeth Perry of Greenville, S.C.; Ragan Wesson of Tuscaloosa; Katie Leatherbury of Mobile; Emily Hutchins of Tampa Bay, Fla.; and Hannah Callaway of Fayetteville, Ga. The father of the groom was his son’s best man. Groomsmen were

Daniel Marchman, brother of the bride, of Florence, S.C.; Benjamin Marchman and Charles Marchman, brothers of the bride, of Florence, Ala.; George Hamm of Vestavia Hills; Peyton Nesmith of Homewood; Mark Brown and Blaine Veal of Evans, Ga.; John Parker of Greenville, S.C.; Patrick Gartland of Mountain Brook; Elvis Le of Birmingham; and Wil Nettleton of Tupelo, Miss.

After a honeymoon trip to New England, the couple live in Birmingham.

Marchman-Morris

Helen Marchman and Scott Morris were married Oct. 20 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Homewood.

The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Jason Sterling. The reception was held at Windwood Equestrian.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Wes Marchman of Florence.

She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Marian Gordon and the late Royce Gordon and Mrs. Joan Marchman and the late Charles Marchman.

The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Jack Morris of Birmingham. He is the grandson of Mrs. Jane Schrubbe and the late Richard Schrubbe and Mr. Jack Morris Sr. and the late Mrs. Glenda Morris.

The bride is a 2011 graduate of Birmingham-Southern College with a bachelor’s degree in music. She is employed with Armstrong Relocation.

The groom is a 2010 graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He works with Reformed University Fellowship at Samford University.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by Kelly Gronemeyer of Muscle Shoals as maid

For over 90 years, Levy’s has been Birmingham's Specialist in Antique and Estate Jewelry as well as Fine Diamonds, Art and Antiques.

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To: From: Date:

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

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JO Dec. 13, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes t

Please make sure all information is correct, includin number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 ho

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will ru

28 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

NEW BUSINESS

THE MUFFIN MAKER

Jennifer Green’s Treats Are a Tribute to Grandmother

BY KEYSHA DREXEL

W

JOURNAL EDITOR

ith every batch of Greenfield’s G’s Apple Dreams applesauce muffins she bakes, Jennifer Green of Mountain Brook said she is honoring the memory of her beloved grandmother and hoping to help others suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Jennifer is the president and chief executive officer of Greenfield’s G’s Apple Dreams, which makes and distributes applesauce muffins from a bakery in Homewood on Vulcan Road. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the muffins goes to Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, Jennifer said.

“My grandmother died from Alzheimer’s, and I’ve seen how devastating the disease is. I knew I wanted to do something to give back to the community when I launched the business, so I think of this as a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s every day,” Jennifer said.

The recipe for the applesauce muffins is based on a recipe handed down from Jennifer’s grandmother, Mattie “Granny” Winfield Green.

“Everyone knows there’s nothing in the world like your grandmother’s cooking, and Granny’s applesauce cake was just one of those things people couldn’t stop eating,” Jennifer said.

Her grandmother made the cake using applesauce she made fresh, Jennifer said.

“She made applesauce from apples in her orchard. They were small, hard and not very pretty, but when we bit into them, they were sweet and tasty,” Jennifer said.

As children, Jennifer and her sister would often help their grandmother collect the apples from the orchard, spending a lot of time eating the apples straight from the trees.

“Only the ones that made it back to the house, into the kitchen were used to make her homemade applesauce (and) to create the one-of-akind applesauce cake,” Jennifer said.

Jennifer learned to make her grandmother’s applesauce cake and, as an adult, would often make it for her father.

“Granny’s applesauce cake has always been a favorite of my father’s, and over the last few years, I have worked diligently to master and lighten my grandmother’s recipe,” she said.

Jennifer got the idea to make a smaller version of her grandmother’s recipe after she became a parent.

“The cake is so good, but I was looking for a way to make the portions smaller and to make the cakes more portable, so I decided to try to use the recipe to make applesauce muffins,” she said.

Jennifer would make the applesauce muffins for friends and family members during the holidays, and the muffins were her go-to recipe for school bake sales and other events,

Jennifer Green, of Mountain Brook, makes Greenfieldʼs Gʼs Apple Dreams applesauce muffins using based on a recipe handed down from her grandmother.

Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

she said.

But the idea of turning the beloved family recipe into a business venture didn’t come to Jennifer until she became a divorced, single mother of two.

“I found myself not married and unemployed, and I thought it would be a good time to look into starting my own business,” she said.

Armed with her grandmother’s recipe and a head full of dreams, Jennifer said she set out to make her break into the food business.

“I knew the food business was not easy to get into or to succeed at, so I did a lot of research before I incorporated. I wanted this to be a success and to honor my grandmother. She was one of the strongest people I’ve ever known, and she was my hero,” she said.

Jennifer started working in the kitchen to make a lighter version of her grandmother’s applesauce cake that she could bake into muffins.

Jennifer Green started the company to honor her grandmother’s memory.

Now her product is available in 28 stores in Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

She named the company Greenfield’s G’s Apple Dreams as a tribute to her family.

“The original recipe for my grandmother’s cake had black walnuts from the trees on my grandparents’ property, and my grandmother always put raisins in the cake, but I wanted to look for a way to lighten the recipe a bit without taking away from the original taste,” she said.

What Jennifer created was a muffin that is not overly sweet, has 60 calories, one gram of saturated fat and five grams of sugar.

“The muffins work as a an afterschool snack, for breakfast and

because they are not too sweet, they even work with a salad at lunch. For dessert, I’ve crumbled a muffin into a Blue Bell ice cream shake. They are very versatile,” she said.

Jennifer incorporated the company in January and traveled to an entrepreneurial center in Florence to learn how to best market her product and grow her business.

“It’s scary to go out on your own, but I knew I had a great idea with the muffins and I wanted to figure out how to get it on the market,” she said.

Jennifer’s first big break came when Piggly Wiggly offered to put Greenfield’s G’s Apple Dreams applesauce muffins on the shelves of three stores.

“I was over the moon when I got that first opportunity. I did five cases per store for the first three stores, and I couldn’t believe I had such a big order,” she said. “And (now) the product will also be in the Piggly Wiggly warehouse, which services 300 stores. I couldn’t have imagined this when I first started,” she said.

Jennifer said she feels like the company is on the road to success and is very much still a family business.

“I joke that I’m the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker, because I bake the muffins, box them and get out on the road to sell them.

My niece, Kaitlyn, helps me and my mother helps me a lot, so we are all in this together,” she said.

Jennifer said she is constantly working to grow and expand the business and has been working on a gluten-free version of the muffins to bring to market.

“They should be available by midDecember. People are eating healthier now, and the muffins really fit that niche,” she said.

The muffins are made fresh with no preservatives, Jennifer said.

“They give you that little taste of southern homemade baked goods.

Take them straight from the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature and voila! No one will know that you didn’t make them yourself,” she said.

In Alabama, Greenfield’s G’s Apple Dreams Applesauce Muffins are available at Allegri Farm Market in Athens, Cellar in Dothan, Star Super Markets in Huntsville and at South’s Finest Meats in Cottondale, Demopolis and Tuscaloosa.

Locally, shoppers can find the muffins at Andy’s Farmer’s Market, Cowboy’s 280, Freshfully, Murphree’s Market & Garden Center, New York Butcher Shoppe, Nail’s Lake Martin and Western Supermarkets in Mountain Brook, on Highland Avenue and on Rocky Ridge Road.

The Piggly Wiggly stores at River Run, Clairmont Avenue, Columbiana, Crestline, Homewood and Hoover also carry the muffins.

Out of state, Greenfield’s G’s Apple Dreams Applesauce Muffins can be found at Blalock Seafood and Destin Ice House in Destin, Fla., Apple Market in Pensacola, Fla., and at Oak Grove Market in Atlanta.

For more information visit www. gsappledreams.com. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

BUSINESS BRIEFS O’Henry’s Debuts New Coffee Blend Long ago, but not that far away, the “Homewood Star” was born.

Douglass W. McConnell, who owned McConnell Sales and Engineering on Central Avenue in Homewood, built the star in the early 1950s.

McConnell donated the star to the city of Homewood and each year, the star hangs at the top of 18th Street South from the end of November through the New Year.

