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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL otmj.com

th

ursd ay, Febr uar y 20, 2014

V ol . 23 #4

Trunk Show

For 20th Year, Mountain Brook Earns Tree City USA Award

inside

Community Champion: McCallum looks back on career, civic service

about town page 4

Brownie Points: Odom’s work, volunteerism earn Girl Scout Award

people page 12

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

A couple strolls along the tree-lined Jemison Trail on Mountain Brook Parkway last weekend. There’s no shortage of shade in the city, which just won its 20th Tree City USA award. The Mountain Brook Tree Commission will distribute some 2,000 free tree seedlings March 8. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

The Arbor Day Foundation says the residents of Mountain Brook “ought to be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and care of trees a priority.” And for making trees a priority, the city has earned recognition as a 2013 Tree City USA. This is the 20th consecutive year Mountain Brook has earned the designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. The city achieved the designation by meeting the Tree City USA program’s four requirements, which include having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance on the books, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Walking the Walk Arbor Day observance and Homewood Again Wins ‘Most proclamation. Walkable’ Title news page 11 Mountain Brook has a city tree commission and a full-time city forester, Don Cafaro. The city also hosts an Arbor Day tree giveaway each year. Cafaro, who has been on the job in Mountain Brook for about nine years, said the award shows the

Golden anniversary event: Friends of Botanical Gardens honors members

social page 15

summer camp guide page 21

See Tree city, page 10

On Pointe

Black-tie Ball Celebrates Alabama Ballet Wyatt Haskell, honorary Pointe Ball chairman along with wife Susan, receives a standing ovation for his service and dedication to the Alabama Ballet. social page 15

Plans for New City Hall Unveiled

Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza and City Manager Jeff Downes unveiled the first artist’s renderings of the new city hall at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week, which was sold out despite the threat of a winter storm. See story page 10.

spring Fashion page 30

sue murphy on snow storm p. 2 • purple stride p. 6 • local lions p. 9 • guild gala p. 18 • Career compass p. 32 • track champs p. 36

2 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

Opinion/Contents

Spring Fashion

murphy’s law

I Trendy Trio

When the designers behind the North Shelbybased three07 women’s clothing line randomly took seats in their first fashion class at the University of Alabama in 2004, they said they never imagined the chance meeting would lead them to form a company—and deep friendships. See the story on page 29.

Triple Treat The Pink Tulip, which first opened in Southside in

1986 and currently has locations in Homewood and Cahaba Village, will open a third store in Hoover’s Patton Creek shopping center in March. See the story on page 29.

On otmj.com Look for more photos from the best events in town and keep up with what is happening in your neighborhood online.

Coming March 6 We’ll have our annual look at the OTM real estate market as the spring home buying season heats up and talk with Bart and Cherry Starr. Plus, we’ll cover the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball benefiting the Birmingham Museum of Art.

in this issue About Town 4 news 10 Life/People 12 Social 14

Weddings 20 Camp Guide 21 Spring Fashions 29 Sports 36

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

February 20, 2014

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 Intern: Taylor Burgess Vol. 23, No. 4

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 2014 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.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Camp Condensation

were inching our way home from his saw a sign the other day that said, “Do what you can where doctor’s appointment during the snowyou are with what you have.” storm, I was mentally shifting through It’s great advice, especially since everything I had ever learned or read or you really don’t have any other seen on an episode of “MacGyver” that choice. Oh sure, you can spend might help us to make it home safely. your time wishing you were an Do what you can where you are accomplished surfer in Waikiki with what you have. Where was I? In with a frosty Mai Tai waiting on the car, on one frozen roadway after shore, but if you’re actually idling another, trying to piece together a in your car on a frozen I-20 with maneuverable route. What did I have? fumes in the gas tank, the sooner A half tank of gas, two cell phones and you come to terms with it, the beta baggie of granola bars. I had a coat ter. and some gloves and, most important It’s all about survival. of all, my husband Harold behind the A friend of mine recently comSue Murphy wheel. pleted his military training at Camp I’m going to pause right here to Pendleton. He can’t talk about it, of I couldn’t have done brag on Harold. He spent nine hours course, but I imagine that the drill inching his way forward, instructors taught him how to ford a it. I would have pulled doggedly checking the traffic updates on his raging stream, pick his way through to the side of the road phone, turning in the direction of a snake-infested swamp and shield himself from scorching desert sun. skid, patient and determined, and cried two hours each For all I know, he may be able to and we made it. rappel down a steep escarpment on a into the trip. The police I couldn’t have done it. I would section of dental floss, but I’m here have pulled to the side of the road would have found me to tell you that if he were stranded and cried two hours into the trip. The overnight at a Huddle House with a slumped over amongst police would have found me the next 2-year-old, a newborn and only one morning slumped over amongst a a stack of frozen diaper, he would have to call on an stack of frozen Kleenex. entirely different skill set to survive. Kleenex. Maybe what we need is a Camp When I was a child at Girl Scout Condensation, where they put you camp, the counselors tried to teach out on an ice rink and teach you how to drive in such our little 8-year-old troop how to start a fire by rubbing conditions or at least maneuver your vehicle safely to the two sticks together. Complete failure. It may be that we side of the road so as not to interfere with rescue efforts. lacked that rudimentary skill, or maybe we just weren’t Sand and salt application, shovel deployment, giving all that motivated, given that we were only steps from aid to stranded motorists who are running out of granola the dining hall where our fried chicken was already on bars. I’d sign up for that. the stove. The freak snowstorm of 2014 left us with stories of Luckily, so far my life hasn’t required me to huddle fear and failure, generosity and heroism. Do what you around a stick-rubbed fire. I haven’t had to tie a halfcan where you are with what you have. And we did. hitch or distinguish between edible and nonedible berries, either, but I have to tell you, when Harold and I But it helps to have Harold by your side. ❖

over the Mountain Views

Where would you not mind being stranded in a winter storm?

“I would want to be stranded at the Galleria Retirement Community where I live because we have all the amenities we need and are very well taken care of, so there would be no hardships.” Frances Poor Hoover

“The answer for me probably, based on the way I look, would have to be Demetri’s BBQ in Homewood. The second choice would be the concierge floor of a great hotel.” Mark Landers Meadow Brook

“I would love to be at Lifetime Fitness. We just became members, and we love it. I knew a lot of people who were stranded there in the last storm, and they had a great time.” Megan Robicheaux Vestavia Hills

“I would probably say somewhere in the Colorado mountains, because if it’s already snowing, a winter storm wouldn’t bother you. You could use all that snow to ski and have fun.” John Christopher Batts Hoover

UP TO

F

IN LO L V AL WITH

E

Liberty Park

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 3

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

is Celebrating

F REE F EBRUARY $ 10,0 0 0.0 0 In Free Upgrades, Such As... Gourmet Kitchen Package Energy Efficiency Package Luxury Spa Package Smart Home Package

HURRY, Free Upgrades Ends February 28th!

Come celebrate Liberty Park’s newest collection of beautiful new homes. Buy a gorgeous new home filled to the brim with luxurious features – and then add even more with up to $10,000.00 in Free Upgrades during Fall In Love with Free February! Choose the upgrades you love the most and own the home you’ll love forever. After all, at Liberty Park there’s never been a better time to fall in love with Free. Welcome Center open daily. Prices from the high $300s to $600s plus. Home to the highly-rated Vestavia Hills Elementary and Middle Schools at Liberty Park.

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Buyer incentives of up to $10,000 towards Buyer’s upgrade costs for pre-sale and new construction homes will be disclosed in the sales contract, included on the HUD Settlement Statement in the transaction and paid by Seller, Liberty Park Joint Venture, LLP at Closing. The up to $10,000 towards Buyer upgrade offer applies only to contracts finalized by February 28, 2014 for pre-sale and new construction homes by Lifescape Builders, LLC. This offer cannot be combined with any other incentives or offers.The information contained herein should be deemed accurate but not warranted. Neither Liberty Park Properties nor its builders and agents are responsible for errors or omissions.

4 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

About Town

Community Champion

McCallum To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

C

harles A. “Scotty” McCallum Jr. likes to make light of all of the hats he has worn and all he has achieved since moving from his native Connecticut to the Birmingham area in 1951. The 88-year-old has been a dentist, an educator, the president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a two-term mayor of Vestavia Hills, and he’s still working to better his community. “I guess I couldn’t hold a job,” McCallum said, laughing. “I just feel very lucky to have met and worked with all the people I’ve been able to get to know over the years.” And by all accounts, the people that McCallum met feel the same way. The former dean of the UAB School of Dentistry and director of the UAB Medical Center will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award on March 6 at the 25th annual Leadership Vestavia Hills Citizens of the Year banquet. Leadership Vestavia Hills’ Citizens of the Year program recognizes individuals and groups who make significant contributions to Vestavia Hills through volunteerism, generosity, fundraising and lifetime service. McCallum’s decades of service to Vestavia Hills and the Birmingham metro community started back in 1951 when, fresh out of dental school, he followed his mentor to Alabama to complete a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. “Dr. Joe Volker was the dean of Tufts (College Dental School) in Boston when I was a student there and he came down here and was the first dean of the dental school, and I admired him greatly,” McCallum said. McCallum became a dentist after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from high school in 1943 and enlisted in the Naval Air Corps to train to be a pilot. Like most of the Greatest Generation, McCallum said he doesn’t see anything extraordinary about the fact that he put off college and instead enlisted in the military to serve his country. “Well, it was World War II, and I wanted to contribute,” McCallum said. “It was the logical thing to do.” McCallum never made it overseas during his military service and spent most of his time in the Navy training to be a pilot. When the war ended, he decided to follow his love for the sciences and enroll in college at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. “I knew I wanted to do something in the sciences and something that would help people. I considered being a doctor or a teacher but decided to go with dentistry with the goal of being an oral surgeon,” he said. The UAB medical center was very different when McCallum first arrived in Birmingham in the 1950s, he said. “The medical center only took up about three city blocks back then. It was very different than it is now. There used to be a putt-putt golf course on 20th Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues, if you can believe that,” McCallum said, laughing. After completing his residency, McCallum decided he wanted to do more surgeries than dentists at the time were qualified and trained to do, so he decided to go back to school to earn a medical degree, he said. “I finished medical school at UAB in 1957 and then they asked me to stay on as a faculty member, so I did that and then became the chair of the department,” McCallum said. “Then I was named the Dean of the School of Dentistry in 1962.” As he was building his career in the Birmingham area, McCallum decided in 1967 to settle in

Charles A. “Scotty” McCallum Jr. stands next to family photographs at his Vestavia Hills home. He will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from Leadership Vestavia Hills on March 6. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

Dr. Ronald D. Alvarez, left, will receive the Leadership Vestavia Hills Distinguished Citizen Award and Dr. Luis Pineda’s nonprofit organization, Cooking with Cancer, will receive the Citizens of the Year Award from Leadership Vestavia Hills at the 25th annual Leadership Vestavia Hills Citizens of the Year banquet. Tickets to the banquet are $45 each and can be purchased at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce or online at www.leadershipvestaviahills.com. Photos special to the Journal

Vestavia Hills to raise his family. He and his late wife, Alice Lasseter McCallum, whom he met when she was working as a nurse at UAB, raised four boys in Vestavia Hills. “It was and is a great place to raise a family. The schools are wonderful, I love the people and I’ve really enjoyed this being my home,” McCallum said. Between 1957 and 1986, McCallum served as chairman, dean and vice president of three different medical departments at UAB and in 1986 was named UAB president. “I finally got around to being a teacher and I loved it,” McCallum said. “I loved that the students challenged me and asked me things that I didn’t know and that we had the opportunity to learn together. Being a teacher was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. The students taught me so much.” During his tenure as university president, McCallum made developing and supporting programs in aging one of his top priorities. A few years after he retired from UAB, McCallum was approached by friends and neighbors in Vestavia Hills who suggested that he run for

mayor. “A couple of different times I was approached by groups of people who were trying to convince me to run for mayor,” he said. “So I thought about what I had really done to contribute to this wonderful city where I had raised my family. Besides coaching my sons’ Little League teams, I hadn’t done as much as I should, so I decided to try to give back as mayor.” At 74, McCallum ran for political office for the first time and defeated three-term mayor C. Pat Reynolds to become the new mayor of Vestavia Hills in 2000. McCallum served two terms as the city’s mayor and put a priority on listening to what residents wanted for their city. “Being the mayor was not about what I wanted, it was about what the people living in Vestavia Hills wanted,” he said. “That was always my approach.” And what the residents wanted at that time, McCallum said, were more parks and recreation areas. During his tenure as mayor, 300 acres of green space were added to the city, including 34 acres along Little Shades Creek. Five of those 34 acres known as Little Shades Creek Park now bear McCallum’s name. The Vestavia Hills City Council in February 2010 voted to name the area McCallum Park in his honor. McCallum also worked to spur economic development during his tenure as the mayor of Vestavia Hills and was instrumental in the annexation of Cahaba Heights into the city. “Patchwork Farms was a big deal and is a great asset to the city. Some of it has been developed, and there’s a lot more room out there for more development,” he said. McCallum was recently honored for his contributions to Vestavia Hills by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce. In January, he was presented with the Chair’s Choice Award, which henceforth will be called the Charles A. McCallum Leadership Award. When he found out he would be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Leadership Vestavia Hills next month, McCallum said he was humbled. “I’m just thrilled to get this award from the people of Vestavia Hills who have been my friends and neighbors for so long,” he said. “I’m so glad I settled here in Vestavia Hills and that I made that decision long ago to come down here to Alabama.” McCallum won’t be the only Vestavia Hills resident with UAB ties honored for his service to the city and the community at the March 6 Citizens of the Year banquet. The Distinguished Citizen Award will go to Ronald D. Alvarez, a professor, director and vice chairman and the Ellen Gregg Shook Culverhouse Chair at UAB. Alvarez, who worked under McCallum when he was president at UAB, is nationally recognized as a leader in research on ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. The Citizens of the Year Award will be presented to Cooking with Cancer, a nonprofit organization founded by Luis Pineda. Pineda, a physician, researches and develops recipes for cancer patients and their families and has compiled a cookbook of the recipes that he gives to any cancer patient who requests a copy. Thus far, Pineda has given away about 25,000 cookbooks to cancer patients around the world. The 25th annual Leadership Vestavia Hills Citizens of the Year banquet will start at 6 p.m. at a private club in Vestavia Hills. The banquet is open to the public. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce or online at www.leadershipvestaviahills.com. For sponsorship information, contact James Robinson at james.robinson@energen.com. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Save the Date Homewood

Taste of Homewood Feb. 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Rosewood Hall The Homewood Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Taste of Homewood on Feb. 20. The Mardi Grasthemed event will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Rosewood Hall in SoHo and will feature more than 30 Homewood restaurants, caterers, bakeries, coffee shops and beverage merchants. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 on the day of the event. For more information, visit www.homewoodchamber.org or call 871-5631. Homewood

Celebrate 20 in ‘14 Feb. 20, 6 p.m. The Club Better Basics, a nonprofit literacy organization, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Feb. 20 with the Celebrate 20 in ‘14 dinner event at The Club. A reception and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a dinner and program at 7 p.m. Former NBA and University of Alabama basketball star Ennis Whatley will be the featured speaker. Whatley will talk about the importance of reading and education. Tickets are $75 or $1,000 for a table of eight. Proceeds will support Better Basics’ literacy programs in Birmingham area public schools. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www. betterbasics.org, send an email to events@betterbasics.org or call 9442928. Homewood

American Girl Movie Night Feb. 20, 6:15-7:15 p.m. Homewood Public Library The Homewood Public Library will host American Girl Movie Night from 6:15-7:15 p.m. on Feb. 20. The event is free. Those attending can bring their American Girl dolls and enjoy hot popcorn and the American Girl movie. For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call 3326619. North Shelby