The star is 20 feet wide, weighs about 200 pounds, is made of pure aluminum and is lit by 1,200 white lights.

O’Henry’s Coffees has developed a brand new coffee called the Homewood Star Blend in honor of the star, the McConnell family and the city of Homewood.

The public got its first taste of the new coffee Nov. 27 when complimentary cups were handed out at the star lighting ceremony.

The new coffee is described as a deep, complex and richly aromatic blend with notes of sweet milk chocolate and luscious fruits.

The coffee comes in black foil gift bags with new artwork commissioned especially for the label. The artist took an actual photograph to use on the label. The coffee is available at local O’Henry’s coffeehouses for $13.99 and will be roasted only during the holidays each year.

O’Henry’s locations are at 2831 18th St. South in Homewood, 1901 Sixth Ave. North in the Regions/Harbert Tower, at Suite 101 in Brookwood Village and at 800 Lakeshore Drive. For hours and more information, visit www. ohenryscoffees.com.

Music Store Opens in Cahaba Heights There’s a new music store now open in Cahaba Heights where

patrons are very unlikely to hear an earsplitting version of “Stairway to Heaven,” the ubiquitous Led Zeppelin tune guitarists of all ages and skill levels turn to when they test drive a guitar.

“It doesn’t make your ears bleed to walk into our store. We offer an alternative to the loud racket you hear when you walk in most chain stores, “ said Payton Williams, owner of Cahaba Music.

Cahaba Music opened at 3932B Crossville Drive on Nov. 19. The boutique acoustic instrument shop offers new, used and vintage acoustic stringed instruments and accessories, including guitars, mandolins, banjos, upright basses and ukuleles, Williams said.

The store also carries reeds for wind instruments, guitar accessories, music lesson books and much more, he said.

Cahaba Music also offers guitar and bass lessons to all ages and levels, Williams said, with plans to soon offer ukulele and mandolin lessons.

“I chose this location to open the business because so many people I knew or have taught wanted to purchase good acoustic instruments, but they didn’t want to drive all the way out to (U.S.) 280,” he said.

The store is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

For more information, visit www. cahabamusic.com or call 994-6423.

Bowles Speaks at BBVA Compass Event Erskine Bowles, the current chair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform addressed the nation’s fiscal challenges at a BBVA Compass event at Birmingham’s Harbert Center on Nov. 8.

Bowles opened his address with comments on the fiscal cliff and the package of tax increases and spending cuts set to go into effect on Jan. 1.

Bowles, the former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, took questions from the audience at the event, speaking candidly about the nation’s financial situation. ❖

Erskine Bowles spoke at a BBVA Compass event at Birminghamʼs Harbert Center. From left: Mark Smith, senior vice president of wealth management at BBVA Compass; Bowles; Richard Pearson, partner at Balch & Bingham; and Bill Koleszar, senior vice president of marketing at BBVA Compass. Journal photo by Tommy Wald

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 29

NEW BUSINESS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Village Shopping Spree Winner Announced

T

Meg Margjeka, owner of Etc. said she thinks the merhe man who delivers the goods to businesses chants will make the holiday open house an annual event. in Mountain Brook Village received a surprise “I say we do it the first Thursday in December next package from the merchants there as part of the year, too. It was such a great event,” Margjeka said. ❖ Village’s Holiday Open House events.

T.C. Green, of Gardendale, is the UPS delivery person in Mountain Brook Village and won a drawing for gift cards valued at $2,500.

“I can’t believe it. I only registered once.

This is amazing,” Green said.

Green said he registered for the drawing at The Cook Store, one of the Mountain Brook businesses on his delivery route.

The drawing was part of the Mountain Brook Village Holiday Open House events Dec. 5-7.

The event featured giveaways, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and special hours from about 34 merchants in the Village. Restaurants in the Village also ran specials for the open house event and offered a resting spot for shoppers that crowded the village, said Patricia Murray, owner of Table Matters.

“We want to promote Mountain Brook and encourage people to shop locally. The community gives so much to us so the merchants T.C. Green, center, shows his winning entry. From left: Mountain wanted to open our doors to them and celBrook Village merchants Patricia Murray, Meg Margjeka and Karen Trammell. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel ebrate the holiday season,” she said.

Over the Mountain area chambers of commerce are offering several networking opportunities. Here are some of the upcoming events.

BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS ALLIANCE

The Birmingham Business Alliance will host Condoleezza Rice as the guest speaker at its 2012 annual meeting on Dec. 19.

The event is from noon-1:30 p.m. in the ballroom of Sheraton Birmingham.

Tickets for open seating are $100 each. To register for the event, visit http://birminghambusinessalliance.com or call 324-2100.

OTM Chamber Events The cost for lunch is $18. For more information, call the chamber at 8235011 or visit www.vestaviahills.org.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the 2013 Village 2 Village Run. The 10K and one mile fun run are scheduled for Jan. 26. The 10K starts at 8 a.m., and the fun run begins at 9: 30

a.m. The race starts on Lane Park Road and ends at 2814 Petticoat Lane.

The 10K is a USA Track and Field certified course. Registration is $35 for the 10K prior to the event date and $40 for race day entry. The fun run is designed as a walker and family-friendly event. Entry fee is $15.

For more information, visit www. welcometomountainbrook.com or call the chamber office at 871-3779. ❖

HOOVER

The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a luncheon at the Hoover Country Club on Dec. 20.

Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. with the luncheon starting promptly at noon.

Reservations are due by Dec. 17.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $18 or $20 without reservations. Those who make reservations and do not attend will be invoiced unless cancellations are made before the event.

For more information, www. hooverchamber.org or call the chamber office at 988-5672.

VESTAVIA HILLS

The Vestavia Hills Chamber of

JOINSCommerce EDWARDS CHEVROLET will present Cruising the

Christmas Lightsthat Dec.Homewood 20-22 as part of pleased to announce the 2012 Holidays in the Hills events. h is now a member of the team at Starting Dec. 15,sales the chamber’s dwards Downtown. website will list well-decorated houses that are must-sees for the holiday ally invite season.

ALL of Ifmy Over The Mountain you would like your house me at Edwards Chevrolet, a family-owned added to the listing, email chamber@ vestaviahills.org by Dec. 14. and helping car buyers with great pride Onbeats Jan. 15, chamber will host ears. Nobody a the Chevyman! a luncheon at the Vestavia Country e call me at 716-3420."

Club. The chamber will hold an officer installation ceremony for its 2013 board of directors.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with networking; lunch is at noon. The luncheon will also honor the participants of the Partners in Education for the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation.

North • Reservations Downtown • 716-3420 are due by Jan. 11.

STAN GALBRAITH JOINS EDWARDS CHEVROLET Edwards Chevrolet is pleased to announce that Homewood native, Stan Galbraith is now a member of the sales team at Edwards Downtown.

"I would like to personally invite ALL of my Over The Mountain neighbors to come see me at Edwards Chevrolet, a family-owned business that's been helping car buyers with great pride and service for 96 years. Nobody beats a Chevyman!

Please call me at 716-3420."

GIVE THE GIFT OF SMOKEFREE AIR TO HOOVER Birmingham, Bessemer, Fultondale, Midfield and Vestavia Hills will breathe easier this holiday season from smokefree protections.

Residents and workers in Hoover should be protected from secondhand smoke in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars.

For more information on ways to support Smokefree Hoover, call (205) 440-2840 or send an email to info@smokefreealabama.com.

1400 Third Avenue North • Downtown • 716-3420

hoover

30 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 31

Mary Charles’ Doll House New, Collectible Antique Dolls 2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544 Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm

To: From: Date:

Mary Charles Robbins Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax May 2010

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MO June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval o

Please make sure all informa including address and pho

Please initial and fax back with

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From page 30: First row, from left: Anna Mccormack, Advent, 3rd grade; Caelen Hawkins, Advent, 3rd grade; Ella Robinett, Advent, 3rd grade; Emily Lloyd, Advent, 3rd grade; Charles Skinner, Brookwood Forest, 3rd Grade. Second Row: Grady Allbritton, Cahaba Heights, kindergarten; Avery Knowles, Brookwood Forest, 2nd grade; George Llyod, Brookwood Forest, 3rd grade; Kayla Miller, Cahaba Heights, 4th grade; Mary Olivia Long, Brookwood Forest, 3rd grade. third Row: Megan Lee, Brookwood Forest, 4th grade; Stella Young, Brookwood Forest, 3rd grade; Mary Kaitlin Russell, Cahaba Heights, 5th grade; Noah Black, Cahaba Heights, kindergarten; Miles Plugge, Cahaba Heights, 1st grade. fourth Row: William Hopper, Cahaba Heights, 1st grade; Hance Lanier, Cherokee Bend, 1st grade; Molly Russell, Cherokee Bend, 4th grade; Hunter Barlow, Cherokee Bend, 5th grade; John Norris, Cherokee Bend, 5th grade. fifth Row: Cates Lyman, Crestline, 1st grade; Isabel Smith, Crestline, 3rd grade; Kayleigh Wyatt, Cherokee Bend, 4th grade; Ella Kate Wright, Crestline, kindergarten; Pirman Blattmann, Cherokee Bend, 5th grade. sixth Row: Olivia Sproule, Crestline, 4th grade; Mia Dunlap, Crestline, 2nd grade; Esmé Huh, Crestline, 3rd grade; Clark Stewart, Crestline, 2nd grade; Leah Shows, Crestline, 3rd grade. This Page first Row: Mary Gaston Brown, Crestline, 4th grade; Mary Kate Nesmith, Crestline, kindergarten; Abigail Glynn, Deer Valley, 4th grade; Katherine Vardaman, Crestline, 1st grade. second Row: Dylan Steely, Deer Valley, 4th grade; Kylie Pate, Deer Valley, 1st grade; Ava Reyes, Deer Valley, 1st grade; Reagan Hendricks, Deer Valley, 4th grade. third Row: Sarah Turner, Deer Valley, 4th grade; Alivia Wagoner, Deer Valley, 4th grade; Anna Knerr, Deer Valley, 1st grade; Ava Burke, Deer Valley, 3rd grade. fourth Row: Anna Katherine Pitts, Edgewood, 5th grade; Mackenzie Pierce, Deer Valley, 3rd grade; Abby Terrell, Edgewood, 5th grade; Julia Wright, Deer Valley, 3rd grade. fifth Row: Lillian Goldstein, N.E. Miles, 4th grade; Delaney Brooks, Liberty Park, 1st grade; Sophie Rzeszut, 1st grade, N.E. Miles; Marley Nadlen, N.E. Miles, 1st grade;

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32 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

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Mary Charles’ Doll House New, Collectible Antique Dolls 2820 Petticoat Lane Mtn. Brook Village 870-5544

Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm

To: From: Date:

Mary Charles Robbins Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax May 2010

Dr. Stephanie Steinmetz

entiOVER ent Dthe stry THE MO This is your c/Adolescfrom iatriPROOF PedAD June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or

Holiday Smiles

Please make sure all informa including address and pho for the Holidays!

Please initial and fax back withi e V stavia Hills 284for your prompt 822-4you Thank

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To: From: Date:

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823-1590, ssteinmetz4428@charter.ne Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 2 FAX: 205-824-1246 Dec 2012

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From page 32: First row, from left: Preston Graves, Edgewood,2nd grade; Hannah Hensarling, Edgewood, 5th grade; James Ivey, Edgewood,2nd grade; Jessica Meza-Cortes, Edgewood, 4th grade; Kate Schiller, Edgewood, 5th grade. second row: Madden Terry, Edgewood, 5th grade; Fleming Mabry, Edgewood, 5th grade; Andie Newman, Edgewood, 1st grade; Sarah Kachelhofer, Edgewood, 5th grade; Ruby Skelton, Edgewood, kindergarten. third row: Abraham Ocana, Green Valley, 2nd grade; Luis Romero, Green Valley, 3rd grade; Gabriela Montano, Green Valley, 5th grade; Olivia Rodgers, Green Valley, 5th grade; Isabelle Shroyer, Greystone, 5th grade. fourth row: John Evans, Greystone, 4th grade; Bryce Varner, Green Valley, 5th grade; Abigail Shipley, Green Valley, 4th grade; Maddie McNulty, Greystone, 3rd grade; Riley Prescott, Green Valley, 3rd grade. fifth row: Sophie McLemore, Green Valley, 5th grade; Jennifer Lopez, Green Valley, 4th grade; Olivia Stephens, Greystone, 3rd grade; Ryan Avery Brune, Greystone, 5th grade; Meg Wilkinson, Greysone, 5th grade. sixth row: Conner Sulfstede, Gwin, 5th grade; Sophie Plaia, Greystone, 3rd grade; Teagan McGrew, Gwin, 1st grade; Leah Shunnarah, Gwin, 2nd grade; Segen Lister, Gwin, 4th grade. this page first row: Reagan Gagliano, Gwin, 5th grade; Lena Hammond, Gwin, 5th grade; Lexi McGrew, Gwin, 4th grade; Mickey Holley, Gwin, 3rd grade. second row: Miguel Sosa-Dominguez, Hall Kent, 1st grade; Estevan Mendoza, Gwin, 3rd grade; John Robert Thompson, Greystone, 2nd grade; Grace Studinka, Hall Kent, 2nd grade. third row: Mary Clare Ingram, Hall Kent, 1st grade; Juan Diego Murillo, Greystone, 3rd grade; Adyson Hatcher, Greystone, 5th grade; Nadeem Jaber, Gwin, 3rd grade. fourth row: Reina Salama, Hall Kent, 3rd grade; Emily Scarborough, Gwin, 5th grade; Spenser Lamb, Hall Kent, 3rd grade; Michelle Vazquez Perez, Hall Kent, 4th grade. fifth row: Julianne Abenoja, Mtn. Brook, 3rd grade; Charlton Jackson, Liberty Park, 1st grade; Evans French, Mtn. Brook, 1st grade; Ham Mandell, Mtn. Brook, 1st grade.

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34 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

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First row, from left: Chloe Bloodworth, Hall Kent, 5th grade; Anja Trierweiler, Highlands School, 4th grade; Peyton Allen, Highlands, 5th grade; Ava Muller, Highlands School, 3rd grade; Dahna Barragan, Inverness, 2nd grade. second row: Gage Corneleas, Inverness, 1st grade; Francie Bodnar, Highlands School, 3rd grade; Henry Allsup, Highlands School, 1st grade; Hadley Hartsfield, Inverness, 2nd grade; Isabella Ponce, Highlands School, 2nd grade. third row: Kate Nichols, Highlands School, 1st grade; Matthew Thomson, Highlands School, 1st grade; Rebecca Milazzo, Inverness, 2nd grade; Andrew Szymela, Liberty Park, 2nd grade; Ann Morton, Mtn. Brook, 2nd grade. fourth row: Daniel Carmichael, Mtn. Brook, 4th grade; Caroline Berry, Liberty Park, 5th grade; Graham Uldrich, Liberty Park, 2nd grade; Chloe Kinderman, Mtn. Brook, 5th grade; Ian Harper, Liberty Park, 5th grade. fifth row: Lana Coomes, Liberty Park, 2nd grade; Luke Turner, Liberty Park, 1st grade; Ashley Pitts, Mtn. Brook, 3rd grade; Mabry Smyer, Mtn. Brook, 5th grade; Spencer Cobbs, Mtn. Brook, Kindergarten. sixth row: Molly Keller, Mtn. Brook, 4th grade; Hope Johnson, Liberty Park, 1st grade; Eli Hammack, Mtn. Brook, 3rd grade.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 35

First row, from left: Danielle Feingold, N.E. Miles, 1st grade; Davis Morrow, Oak Mountain, 3rd grade; Ben Sherer, Oak Mountain, 2nd grade; Jenna Hand, Oak Mountain, 3rd grade; Emily Key, Oak Mountain, 3rd grade. Second row: Esmeralda Soto-Ceballos, Oak Mountain, 3rd grade; Nick Yeager, Oak Mountain, 1st grade; Anna Smith, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 5th grade; Kate Dooley, Oak Mountain, 3rd grade; Lauren Prestage, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 5th grade. third row: Leyton Bice, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 5th grade; Corry Nicholson, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 5th grade; Lily Grace Brockman, Oak Mountain, 1st grade; Nicole Watkins, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 4th grade; Raylie Neely, Oak Mountain, 3rd grade. fourth row: Paisley Smith, Oak Mountain, 3rd grade; Charles Farr, OLS, 1st grade; Eleanor Kyle, OLS, 4th grade; Cole Atkins, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 4th grade; Jack Carlisle, OLS, 3rd grade. fifth row: Jillian Sapalaran, OLS, 3rd grade; Lauren Aday, OLS, 3rd grade; Evan Dunbar, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 5th grade; Luca Bela, OLS, 4th grade; Paul Mitchell, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 5th grade. sixth row: Gracie Harris, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 5th grade; Luke Parmer, OLS, 1st grade; Sarah Crews, Oak Mountain Intermediate, 5th grade.