Giggles and Grace Consignment Sale Feb. 21-22 Asbury United Methodist Church Asbury United Methodist Church will host the Giggles and Grace Consignment Sale Feb. 21-22. The sale will include children’s clothing, youth clothing, toys, books, shoes, baby furniture and more. Proceeds pay the consignors and benefit the church’s children’s program and mission groups. The sale is from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Feb. 21 and from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Feb. 22. Select items will be half price on Feb. 22. The church is at 6690 Cahaba Valley Road. For more information, visit asburygigglesandgrace.com or call 9033208. Mountain Brook

Friends of EOL Book Sale Feb. 21-23 Emmet O’Neal Library The Friends of Emmet O’Neal Library will host its annual book sale Feb. 21-23. The sale will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 22 and from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 23. John C. Jones, a broker of fine art

and appraiser for “Antiques Roadshow” on PBS, is helping appraise items donated for the sale. There will be a book sale preview party from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 20 for members of the Friends of the Emmet O’Neal Library, and $25 memberships will be available at the door. Those attending the preview party will get the first chance at buying the best books, including beautiful art and coffee table books, collectible items and rare titles. The library is at 50 Oak Street in Mountain Brook. For more information, email info@eolib.org or call 879-0459.

whale of a sale weekend

Sale

Hoover

Retrospective of Soon-Bok Sellers Feb. 21, 5-8 p.m. Aldridge Gardens Former students of Soon-Bok Sellers will exhibit in her honor in February and March at the Eddie and Kay Aldridge Art and Historical Collections Museum at Aldridge Gardens. Sellers was an art teacher at the old Berry High School and then became coordinator of art for Hoover City Schools. A Meet the Artists reception will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Feb. 21. Admission is free. The collection can be viewed Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aldridge Gardens is at 3530 Lorna Road in Hoover. For more information, visit aldridgegardens.com or call 682-8019. Homewood

“Romeo + Juliet” Feb. 21-23 Wright Fine Arts Center The Alabama Ballet will present Roger Van Fleteren’s “Romeo + Juliet,” the classic story of star-crossed lovers,

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Vestavia Hills

Organizers are getting ready for the Whale of a Sale children’s consignment sale at Vestavia Hills UMC Feb. 20-21. From left: Marie Kersey, Megan Kincaid, Tiffany LaRocca, Lauren Hayes, Allison Youngblood, Kim Guest, Amanda Groce and Allison DeGweck. Photo special to the Journal

Whale of a Sale Feb. 20-21 Vestavia Hills UMC Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church will host its annual Whale of a Sale children’s consignment sale Feb. 20-21. The sale will run from 5-9 p.m. on Feb. 20 and from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Feb. 21. Items will be half price from 1-2 p.m. on Feb. 21. The sale is in the Lighthouse Gym at the church, 2061 Kentucky Ave. For more information, visit www.thewhaleofasale.com. ❖ at the Wright Fine Arts Center at Samford University Feb. 21-23. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 22 and at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 22 and 23. Tickets are $20-$55. For more information, visit www.alabamaballet. org. Birmingham

Opening Night Lecture/Preview Party Feb. 21, 6-9 p.m. Birmingham Museum of Art On Feb. 21, the Birmingham Museum

of Art will host an opening night lecture and preview party celebrating the first Eugène Delacroix exhibition in the U.S. in more than a decade. Delacroix and the Matter of Finish will feature the dramatic work of the leader of the French Romantic Movement, who was often heralded as “the father of impressionism.” The BMA is one of only two venues to host this exhibition, representing works from around the world. At 6 p.m. on Feb. 21, Robert Schindler, curator of European Art, will

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6 • Thursday, February 20, 2014 lecture on Eugene Delacroix: The Last of the Great Artists of the Renaissance and the First Modern. Galleries open at 6 p.m. A reception will follow in the cafe at 7 p.m. The cost is $25 for nonmembers. For more information, visit www.artsbma.org or call 254-2565. Birmingham

Justin Brown Conducts Wagner Feb. 21 and 22 Alys Stephens Center Music Director Laureate Justin Brown takes to the podium Feb. 21 and 22 for a celebration of opera and the cinematic sounds of Rossini and Shostakovich during the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Regions Masterworks Series at the Alys Stephens Center. The performances will be at 8 p.m. each night. Tickets are $24-$69. For more information, visit alabamasymphony.org or call 975-2787. Birmingham

Red Nose Ball 2014 Feb. 22 Cahaba Grand Conference Center Camp Smile-A-Mile will host the 22nd annual Red Nose Ball on Feb. 22 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. The event includes a seated dinner with a live auction followed by dancing and music. There will also be a silent auction during the cocktail hour before dinner. Tickets are $300. Sponsorship levels range from $2,000-$20,000. The Red Nose Ball is Camp SAM’s largest annual fundraising event. For more information, contact Savannah Lanier at savannah.lanier@campsam.org or visit www.campsam.org. North Shelby

Mardi Gras Fundraiser Feb. 22, 6-10 p.m. Pelham Civic Complex The Rotary Club of North ShelbyInverness will host a Mardi Gras fundraiser from 6-10 p.m. on Feb. 22 at the Pelham Civic Complex. The event will feature Cajun cuisine from D’Armond Catering, music from The Repeaters and a raffle with a first prize of $1,000. Members and guests are invited to take part in the Mardi Gras merriment that is one of the ways the clubs funds its service projects.

About Town For more information, visit www. northshelbyrotary.org.

A Night Under the Big Top

Birmingham

Jazz Cat Ball Feb. 22, 7 p.m. Old Car Heaven The Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary will hold its third annual Jazz Cat Ball on Feb. 22 at Old Car Heaven. The event will begin at 7 p.m. against a backdrop of rare antique cars used in movies and owned by celebrities. The event’s Mardi Gras atmosphere will include a Cajun cook-off featuring some of Birmingham’s best restaurants, dancing to the sounds of Streetkar, a gaming casino, live and silent auctions and more. The event will raise money for homeless pets and increase awareness of the programs offered by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Tickets are $100 per person or $150 for a pair. For more information, call 942-1211 or visit www. gbhs.org. Birmingham

Birmingham Camellia Society Show Feb. 22-23 Birmingham Botanical Gardens Camellia fans are invited to bring their outdoor-grown blooms to the Birmingham Camellia Society’s second annual Camellia Show at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Feb. 22-23. While this is the Society’s 64th annual show, it is only the second show focusing entirely on local blooms. Blooms can be entered in the show between 8-10:30 a.m. on Feb. 22. Judging will begin at 11 a.m. Viewing will be from 1-5 p.m. on Feb. 22 and from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 23. The event is free and open to the public. A highlight of the show will be the Birmingham Heritage camellias developed by local growers. For more information, visit www.bbgardens.org. Homewood

Sorority 101 Feb. 22, 10 a.m. Samford University’s Pete Hanna Center The Birmingham Alumnae Panhellenic will present Sorority 101 at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22 at Samford

Stride for a Cure in Homewood

Homewood

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Members of the Birmingham PurpleStride affiliate are gearing up for the 2014 event on Feb. 22. From left: Lou Ellen Tarater, Tamara Donaldson, Kathryn Brekle, Holly Caraway and Christina Jagielski. Photo special to the Journal

PurpleStride Birmingham Feb. 22, 8 a.m. Homewood Central Park PurpleStride Birmingham 2014 will be on Feb. 22 at Homewood Central Park. The event includes a 5K timed run and family-friendly walk. All donations will go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s efforts to fund research for a cure for pancreatic cancer. Fees are $10-$20. Event day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. For more information or to register online, visit purplestride.kintera. org/faf/home. ❖

place before the event. To register or for more information, visit ovariancycle. kintera.org/birmingham. The LJCC is at 3960 Montclair Road. Hoover

Frugalistics Feb. 25, 10:30 a.m. Hoover Public Library Angela Treadway from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will talk about how to shop smart using coupons when MakingCents presents Frugalistics at the Hoover Public Library on Feb. 25. The free event will start at 10:30 a.m. Those attending can clip coupons and bring them to swap.

Homewood

Members of Glenwood’s Junior Board executive committee are making plans for the annual A Night Under the Big Top fundraiser on Feb. 21. From left: Andy Park, treasurer; Noah Oliphant, secretary; Katie Gulas, event chairman; John Goldasich, president, and Will Thuston, vice president. Cathleen Ellington, past president, is not pictured. Photo special to the Journal

A Night Under the Big Top Feb. 21, 8 p.m.-midnight The Club Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center’s Junior Board will present the 10th annual A Night Under the Big Top from 8 p.m.-midnight on Feb. 21 at The Club in Homewood. The event to benefit children with autism will feature a silent auction, casino fun, music by The Undergrounders, food and drinks. Advance tickets are $60 per person or $110 per pair. Tickets will be $75 each at the door. Those interested can join Friends of Glenwood for a $175 donation and receive two free tickets to the event. Cocktail attire is appropriate. For more information, visit glenwood.org or call 795-3251. ❖ University’s Pete Hanna Center. The event is open to high school women interested in sorority recruitment while attending college. Those attending will learn about the benefits of sorority life and get information on sorority recruitment and help from fashion vendors on what to wear. Participating colleges include Auburn University, Auburn University-Montgomery, Birmingham-Southern College, Samford University, Troy University, the University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Alabama in Huntsville, University of Montevallo and University of South Alabama. For an agenda and to register, visit www. birminghampanhellenic.yolasite.com. The event is free. Birmingham

ArtBLINK 2014 Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m. The Kirklin Clinic Artists will gather to create works of art in the blink of eye during the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s annual ArtBLINK Gala 2014 on Feb. 22. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Kirklin Clinic, 2000 Sixth Ave. South in Birmingham. Seventeen local artists will work in a variety of media to create masterpieces in 90 minutes. The artwork will then be sold at a silent auction. Funds from the gala go toward the center’s research efforts. Participating artists are Thomas Andrew, Ahmad Austin, Nada Boner, David Boyd, Gary Chapman, Joan Curtis, Kate Merritt Davis, Vicki Denaburg, Randy Gachet, Lila Graves, Darius Hill, Carol Misner, David Nichols, Linda Ellen Price, Michael Swann, Paul Ware and Robine Wright. The evening will also include a cocktail dinner provided by Kathy G & Company and dancing to the music of the Rock Candy Band. Tickets are $150. Dress is black-tie optional. Valet and deck parking will be available for guests. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.uab.edu/artblink or call 934-0282.

Birmingham

The Story of Plant Evolution Feb. 22, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Want to learn how plants first invaded the land and what they looked like, where they were found and how they evolved? Join this class at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to have those questions answered. The class will also offer access to fossils of the earliest known seed and leaf, fossil conifer cones and herbarium specimens to facilitate an understanding of plant evolution. Registration is $40 for members and $45 for non-members. For more information, visit www. bbgardens.org. Mountain Brook

OTM Festival of Sacred Music Feb. 23, 4 p.m. Mountain Brook Baptist Church The sixth annual Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music starts at 4 p.m. on Feb. 23. Singers from a number of small choirs and other choral groups will participate in this year’s festival. This event is free and open to all ages. For more information, visit otmfestivals.org or call 879-1909. Birmingham

Ride to Change the Future Feb. 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Levite Jewish Community Center The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation will host the Ride to Change the Future from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the Levite Jewish Community Center. The six-hour indoor cycling event will raise money to support ovarian cancer research. Registration is $50; ovarian cancer survivors may participate for free. Participants can register as individuals or ride as a team for any increment between one and six hours. The fundraising minimums are $600 for five to six hours, $400 for three to four hours or $200 for one to two hours. Participants receive T-shirts and gift bags. Free training rides will take

Homewood

Free Film Screening Feb. 25, 6 p.m. Homewood Public Library The Homewood Arts Council will present a free screening of “The Princess Bride” on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. in the large auditorium of the Homewood Public Library. Free popcorn and soft drinks will be provided. For more information, visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org. Vestavia Hills

Beth Maynor Young Program Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-noon Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest The Friends of the Library will present Beth Maynor Young on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. The event is free. Young will speak on her published works, including “Headwaters: A Journey on Alabama Rivers” and “Longleaf, Far As the Eye Can See.” Young’s fine art photos are part of many private and corporate collections across the country. For more information, visit vestavialibrary.org or call 978-4678. Mountain Brook

Holocaust Film Series Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m. Emmet O’Neal Library The Birmingham Holocaust Education Center and the Emmet O’Neal Library in Mountain Brook will present the Holocaust Film Series beginning Feb. 27. At 6:30 p.m., “Au Revoir Les Infants” will be shown, and Dr. Andre Millard of the University of Alabama at Birmingham will lead a discussion. The 1987 film tells the heartbreaking story of friendship and devastating loss between two boys living in Nazi-occupied France. The PG-rated film runs 105 minutes, in color, with English subtitles. The film series will continue on March 2, 4 and 9. All film screenings are free and open to the public. Light snacks will be served. For more information, visit bhamholocausteducation.org. Homewood

Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale Feb. 28-March 1 Trinity UMC Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood will hold its Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale Feb. 28 and March 1. Hours are 9 a.m.-5:30 pm. on Feb. 28 and 9 a.m.-noon on March 1. Most items will be half price on March 1. The sale will include gently-used infant and children’s clothing, accessories, toys and nursery items. Sellers will receive 70 percent of their proceeds; the remaining 30 percent will help support the church’s children’s ministries. The church is at 1400 Oxmoor Road. For

more information, visit trinitybirmigham. com or call 879-1737. Mountain Brook

Shades Valley Camera Club Presents

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 7

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Tom Ulrich Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m. Birmingham Zoo Auditorium The Shades Valley Camera Club will host “Living Wild with Tom Ulrich” at

Dinner and Diamonds

6:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Birmingham Zoo Auditorium. The program will include highlights from Ulrich’s world travels in 2013. Ulrich is a highlyacclaimed nature photographer from Montana. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 249-7154. North Shelby

Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run March 1, 8 a.m. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen The 10th annual Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run will be March 8 at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness. Participants can walk or run in the 5K event starting at 8

64 Shades Crest road

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Updated and move-in ready. Priced to Sell! Full Finished Basement!

Birmingham

For more information go to JamesHarwell.com

Committee members of the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation’s Dinner & Diamonds fundraiser are making plans for the Feb. 22 event. From left: Amy Irby, Alison Smith, Tracie Dugas, Anita Turner, Kristin Tunnell and Rhonda Nabors. Photo special to the Journal

Dinner & Diamonds Feb. 22, 7 p.m. Ted’s Garage The eighth annual Dinner & Diamonds benefiting the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation will be held at Ted’s Garage at 7 p.m. on Feb. 22. Last year’s sold-out event drew more than 400 people. This year’s event will feature live music by The Undergrounders, food from the Fish Market and live and silent auctions. Items up for bid include jewelry from Paul’s Diamond Center, sports memorabilia, art, household items and dining packages from local merchants. The event funds the operating budget of the Foundation and keeps it working to support Vestavia Hills schools and teachers. Tickets are $75. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, visit www. dinneranddiamonds.org, call the Foundation office at 978-8808 or email Ashley Thompson at director@vestaviafoundation.org. ❖

James Harwell 2011 Sales Associate of the Year

Brenda Ladun

Over the Mountain Office 1220 Alford Avenue • 205.281.4731

22nd Annual

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S atu rday, Febr u ar y 22, 2014 • 6 P. M . benefiting Alabama’s Program for Children with Cancer

Cahaba Grand Conference Center Hosted by MIKE ROYER • Auctioneer KEN JACKSON Music by THE EXPANDABLES

campsam.org 205.323.8427

8 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

About Town a.m. The one-mile fun run will start at 9 a.m. Participants can taste free food, get health screenings and win prizes. There will be music and a children’s activity area. Cancer survivors will be recognized at the awards ceremony at 9:45 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness is at 7191 Cahaba Valley Road. For more information or to register, visit www. conquercancerrun.org.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Finish the fight with Love-Love

Homewood

“Lou Wooster: All Business” March 1, 2 p.m. Homewood Public Library Local actress Beth McCord will bring Birmingham’s early years to life in “Lou Wooster: All Business” at the Homewood Public Library at 2 p.m. on March 1. Tickets are $8 and may be purchased in advance or at the door. Seating is limited. The performance is a fundraiser for the Lily of the Cahaba Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. For reservations or information, email lilyofthecahaba@gmail.com.

Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8

Birmingham

Teen Night 2014 March 1, 7 p.m. Birmingham Museum of Art The Birmingham Museum of Art will host Teen Night 2014, Bollywood Style at 7 p.m. on March 1. Those participating can celebrate Holi, the Hindu celebration of color, at this event just for teens. There will be art activities, refreshments, music and more. For more information, contact Kristen Greenwood at kpgreenwood@artsbma. org or 254-2565. Birmingham

Youth Programs Showcase 2014 March 1-2, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Red Mountain Theatre Company Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Youth Programs Showcase 2014 will be March 1-2. Show times are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day. RMTC Youth Programs students will perform musical numbers choreographed by Broadway veterans and show business professionals. The event is familyfriendly and appropriate for all ages. For more information, call 324-2424 or visit www.redmountaintheatre.org. Birmingham

The chairmen are finalizing plans for the second annual Finish the Fight Love-Love Magic City Challenge Tennis Tournament and Ball. Front, from left: Annemarie Wilson, Suzie McCullough, Leigh Anne Haas and Marcie Rodrigues. Back: Lizzie Jeffcoat, Kristin Ritter, Sullins Phelan, Neillie Butler, Lee Dawkins and Crawford Bumgarner. Robin Reed, Treasa Harrison and Courtney Stephens are not pictured. Photo special to the Journal Birmingham

Love-Love Magic City Challenge Tennis Tournament March 3-7 Area Tennis Clubs The second annual Finish the Fight Love-Love Magic City Tennis Tournament will be held March 3-7 at seven tennis facilities and clubs in the Birmingham metro area. The citywide doubles-only tournament is for women in levels 2.55.3. Those participating will play from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 3 and 4 with March 5 and 6 reserved as weather days. The finals will be played from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 7. The entry fee is $50 per player. Registration is available online and closes at midnight on Feb. 21. To register, go to www.reedgifoundation. com/our-events. The tournament will conclude with the Tennis Ball on March 7. For more information on the tournament and the ball, visit www.lovelovemagiccitychallenge.com. Proceeds from both events will support the Robert E. Reed Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Foundation. ❖ University in Homewood. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 7679219. Birmingham

Viva Italia! March 2, 6 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Opera Birmingham will host Viva Italia! to celebrate a season of Italian opera on March 2 at 6 p.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The event will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, a live auction with Ken Jackson and a musical menu featuring the arias and songs of Italy by the casts of “I Pagliacci” and “Suor Angelica.” Cocktail attire is suggested.

Live auction items will include jewelry, a “Dinner with the Diva” and sculptures by Frank Fleming. Reservations are due by Feb. 26 and can be made by calling 322-6737. Over the Mountain

Pancake Day Fundraiser March 4, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. IHOP Restaurants IHOP will serve free pancakes at Over the Mountain area locations from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. on March 4 to benefit Children’s of Alabama in celebration of National Pancake Day. IHOP customers get a free short stack of pancakes after making a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Participating

Alabama Youth Symphony Orchestra Performance March 2, 3 p.m. Alys Stephens Center The Alabama Youth Symphony Orchestra will present Side by Side at 3 p.m. on March 2 at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center in Birmingham. The Indian Springs School Choir will join the Alabama Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Roderick Cox. The performance will also feature the winners of the Lois Pickard Scholarship Competition. For more information, call 975-2787.

Lenten lunches return

Homewood

Birmingham

Birmingham Boys Choir Concert March 2, 4-5:30 p.m. Wright Fine Arts Center The Birmingham Boys Choir and Patty McDonald will present a concert featuring jazz ensemble Traces of Blue from 4-5:30 p.m. on March 2. The concert will be at the Wright Fine Arts Center on the campus of Samford

The Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham is getting ready for its 2014 Lenten Lunches. From left: Canon Deborah Leighton, co-chairmen Carla Reich and Anne-Marie Brown and Dean Andrew Pearson. Photo special to the Journal

Lenten Lunches March 5-April 17 Cathedral Church of the Advent The Cathedral Church of the Advent has offered a Lenten Preaching series every weekday during Lent for more than 100 years and will continue the tradition March 5-April 17. This year’s sermon series will feature preachers from around the country and the world. Lunches will also be served. For more information or to volunteer for the event, call Anne-Marie Brown at 879-8715 or Carla Reich at 601-5002. For tickets, visit www.adventbirmingham.org. ❖

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 9

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Learning about the Lions

Annual February

Sale!

Homewood Club Will Hold Information Session The Homewood Metro Lions Club is looking for civic-minded men and women to join its efforts to make a difference in the community. The club will hold an information session this month for people who want to learn more about the organization and its work. “Our club gives members an opportunity to advance worthy causes, serve with friends and become leaders in the community,” said Club President Max Herzel. “This club means a lot to our Lions, but it means so much more to the people we serve.” The information session will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Paw Paw Patch Family Restaurant, 410 Green Springs Highway in Homewood. Light refreshments will be served. Lions Club District Governor Jim Crews will be a special guest at the event. Other key officials from District 34B will also attend. Herzel said he encourages members of the community to come out and learn more about the club’s work and meet its leaders. “We want to share the great things we’re doing and want to do in our

community and let others know how they can help,” Herzel said. The Lions’ motto is “We Serve,” and the Homewood Metro Lions Club has lived up to that motto, Herzel said. He said for more than half a century, the club has generously made donations to the Alabama Lions Sight Association for indigent eye care and to Camp Seal Harris, a camp for diabetic children. The club has also made donations to Southeastern Guide Dogs and Leader Dogs for the Blind. Lions Club International is among the largest service organizations in the world. Its 1.35 million members in about 45,000 clubs serve communities in 207 countries and areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions Clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and worked to strengthen local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects. For more information on the Homewood Metro Lions Club or the Feb. 24 information session, call James McRae, membership chairman, at 787-5255 or Wayne Dunlap, secretary/treasurer, at 477-3378. ❖

Birmingham

Spencer Lecture March 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host noted botanist David Price for the annual Spencer Lecture on March 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The free event will include Price’s talk on “A Sense of Place: Bok Tower Gardens.” Reservations are required. For more information, visit wwwbbgardens.org or call 414-3950.

The Beginning Experience Ministry A peer ministry for separated, divorced, and widowed persons

Weekly Support Group Held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood. Tuesdays 6pm-8:30pm Cost: $30 for a 10 week session. New 10 week sessions begin the second Tuesday of each quarter. For more information please call 969-8509 or visit: www.birminghambeginningexperience.org

Members of the Homewood Lions Club are planning an information session for potential new members on Feb. 24. From left: Wayne Dunlap, Max Herzel, John Connolly, Dorothy Fortsman and Marvin Brooke.

Local Lions: OTM Area Has Several Clubs

the club’s president for 2013-2014. u The North Shelby Lions Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Hartley’s at 150 Chelsea Corners in Chelsea. For more information, visit the club’s website at http://eclubhouse.org/sites/northshelby. u The Birmingham Lions Club meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham. Visit https:// directory.lionsclubs.org for information on how to contact Josh Phillips, the club’s president for 2013-2014. u The Birmingham Southside University Lions Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at noon and the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at various locations in Birmingham. For more information, visit bhamsouthuniversityal.lionwap. org, send an email to pfuhr@ mindspring.com or call 934-4570. u The Birmingham Hispanic Lions Club meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at 103 Broadway St. in Homewood and on the third Saturday of each month at 11 a.m. at the Hoover Public Library. For more information, contact President Lois Jemmott at bhlc@ bellsouth.net. ❖

Lions Club International is a worldwide organization dedicated to helping meet the needs of the global community. Since 1917, Lions clubs have offered people the opportunity to give something back to their communities. Today, there are about 45,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas, including several in the Over the Mountain area: u The West Homewood Lions Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Homewood Senior Center at 816 Oak Grove Road. Visit https://directory.lionsclubs.org for information on how to contact Joseph M. Falconer Jr., the club’s president for 2013-2014. u The Vestavia Hills Lions Club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Vestavia Hills Board of Education Building. For more information, visit the club’s website at http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/ vestaviahills. u The Hoover Lions Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 2409 Acton Road in Vestavia Hills. Visit https:// directory.lionsclubs.org for information on how to contact John Allen Greene,

It’s a truckload of stuff!

Save the Date cont. locations include 5243 U.S. 280, 7748 Crestwood Blvd., 221 State Farm Parkway and 2000 Pelham Parkway.

All month long

Birmingham

American Values Luncheon March 6, noon BJCC The Boy Scouts of America Greater Alabama Council will host the American Values Luncheon at noon on March 6 at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Complex. Nick Saban will be the keynote speaker and Mark Ingram will be a special guest. Eli Gold will be the master of ceremonies. The late Mal Moore, John D. Jones and Robert Holmes will be honored. Tickets start at $325. For more information, call Kim Thomas at 969-4256 or visit 1bsa. org.❖

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News

10 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u Hoover

Plans Move Forward for Ross Bridge Fire Station By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

This artist’s rendering shows what the new 57,000-square-foot Vestavia Hills City Hall will look like. Renderings this page and cover special to the Journal by Williams Blackstock Architects

u vestavia hills

Plans for New City Hall Unveiled By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

A record crowd gathered at the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week to get the first look at plans for a new 57,000-square-foot city hall complex. Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza and City Manager Jeff Downes unveiled the first artist’s renderings of the new city hall at the Feb. 11 luncheon, which was sold out despite the threat of a winter storm. Zaragoza said a new city hall complex is long overdue for the growing city. “Vestavia Hills is no longer a small city,” he said. “We have a city hall with two or three people in one office. The parking is atrocious.” The current city hall was built in the 1950s and doesn’t meet the needs of the police or fire administration, Zaragoza said. The current building is about 35,000 square feet, and the city needs much more space than that. The new city hall complex will be built on the former sites of Food World and Joe’s Ranch House, the mayor announced in November. The city bought the Food World property for $1.15 million and spent $825,000 on the Joe’s Ranch House site.

Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza and City Manager Jeff Downes unveiled the plans for the new city hall at a Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

The Vestavia Hills City Council recently authorized the city to issue up to $20 million in general warrants, or bonds, for the new city hall. The city will issue one warrant for $10 million. However, depending on the cost of the facility, it has the option to issue another warrant for an additional $10 million, Downes said. The city has contracted Williams Blackstock Architects out of Birmingham to design the new city hall complex, and B.L. Harbert will serve as the construction manager for the project, Zaragoza said. The city hall complex will be made up of two buildings, the mayor said. One will be about 29,000 square feet and house the administration offices, including the city clerk’s office, council chambers, a room for council work sessions, the IT and fire departments and administrative offices for the fire department. The building will serve as the main city hall building, Zaragoza said. The second building of about 28,000 square feet will house the city’s court offices, magistrate’s office and police department. The complex will also have plenty of green space and an amphitheater where the city could host events like Holiday in the Hills and I Love America Day, Zaragoza said. “I think it will give us that town square feel that we wanted and will be a welcoming place for our citizens,” he said. Zaragoza said the city hopes to start the demolition process in March and begin construction on the new city hall complex by mid-May. “We are working on a very aggressive timetable and hope to be moved into the new city hall by August 2014,” he said. Zaragoza said he hopes the new city hall will spur more improvement along the U.S. 31 corridor in Vestavia Hills. “I hope this new municipal building will be the starting point for the redevelopment along U.S. 31,” he said. ❖

The Ross Bridge Fire Station is closer to construction following a series of recent actions by the Hoover City Council. The council at its Feb. 3 meeting authorized the mayor to execute three agreements which include: •An agreement with Daniel Ross Bridge LLC to donate three acres at Greenside Way and Market Street near the Ross Bridge Village Center so Hoover can complete a section of road, build parking lots and construct a new fire station. •An agreement with Dungan Nequette Architects Inc. to design the new fire station. •An agreement with Alabama Engineering Co. to prepare the site for a new fire station. The city plans to complete an unfinished portion of Greenside Way–about 800 feet–and build about 80 parking spaces at the Ross Bridge Village Center to help with traffic at the new fire station. Those improvements will cost Hoover about

$300,000, the agreement states. Allen Pate, the city’s executive director, said Daniel owns property where the station is being built. Because the property sits undeveloped, Daniel didn’t need to complete the road. However, if Daniel sells the property, it must reimburse Hoover proportionate to the amount of property it sells. For example, if Daniel sells three acres of the nine-acre property, it must reimburse Hoover 33 percent of the cost the city incurred to make improvements, Pate said. However, if Daniel doesn’t sell any of the property after five years, the company must reimburse Hoover the entire $300,000, Pate said. The other agreement the city approved addresses design plans. Dungan Nequette Architects will be paid seven percent, or $87,500, of the cost of the overall project, which is expected to cost about $1.25 million. The agreement with Alabama Engineering addresses the engineering work involved in preparing the site for construction of a fire station. The city will pay Alabama Engineering $17,000 for its services.

While plans move forward for the construction of the fire station, the city will put up a temporary trailer to house firefighters working the Ross Bridge area and a temporary garage for fire trucks. The temporary facilities should be staffed by March 1, Mayor Gary Ivey said. The city needs to build a new fire station in Ross Bridge to reduce response time to the growing community with nearly 1,300 homes and 500 apartment units, said Hoover Fire Chief Chuck Wingate. The fire department’s response time to Ross Bridge is currently 12 minutes, he said. But with a new fire station in the Ross Bridge area, response time should be between four to six minutes, Wingate said. “Ross Bridge has grown so much our response time is getting too long,” Ivey said. “It creates insurance problems for our homeowners, but more than insurance problems, it’s a life-altering deal. The response is very important to how quickly our fire department can get to an emergency situation.” Emergency response time factors into a city’s insurance ratings. A better rating can result in savings on home insurance. Pate said if all goes as planned, construction on the fire station should begin June 15 and take about 10 months to complete. ❖

trunk show,

u vestavia hills

importance city leaders and officials have placed on taking care of its trees. “It not only shows the level of commitment of the city officials but also the advocacy of the residents and the work of volunteers like the people on the city’s tree commission,” he said. Cafaro said the city has a wonderful resource in its trees and forests that can’t be ignored. “The tree canopy within the city limits is upward of 80 percent,” he said. “The city is very blessed to have that much coverage.” And that’s not just because the trees beautify Mountain Brook, Cafaro said. “It’s about more than aesthetics,” he said. “Maintaining the trees is also important for the safety of Mountain Brook’s pedestrians and motorists.” Mountain Brook also recently won the foundation’s Growth Award “for demonstrating environmental improvement and higher level of tree care,” according to an award letter from the Arbor Foundation. This is the 12th consecutive year Mountain Brook has won the Arbor Day Foundation’s Growth Award. “Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Mountain Brook make smart investments in urban forests,” said John Rosenow, Arbor Day Foundation founder and chief executive officer. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our

Vestavia Hills residents will go to the polls on March 11 to vote for or against the renewal of a portion of the municipal school tax. At last week’s Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Superintendent Jamie Blair urged residents to vote yes on the measure in the special election next month. “This is a 10.5 mil property tax renewal,” Blair said. “This is not a new tax, and I emphasize the renewal part.” In 1990, residents voted in favor of a measure to use $2.56 of every $100 in property taxes for its schools. Blair said the existing tax expires in 2017 and needs to be renewed as soon as possible. “A lot of people might wonder why we’re having this vote so early,” he said. “But just in case it doesn’t pass, you have to wait another year to have another election.” Blair said the school system couldn’t risk any potential gaps in the money the ad valorem taxes provide to Vestavia Hills schools. “The money that comes from those taxes amounts to about 11 percent of our general fund balance,” he said. “We would lose about $6.3 million if that (ad valorem tax revenue) went away today.” That would mean the school system would lose 84 teachers and the per pupil spending would be reduced by $1,000 for each student in Vestavia Hills. —Keysha Drexel

Blair Urges ‘Yes’ Vote on Tax Renewal

From page 1

Don Cafaro is forester for the city of Mountain Brook. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

neighborhoods along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.” The city’s annual Arbor Day Celebration will be from 9-11 a.m. on March 8. The Mountain Brook Tree Commission will distribute close to 2,000 tree seedlings at the Emmet O’Neal Library in Crestline Village, Piggly Wiggly at River Run, Western Supermarket in Mountain Brook Village and Whole Foods at Cahaba Village. This year’s selection of free tree seedlings includes roughleaf dogwood, eastern redbud, white oak, sweetbay magnolia and longleaf pine. In honor of Arbor Day, Cafaro and the tree commission members will visit Mountain Brook elementary schools to share fun and interesting facts about trees with the students and to talk about the importance of trees. The students will also be given dogwood seedlings they can plant at home. For more information on Mountain Brook’s Arbor Day celebration, visit www.mtnbrook.org. ❖

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 11

news

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u Homewood

City Again Wins ‘Most Walkable’ Title By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

Homewood is once again Alabama’s most walkable city. Homewood beat out Selma as the state’s most walkable city according to Walk Score (walkscore.com), a Seattle-based group that ranks the nation’s best cities for pedestrian travel. This was the third year in a row Homewood ranked as the state’s most walkable city. Homewood received a score of 40 compared to Selma’s 35, Birmingham’s 33, Mobile’s 32, Florence’s 30 and Tuscaloosa’s 30. The 35 largest Alabama cities had an average walk score of 21.