36 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

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First row, from left: Maria Hare, OLS, 1st grade; Nicholas Reed, OLS, 4th grade; Raglee Grace Patton, Oak Mountain Intermdeiate, 5th grade; Adelaide Jowers, Shades Cahaba, 1st grade; Arianna Roberts, Shades Cahaba, 4th grade. Second row: Bailey Ratliff, Shades Cahaba, 4th grade; Arthur Langley, Shades Cahaba, 1st grade; Alan Martinez, Shades Cahaba, 4th grade; Harrison Massie, Shades Cahaba, 5th grade; Natalie Wilson, Shades Cahaba, 4th grade. third row: Neycer Mejia, Shades Cahaba, 2nd grade; Nick Swaika, Shades Cahaba, 5th grade; Caitlin Harrell, Shades Mtn. Christian, 4th grade; Braxton Cash, South Shades Crest, 4th grade; Jack Shaw, Shades Mtn. Christian, 2nd grade. fourth row: Cori Shipman, South Shades Crest, 4th grade; Brewer Smith, South Shades Crest, 2nd grade; Caroline Owens, South Shades Crest, 4th grade; Kinsey Crowley, South Shades Crest, 4th grade; David Luo, South Shades Crest, 4th grade. fifth row: Julia Elsea, South Shades Crest, 4th grade; Sarah Sainker, South Shades Crest, 2nd grade; Claire Patton, Southminster, 5th grade; Thomas Kyle Gullahorn, South Shades Crest, 2nd grade; Gracie Peoples, Southminster, 5th grade. sixth row: Haley Miller, Southminster, 3rd grade; Braxton Cash, South Shades Crest, 4th grade; Frances Rooney, Spring Valley, 5th grade.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 37

3301 Lorna Road, Ste. 1 • Hoover 978-5880 www.shaysjewelers.com

Visit us this Holiday Season!

To: From: Date:

978-4546 Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Dec. 2012 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the December 13 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.

First row, from left: Luke McNeill, Southminster, 3rd grade; Kolby Hufford, Spring Valley, 5th grade; Isabel Lallouche, Spring Valley, 5th grade. second row: Abby Ferguson, Vestavia Central, 4th grade; Carlisle Barranco, Vestavia Central, 4th grade; Grace Elliote, Vestavia Central, 4th grade. third row: Drew Elizabeth Daniel, Vestavia Central, 4th grade; Andrew Wilson, Vestavia East 1st grade; Abby Kate Mason, Vestavia Central, 4th grade. fourth row: Emily Everett, Vestavia East, 3rd grade; Alice Willoughby, Vestavia East 3rd grade; Cate Kramer, Vestavia East 3rd grade. fifth row: Mallory Bullock, Vestavia East 3rd grade; Janie Fortner, Vestavia East, 1st grade; Amelia Johnston, Vestavia East 3rd grade. sixth row GiGi Sharp, Vestavia Central, 4th grade.

Fifth Avenue Antiques

2410 5th Avenue South • Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 320-0500 • www.5thavenueantiques.com

By Keysha Drexel

E

Journal Editor

ach year as band students from Over the Mountain schools and across the nation gear up for their spring trips, a flurry of fundraising begins to pay the students’ way to festivals and competitions that showcase their skills.

But this year, band students at Mountain Brook High School are also raising money to help orphans in Haiti.

The Mountain Brook High School Symphonic Band is the only high school band from the state performing and competing at the Heritage Music Festival in New York City April 25-28. The band is also the first from an Alabama public school to participate in the Feed the Need fundraising event, said Dr. Frank Blanton, band director.

Feed the Need is a funding campaign that centers around a humanitarian service project where students will pack, seal and box more than 10,000 meals that will be shipped and distributed to hungry children in Haiti. The students are asking for donations to pay for the meals ahead of the Packing Party on Jan. 13 when they will get the food ready to ship at

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Music with a Mission

“I think it’s good the students will have direct involvement in a humanitarian project.

They’re doing something that they’ll be proud of .”

Mountain Brook Band Helps Haiti With Fundraiser

Dr. Frank Blanton, band director

PAINTINGS • HOLIDAY DECOR • BAGS • SCARVES

he said.

Blanton said many of his band students are community and sociallyminded individuals who volunteer in the community.

“But this gives them a chance to reach out to a wider world community and really see that they can make a difference in that way, too,” he said.

Blanton said the band takes a big spring trip every other year. He said he aims to make the excursions about more than performing well at festival competitions.

“We always want to put our best The Mountain Brook High School Band is the first from an Alabama public school to participate in the Feed the Need foot forward when performing at fundraising event. Band members at a recent performance above, from left: Ben Webster, Benjamin Kraft, Julia Lott these national competitions, but it has and Trey Lockett. Photo special to The Journal always been my philosophy that these helping the students offset the costs of trips need to be as instructionally and Heritage Music Festival and to fund the school. traveling, but this way, they are also the Feed the Need meals.

The students’ goal is to raise culturally powerful as possible,” he helping others.”

Blanton said when a band parent $10,000 to help pay for the trip to the said.

Blanton said he likes that the approached him over the summer As the band practices its competistudents have to take a very direct, with the idea of participating in the tion pieces and works on technique hands-on approach to helping the Feed the Need project, he was immeand intonation and tone quality, children in the Haitian orphanages. diately intrigued.

Blanton also prepares them to get the “I think it’s good the students “It is so refreshingly different than most out of their trips to the nation’s will have direct involvement in a the standard fundraising we do to large cities and cultural centers. humanitarian project. They’re doing help pay for our trips,” Blanton said.

“What we do with our trips and “Usually the fundraisers are just about something that they’ll be proud of,” out-of-state festivals is somewhat Acoustic Instruments, Lessons and Repair unique to what other programs do,” 10% Off Ukuleles until Dec. 31st • We Also Carry Reeds Blanton said.

Blanton has the students study Shop hours: Tues. - Fri., 11am-6pm • Sat. 10am-5pm about the cities they are going to visit.

They also learn about the pieces they 994.6423 www.cahabamusic.com will hear at performances they take in 3932B Crosshaven Drive • Cahaba Heights on the trips.

“We spend time preparing and learning to make sure the students get www.homewoodfireplace.com the most out of these trips,” he said.

ADIRONDACK CHAIRS • POTTERY • SCARVES 2718 19th Place S. • Homewood Blanton, who has been at Mountain Brook High School for 11 803.1118 • 901.8292 years, said he calls his plan to make the trips enriching cultural experiences the Great American Cities Project.

“We want to make these trips powerfully meaningful for the students. We go to operas, museums and always try to have a workshop with an orchestra or cast member from a musical,” he said.

The school’s principal makes the trip with the band, Blanton said.

“I think the school system really likes our approach to making these trips about cultural enrichment at the same time we showcase the students’ Peyton musical performance,” he said.

Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax During the trip to New York To: Brandon Dec. 2012 City in the spring, the band students From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., will attend a performance of “The This is your aD PrOOF from the Over The MOunTain205-824-1246, JOurnal forfax the Phantom of the Opera” and will get Dec. 13, 2012 issue. Please fax approval orDate: changes to 824-1246.

Oct. .2012 to hear the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall. They will also take the a tripfor to the Metropolitan Museum of Please make sure all information is correct,This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL Nov. 1, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Art while in the city. holiday hours: including address and phone number!

“We’ve had some really terrific Mon-sat 9:30am-8pm trips, and I hope this is another one Please make sure all information is correct, where the students can be enriched by Please initialOxmoor and fax back 24 hours. sun.phone 12-6pm number!

870-5555 • 1755 Roadwithin • Homewood including address and all they experience,” Blanton said. if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Holidayyour Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10:00-4:30 For more information on the funad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. draiser, visit www.championevent.