Alabaster (9) and Trussville (10) had the lowest walk score. Vestavia Hills had a 21 score, Mountain Brook 20 and Hoover 16. All Alabama cities fell short of top metropolitan areas like New York City (87.6), the nation’s most walkable city, and San Francisco (84), Boston (80) and Philadelphia (77). Alabama cities were judged still heavily reliant on automobiles to get around. The website ranks cities based on their nearness to schools, grocery stores, parks, restaurants and other places residents should be able to access rather comfortably via foot. Walk Score’s mission, according to its website, is to promote walkable neighborhoods as the simplest and

best solutions for the environment, health and economy. Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer said the city prides itself on being pedestrian friendly and continues to try to build on that. City officials have embarked on an ambitious capital improvements plan

which includes building sidewalks through the city. “We’ve made a commitment to improve our city by making it more walkable and more accessible to our citizens,” the mayor said. “This is something our neighbors enjoy. They like seeing it. We view this as

an investment in our city and our property values. The community as a whole has been very supportive of us continuing building sidewalks.” The city also gets high marks for its Shades Creek Greenway Trail, a heavily traveled strip of trail that spans a portion of Lakeshore Parkway. “That’s kind of spring-boarded us to where we are now. People love the greenway, and they love the sidewalks,” McBrayer said. ❖

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Pedestrians stroll on Roseland Drive in Homewood, recently voted the state’s most walkable city. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr

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Revenue Department is Expanding The Alabama Department of Revenue is not only staying put at the Hoover Public Safety Center but is expanding its office there. The Hoover City Council at a recent meeting awarded the Pennington Group the bid to renovate the revenue department’s office space and amended a lease agreement with the state revenue department. The city will pay the Pennington Group $108,809 to renovate the revenue department’s office at the public safety building. In turn, the revenue department has agreed to reimburse the city up to $75,000 of the cost of renovation, which includes renovating a large storage room and a reception area. The revenue department is adding

2,013 square feet to its office at the Hoover Public Safety Center at 2020 Valleydale Road. The revenue department’s office is currently 16,755 square feet. The revenue department has operated a taxpayer service center for Jefferson and Shelby counties since it moved to the building in August 2007. The revenue department pays about $253,370 annually for the space. The council in July approved the original lease agreement between the city and the state revenue department, upping its rent an additional $27,175 annually. “It makes for a good working relationship,” said Mayor Gary Ivey about the city’s agreement to pay for the renovations.  The council’s action on Jan. 21 amends the lease agreement to include the $75,000 reimbursement. ­—William C. Singleton III

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Teresa Zuniga Odom, center, will be honored with the 2014 Mildred Bell Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award on March 7. She is pictured here with Denise Koch, left, and Louis Fernandez, right, at the Fiesta Hispanic festival. Odom is a founding member. Photo special to the Journal

Brownie Points

Odom’s Work, Volunteerism Earn Girl Scout Award By Keysha Drexel

W

Journal editor

hen Teresa Zuniga Odom found out she was receiving a lifetime achievement award, the Hoover woman said her initial reaction was surprise. Odom will receive the 2014 Mildred Bell Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award at the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on March 7. “I thought, ‘Whoa, I’m only 55. Is my life over?’ I really feel like I’m just getting started,” Odom said. “I’m not sure if I’ve done enough at this point to warrant a lifetime achievement award.” But a quick look at Odom’s body of professional and community work quickly proves that the training coordinator for corporate marketing at Alabama Power and Hispanic community volunteer and advocate shows she has packed a lot of giving back into her life so far, just like the previous Mildred Bell Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award winners. Odom is a founding board member of Fiesta, a Hispanic festival that started in 2001 to raise money for Hispanic students attending Alabama colleges and universities. She has been involved in Girl Scouts since she was a first-grader in Puerto Rico, has served in several roles in Over the Mountain troops and was the service area manager for Girl Scouts in Hoover for five years. The Mildred Bell Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award is the Girl Scouts Council’s highest adult recognition for a lifetime of leadership and service to Girl Scouts in the Central Alabama area. Honorees are recognized for distinguishing themselves in their work, community service and humanitarian efforts. Mildred Bell Johnson founded the first Girl Scout troop for African-American girls in Alabama and was a district adviser in Birmingham. The civil rights activist was the first African-American to be elected assistant moderator of the United Church of Christ. Like Johnson, Odom has devoted herself to breaking down stereotypes about those in the Hispanic community and giving Hispanic students the opportunity to better themselves through education. Odom, the oldest of four daughters, was born in Thailand to a father of Mexican descent and a mother from Oneonta. Her father was a civil engineer, and the family moved around quite a bit for his job, Odom said. “We lived everywhere from Maryland to

Thailand to Puerto Rico,” she said. While her father grew up speaking Spanish with his family in Carlsbad, N.M., Odom and her sisters weren’t really exposed to the language or their heritage until the family moved to Puerto Rico when she was in the first grade. “My father was born in the U.S. and even though he grew up speaking Spanish, he didn’t

Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Luncheon

When: March 7 Where: The Harbert Center Details: Reservations are $60 for general admission and $45 for Girl Scouts members. More info: Visit girlscoutsnca.org or call 800-734-4541, ext. 1030. speak Spanish that much at home,” she said. “I learned to speak Spanish pretty quickly after walking into that first-grade class in Puerto Rico and realizing that no one spoke English.” In fact, Odom was so adept at picking up her father’s native tongue that she quickly mastered Spanish and was able to skip the second and third grades. But just because she had mastered her new home’s language didn’t mean Odom didn’t have her moments of feeling like an outsider. “It can be intimidating when you walk into a room and you’re the only one that doesn’t know the language,” she said. “That was a feeling I never forgot and something I always told my own children about when they were in school. I told them if there was a new student at their school that they should always go up and talk to them and make them feel welcome.” Odom said her advocacy for the Hispanic community in the Birmingham metro area was inspired by all the different people she met growing up and her own journey of feeling like an outsider in a new place. “It’s funny because you don’t think all the things you’ve experienced will affect your life’s path, but it really does,” she said. Odom became involved in the local Hispanic community in the 1990s when a co-worker at Alabama Power noticed that she spoke Spanish. “I was in accounting then, and when my coworker saw that I spoke Spanish, he suggested that I go to the vice president I worked for at the time about working with the growing Hispanic community that was coming into our area at that

time,” she said. From there, Odom started meeting local Hispanic community leaders like Isabel Rubio, the executive director of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. “Now, Isabel’s my best friend,” Odom said. “Some of the best things that have come out of my involvement in the Hispanic community are the friendships and relationships I’ve formed.” Next, Odom joined the Hispanic Business Council of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2001, the group was looking for a way to raise money for Hispanic students attending Alabama colleges and universities. That’s when the idea of Fiesta, a full-scale Hispanic festival, was born. The Hispanic Business Council decided to form a nonprofit organization whose sole mission was to organize and manage a yearly festival to celebrate and raise awareness about the diversity of the Hispanic community in the Birmingham metro area. Odom was a founding member of Fiesta. She said the first year, festival organizers expected only about 1,000 people to show up. But word spread quickly, and the first festival in 2001 in Linn Park in downtown Birmingham attracted about 7,000 people. The festival was held at Linn Park for its first seven years and then moved to the Hoover Met in 2010. The festival returned to Linn Park in 2012 and 2013 and will be held there again this October. To date, Fiesta has been able to raise enough money to give Hispanic students in Alabama $50,000 in scholarships. “It’s something that I’m really happy to be involved in and something that I think is doing a lot of good in our community,” Odom said. She said she feels the same way about being involved in the Girl Scouts. Odom’s career in Girl Scouts began when she was a Brownie in Puerto Rico. “Girls Scouts was huge in Puerto Rico, and my mom, Barbara Zuniga, was always the fun mom that was doing crafts and getting involved. She was our Brownie troop leader, and so when my daughters were old enough, they also got involved in Girl Scouts,” Odom said. Odom said she encouraged her daughters, 22-year-old Ann Marie and 19-year-old Emily, to become Girl Scouts because she remembered how much being a part of the organization had meant to her when she was a young girl. “I was really drawing on my experience with the Girl Scouts and Puerto Rico and how much I learned from my friendships with the girls there,” she said. “I still have friends from the Girl Scout troop in Puerto Rico that I keep up with on Facebook.” Odom said she wanted her daughters to be involved in Girl Scouts because of the skills and independence the organization teaches girls. “It’s about a lot more than looking cute in your uniform and selling cookies,” Odom said. “Girl Scouts learn skills that they will carry with them throughout their whole lives. There’s a real emphasis now on getting girls interested in math and science, and the Girl Scouts are on the leading edge of that.” Girl Scouts learn about budgeting and money management during their annual cookie sales and also learn teamwork and leadership skills, Odom said. “And probably the most important thing they learn is about giving back and about the importance of getting involved in their community and doing everything they can to make things better for everyone in that community,” Odom said. Odom said she is honored to be grouped with the other women who will be honored at the 2014 Women of Distinction luncheon. “It’s an incredible group of women, and I’m honored to have my name next to theirs this year,” she said. Proceeds from the luncheon will provide direct support to Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

People Notes Camp SAM Director Wins Award The program director at Camp Smile-A-Mile recently won the Children’s Oncology Camping Association International’s 2013 Spirit of COCA-I Award. Jennifer Amundsen won the award, which each year is presented to one individual from a member camp who exemplifies the values of COCA-I by providing a meaningful camping and program experience for children affected by childhood cancers. Amundsen joined the Camp SAM staff in 1995. Since that time, she has devoted her life to serving the children of Alabama who are battling cancer. Jennifer Amundsen Officials said she has played an instrumental role in developing Camp SAM’s year-round programs for pediatric oncology patients, young survivors and their families. Camp SAM was established in 1985 and started as a single, weeklong camp that welcomed patients of all ages. It has grown to include year-round programming and seven camp sessions each summer.

Choral Collaboration: Boys Choir, Lyric Soprano Will Perform The Birmingham Boys Choir, in conjunction with Patty McDonald, presented its second in a series of collaborative concerts on Jan. 12. The Sunday afternoon concert featured lyric soprano Christina Villaverde, whose performance included Handel’s “Care Selve” and “Clair de Lune” by Faure. She also included works by Manuel de Falla, Fernando Obradors, Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. Dr. Kathryn Fouse was her accompanist. Both musicians are on the faculty of Samford University. The Birmingham Boys Choir, under the direction of Ken and Susan Berg, presented works by Handel and Bach and a selection of American spirituals such as” Set Down Servant” and “The Saints Go Marchin’!” The choir and Villaverde sang Mendelssohn’s “Hear My Prayer.” The concert was sponsored by Patty McDonald, Dr. and Mrs. Chandler Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Williams. The final concert of this collaborative series will be at 4 p.m. on March 2 at Samford University’s Wright Center Auditorium when Traces of Blue, a nationally-known a cappella jazz group, joins the BBC. Brian Vickers, a former member of the Birmingham Boys Choir, is now a member of Traces of Blue and will perform with the choir at the March concert.

Christina Villaverde, lyric soprano, with piano accompanist Kathryn Fouse. Photo special to the Journal

Lightfoot Earns Eagle Scout Rank with Troop 53 A Mountain Brook resident has earned the highest rank bestowed by the Boy Scouts. Warren B. Lightfoot III, a member of Boy Scout Troop 53, recently earned the Eagle rank after successfully completing all of the requirements, including a service project. Lightfoot’s project involved overseeing the fundraising for and construction Warren B. Lightfoot III of a split-rail fence along the entrance of his church, Mountain Brook Community Church on U.S. 280. Lightfoot’s fundraising efforts were so successful that after the fence construction was paid for, he had enough money left over to donate to the church’s missions programs. In order to achieve the Eagle Scout rank, Lightfoot earned 21 merit badges over five years as a member of Troop 53, which is chartered to St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Mountain Brook. Lightfoot has served in several Scout leadership positions, including senior patrol leader. After being nominated by his troop, he received the Order of the Arrow Award. The Order of the Arrow is the Boy Scouts’ honor society. Lightfoot is a junior at Mountain Brook High School where he plays on the varsity tennis team.  He is the son of Valerie and Warren Lightfoot. He will be presented with the award at a Court of Honor ceremony at St. Peter’s Anglican Church.

OTM Residents Honored at Georgia Tech Several students from the Over the Mountain area were recently honored by the Georgia Institute of Technology. The students earned the distinction

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

of Faculty Honors for the Fall 2013 semester. Those receiving the honor included Harrison Bartlett, Owen Scott and Charles Sides of Vestavia Hills and Madison Luther of North Shelby. Georgia Tech, one of the nation’s leading research universities with more than 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students, is ranked in the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News and World Report.

Dunham Earns Eagle Scout Rank with Troop 83 A Vestavia Hills resident has earned the Boy Scouts’ highest rank. Wills Craven Dunham earned the rank of Eagle Scout on Dec. 12. He is a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Boy Scout Troop 83. Dunham began scouting in the first grade as a Tiger Cub in Cub Scout Pack 352 at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church where he earned the Arrow of Light Award, the Cub Scout’s highest honor. He crossed over to Boy Scout Troop 83 at Dawson Will Dunham Memorial Baptist Church in February 2009. As a member of the Wolf Patrol of Troop 83, Dunham served as patrol leader, historian and assistant senior patrol leader under Scoutmaster Jim Henry. He earned 35 merit badges and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scout honor society. Dunham also earned the Triple Crown Award by backpacking more than 75 miles at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, canoeing more than 100 miles at Northern Tier in Minnesota and Canada and participating in Keys Adventure at Sea Base in the Florida Keys. For his Eagle Scout project, Dunham organized the design, building and installation of a 22-foot pedestrian

bridge crossing the creek on the trail between the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest and Vestavia Hills Elementary Central School. Dunham asked his uncle, local architect Edward Bailey, to design the bridge. He then pitched his idea to the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest board of directors, who unanimously approved the project. Dunham applied for and received a building permit from the city of Vestavia Hills to proceed with the project, which included four major workdays in April and May of 2013 and was completed on May 24. The project was funded by more than $2,700 in donations from family and friends. More than 400 volunteer hours were contributed by family, friends and Scouts. Dunham is a 16-year-old sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School where he is a member of the cross country and track teams, the German Honor Society and the Habitat for Humanity Club. He is also an Explorer with the Vestavia Hills Fire Department and a member of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church.

OTM Resident Wins Humanitarian Award A Mountain Brook resident has been honored with the University of Alabama’s Insurance Humanitarian Award. Thomas J. Curtin Sr. won the award in recognition of his “exemplary life of service and steadfast and selfless dedication to the physical and spiritual well-being of others,” according to a news release. In 2001, Curtin received the Unsung Heroes Award presented by His Holiness the Dali Lama and awarded by Wisdom in Action. He also served on the board of Magic Moments and was chairman in 1996. Curtin is a founding member of The TumTum Tree Foundation, which supports Magic Moments, Kid One Transport, Sickle Cell Foundation, Mitchell’s Place, The Children’s Hospital Intervention & Prevention Services (CHIPS) and other causes. ❖

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On Pointe

From left: Jessica Naftel, Ensley Darnall, Courtney Stephens, Lindsey Lacey and Megan Cottle.