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Thank you• POTTERY for your •prompt attention.

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38 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Scout’s Honor

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 39

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Vestavia Class Boasts 24 Eagle Scouts

By Ben Johnson

I

Journal Intern

t’s rare for a senior class to have several Eagle Scouts among its members, because attaining scouting’s highest rank takes years of hard work and dedication. However, this year the class of 2013 at Vestavia Hills High School boasts 24 students who have completed, or are in the process of completing the requirements to become an Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts and while Vestavia High School usually has three or four Eagle Scouts in a senior class, this year’s class has two dozen young men who have been working towards achieving the rank for several years.

The seniors said becoming an Eagle Scout is more than just achieving a title to them. They said it is a testament to their work ethic and high moral standards.

“It means I have achieved a lot, but it also means I am held to a higher standard, ethically and as a citizen,” said 18-year-old Christian Sitarz. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of the same fraternity as previous Eagles, from astronaut Neil Armstrong to President Gerald Ford, who have all accomplished the same requirements of the 100-plus-year-old program’s highest honor.”

The path to becoming an Eagle Scout begins in fifth grade. This is when boys can join the Scouts.

However, most of these scouts’ journeys began in the first grade with the Cub Scouts.

“I became involved with Boy Scouts because I had already done Cub Scouts for five years,” said

17-year-old Joseph Breedlove.

For many, the experiences they had as Cub Scouts inspired them to continue with Boy Scouts.

“My Dad initially signed me up for Cub Scouts, getting me plugged in early on. I also loved the camping and wilderness survival aspects that are synonymous with scouting,” Christian Sitarz said.

Once a fifth grader joins a troop, he begins as a Tenderfoot. Through different skills tests, community service events and special projects, the scouts can move up from Tenderfoot to Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and eventually achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

In order to reach the Eagle rank, a scout must exhibit leadership within the group, earn a total of 21 merit badges and develop an Eagle Project.

Eagle Scout projects are projects that benefit the community, said Michelle Adamo, mother of 18-yearold Peter Adamo, an Eagle Scout in the senior class at Vestavia High.

“I think that, aside from the dedication that it takes to stick with scouting from fifth grade through high school, one of the most interesting areas of becoming an Eagle is the way that the community benefits via the various eagle scout projects that the boys do,” Michelle Adamo said.

“The projects must benefit a nonprofit, meet a variety of very specific criteria and be presented by the scout to a council of scout leaders for preapproval and, after completion, presented again for final approval.”

Peter’s Eagle Scout project consisted of building a 16-foot octagonal patio/deck with benches around the edges, along with a walkway. Several other class members’ Eagle Scout projects involved some type of envi-

There are 24 students in the senior class at Vestavia Hills High School who have earned, or are in the process of earning the Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank in Boy Scouts. Photo special to The Journal

ronmental project for a park, school or church.

Most Eagle projects have to do with some type of environmental project, whether it be for a park or a school or even a church “I landscaped and laid flagstone at the preschool entrance and playground area at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church,” said 17-year-old Mitchell Beers.

John Cooper, 17, built three composite wood picnic tables at Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church in Vestavia Hills for his Eagle Scout project.

Christopher McCullers constructed an “octo-ball” court at Camp Dawson to earn his Eagle Scout rank.

Hunter Brantley helped out his school with his Eagle Scout project, building steps in the junior parking lot at Vestavia Hills High.

Joseph Breedlove, 17, built a set of stone stairs at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest that connects the rock pavilion to a stream and a series of trails.

This year, over half the Eagle Scouts in the Vestavia Hills High School class of 2013 belong to Troop 4, which operated out of Vestavia Methodist and was led by Jeff Winkle. Winkle recently stepped down as the troop leader after 10 years of service.

“I’m real proud of the boys and what they’ve accomplished,” Winkle said. “I’ve been troop leader since ‘04 had about 50 boys become Eagle Scouts in those eight years. One thing that distinguishes this group is that they’re involved in other things like sports, band and part-time jobs. They are also encouraging to one another.

They work together and are willing to help with each other’s projects.”

Other troops represented in the class are Troops 83, 254, 110, 76 and 69.

While there are many requirements to gaining the rank of Eagle, the students said they believe their hard work was worthwhile. Several said a love of scouting is something they hope to share with their own children someday.

“Being an Eagle Scout is a great honor to me,” said Christopher McCullers. “I know many Eagle Scouts and no matter how old they are or what else they may have accomplished, they still consider earning the rank of Eagle to be one of their greatest achievements. I have visited the Eagle monument at Liberty Park and seen my Dad and my older brother’s names chiseled in that wall.

I look forward to showing that to the next generation of scouts in my family.”

The other scouts in the senior class are Daniel Moran, Troop 226; Cole Aiken, Troop 4: James Gale; Troop 110, Sam Culver, Troop 4; Preston Hall, Troop 4: Aubrey Harper, Troop 254; Patrick Snell, Troop 83; Mitchell Beers, Troop 4; David Conour, Troop 4; Cooper Leibach, Troop 4; Michael Allen, Troop 4; Josh McMeans, Troop 4; Garrett Fallon, Troop 4; Skyler Rakes, Troop 4; Chris Rozier, Troop 4; Graham Black, Troop 69; James Carmichael, Troop 254; Alex Whitacre, Troop 4; and Joe Timberlake, Troop 4. ❖

most cans won a pizza party and the opportunity to sit wherever they want in the cafeteria on Fridays.

The school brought in more than 1,900 nonperishable food items, with the eighth grade students winning the competition.

Watson, the school’s bookkeeper.

Nominees are evaluated by OfficeMax for the awards based on their caring attitudes, dedication to teaching and passion for children.

School Notes OLS parents and grandparents attend a prayer breakfast.From left: Mary Pugh, Kimberly Graham, Sherry Huena, Anne Banks, Ellen Edmonds, Shayne Newson, Delois Guy and Miguel Vilchez.

OLS Parents Gather For Prayer Breakfast Parents and grandparents of students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Homewood gathered for the school’s third annual prayer breakfast Sept. 19 in the Family Life Center.

The annual event is designed to help bring those who attend together in prayer for the new school year while sharing in fellowship.

The program began with a welcome from PTO President Kara Barlow. OLS Pastor Monsignor Martin Muller gave

the invocation, which was followed by special petitions for the school presented by Christine LaRussa, director of religious education.

The guest speaker was Ellen Edmonds, author of “Embracing Dementia: A Call to Love,” and the host of “Embracing Alzheimer’s in Mind and Heart” on EWTN Radio.

Edmonds talked about her late husband, a retired CEO with AT&T and civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army, who developed vascular dementia from a head injury in an auto accident.

Liberty Park Middle SGA Helps Food Pantry Liberty Park Middle School’s Student Government Association spearheaded a canned food drive to support the food pantry at Oak Mountain Mission.

To generate interest, the SGA sponsored an eating contest between representatives from each homeroom at lunch on the first day of the drive.

SGA representatives wore SPAM costumes each day of the drive to remind students to bring in their nonperishable food items.

The grade level that brought in the

Rocky Ridge Teacher Wins School Supplies The reading coach at Rocky Ridge Elementary School in Hoover got a big surprise recently when representatives from OfficeMax came to her classroom to announce she was a winner in the annual OfficeMax A Day Made Better advocacy program.

Through the program, Deborah Blalock was awarded $1,000 worth of school supplies.

The program’s goal is toß help erase teacher-funded classrooms so teachers don’t have to use their own money to buy needed classroom supplies.

Blalock was nominated by the school’s principal and her colleagues, including Patricia

Patricia Watson, left, bookkeeper at Rocky Ridge Elementary School, congratulates Deborah Blalock on her win from OfficeMax. Photo special to The Journal

40 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Altamont Inducts New Members into National Honor Societies

T

he Altamont School recently inducted 20 new members into the Basil M. Parks Chapter of the National Honor Society and 30 new members into the Elizabeth Brooks Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.

To qualify for induction, candidates had to demonstrate leadership, character and service and have a cumulative grade average of at least a 90.

The 2012 National Honor Society members inducted were Shadi Awad, Laure Bender, Alice Bradford, Elizabeth Anne Brown, Emory Cox, Anna Christine Crowther, John Denton, Alok Deshane, Mary Olivia Eckert, Ginny Gresham-Jacobs, Shannon Hickey, Meg Hunt, Jonathan Hurowitz, Eric Johns, Sam Monroe, Lawrence Perry, Emily Polhill, Tommy Thetford, Isabella Trierweiler and Andy Vahle.