Black-tie Ball Celebrates Alabama Ballet

Photos special to the Journal

T

he Pointe Ball, described as one of Birmingham’s most anticipated black-tie events, was held Jan. 24 at The Club in Homewood. The event celebrated the Alabama Ballet’s season of performances and its professional dancers. All proceeds from the Pointe Ball benefit Alabama Ballet’s outreach and education programs. The event began with an intimate performance by the Alabama Ballet’s professional company members in the ballroom. Following the performance, guests joined Tracey Alvey, artistic director, and members of the company for a gourmet dinner. As dessert was served, the Soul Searchers took the stage to play dance music for guests. Flowers and decorations for the 2014 Pointe Ball were by Hot House Designs. Honorary chairmen for the ball were Susan and Wyatt Haskell. Lindsey Lacey and Jessica Naftel were chairmen. George E. Wilbanks was the corporate chairman. Megan Cottle is Christopher and Lucy Daniel. the executive director of the Alabama Ballet. Those attending the 2014 Pointe Ball included Ensley Darnall, Courtney Stephens, Drs. Susan and Morgan Eiland, Mary Goodrich, Katherine and Jim Hansen, Braxton Goodrich, Mike Goodrich, Allen Kilgore, Elizabeth Goodrich and Scarlotte Kilgore. Also enjoying the evening were Jack Darnall, Dan Thomason, Michael Choy, Page Naftel, Sarah Warburton, Emily Holmes, Carla and Tom Gale, Edna Alderman and Kacy Mitchell. ❖

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Golden Anniversary Event

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Friends of Botanical Gardens Honors Members To continue the yearlong observance of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 50th anniversary, the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens hosted its annual Member Celebration in more photos at the Garden Center on Jan. 23. The evening event’s theme, “Looking Back, Growing Forward,” reflected the rich history of The Gardens and its bright future with Fred Spicer, executive director and chief executive officer. In December 1962, The Gardens opened the Conservatory. In October 1964, the Birmingham Botanical Society, a nonprofit group now known as Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, was formed. The Friends organization oversees strategic, physical and living collections development; provides administrative, operational and garden maintenance support; and raises money for capital projects along with educational, library, membership, volunteer and other public programs. Other special events to celebrate The Gardens’ 50th anniversary will be held throughout the year. Those attending the Member Celebration included Andrew J. Noble, Andrew Krebbs, Fred Spicer, Kim Rafferty, Blake Ells, Charles W. Daniel and Chris Boles. Also attending the event were Christopher Boehm, Courtney Pigford, Dona Musgrove, John Floyd, Ed Meadows, Elizabeth Broughton and Emily Bowron. Others at the celebration were Janie Meadows, Jay Pigford, Kara School, Kristen Murphree, Leah Hazzard, Lyndra Daniel and Mary Boehm. Also attending were Mindy Lalor, Shelly Lindstrom, Tricia Noble, William A. Lalor and Zhaleh McCullers. ❖

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Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Oct. 2013 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the October 17, 2013 issue. Please email or fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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Sinatra Serenade

Silhouettes Celebrate Valentine’s Day Early

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Those attending the Silhouettes Dance Club Valentine’s Day dance were serenaded with Frank Sinatra songs during a surprise performance by Frank Rushing. The club’s early Valentine’s Day celebration was held at a private club in Birmingham on Feb. 1. The dance was planned by chairmen Rose Ann Kendrick, Connie Hinkle and Charlotte Donald. Swaths of hot pink, red and rainbow-colored tulle draped the mirrors at the entrance of the club’s ballroom at the “Kiss Kiss” Valentine’s Day Dance. As they arrived, couples posed for photos in front of a large silhouette of a dancing couple edged in tiny white lights. In the ballroom, tall heart and lip-shaped balloons floated above the tables. After dinner, members danced to the music of The Classics. Club President Fay Hall commended the event’s chairmen for creating a glamorous, delightful evening. Those enjoying the dance at the “You Rock” table were Peggy and Ray Sykes, Beverly and Tom Huddleston, Sylvia and Vernon Patrick and Nancy and J.D. Biggers. Those at the “First Kiss” table were Eleanor Cheatham, Martha and Peyton Norville, Helen and Walter Gay Pittman, Coquette and Bill Barnes and Betty and Dudley Pewitt. Dining at the “Cloud Nine” table were Ann and Fletcher Harvey, Laurie and Charlie Binion, Jan and Robert Collins, Marcia and

Above: From left: Don and Barbara Cook, Margaret and Bill Whitaker and Sylvia and Vernon Patrick. left: Margaret and Tommy Tucker. Photos special to the Journal

Ken Little and Margaret and Joe Langston. Those enjoying the dance at the “Hot Lips” table were Connie Hinkle and Bob Hilley, Susan and Grady Burrow, Margaret and Bill Whitaker, Fay Hall and Deborah and John Sellers. Those at the “Steamy Windows” table were Rose Ann and Rod Kendrick, Martha and Mick Miklic, Jerry and Pat Mills, Susan and Ricky Lewis and Kathleen and George Petznick. Dining at the “Sweetie Pie” table were Nita and Coy Collinsworth, Sue and Bob Kreider, Martha and Paul Chism, Pat and Bill Miller and Charlotte and Glenn Donald. Those celebrating Valentine’s Day at the “Ooh La La” table were Nancy

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Feb. 20, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Rocking and Rolling Please make sure all information is correct,

Assistance League Has 1950s-style Fun

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The Assistance League of Birmingham celebrated a night of Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. 1950s fun Jan. 25 at Virginia Samford if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Theatre in Birmingham. your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. The rock n’ roll fundraiser benefited the three philanthropic programs Thank you for your prompt attention. of Assistance League--PrimeTime Treasures, Operation School Bell and

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Operation Literacy. More than 200 members and their guests enjoyed a cocktail buffet provided by Barbara Just at Christian Catering. Chad Kelly of E&J Gallo Winery and Mike Windham of Supreme Beverage donated wine and beer for the event.

and Lamar Latimer, Martha and Bill Fuller, Sharon and Fred Vines, Barbara and Don Cook and Lovie and John Montgomery. At the “Be Mine” table were Barbara and Bobby Klyce, Audrey and Stu Lindquist, Ginger and Art Sharbel, Margaret and Tommy Tucker and Pat and Burt McVea. Gathered at the “True Love” table were Ann and Marshall Garrett, Gail and Charlie Sharp, Tutter and Chuck Tyndal, Jane and Cecil Culverhouse and Bede and Sam Donnell. Those enjoying the dance at the “Only You” table were Joan and Wally Hinkle, Susan and Bob Barrett, Patsy and Don Sargent, Coleta and Don Newton and Martha and Jack Bartlett. ❖ Spirited bidding took place at the silent auction as those attending bid for trips to the beach, more photos at mountains and lakes along with dining packages for restaurants in the Birmingham metro area. The highlight of the evening was the musical “Buddy--The Buddy Holly Story” presented by actors from Virginia Samford Theatre. Audience members danced to the music of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens. Many of those attending dressed in 1950s attire with poodle skirts, bobby socks, saddle shoes and leather jackets spotted on the guests. Melinda Thornbury chaired the event and was assisted by Char Bonsack, Carol Carlson, Jan Service, Paula Verdu and Mary Ann Wade. For more information on the Assistance League of Birmingham, visit www.assistanceleaguebhm.org. ❖

OTMJ.COM

From left: Sandy Ridgeway, Jan Service and Rochelle Simms. Photo special to the Journal

From left: Mildred Allen-Taub, Elizabeth Ross and Cindy Free. Photo special to the Journal

Passion for the Arts

NSAL Kicks Off New Year of Programs The Birmingham Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters kicked off the new year with a focus on poetry. At the group’s Jan. 15 luncheon meeting at the Country Club of Birmingham, Dr. Kathryn S. McDorman, a retired professor of history at Texas Christian University, presented “A Passion for Poetry.” The members of the local NSAL

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

chapter had a busy year in 2013, including a November luncheon meeting that featured Jack Sharp. Sharp is the former first chair bassoon player with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Sharp discussed the bassoon, oboe and clarinet at the event, which featured fall arrangements as centerpieces. In December, Elizabeth Ross, director of DANCE, a Birmingham-

Success Stories

Women’s Committee Learns about Youth Program The Women’s Committee of 100 recently heard the success stories of students in a youth advancement program. Dr. Jean Westmoreland, the organization’s first vice president, introduced Donta Wilson as the guest speaker at a recent Women’s Committee of 100 luncheon. Wilson, the leader and founder of “I Am My Brother’s Keeper,” explained to members what the program does to help inner city high school students. The program pairs chief executive officers with high school students for a mentoring program. The students in the program have the opportunity to receive college scholarships. Wilson introduced a Woodlawn High School graduate who completed the youth advancement program and is now excelling as a student at Samford University. The goals of the Women’s Committee of 100 are to utilize the knowledge, abilities and skills of its members to increase knowledge and help improve the Birmingham area and the state.  Among those attending the luncheon were President Carolyn Satterfield, Katie Baker Lasker, Elouise Williams, Gayle Byrne, Kate Millhouse, Anne Durward, Caroline Reich, Annie Green, Gale Pugh, Ira Day, Eleanor Cheatham, Kirke Cater, Audrey Lindquist, Gera Comfort, Nelda Osment and Jane Ellis. ❖ From left: Donta Wilson, Carolyn Satterfield, Angela Comfort and Jean Liles. Photo special to the Journal

based contemporary dance company, performed with other dancers at the chapter’s meeting. The dancers demonstrated modern and post-modern dance styles. The December luncheon tables were centered with balsam Christmas trees. Newly-elected NSAL chapter member Marie Lewis was welcomed at the December business meeting, with Chapter President Mildred Allen-Taub presiding. Chapter Vice President Cindy Free introduced the presenters for the December event. Members attending included Edith and Bob Bauman, Zelda Covey, Margie Denton, Fay Hart, Jane Hinds, Helen Hudgens, Ruth Jensen, Melva Jones, Jacqueline Leary-Warsaw, Miriam McClung, Jeannine McElroy, Nancy Morrow, Lu Moss, Libby Odom, Dorothy Parker, Mary Frances Reed, Catherine Rogers, Carolyn Satterfield, Pat Southern, Sue Watkins, Nancy Whitt, Maxine Williams, Janis Zeanah, Mel Robinson, Tallulah Hargrove, Pauline Fugazzotto and William Colvin.

Guests attending the December meeting included Robert Denton,

Jane Paris and Chandler Smith and Bob Hinds. ❖

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18 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

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Guild Gala

Music Club Supporters Attend Fundraiser

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A new moon lit the way to the Birmingham Music Club Guild’s Gala, Rhythm and Muse, at Vestavia Country Club on Feb. 1. Some 200 members and guests enjoyed listening and dancing to the music of BMC Executive Director Ron Bourdages and his City Lights band. The event’s honoree was 1993 scholarship winner Kim Scott, chair of the Alabama School of Fine Arts Music Department. A nationally recognized classical and jazz flutist, Scott performed Albert Franz Doppler’s “Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise.” She was accompanied by Dr. Lucy DeSa, a Guild member. Around the ballroom, party-goers mingled at food stations offering small plates of Creole turkey, shrimp and grits, prime rib, meatballs and brie along with assorted desserts. As the party wound down, Gala Chairman Judy Anderson received a standing ovation for planning an evening to remember along with her cochairman, Marsha Drennen. Cheree Carlton is president of the BMC Guild, which administers a scholarship program benefiting music students in Alabama colleges and universities. Also receiving kudos were Anne Lamkin for planning the menu and Mary-Noel Sellers for coordinating the table centerpieces. Adding sparkle to black-on-black table overlays were arrangements of red roses, guinea hen plants, hydrangeas, nandinas, liriope and other berries in mirrored vases on mirrored mats lit by votive candles. Assisting with decorations were Charlann Anderson, Joy Clark, Kay Clark, Sandra Holley, Marsha Drennen, Anne Lamkin and Nancy Canada.

Beaker Bash

Above: From left: Jim and Marsha Drennen and Judy and Charles Anderson. left: Lochrane and Mell Smith and Elise Warren. Photos special to the Journal

Guild member Angie Holder contributed her professional expertise as the “paparazzi” for the evening. Margaret Hubbard recruited table captains to fill tables of 10. Table captains included Martha Black, Jeanne Bradford, Kay Clark, Marsha Drennen, Janis Zeanah, Sandra Holley, Anne Lamkin, Michael Meeks, Nancy VanWanderham, Nancy Morrow, Jo Self, Michele Smith, Lochrane Coleman Smith, Carolyn Long, Cheryl Casebere, Clay Wheeler and Elaine Clark. Major benefactors included Ivy and Carl Wittichen, Judy and Charles Anderson, Merrill Lynch, Birmingham Printing and Publishing Co., Inc., Arthur Henley, Michael Meeks, Marsha and Jim Drennen, David Henderson, First Partners Bank, Sandra and Elam Holley, Jo and David Self, Kathie and Stewart Welch, Ellen and Russell

Those attending the McWane Science Center’s 13th annual Beaker Bash fundraiser had a chance to flipflopswhatnot@bellsouth.net rub elbows with some of Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 the world’s most famous scientists during an eveFebruary ning of science and fun. This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for the The theme for the Feb. 20, 2014 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. event on Feb. 1 at McWane Science Center please make sure all information is correct, in downtown Birmingham was Bash to the Future. The including address and phone number! event included a time traveler’s journey where guests met those playing the roles of historic scientists like Louis Pasteur, Wernher von Braun and Leonardo da Vinci. please initial and fax back within 24 hours. Marty and Doc from the “Back to the Future” movies if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, made an appearance with their DeLorean. your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. Beaker Bash is the McWane Science Center’s annual Thank you for your prompt a. attention. family-friendly fundraiser. Proceeds directly support statek.a wide science education programs and make field trips to the center affordable for thousands of students each year. Those attending could participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations throughout the building while they Fun Clothes & Other Stuff enjoyed live music and sampled food and drinks. gi l In Historic Downtown Homewood Bash to the Future also featured a retro video game stu ff (next to Three Sheets) lounge where guests could play games popular in the 205-802-7735 1980s and 1990s.

Cunningham, Anne and Tom Lamkin, Lochrane and Mell Gage Smith, Sterne, Agee and Leach, Carolyn and Thad Long,s Royal Cup Coffee, Kay and David Clark, Elouise and Harold Williams, Susan and Douglas Bell, Miriam and Clay Morris, Judy and Andrew Daniel, Lynn and Stephen Briggs and Pat and Gerard Durward. Contributing items to the raffle and auction were Charles Anderson, Angie Holder, Betsy Cooper, Pat Grant, Trocadero, Smart Skin Spa, Golden Rule BBQ, Ron Bourdages and City Lights, Joseph Mitchell, Babs Simpson, Ivy Schuster, Lu Moss, Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, Bromberg’s, Agnew Jewelers, Mary-Noel Sellers and Powell Owens. The live auction conducted by Thagard Granger and Associates made a significant contribution to the fundraiser, organizers said. ❖

Wells Fargo was the presenting sponsor for the 2014 event. Those attending included Roger Hartline, Penny

McWane Event Goes Back to the Future

Perfume

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Bowen Thagard with his wife, Carolyn, and their daughters, Ella and Kate. Photos special to the Journal

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 19

The Legacy League executive committee members are, from left: Jane Lewis, Kathryn Woodruff, Cindy Bartlett, Jeanna Westmoreland, Lisbeth Cease, Paula Gossett, Penny Kimrey, Karen Bergquist and Sharon Smith. Photos special to the Journal

Legacy League Luncheon Samford Group Hears from Two Speakers

More than 200 people braved the cold weather Feb. 6 to attend Samford Legacy League’s Scholarship Luncheon at Vestavia Country Club. The luncheon, which featured author, speaker and songwriter Jennifer Rothschild, was the third of four events sponsored this school year to raise funds for a new need-based scholarship at Samford University. President Karen more photos at Bergquist welcomed guests and told them how thankful she was to be at the luncheon since it was originally set for Jan. 30, a day when many were still snowed in by a winter storm. After lunch, Paula Gossett, vice president for student scholarship and support, introduced Samford President Andy Westmoreland, who shared his own scholarship story. Westmoreland is a first generation college graduate who comes from a family of farmers. When he first enrolled at Ouachita Baptist

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Hartline, Matthew Jackson, Alice Jackson, Ann Monroe Jackson, Otto Jackson, Bowen Thagard, Carolyn Thagard, Ella Thagard and Kate Thagard. Others turning out for the annual fundraiser included Bobby Collier, George Davis, George Trible and Jim Richardson. Also coming out to support the McWane Science Center were men from three generations of one family--Gordon Martin Sr., Gordon Martin Jr. and Walker Martin. ❖

Jennifer Rothschild speaks to the crowd at the luncheon.