The 2012 National Junior Honor Society members inducted were Ashley Adams, Harlin Brown, Elliot Chen, Jordan Daniels, Robert Denniston, Marina Dimperio, Lydia Edwards, Gates Ely, Kemp Featheringill, Dylan Fullilove, Luke Hartman, Mitch Hungerpiller, Nicole Johnsen, Christiane Joseph, Molly Kauper, Benjamin Lasseter, Mihir Limdi, Olivia Mannon, Josie Niedermeier, Katie O’Neal, Elise Parrish, Hugh Perkins, Caroline Plouff, Inaara Rajpari, Sarah Rosenthal, Leo Styslinger, William Tang, Kaya Turan, Sinan Turan and David Warren. ❖

On the left, The Altamont Schoolʼs newest members of the National Honor Society. The new members of the National Junior Honor Society at the school are on the right. Photos special to The Journal

School Notes Pizitz Middle Honors Military Veterans

Brookwood Forest Elementary students get ready to go to camp. From left: Will Hecker, Alex Bebenek and Josh Horton. Photo special to The Journal

Brookwood Classes Go To Camp McDowell Fifth grade students from Brookwood Forest Elementary School in Mountain Brook learned about environmental science during a trip to Camp McDowell Oct. 22-25.

Students attended outdoor classes that included activities such as canoeing, searching in ponds and streams for living creatures and hiking in a canyon to reach a waterfall.

They participated in team-building activities and were encouraged to branch out and meet new friends from other schools during meal and canteen times.

Students also learned about Native American history, including the four major tribes that lived in Alabama. They tried out a few of the tools the Native Americans made and used.

Gwin Students Commit to Drug-Free Lifestyle Students at Gwin Elementary School in Hoover learned strategies to stay drug free during Red Ribbon Week in October.

Students learned about the dangers of drugs, tobacco and alcohol use while being encouraged to develop their interests and talents.

Hoover High School students put

on a skit for the Gwin students Oct. 22 to demonstrate the principles of Red Ribbon Week.

During each day of Red Ribbon Week, Gwin students came to school dressed in fun ways, including wearing their clothes inside out on Tuesday and in pajamas on Thursday.

To mark Red Ribbon Week this year, the students gathered in the school parking lot to assemble in the shape of a giant red ribbon.

Each child was given a prize pack and an education packet.

They also had the opportunity to enter a poster contest and display the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Edgewood Honors Turkey Trot Winners More than 600 participants came out to run in Edgewood Elementary School’s 12th annual Edgewood Turkey Trot.

Students worked hard during their physical education classes to train for the event. The students trained at least once a week and many times twice a week since the beginning of the school year.

The event also helped the young runners prepare for the Mercedes Kids’ Marathon in February, taking the students closer to their goal of completing 25.2 miles before the marathon.

Pizitz Middle School had a celebration Nov. 8 to honor U.S. military veterans.

Also honored where those currently serving in the military.

Photos of family members and neighbors wearing their military uniforms were displayed in the school’s front lobby along with personal biographies.

The display was called Hall of Fame Heroes.

The program included the presentation of the colors and guest speakers, who talked to the students about their military service and experiences.

Refreshments were served to the veterans and their family members following the program.

ISS Student Speaks on National TV During this year’s presidential election, Indian Springs School

Capt. James H. Edwards with his sons, Jacob and James at Pizitz Middle Schoolʼs Veterans Day program. Photo special to The Journal freshman Jaylan Jacobs made her voice heard on national television.

Jacobs appeared with other teens on Nickelodeon’s “Kids Pick the President: the Issues,” a Nick News Election Special that gave participants the opportunity to express their opinions on topics including jobs, same-sex marriage, healthcare and education.

The network chose Jacobs due to her association with the Montevallo Boys

and Girls Club, where she served last summer as a volunteer. Nickelodeon asked Boys and Girls Clubs nationwide to solicit potential participants, and the Montevallo chapter chose Jacobs and another student to share their opinions.

After preliminary interviews, both students participated in a second, on-camera interview at the Huntsville headquarters of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama. Segments from that Edgewood Elementary Turkey Trot winners celebrate their victory.

Photo special to the Journal

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 41

SCHOOLS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

A SHOW OF CHARACTER

A PLACE AT THE TABLE

Shades Cahaba Elementary School in Homewood was recognized at the Character Education Partnership Forum in Washington, D.C., for being named a 2012 National Schools of Character Award winner.

The school, one of 24 recognized from across the country this year, was the only school to receive the award twice.

Accepting the award on behalf of the school were Principal Sue Grogan, Assistant Principal John Lowery, Extended Day Program Director Melina Hollingsworth, Librarian Beth Gladney and Lisa Mooresmith, first grade teacher.

Photo special to The Journal

Green Valley students Dimas ValleTejada, left, and Madelyn Roe show the placemats they made for the Jimmie Hale Mission.

Students in Jennifer Smithʼs first-grade class reached out to those in need during the holiday season.

The students used their creativity to make placemats for the Jimmie Hale Mission. The mission will use the placemats when serving meals during the holidays.

Photo special to the Journal

interview appeared on the special.

A native of Calera, Jacobs spoke during the segment on healthcare, commenting that the mandate to buy health insurance is “kind of like saying the government could say that you have to buy asparagus if they wanted to.”

Jacobs says it is ironic that the asparagus quote was the one that made the cut, since she is well known in her family for her Democratic views.

“That was the one Republican view I had, and that’s the one they chose,” she said. “As soon as the show aired, I had some explaining to do.”

In her second year at Springs, Jacobs said her experience at the school helped her share her opinions on the show.

“At Springs, we have the chance to talk about current events and become more aware of the issues,” she said.

“We have a voice, and it’s liberating.”

Roosevelt Repriser Visits Mountain Brook Students at Mountain Brook High School had a chance to watch history come to life when a presidential repriser visited the school Nov. 27.

Regarded by many as the nation’s premiere Teddy Roosevelt repriser, Joe Wiegand gave a presentation that might have convinced students they were in the company of the “Rough Rider” president.

As Roosevelt, Wiegand talked about African safaris and told tales of starting the Panama Canal, building a modern

Navy, busting monopoly trusts and establishing the precedent-setting land conservation movement.

Welch Hornsby, working with AP history teachers George Prewett and Glenn Lamar and Principal Vic Wilson, sponsored Wiegand’s visit to the 11th grade AP U.S. history classes.

Bluff Park Marks Red Ribbon Week Students at Bluff Park Elementary School in Hoover celebrated their ability to make good choices and live a healthy lifestyle during Red Ribbon Week.

The event is held every October at the school.

Throughout the week, students wore different theme clothes to school. On one day, students wore red and the next day, they wore their pajamas to school.

They also got a chance to show their team spirit by wearing their favorite sports team shirts to school. The students got creative on one dress-up day by coming to school as their favorite storybook characters.

Students also participated in a poster contest. The theme was “Drug Free--It Starts with Me.” Winners were honored at the school’s Red Ribbon Week assembly program.

community to deliver more than 350 Thanksgiving meals to veterans and others in the Birmingham area.

For the third year in a row, Enjoy the City has sponsored and organized this initiative, partnering with Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy and this year with Our Lady of the Valley School to deliver the meals.

On Nov. 21, employees at Publix prepared 350 complete dinners, each enough to feed a family of six to eight. ❖

Montessori Students Deliver Holiday Meals Before sitting down to their own Thanksgiving dinners this year, Bruno Montessori families joined others in the

A Teddy Roosevelt repriser visited Mountain Brook High School on Nov. 27.

From left: Principal Vic Wilson, George Prewett, Joe Wiegand; Mary Shelton Hornsby, John Hornsby and Glenn Lamar. Photo special to The Journal

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42 • Thursday, December 13, 2012

Spelling Test

sports

New Additions Help Spartans To Undefeated Start

By Lee Davis

T

Guard Ben Shearer is one of many contributors in the Spartan attack this year.

Jaguar Swimmers Place in State

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

Schools from the extreme south and north ends of Alabama won state swimming titles on Dec. 1, while area competitors made impressive showings at the meet held at Auburn University’s Martin Aquatic Center.

In girls’ competition, Spain Park finished in third place

Journal Sports Writer

he good news for sportswriters without access to spell check was supposed to be bad news for the Mountain Brook boys’ basketball team in 2012-13.

Reporters covering the Spartans would no longer have to struggle with the names of Mario Stramaglia and Matti Sigurdarson, who combined to average more than 32 points per game in leading Mountain Brook to 24 wins and a Northeast Regional appearance in 2011-12.

The bad news for the Spartans was the issue of how they would replace two of the most prolific scorers in the school’s long basketball history. Stramaglia completed his career as Mountain Brook’s all-time scorer, and Sigurdarson averaged 15 points a contest last season. Both have moved on to the collegiate level.

As the new season opened, Spartan fans saw that the scoring gap left by Stramaglia and Sigurdarson was well on the way to being filled.

And the good news for sportswriters was that the new name was much easier to spell: G-R-A-N-T. Mountain Brook drew headlines last summer with the announcement that senior forward Malek Grant and his younger brother Tawarren, a guard, were transferring to the school from Midfield.

The Grant brothers – especially Malek – have made an immediate impact on what was already a solid, experienced Spartan basketball team, which already had eight seniors on its roster.

The new chemistry has clearly paid off. As of Dec. 7, Mountain Brook had posted a 10-0 record and earned the No. 8 ranking in the latest state Class 6A poll.

“We’ve been unselfish, and that’s why we’ve been successful so far,” said Spartan coach Bucky McMillan. “These guys don’t care about their own scoring. They come to practice every day with a hunger and desire to work and improve.

This team has been a pleasure to coach.”

And the Midfield transfers seem to be the final pieces of the puzzle.

“Malek and Tawarren have been a great addition to our team,” McMillan said. “Tawarren is coming over from football, so he is still getting comfortable with our system, and Malek has been awesome. He’s improved over the summer about as much as any player I’ve seen.”

A typical Malek Grant performance came in a recent 80-56 rout of Pinson Valley. Grant burned the Indians for 23 points, while shooting

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

with 156 points, as McGillToolen of Mobile won the championship with a score of 174.

The Jaguars’ Maddie Wohlfarth won the 100-yard butterfly event to pace her team. Rachel Cunningham of Briarwood won the 100yard breaststroke, and Genny Pittman of Homewood took first place in the 100-yard freestyle.

Spain Park’s boys finished in fifth place behind champion Huntsville, as two Jaguars took individual titles. Will Freeman set a state record with a time of 38.22 seconds in the 200-yard freestyle and also won the 500yard freestyle. Corey Holmes won the 100-yard freestyle event.

Alex Gray of Briarwood took top honors in the 50-yard freestyle.

Carter Wins B.A.S.S. Junior State Title

Returning veteran junior guard Patrick Keim puts up a shot in the Spartans 66-39 win over Spain Park last week. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

a scorching 71 percent from the field. Tawarren scored seven points, with seven rebounds and five assists.

Returning veterans senior swing man Jeremy Berman and junior guard Patrick Keim added 11 and six points, respectively. Keim also snatched six rebounds with seven assists.

Even without the welcomed addition of the Grant brothers, Mountain Brook wasn’t exactly offense-deprived. McMillan pointed out that while the Spartans don’t care who scores, there is no shortage of players who can score.

“We’re kind of multiple in what we do,” he said. “We’re probably a team that’s hard to scout because we’ve got a lot of guys on the roster who can score in double figures on any given night.

The fans that come to see us are going to see a pretty exciting brand of basketball.”

Berman and Keim are staples of the Spartan attack, as are guards Joshua Bluestein, Ben Shearer, Eric Raszeja, Stuart Harmon and forwards Reagan Alexander, Jack Kline and Griff Cooper. An example of Mountain Brook’s ability to share scoring responsibilities came in the Spartans’ 58-48 win over Homewood last month, when Shearer lead the team in scoring with 12 points, all coming from the three-point arc.

Other contributors are Alex Boozer, Will Deer, Hunter Williams and Alex Peters.

“A lot of our guys have been playing together for a long time,” McMillan said. “Malek and Tawarren have fit right in with what we are doing.”

Mountain Brook fans will find out quickly if their team is the real deal. The Spartans host defending Class 6A finalist Hoover on Dec. 13.

Before the calendar turns to 2013, Mountain Brook will tangle with a tough field in its own Spartan Holiday Shootout and follow that with an appearance in the prestigious Metro Tournament at Homewood.

McMillan’s team won’t get any relief in area play as well. The Spartans are aligned in Class 6A’s Area 11 with powerful Shades Valley, Woodlawn and archrival Vestavia Hills.

“Everybody knows that basketball is all about how well you do at the end of the year,” McMillan said. “If we keep working and improving, we could be an interesting team to watch.”

Mountain Brook could be interesting enough to be playing at the BJCC in early March – in the Class 6A Final Four.

Reid Carter of Mountain Brook is this year’s Alabama B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Junior State Champion in the 15- to 18-year-old division. The state tournament was held on Sept.

15, at Lake Neely Henry in Gadsden. Nearly 70 Junior Bassmasters from across Alabama competed in the tournament.

Reid is a sophomore at Mountain Brook High School and a member of the Birmingham Junior Bass Club. He is the son of Amy and Britton Carter of Mountain Brook.

Reid used shakey head lures to pull in his three-fish limit weighing 7.71 pounds. He won a new rod and reel, an Academy Sports gift card and a lifetime fishing license courtesy of Alabama Power.

Reid will join the adult team in April for the Southern Divisional Tournament at Douglas Lake in Tennessee. They will be competing against teams from Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina.

For more information, go to the Alabama B.A.S.S. Federation Nation website at albassfednation.com.

Reid is pictured with angler Timmy Horton, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro and emcee of the Junior Championship event, and boat captain Eulon Lee, who volunteered his boat and his time for the tournament.

Hoover Lions Win Tournament Championship The 6-7 year-old Lions recently completed a perfect season in the Hoover NFL Flag Football league. The team went 10-0 and won the tournament championship.

Members of the undefeated Lions are, front row, from left: Gavin McGullion, Tanner Vander Noot, Evan Smallwood, Jack Kendrick, Wes Sauceda, Stone Kendrick and Eli Smallwood.

Back: Coach Ward Smallwood, head coach Blake Kendrick and coach Jay McGullion.

Broncos Win Mountain Brook Super Bowl The fourth grade Broncos recently won the regular season and the Super Bowl of the Mountain Brook fall football league. The team finished with a record of 9-2. Members of the Broncos are, front row, from left: William Dunn and Ethan Shunnarah. Second row: Colby Blackwell, Harris Snipes, Michael Hawkins, and Hugh Cowart.

Third row: Robert House, Drew Elliott, Charles Law Schilleci, Walker Starling and Rob Gunn.

Coaches: Andrew Moore and Matthew Echols.

Please send your sports news to editorial@otmj.com

Thursday, December 13, 2012 • 43

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

bucs,

from back cover

Schmith’s conversion put the Bucs ahead 7-0.

Moments later, Hoover struck again after defensive back Marlon Humphrey intercepted an Opelika pass. Humphrey returned the ball to the Bulldog three-yard line. Campbell promptly scored, and Schmith’s second kick gave the Bucs a 14-0 margin as the first quarter concluded.

“They (Opelika) had a great crowd, but I want to take my hat off to our crowd, too,” Niblett said. “We wanted to strike early to quiet down their crowd and get our people excited. It helped that we didn’t give up any big plays to their offense.”

The Bulldogs battled back in the second stanza. They drove to the Hoover eight-yard line before missing a 22-yard field goal attempt, as the first half ended with the Bucs holding a twotouchdown advantage.

Opelika kept firing at Hoover in the third period – and coming up empty. A 28-yard pass completion by the Bulldogs was nullified by a penalty. Calvin Bryant’s 20-yard dash later in the period got Opelika into Hoover territory.

The effort produced no points.

Meanwhile, Hoover methodically moved to the Bulldogs’ five-yard line, from where Schmith’s 22-yard field goal gave his team a 17-0 lead as the fourth quarter began.

Any hopes of an Opelika comeback were dashed early in the period when Hoover quarterback Connor Short connected with Cooper Carden for a seven-yard touchdown strike.