University in Arkansas, he didn’t even know what a college credit hour was, he said. From there, he rose to become president of Ouachita before coming to Birmingham in 2006 to serve as president of Samford University. Because of their history and strong belief in helping students through scholarships, Westmoreland and his wife Jeanna are establishing an endowed scholarship in every school at Samford. Jeanna Westmoreland, executive director of the Legacy League, explained the league’s goal of endowing a new scholarship each year. This year’s fund will become the league’s 22nd named scholarship. Thus far, the total endowment for all Legacy League scholarships is more than $1.5 million. This has See legacy league, page 20

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20 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

Weddings & Engagements

Kaylor Marie Otwell, daughter of Bill and Lee Otwell of Birmingham, and Gregory Shannon Bennett, son of Jim and Patricia Bennett of Gardendale, were married on Dec. 28. The ceremony was held at Avondale Villa in historic Avondale

in Birmingham with Joseph Sturgeon, a friend of the couple, officiating. The couple chose an art deco theme for their wedding to complement the architectural style of the villa, which was built in 1931. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a 1930s-inspired ivory silk charmeuse gown in the style of Jean Harlow from Bridal Bliss Gowns in Homewood. The backless dress had a trumpet silhouette and flowing chapel train with a paneled sweetheart bodice. The bride wore a custom art deco gold headband and necklace from local artist Anne Conway of Alabama Funk. Finishing off the bride’s ensemble were fingerless satin and lace gloves and gold T-strap dancing shoes reminiscent of the era. Nancy McArdle, sister of the bride, was matron of honor. Claire Capra was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Cathy Moore,

Corrie Clarkson and Sara Stewart. Cody Buntain served as the best man and host of the wedding. Groomsmen were MacNeal Bennett, brother of the groom; Justin Anthony; Fred Dickinson; and Bruce Coulter. The venue was bedecked with black and gold art deco decorations by the talented Paula Boone, who also designed the flowers and cakes. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed Mediterranean fare while viewing a film created by Charity and Chad Ponter telling the couple’s 14-year love story. Afterwards, the bride and groom handed out glow sticks, and club DJ Vigal Patel delighted guests with some incredible dance mixes. The couple danced the night away with their friends and departed in a white stretch limousine. After a honeymoon trip to Jamaica, the couple lives in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Ratcliffe-Tyson

Mr. and Mrs. Lester O’Neal Hamiter of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Goode Ratcliffe Jr. of Montgomery announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth Bradshaw Ratcliffe, to Thomas Martin Tyson II, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred White Tyson of Montgomery. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morton Lipscomb Carl Jr. of Birmingham and Mrs. Jefferson Goode Ratcliffe Sr. of Selma and the late Mr. Ratcliffe. Miss Ratcliffe is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Alabama, where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She was presented at the Redstone Ball and the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball.

Miss Ratcliffe is employed at Balch and Bingham in Birmingham. Mr. Tyson is the grandson of Mrs. Thomas Martin Tyson Sr. of Montgomery and the late Mr. Tyson and Mrs. David Hume Culver of Huntsville and the late Mr. Culver. Mr. Tyson is a graduate of the Montgomery Academy and the University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Mr. Tyson is employed as the project manager for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce’s economic development team. The wedding will be May 17.

Otwell-Bennett

Wall-Garrison

Mr. and Mrs. Terry Ralph Wall of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Kelly LuAnne Wall, to James Wesley Garrison, son of Mr. James Gregory Garrison and Mrs. Tracy Newman Vincze, both of Birmingham. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence B. Neal and the late Mr. and Mrs. James C. Wall, all of Atlanta.  Miss Wall is a 2001 graduate of Mountain Brook High School.  The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Carol Schleuter of Bourbon, Mo., and the late Mr. Jim Garrison and Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Newman of Birmingham. Mr. Garrison is a 2008 graduate of Oneonta High School and a 2010 graduate of Jefferson State Community College. He is a member of the Army National Guard assigned to the 2101st Transportation Company. The bride and groom are both employed with the Birmingham Zoo. The wedding will be June 14.

McFerrin-White

Mrs. Martha McFerrin and Mr. Jim McFerrin of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Rebekah Anne McFerrin, to Steven White, son of Mr. Eddy White of McCalla and Mrs. James Hardin of West Blocton. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. J.T. Lovell of Dallas and the late Mrs. Juanita Lovell and the late Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy McFerrin of Austell, Ga. The bride is a graduate of Shades Mountain Christian School and attended Jefferson State Community College and the University of Mobile. She is employed with EBSCO. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Marie Dudley and the late Mr. Albert Dudley of McCalla and Mrs. Gladys White and the late Mr. Earl White of Centreville. Mr. White is a graduate of Brookwood High School and is employed with Hancock Construction. The wedding will be March 1.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

English-Schnell

Mr. and Mrs. John Mark English of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Anna Katherine English, to William Tyler Schnell, son of Ms. Kim Callaway Schnell of Vestavia Hills and Mr. Brian Howard Schnell of Columbus, Ohio. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Creth Bassett of Perry, Fla., and the late Mr. Archie Leroy Clemons of Perry and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lindsey English

legacy league, From page 19

enabled the Legacy League to award more than $500,000 in lifechanging scholarships to Samford University, helping provide college educations to more than 75 students who could otherwise not afford them. Scholarship Luncheon Chairman Suzanne Hopkins reminded guests of the Legacy League’s focus this year, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” from Proverbs 29:18. Hopkins then introduced Rothschild. Rothschild spoke on “Losing Sight and Gaining a Vision,” sharing her own story of physical blindness. As a young teen in the late 1970s, Rothschild was interested in art and was working on an art project when she first realized something was wrong with her eyesight. She was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa as a ninth-grader and declared legally blind. By age 15, she had no depth perception, could not distinguish colors and was given a prognosis of total blindness. After graduating high school in Miami, Rothschild said, she yearned for independence and made plans to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University. Suddenly struck with fear the day before she was to travel to college, she made a deal with her mother to stay two weeks and see how things went. During those two weeks, she met Phil, the man who has now been her husband for 27 years. She graduated in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in communication. Those attending the luncheon included Legacy League members,

of Alpharetta, Ga. Miss English is a 2007 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a 2011 magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a dual major in finance and marketing. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority where she served as vice president of recruitment, was a member of the Student Government Association and was a member of Cater Society, Mortar Board, Omicron Delta Kappa honor society and Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Miss English is a financial advisor with Pittman Financial Partners in Birmingham. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Henry Jasper Callaway of Homewood and the late Ms. Patricia Harper Callaway of Dothan and the late Mr. and Mrs. Howard Vick Schnell of Perrysburg, Ohio. Mr. Schnell is a 2007 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a 2012 graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental design. He is project manager with Michael Allen Homes in Auburn. The wedding will be May 3.

their guests and several groups interested in Rothschild’s story. Members of the Prince of Peace Women of Worship said they attended because the group is currently using one of Rothschild’s Bible studies. A number of guests said they were seeking Rothschild’s encouragement due to their own or a family member’s vision loss. The sponsors of this year’s luncheon were Kimeran Stevens, Penny Kimrey, Beth Thorne Stukes, Ashley Mac’s, Edwards Chevrolet, Jewels By Rose, Inc., Kilgore-Green Funeral Home, Beth Simpson and Patty Thorne. The luncheon planning committee was chaired by Suzanne Hopkins and included Cathy Abbott, Lou Ann Booth, Sara Cook and Diane Myers. Decorations were handled by Lisbeth Cease, Chizuru Elliott, Mary Anne Glazner, Sue Martin and Cathy Warren, who had special thanks for Lindsay Kessler for her generosity and assistance with the flowers. Helping publicize the event were Kathryn Woodruff, Julie Cundiff, Susan Desforges, Chizuru Elliott, Mary Anne Glazner, Alisa Hyde, Jane Lewis, Leigh Simmons, Patty Thorne and Cathy Warren. Membership in Legacy League is open to anyone interested in making a difference in the lives of students through need-based scholarships. The group’s next meeting, which is open to the public, is March 13 at the Samford President’s home and will feature special guests Kimberly and Brock Beiersdoerfer, owners of the Heavenly Donut Company. Refreshments are served at 10 a.m., and the program begins at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.samford.edu/legacyleague. ❖

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Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 21

Camp Guide

summer camp

Clockwise from above left photos courtesy of: Alabama Ballet; Samford Theatre for Young Audiences; Camp Mac; Camp McDowell

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

rom traditional to not-so-traditional, summer camp experiences these days are many and varied. Whether your young camper is interested in music, soccer, theater, horseback riding or any number of other activities, you’ll likely find information on an appropriate program in OTMJ’s 2014 Camp Guide. So take a look at the opportunities open to your child this summer. But as you browse through our listings, please be aware that dates and other details are subject to change, and enrollment is often limited. We encourage you to use the contact information provided to verify the exact options available. And our best advice? Register early.

2014 Camp Guide ACADEMICS/ENRICHMENT CAMPS

Alabama School of Fine Arts Adventures in Learning Summer Camps (Day)

Telephone: 252-9241 Address: 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham 35203 Email: jlittle@asfa.k12.al.us Website: www.asfa.k12.al.us Ages: Grades 5-10 Dates: June 2-July 18 Description: Sessions include Theatre Arts, Mo’ Bio: Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Hydrobotics Experience, Kodu Game Programming, Basic Musicianship, Creative Writing, Chemtastic, Envirolab, Visual Arts, Green Innovations, Civil Engineering, Computer Programming Android App, Intermediate Musicianship and Young Dancer Intensive. For full course descriptions and registration forms, visit the ASFA website. Camps are filled on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Altamont Summer 2013 (Day)

Telephone: 879-2006 Address: The Altamont School, 4801 Altamont Road, Birmingham 35222 Email: bcrowe@altamontschool. org Website: www.altamontschool.org/ ourprogram/summer Ages: Grades 3-12 (rising) Dates: June 2-July 11 Description: Courses at Altamont this summer offer exciting options for acceleration, enrichment and credit. The summer session, open to boys and girls, will feature forcredit courses in speech, lab tech, health and geometry as well as camps combining mathematics, English, photography, theater and sports. See website for details.

Baylor School Summer Programs (Day or residential)

Telephone: 423-757-2616 Address: 171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Email: carol_huckaby@

baylorschool.org Website: www.baylorschool.org/ summer Description: Overnight and day camp options available. Programs include lacrosse, distance running, Walkabout Camp (see separate listing in Traditional Camps), enrichment camps and more. Camps take place on the beautiful 200-acre campus of Baylor School, situated on the banks of the Tennessee River. See website for more info.

Hilltop Montessori School (Day)

Telephone: 437-9343 Address: 6 Abbott Square, Birmingham 35242 (Mt Laurel) Email: hms@hilltopmontessori.com Website: www.hilltopmontessori. com Ages: 18 months through eighth grade Dates: Two-week sessions June 9-Aug. 1 Description: This camp offers various topics of interest to kids,

including space exploration, insects, music, cooking and more. All are offered in an accredited Montessori program. See website for details.

Summer at Highlands (Day)

Telephone: 956-9731 Address: Highlands School, 4901 Old Leeds Road, Birmingham 35213 Email: gmccool@highlandsschool. org Website: www.highlandsschool.org Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Description: Throughout the summer, choose from a variety of camps, including arts, sports, science and just plain fun. Highlands strives to offer camps and activities that will enable children to continue learning while having a great time. Traditional day camps, as well as morning and afternoon extended care, are available.

Summer @ Springs (Day) Telephone: 532-1806

Address: Indian Springs School, 190 Woodward Drive, Indian Springs 35214-3272 Email: dray@indiansprings.org Website: www.indiansprings.org/ summer Ages: Grades 4-12 (rising) Dates: June 9-Aug. 1 Description: This summer program offers a series of academic enrichment camps, including SAT/ PSAT prep, science, grammar and writing, wetlands ecology, music production and much more. Before care, after care and lunch options are available. See website for details.

UAB Children’s Creative Learning Center (Day)

Telephone: 996-3540 Address: UAB School of Education, Birmingham 35294 Email: uabsummerprogram@ gmail.com Website: www.uab.edu/cclc Ages: Grades 1-6 (rising) Dates: June 9-July 17 (one-week sessions)

Description: Students will receive private reading training sessions from experts in the field of reading instruction. Interventions will be based upon individual reading assessments, parent surveys and previous teacher surveys. Daily progress reports will be provided at parent conferences at the end of each session. ART CAMPS

Alys Stephens Center’s ArtPlay “Discovering the Visual Arts” Camp (Day)

Telephone: 975-4769 Address: 1006 19th St. South, Birmingham 35294 Email: artplay@uab.edu Website: www.artplayasc.org Ages: 7-12 Dates: Two sessions: June 9-13 and July 21-25 Description: This visual arts camp offers classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts and more. Each day offers a new discovery for kids with the end of camp being their very own art show.

22 • Thursday, February 20, 2014 David Traylor’s Woodshop Studio (Day)

Telephone: 531-4751 Address: Artists on the Bluff, 571 Park Ave., Hoover (Bluff Park) Website: www.woodshopstudio. com Description: Kids can learn creative problem-solving skills while building a piece of furniture. Visit website for details.

Dawson BIG Art Camps (Day)

Telephone: 879-1758 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209 Email: lcuenin@dawsonchurch.org Website: www.dawsonchurch.org Ages: Grades 1-5 (completed) Dates: Session 1–June 9-12; Session II–July 14-17 Description: This art camp is for all skill levels and includes fun projects involving drawing, painting and three-dimensional art. Supplies are provided.

Zentangle Art Camps (Day)

Telephone: 305-2082 Address: Artists on the Bluff, 571 Park Ave., Hoover (Bluff Park) Email: darla@tangledstones.com Website: www.tangledstones.com Ages: 9-15 Dates: Session I (ages 9-11)–June 23-27, morning; Session II (ages 12-14)–June 23-27, afternoon; Session III (for young adults, ages 15 and up)–July 14-18, afternoon. Description: Campers will “tangle” with black ink, white ink and colored gel pens using paper and other fun things for their canvasses. DANCE CAMPS

Alabama Ballet (Day)

Telephone: 322-1874 Address: 2726 1st Ave. South, Birmingham 35233 Email: libbaowen@alabamaballet.

Camp Guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

org Website: www.alabamaballet.org Dates: Summer Program (ages 11-20, by audition)--June 2-28 Junior Camp (ages 8-12): June 23-July 3 Tutus & Tiaras (ages 4-7)--Two sessions: July 21-25 and July 28-Aug. 1 Description: With its state-of-the-art studios and superb instructors, the Alabama Ballet seeks to promote and foster the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high-quality performances, dance education and community outreach.

Birmingham Ballet Academy (Day and evening)

Telephone: 979-9492 Address: 2198 Columbiana Road, Birmingham 35233 Website: www.birminghamballet. com Ages: 2 1/2 and up Dates: Young Ballerina Camp (ages 2 1/2 to 4)–June 23-27 Performing Arts Camp (ages 5-11)–June 9-20 Ballet Summer Intensive Workshop (ages 10 to adult)–June 9-20 Mid-Summer Evening Classes (ages 10 to adult)–July 7-18 Description: Dancers enjoy the opportunity to thrive in a professional yet nurturing environment. Class sizes are limited; performances showcase what the students learn. The BBA’s programs are designed to teach and challenge beginner through advanced and professional level dancers.

Birmingham Dance Theatre (Day)

Telephone: 822-3012 Address: 100 Olde Towne Road, Vestavia 35216 Email: andreadavid10@gmail.com or laciebdt@gmail.com

Ages: 10 and up Dates: June 23-25 Description: This camp offers opportunities for majorettes, dance teams and color guards to learn fundamentals and routines.

DRAMA CAMPS Alys Stephens Center’s ArtPlay “Kids on Stage” Drama Camp (Day)

Camp WheezeAway is a free camp for kids with moderate to severe asthma and includes asthma education and optimal care by medical staff and volunteers. Photo special to the Journal Website: www.bdtdance.com Dates: Summer Intensive (ages 2-adult)--June 9-12, June 16-19 SURGE (ages 7-adult)--June 23-24 Twilight Tots (ages 2-6)--July 7-9 Tots in Motion (ages 2-4)--June 9-12 Tiny Tumblers (ages 2-4)--July 28-31 Pop Star Camp (ages 4-6)--June 16-18 Technique Camp (ages 7-adult)-July 28-21 Summer Jamm for Tots (ages 2-3)-June 10 and 12, June 17 and 19 Summer Ballet Intensive (ages 7-adult)--July 7-Aug. 1 Princess Camp (ages 3-6)--June 2-6 Summer Jamm for Tots (ages 4-5) June 10 and 12, June 9-11 and June 16-18 Description: Age-appropriate classes include ballet, tap, jazz and more. The camps offer a great overall dance experience.

Children’s Dance Foundation (Day)

Telephone: 870-0073 Address: 1715 27th Court South, Homewood 35209 Email: info@ childrensdancefoundation.org Website: www. childrensdancefoundation.org Ages: 1 and up Dates: June 2- Aug. 2 Description: There’s something for everyone at CDT, starting with Parent/Toddler classes for ages 12-24 months. There are also weekly camps involving costumes, the creative arts, dance explorations and theatre camp.

UAB Emerald Auxiliary Camp (Day)

Telephone: 975-2263 Address: 208 Hulsey Center, 950 13th St. South, Birmingham 35294 Email: uabtwirler@yahoo.com Website: www.uabbands.org

Telephone: 975-4769 Address: 1006 19th St. South, Birmingham 35294 Email: artplay@uab.edu Website: www.artplayasc.org Ages: 7-18 Dates: Three sessions: June 2-13 for ages 7-12 (Magic Treehouse: “Dinosaurs before Dark”), June 14-27 for ages 7-12 (Disney’s “Cinderella Kids”) and July 8-26 for ages 12-18 (“Hairspray Jr.”). Description: These two-week experiences provide young actors an opportunity to experience the wonder and detail of theater performance. Campers will be introduced to many aspects of the theater, including improvisation, warm-ups, voice and diction, acting, stage production and more.

Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Broadway Bootcamp (Day)

Telephone: 324-2424 Address: 3028 7th Ave. South, Birmingham 35233 Email: workshops@ redmountaintheatre.org Website: www.redmountaintheatre. org/workshops Ages: 5-21 Dates: June 2-20 Description: Bootcamp offers acting, singing and dancing instruction taught by Birmingham’s best, as well as seasoned professionals from New York and Los Angeles. No auditions are

required for those who have been to an RMTC workshop in the past two years; otherwise, campers must attend placement auditions March 8-9.

Samford University School of the Arts Imagine! Summer Camps (Day)

Telephone: 726-2951 Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham 35229 Email: tcamp@samford.edu or lbyland@samford.edu Website: www.samford.edu/arts/ theatre/imagine.aspx Ages: Grades K4-12 Dates: Two sessions--June 2-6 and June 9-13 Description: Drawing their inspiration from folktales, myths and the classic tale of Robin Hood, students will participate in writing lines for a play; creating backdrops, costumes and props; and performing. Theater games and other activities are also included in this camp experience.

Virginia Samford Theatre’s Camp VST: Adventures in Musical Theatre (Day)

Telephone: 251-1228 Address: Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th St. South, Birmingham 35205 Website: www. virginiasamfordtheatre.org Dates: June 16-20 and 23-27 Description: Kids explore all aspects of working in live theater, including working behind the scenes. In addition to vocal and dance instruction with onstage performances, students will participate in classes that will provide hands-on experience in set building, sound design, makeup, costume design and working within a limited budget.

Take your summer dance training to the next level. Exceptional faculty, incredible results. The Alabama Ballet School

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Alabama Ballet School faculty member and company dancer Kelli Murdock-Sylestine in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante. photo by Melissa Dooley.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 23

Camp Guide

Why your child belongs at the Y Our core values We make our core values - caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—part of everything we do. Our commitment We plan our programs around essential elements to help kids grow up caring and responsible. We call these elements “Developmental Assets.” Our staff We are caring, competent and experienced. Our training includes camp safety, activity planning, CPR, First Aid, and more, making your child’s experience both safe and fun. Low camp staff/child ratios. 1:10 entering grades K-3 1:12 entering grades 4-9. Our promise No child is denied access due to inability to pay. Our pledge We are dedicated to making you and your child’s experiences at the Y extraordinary. At the end of the day, your child will come home with stories of a fun-filled and fabulous day.

MISSION To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. VISION We will lead our community to become the healthiest in America. A United Way Partner.

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camp guide HEALTH/SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

activities, including swimming, sports, games and more. A sibling or friend may attend.

Telephone: 402-0415 Address: Southeastern Diabetes Education Services, 500 Chase Park South, Suite 104, Hoover 35244 Email: info@southeasterndiabetes. org Website: www. southeasterndiabetes.org Ages: 12-18 (senior camp), 6-13 (junior camp) Dates: June 1-6 (senior camp), June 8-13 (junior camp) Description: Camp is held on Lake Martin near Alexander City. Kids with diabetes learn how to manage blood sugar levels and medication, make healthy food choices and remain physically active. Trained adult counselors, physicians and nurses provide safe supervision and fun activities such as swimming, tubing, canoeing, fishing, archery and more.

Camp WheezeAway (Residential)

Camp Seale Harris Senior and Junior Camps (Residential)

Summer@Springs

Extraordinary Day Camps for Extraordinary Young People in Grades 4-12 Standardized Test Preparation Science Discovery Study Skills Essay Writing Boot Camp Algebra Readiness—And More!

Think Smart. Think Springs.

Registration and Information: www.indiansprings.org/summer

I NDIAN S PRINGS S CHOOL

Nationally Ranked Boarding & Day School for Grades 8-12 Located 12 miles south of Birmingham off I-65 205.988.3350

BaseBall

casey dunn summer camps 2013

YouTh BaseBall Camps

June 16-19, June 23-26, July 14-17 and July 28-31 Grades K-7, $150, 9 a.m.-noon

Fundamentals, including hitting, fielding, throwing, running bases, and game simulations.

hiGh sChool spoTliGhT Camp

July 21-23 • Grades 8 - 2014 Graduates • $335 Day 1 - 2:30-9 p.m., Day 2 - 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Day 3 - 9 am-noon

This camp is designed for players to receive instruction and showcase their talent for college coaches throughout the state

Benefits

• one-on-one instruction • daily games • instruction in all areas of baseball • exposure to many different coaches • Samford Baseball Camp t-shirt

Bring

• baseball glove and hat • baseball cleats and tennis shoes • baseball pants and shorts • a willingness to work hard and get better

Check in starts 30 minutes prior to first day of camp!

The camp is open to any and all registrants. Registration information can be obtained online at www.subaseballcamps.com or call 205-726-4294

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Camp Sugar Falls (Day)

Telephone: 402-0415 Address: Southeastern Diabetes Education Services. 500 Chase Park South, Suite 104, Hoover 35244 Email: info@southeasterndiabetes. org Website: www. southeasterndiabetes.org Ages: 5-15 Dates: Birmingham--July 28-31, Dothan--June 23-26, Huntsville-July 7-10, Mobile--July 28-31, Tuscaloosa--July 7-10 Description: Children with diabetes learn independence in managing blood sugar levels and medication, making healthy food choices and being physically active. Trained adult counselors with diabetes team up with physicians and nurses to provide safe supervision and fun

Telephone: 334-799-3229 or 334229-0035 Address: P.O. Box 2336, Montgomery 36102 (Camp held at Camp Chandler in Wetumpka) Email: brendabasnight@yahoo.com Website: www.campchandler.org Ages: 8-12 Dates: June 1-6 Description: This free camp for kids with moderate to severe asthma includes asthma education and optimal care by medical staff and volunteers. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities while learning to manage asthma without it managing them.

Mitchell’s Place Summer Camp (Day) Telephone: 957-0294 Address: 17051 Liberty Parkway (Liberty Park Elementary), Birmingham 35242 Email: snaramore@mitchells-place. com Website: www.mitchells-place.com Ages: 6-18 Dates: June 2-July 31 Description: Mitchell’s Place Camp is designed to address basic skills of teamwork, self-esteem, selfregulation, indoor and outdoor games, educational activities and social skills for children on the autism spectrum. Participants receive weekly reports describing specific activities and skill performance.

The Exceptional Foundation (Day) Telephone: 870-0776 Address: 1616 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209

Email: gbastar@ exceptionalfoundation.org Ages: 5 and up Website: www. exceptionalfoundation.org Dates: June 9-Aug. 1 Description: The Exceptional Foundation strives to meet the social and recreational needs of children and adults with special needs. Activities include swimming, bowling, art, sports and field trips to the Birmingham Zoo, McWane Center and much more. Call or email Ginny Bastar for more information. LANGUAGE/WRITING CAMPS

Ada Long Creative Writing Workshop (Day)

Telephone: 934-8583 Address: Spencer Honors House, Birmingham 35294 Email: brazielj@uab.edu Website: www.uab.edu/cas/english/ events/ada-long-creative-writingworkshop Ages: High school Dates: June 2-20 Description: This three-week workshop is for high school students interested in creative writing for personal enrichment, as preparation for university work in creative writing and as an introduction to creative writing as a career. Activities include directed writing exercises, small group/ workshop discussions of students’ work, individual conferences with instructors and related enrichment activities.

Red Mountain Writing Project Summer Writing Camps (Day)

Telephone: 934-7896 Address: UAB School of Education, 901 13th St. South, Birmingham 35294 Email: writingcamp@uab.edu Website: www.uab.edu/

camp Guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Enroll for Summer Now! Young Ballerina Camp Ages 2 1/2 - 4 Date: June 23 - 27

Performing Arts Camp

Ages 5 - 11 (Beginning-Intermediate) June 9 - 20: one or two week session

Ballet Summer Intensive Workshop Ages 10 - Adult (Intermediate -Advanced) June 9 - 20: one or two week session

Mid-Summer Evening Classes

Ages 10 - Adult (Intermediate -Advanced) July 7 - 18: two week session Birmingham Ballet Academy provides world-class training in an inspiring atmosphere to give your child a rewarding dance experience.

Your child can experience up-close animal encounters, train and carousel rides, fun in the splash fountains and guided tours of the Zoo. The best place for summer fun is at a Birmingham Zoo Camp! The Zoo has exciting full-day and half-day camps for children going into 4K through 8th grade. Register today!

Birmingham Ballet Academy 2198 Columbiana Road - in Vestavia (205) 979-9492 www.birminghamballet.com

OUR BRAND NEW CAMPS! • Zoomazing Jr. ZooKeeper Camp • Zoomazing ZooKeeper Camp

For more information and to register visit www.birminghamzoo.com/summer-camps or call 205.879.0409. *Before Care, After Care and Lunch are available at an additional cost.

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 25

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Camp guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Fun as big as all outdoors! This summer why not try something fun and adventurous, like climbing, camping, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, caving, hiking, camping and more? No outdoor experience necessary, just an adventurous spirit, an enthusiastic attitude, and a willingness to try new things and make new friends! Session 1: June 15 - 27, 2014 Session 2: July 6 - 18, 2014

Reserve your spot in the great outdoors! >> (423) 267-8506, ext. 412 | tmoore@baylorschool.org | baylorschool.org

redmountainwritingproject/ Ages: High school and middle school Description: High school students: Week 1 (May 27-30)--Writing for the ACT; Week 2 (June 2-6)--Writing a College Admission Essay. Middle school students: Week 1 (May 27-30)--Making Mystery; Week 2 (June 2-6)--Stake Your Claim; Week 3 (June 9-13)--House International Minus the House; and Week 4--Making a Difference (June 16-20). MUSIC CAMPS

Adventures in Music Camp at Samford (Day)

Telephone: 726-4049; 726-2810 Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham 35229 Email: chmacon@samford.edu Website: www.samford.edu/ academy-of-the-arts Ages: Grades 1-12 Dates: June 16-20 (piano only); July 7-11 (piano or voice) Description: These one-week intensive music camps include private lessons, ensemble, theory, literature classes, games and recreation as well as solo and ensemble recitals.

All Aboard for Music Camp at Samford (Day)

Telephone: 726-4049; 726-2810 Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham 35229 Email: chmacon@samford.edu Website: www.samford.edu/ academy-of-the-arts Ages: 3-6 Dates: July 14-18 Description: This camp offers a fabulous learning experience for preschoolers. Activities include singing, movement, listening activities, crafts, instruments of the orchestra, learning centers, guest artists, a daily snack and more.

Birmingham School of Music (Day)

Telephone: 969-8763 Address: 800 Old Towne Road, Vestavia Hills 35216 Website: www. birminghamschoolofmusic.com Ages: 7 and up, all skill levels Dates: June 23-July 25 Description: Musical Theater/Vocal Camp, June 23-27; Guitar Camp, June 9-13; Rock n’ Roll Band Camp, July 7-11; Drum Set Camp for beginners, July 14-18 and for intermediate/advanced students on July 21-15.

Birmingham-Southern College Conservatory Music and Theatre Camp (Day) Telephone: 226-4960 Address: 900 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham 35254 Email: lvictory@bsc.edu Website: www.bsc.edu/academics/ music/conservatory/index.cfm Ages: K5-Grade 5 Dates: June 16-20 Description: This camp allows kids to experience music firsthand with classes in piano, hand bells, recorder, choir, dramatic games, improvisation and story-telling. Campers should bring lunch; snacks are provided. There will be a camp showcase on the final day.

Dawson Music Academy Summer Music Camp: Instruments of Praise (Day) Telephone: 871-7324 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 27

Camp Guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

(residential/commuter) Dates: Day camps--June 9-13; July 7-11. Residential/commuter camps--June 15-19; June 22-26; Aug. 1-3 Description: Skill development and training, small and large group tactics and 11 v. 11 games provide opportunities for players to learn and improve every aspect of their game. Some of the best coaches and players in the country are eager to share their knowledge and skills with campers.

Email: lhumphries@dawsonchurch. org Website: www.dawsonchurch.org Ages: Grades K-5 (completed) Dates: June 16-20 Description: This camp features instrumental instruction for voice, strings (violin, viola and cello), piano and guitar at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Introductory classes are available. Students participate in various music theory, chamber groups or music history classes. Afternoon sessions offer electives such as a mini-musical, art, drawing, computer music and praise band basics.

Preston Goldfarb’s “Excellence through Fundamentals” Soccer Camp (Day or residential)

Woodlawn Music Technology Summer Camp (Day)

Telephone: 592-2222 Address: Audiostate 55 Recording Studios, 4 South 55th Place, Birmingham 35212 Email: info@audiostate55.com Website: www. woodlawnmusictech.org Ages: Middle through high school (rising) Dates: Weeklong sessions June 16-July 25 Description: This camp is designed to build awareness of college and career opportunities in the fields of music production and recording engineering. Students are exposed to the latest music and video production tools, including GarageBand, Pro Tools, Reason, iMovie and Media Composer, while learning how to create professional music and video recordings.