Schmith’s third conversion lifted the total to 24-0 with 8:43 remaining in the game.

The Bucs put a final punctuation mark on their dominance in the last two minutes when Campbell raced 45 yards for his final touchdown of the night.

“Tonight was like a dream,” Campbell said.

“I know I speak for all of our players when we say it was a dream to come into a big stadium like this and dominate.”

Short produced his usual solid game for Hoover. He completed 13 of 21 passes for 146 yards. John Michael Powers caught six of Short’s tosses for 79 yards.

Hoover,

from back cover

val Vestavia held Hoover to a twotouchdown margin, losing 21-7.

Perhaps the most anticipated game in the post-season was the Bucs’ semifinal battle with powerful ClayChalkville. The game never lived up to the hype as Hoover mauled the Cougars 44-20, setting the stage for the championship game domination of Opelika.

Hoover’s second state championship under Coach Josh Niblett should silence the few remaining doubters of the man who took over the program from the ultra-successful but highlycontroversial Rush Propst more than four years ago. The Bucs’ heartbreaking one-point losses in championship finals in 2010 and 2011 were earning Niblett the highly-undeserved rap to some people as a coach who couldn’t win the big game. Hoover’s start-tofinish domination this year should unite the Buccaneer Nation solidly behind its coach – with the best perhaps still to come.

Truthfully, there’s no reason to think Hoover won’t keep winning. The school has a large enrollment, outstanding athletes, great coaches, facili-

Clockwise from Above: Hoover running back Calen Campbell is presented his MVP trophy

by Paul Henderson of AHSAA corporate partner Encore Rehabilitation and Wanda Gilliland, AHSAA director; Hoover letterman and fans cheer on the Bucs; Hoover head coach Josh Niblett congratulates his players on their victory; Hoover quarterback Connor Short follows the blocking of Jack Morgan.

Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

Landry Tullo sparked Hoover’s defense with 10 tackles. Chris Fort had six tackles and an interception.

By winning, the Bucs erased painful memories of the previous two Class 6A finals, where they had lost by one point to Prattville in 2011 and to Daphne in 2010.

“To finally win one after coming so close feels really good,” Short said.

ties superior to those of many small colleges and a tradition that grows by the season. Some parents will move into Hoover’s zone so their son can have a real chance at winning a state championship even if he might get more playing time at another school.

How can Hoover not win? As Propst used to constantly say, complacency is the program’s greatest enemy, and there’s no sign of that anywhere in the Buccaneers’ collective DNA. Of course, this isn’t to assume that Hoover should invest in a new trophy case because the annual addition of more blue football hardware is a certainty. The Bucs have lost games (and championships) before and will lose again.

Having said that, it’s hard to imagine a time when Hoover won’t be on everyone’s short list of teams favored in a given year to win the Class 6A crown.

To some, Hoover’s rule of the state football scene might be seen as unhealthy. People with the “everybody gets a trophy” mentality might think it unfair to other teams that the Bucs win so often.

I prefer the other way of thinking.

Hoover’s iron-fisted reign requires everyone else to work a little harder

Hoover’s players gave Niblett the traditional championship Gatorade bath – but couldn’t wait until the game officially ended. Niblett got his dousing during a timeout in the final minute.

The coach didn’t seem to mind.

“They could have done it a few more times,” he said, laughing. “Tonight, it didn’t matter.”

Comparisons to the 2004 Hoover team are inevitable, but for Niblett and company the

and make more of a commitment if they want to be competitive.

In individual sports, most people tend to play to the level of their opponent. An average tennis player naturally gets better if he plays more skilled opponents. The same is true of team sports. The Boston Celtics made mincemeat of the National Basketball Association in the late 1950s and early 1960s, winning the league championship almost every year.

Finally, the owners of the other franchises – most notably in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and New York – got tired of being embarrassed by the Celtics.

They invested in better players and coaches and eventually began to win championship trophies of their own.

Now there are obvious differences between building programs in professional athletics as opposed to high school sports, but the point is clear: A high bar makes everyone jump a little higher.

And for all of Hoover’s success, the team’s aura of winning will never get in the heads of its most heated rivals. For example, try asking a Vestavia player if he is “intimidated” to play Hoover, and even the most respectful Rebel might be tempted to give you a less-than-polite answer.

Schools such as Vestavia, Prattville,

focus is on the future. With a bevy of underclassmen returning, the Bucs are likely to be a heavy favorite to repeat as champions in 2013.

And once again, fans and pundits may well ask the question they posed in the heyday of the Propst era a decade ago: Who will ever beat Hoover?

Eventually somebody will beat Hoover. One thing is for sure. It won’t be in 2012.

Daphne, and Mountain Brook have had success against Hoover in the past and don’t quake in fear when they see the Orange and Black on the opposite sideline. That’s not going to

change.

For the foreseeable future, Hoover and Niblett are going to be kingpins in Alabama. That’s not likely to change either.

44 • Thursday, January 12, 2012

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

Sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Jaguar Swimmers Place in State Meet P. 42 New Additions Help Spartans To Undefeated Start p. 42 Tawarren Grant

STEP TO GREATNESS Bucs Beat Bulldogs, End Year at 15-0

Lee Davis

Perfect Title Hoover’s Dominance May Be Strongest Yet

start of August drills to claim its first state title since 2008. Hoover’s 31-0 victory was never in serious doubt and was even more dominant than the Bucs’ 30-7 rout of the Bulldogs on Nov. 1.

Even better, Coach Josh Niblett’s troops completed their championship season with a perfect 15-0 mark, statABOVE: Hoover players celebrate with their 6A State Championship trophy. ABOVE RIGHT: Hoover receiver Michael Powers gets past an Opelika defender. BELOW: Buc defenders Chandler Coskery (25) and Dylan Anderson stop a Bulldog runner. More photos at otm.com Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

BY LEE DAVIS

I

JOURNAL SPORTS WRITER

n a Super 6 generally characterized by mediocre to poor attendance and one-sided games, the estimated 36,000 fans who jammed Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium Friday to view the Class 6A final between nearby Opelika and heavyfavorite Hoover was a head-turning story.

The crowd number exceeded the census data population of Opelika, which is 26,000, and begged the question: Did the last person to leave for the game remember to turn out the lights?

And yes, the 36,000 crowd number may be a state record for a high school football game. The alleged crowd of 42,000 for the 1974 Banks-Woodlawn game at Birmingham’s Legion Field

“Tonight was like a dream. I know I speak for all of our players when we say it was a dream to come into a big stadium like this and dominate.”

CALEN CAMPBELL, MVP

had an actual ticket stub count of only about 32,000. So Opelika-Hoover 2012 can lay legitimate claim to the honor of all-time best attendance.

As impressive as the crowd was, however, it couldn’t overshadow the performance of a Buccaneer team that may have been preordained since the

ing their case as Hoover’s best-ever team. Rush Propst’s 2004 edition of the Bucs also went 15-0.

“It feels great to finish the deal,” said Hoover running back Calen Campbell, who led the charge with 193 yards on 30 carries and three touchdowns. The effort earned Campbell the Most Valuable Player trophy.

Hoover took charge in the first quarter when Campbell raced 64 yards for a touchdown. Hunter See BUCS, page 43

H

oover’s 31-0 rout of Opelika in the Class 6A football finals at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium Friday night didn’t so much claim the state championship for the Bucs as confirmed it After all, Hoover had easily handled the Bulldogs 30-7 in the regular season final on Nov. 1, and only the most serious Opelika partisan could have really believed that his team had a legitimate shot at winning the rematch a mere five weeks later.

State titles are won on the field and not by the consensus of sportswriters, and that’s the reason this particular Hoover team was so impressive. It claimed the school’s first football title in four years in the state’s toughest classification with comparatively little resistance.

In Hoover’s 10 regular season games, the Bucs scored at least 30 points eight times. They yielded more than 14 points only once while earning two shutouts.

Hoover defeated perennial powers Vestavia Hills, Tuscaloosa County and Opelika by an average of 20 points.

The Bucs’ closest margin of victory was a 14-0 decision over Minor in Adamsville on Oct. 19.

As is the case with all great teams, Hoover saved its best for the playoffs, rolling over five opponents by an average score of 37-12. Only archriSee HOOVER, page 43