UAB Music Technology Camp (Day)

Telephone: 975-8722 Address: 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham 35294 Email: slpmusic@uab.edu Website: www.musictechcamps. com Ages: Grades 7-12 Dates: June 2-6; June 9-13; June 16-20 Description: This camp provides students the opportunity to gain exposure to the vast array of computer-based technologies for the creation, performance and study of music. Students will work in UAB’s state-of-the-art music technology lab, learning about audio recording, live sound production, MIDI and audio sequencing. The camp also will enhance awareness of college and career opportunities in the field.

Vestavia Hills UMC Music and Arts Camp (Day) Telephone: 769-0114 Address: 2061 Kentucky Ave., Vestavia Hills 35216 Website: www.vhumc.org Ages: Grades K-5 Dates: July 14-18 Description: This camp includes music, instruments, singing, drummer and other arts for elementary-age children. A final concert will take place at noon on July 18. SCIENCE/NATURE/ TECHNOLOGY CAMPS

Aldridge Botanical Gardens Summer Camps (Day)

Telephone: 682-8019 Address: 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover 35216 Website: www.aldridgegardens. com Ages: Grades K-3 (rising) Dates: One-week sessions in June Description: Aldridge Gardens offers an exciting variety of camps for kids, including American Girls,

Budding actors and actresses can learn acting, singing and dancing from some of Birmingham’s best professionals, as well as seasoned instructors from New York and Los Angeles at the Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Broadway Bootcamp. Photo special to the Journal World of Make-Believe: Wizards and Fairies, Astronauts at Aldridge, Tales and Treasures, It’s a Buggy World, Nature Sleuths, Critter Detectives and more. See website for more details and registration information.

Aviation Adventure Camp at Southern Museum of Flight (Day)

Telephone: 833-8226 Address: 4343 73rd St. North, Birmingham 35206 Website: www. southernmuseumofflight.org Ages: 7-15 Dates: TBA Description: Campers will learn fundamentals of flight and aviation history and perfect their skills as virtual pilots in the Flight Simulator Lab. Early drop-off and late pickup options are available. Lunch is included. Enrollment is limited.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Day)

Telephone: 414-3953 Address: 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham 35223 Email: ehardy@bbgardens.org Website: www.bbgardens.org/ summercamps Ages: Grades K4-6 (rising) Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Description: These age-appropriate summer programs are designed to actively promote children’s natural sense of creativity and discovery with fun learning experiences at The Gardens.

Birmingham Zoo 2014 Zoofari Summer Camp (Day)

Telephone: 397-3877 Address: 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham 35223 Email: education@birminghamzoo. com Website: www.birminghamzoo. com/summer-camps Ages: K4-Grade 8 Dates: May 27-Aug. 15 (Weeklong sessions) Description: The Birmingham Zoo has a variety of Zoofari camps where children can experience up-close-and-personal interaction with animals, have fun and learn. Themes include Awesome Animal Oddities, Zoo Done It?, Creative Creatures Art Camp, Jammin’ in the Jungle Theater Camp and more.

Camp CSI Birmingham (Day) Telephone: 934-8474 Address: 1201 University Blvd., Birmingham 35294

Email: jglinvil@uab.edu Website: www.uab.edu/cas/justicesciences/camp-csi Ages: 15-18 (includes grade 10 rising and graduated seniors) Dates: June 23-27 Description: This camp will show high school students the reality behind the forensic science depicted in such television dramas as “CSI,” “CSI: New York” and “NCIS” and is designed to develop students’ interest in science and the scientific method. It will also provide information on forensic science education and career opportunities.

Material Camp at UAB (Day)

Telephone: 934-3271 Address: 1150 10th Ave. South, (BEC 254), Birmingham 35294 Email: genau@uab.edu Website: www.uab.edu/matcamp Ages: Grades 11 and 12 (rising) Dates: June 9-13 Description: For students interested in engineering or applied science, Materials Camp provides an opportunity to explore the world of engineering materials by building stuff, breaking stuff and much more. Highlights include working in labs with UAB faculty members and students, field trips and a design competition. The program is free.

McWane Science Center Summer Camps (Day)

Address: 200 19th St. North, Birmingham 35203 Website: www.mcwane.org/ camps_and_more/camps/ summercamp Ages: K4-Grade 9 Dates: June 2- Aug. 8 Description: McWane Science Center Camps make learning an unforgettable adventure. Various themes and activities allow kids to experience something new each day. Flexible programming gives parents options ranging from an afternoon of exploration to full weeks of learning fun. SPORTS CAMPS

Alabama’s Court Elite at Highland Park Tennis Center (Day)

Telephone: 251-1965 Address: 3300 Highland Ave. South, Birmingham 35205 Email: academytennis@gmail.com Website: www.academytennis.com Dates: Beginning in June Ages: 4 and up (boys and girls) Description: ACE Tennis Academy camps provide participants of varying ages and skill levels

with an organized agenda of opportunities for a quality tennis experience. Campers learn that attitude and effort are everything when trying to accomplish goals both on and off the court.

Ambassador Soccer Camp and Jr. Ambassador Soccer Camp at Briarwood (Day)

Telephone: 776-5114 Address: 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham 35243 Email: rleib@briarwood.org Website: www.briarwoodsoccer. com Dates: Ambassador--July 7-11 (competitive and rec players, age 7-14) Jr. Ambassador--July 14-18 (great for beginners, ages 4-10) Description: Run by Briarwood Soccer Club, these camps help develop and improve soccer skills and test kids’ abilities against others of the same age and skill level. These are fun-filled weeks of playing soccer and learning what it means to be an ambassador for Christ on and off the field.

Blackjack Farms Summer Horsemanship Camp (Day)

Telephone: 956-8532 Address: 2420 Burns Lane, Birmingham 35210 Email: ellen.blalock@gmail.com or ellen@blackjackgardens.com Website: www.blackjackfarms.net Ages: 6 and up Dates: June 10-12, July 8-10 (advanced camp) and July 22-24 Description: Blackjack summer camp teaches English riding lessons along with horsemanship skills. Other activities include arts and crafts, picnics, swimming, field trips and more.

Dawson Basketball Camp (Day)

Telephone: 879-1758 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209 Email: lcuenin@dawsonchurch.org Website: www.dawsonchurch.org/ recreation Ages: Grades 1-5 (completed) Dates: May 27-30 Description: The Dawson Basketball Camp is fun for kids of all basketball skill levels.

Mike Getman Soccer Camp (Day or residential)

Telephone: 870-0194 Email: info@uabsoccercamp.com Website: www.uabsoccercamp. com Ages: 5-12 (day); 10-18

Telephone: 226-4895 (office) or 602-3505 (cell) Address: Birmingham-Southern College, 900 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham 35254 Email: pgoldfar@bsc.edu Website: www.bscsports.net/ soccercamps Ages: 7-18, boys and girls Dates: June 8-12; June 15-19; June 22-26 (Sunday-Thursday schedule) Description: This camp is focused on developing the player through intense training designed to increase technical ability and tactical awareness. Its goal is to teach the game through an emphasis on limiting numbers in groups and maximizing touches in training.

Samford University Baseball Camps (Day and residential)

Telephone: 726-4294 Address: Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham Website: www. samfordbaseballcamps.com Ages: Grades K-12 Dates: Youth Camps--June 16-19, June 23-26, July 14-17 and July 28-31 High School Spotlight Camp--July 21-23 Description: These age-appropriate baseball camps are designed to maximize the camp experience so that campers enjoy the game and become better players. Sessions are led by the Samford baseball staff, current and former Samford players, other college players, college coaches and high school coaches. TRADITIONAL CAMPS

Alpine Camp for Boys (Residential)

Telephone: 256-634-4404 Address: 138 County Road 619 (P.O. Box 297), Mentone 35984 Email: summer@alpinecamp.com Website: www.alpinecamp.com Ages: Grades 1-9 Dates: May 27--July 30 (two-week and four-week options available) Description: Situated on the crest of Lookout Mountain, Alpine provides the perfect setting for a summer at camp. Campers can ride horses, play tennis or climb a ropes course. Events include a Fourth of July celebration, Mountain Day celebration and Trip Day. Each night concludes with activities ranging from cabin campout to slaughterball in the gym.

Camp Dovewood (Day or residential)

Telephone: 386-935-0863 Email: campdovewood@ windstream.net Website: www.campdovewood.org Ages: 7-14 (Leadership program available to ages 15-16) Dates: June 15-July 26 (one-week and two-week sessions available)

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Camp Guide

Description: This North Florida interdenominational Christian camp for girls offers 24 activities. Known for its equestrian program, Dovewood is accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association and the American Camping Association and is a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association.

Ages: Grades 1-8 (rising) Dates: May 27-Aug. 15 Description: LJCC Summer Day Camps, offered by the week, are open to everyone. Parents can mix and match traditional day camp with specialty camps and sports to provide a summer experience tailored to their children’s interests and needs. A new Teen Specialty Camp is for older kids.

Camp Fletcher (Day or residential)

Telephone: 428-1059 Address: 5150 Fletcher Road, Bessemer 35022 Email: campfletcher@campfire-al.org Website: www.campfire-al.org Description: Located on a quiet and secluded 300-acre site five miles from Exit 1 on Interstate 459, Camp Fletcher offers traditional resident and day camp programs, facility rentals and outdoor educational and leadership experiences that help youth and families develop a strong connection to nature and healthy, active habits to last a lifetime.

Camp Mac (Residential)

Telephone: 362-7449 Address: 2671 Cheaha Road, Munford 36268 Email: office@campmac.com Website: www.campmac.com Description: Owned and operated by the McBride family since 1948, Camp Mac is on the shores of two lakes in the Talladega National Forest, one hour from Birmingham. There are separate programs for boys and girls. Activities include horseback riding, zip lining, banana boating, cookouts, campfires and much more. Space is limited, so early registration is advised.

St. Peter’s Child Development Center (Day)

Girls ages 8-16 can get a structured traditional camp experience at Camp Nakanawa for Girls in Crossville, Tenn. The camp offers swimming, diving, canoeing, sailing, archery, horseback riding, arts and crafts and much more. Photo special to the Journal 38571 Email: campnak@frontiernet.net Website: www.campnakanawa.com Ages: 8-16 Dates: Two-week session--June 15-28; four-week session--June 30-July 27 Description: Camp Nakanawa is a structured traditional camp for girls offering swimming, diving, canoeing, sailing, arts and crafts, music, drama, tennis, games, archery, horseback riding and more.

Dates: May 27-Aug. 1--weeklong sessions. (No camp July 4.) Description: Hargis offers a traditional camp experience with activities such as canoeing, fishing, and archery. Campers also learn the four core values-caring, respect, honesty and responsibility--as well as youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Telephone: 387-1806 Address: 105 DeLong Road, Nauvoo 35578 Email: susanna@campmcdowell.com Website: www.campmcdowell.com Ages: Grades 1-12 (rising) Dates: See schedule on website. Description: Adjacent to Bankhead National Forest, Camp McDowell is a supportive Christian community where young people grow and develop respect for others and the world around them. Activities include hiking, canoeing, arts and crafts, swimming, ropes course, soccer, softball, games, Capture the Flag and more.

Camp Sumatanga (Residential)

Telephone: 879-1092 Address: 112 West Hawthorne Road, Homewood 35209 Email: bhardin@allsaintsbirmingham.org Website: www.allsaintsbirmingham.org/preschool Ages: 1-6 Description: This program features a fun and active curriculum centered on summer themes. Music, creative movement, chapel and art are included.

Camp Nakanawa for Girls (Residential)

Camp Walkabout at Baylor School (Residential)

Camp McDowell (Day or residential)

Telephone: 931-277-3711 Address: 1084 Camp Nakanawa Road, Crossville, TN

Telephone: 256-538-9860 Address: 3616 Sumatanga Road, Gallant 35972 Email: info@sumatanga.org Website: www.sumatanga.org Ages: 4-18 (counselor programs available for 18 and up) Dates: June 8-July 25 Description: Camp Sumatanga offers traditional camp programs plus Princess Camp (girls only), sports camps, adventure camps, theater camps and horse camps, all with an emphasis on building strong Christian friendships. Telephone: 423-267-8506, ext. 412 Address: 171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Email: tmoore@baylorschool.org Website: www.baylorschool.org/summer/overnightcamps/summer-walkabout-camp/index.asp Ages: 11-14 Dates: Session 1--June 15-27; Session 2--July 6-18 Description: This camp is for any boy or girl with an adventurous spirit and a craving for fun. Campers will climb, cave, hike and camp as well as paddle board, kayak, canoe and swim.

Camp Winnataska (Residential)

A.C.E. Tennis Academy at Highland Park will be offering weekly summer camps for children of all ages and abilities beginning in June 2014. Our objective is to provide participants with an organized agenda of opportunities for a quality tennis experience. Campers will learn that their attitude and effort are everything when trying to accomplish goals both on and off the court.

—QuiCk STArT—Ages: 4-7—

Your child will learn basic tennis skills, while building a foundation for future development.

—FuTurES—Ages: 8 & up—

This is for the player who is new to the game. We will learn all basic fundamentals, tennis rules, etiquette and more.

—CHAllEngEr—

This is for the player who has had some instruction and has played team tennis and/or tournaments.

—TOP gun—

These players already have a State, Sectional and/or a National ranking. Highland Park Tennis Center. 3300 Highland Ave. S. B'ham, AL 35205

205.251.1965

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Telephone: 640-6741 Address: 260 Winnataska Drive, Pell City 35128 Email: info@winnataska.org Website: winnataska.org Ages: Grades 1-10 (rising) Dates: June 8- July 26 Description: Camp Winnataska has been considered “Christian Camping at Its Best” since 1918. The camp offers programs such as horseback riding, canoeing, swimming, ropes courses, archery and crafts. Themed activities include Country Night, Indian Night, Holy Grail Night and Mission Impossible Night.

Camp Woodmont on Lookout Mountain (Residential)

Telephone: 423-472-6070 Address: 381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, GA 30731 Email: alyson@campwoodmont.com Website: www.campwoodmont.com Ages: 6-14 (boys and girls) Dates: June 1-July 31 (one-week and two-week sessions available) Description: This camp with a Christian atmosphere features traditional activities, including a climbing wall with zip line and high ropes course, archery, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, noncompetitive sports, arts, crafts and more. The camp is ACA accredited. Its open house is May 18.

YMCA Hargis Retreat

Telephone: 678-6512 Address: 928 Hargis Drive, Chelsea 35043 Email: cshores@ymcabham.org Website: www.ymcabham.org/hrdaycamp Ages: 5-15

VARIETY/SPECIALTY CAMPS

All Saints’ Episcopal Preschool (Day)

Bruno Montessori Academy (Day)

Telephone: 995-8709 Address: 5509 Timber Hill Road, Birmingham 35242 Email: Rebecca@jbma.org Website: www.jbma.org Ages: 3 years-Grade 8 Dates: May 26-July 18 Description: From practical skills to sports, Bruno Montessori will offer a variety of camps this summer with full and half-day options available. Preschool programs include: Green Adventure, Gardening, Baking and Tasting, Week at the Beach, Arts and Crafts, Build with Legos and Yoga and Dance. Elementary options include Soccer Camp, Outdoor Exploration Camp, Perspective (presented by ArtPlay), The Masters (presented by ArtPlay), Theater Camp (presented by Virginia Samford Theatre) and Science Camp: BodyWorks! (presented by the UAB Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology).

Camp Briarwood (Day or overnight)

Telephone: 776-5237 Address: 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham 35243 Email: quest@briarwood.org Website: www.campbriarwood.org Ages: Grades 1-8 (rising) Dates: June 9-July 21 Description: Camp Briarwood attracts campers from several states. Programs offered are: Day Camp (grades 1-2 rising), Overnight Camp (grades 3-8 rising) and Special Connections (campers with special needs). See website for more details.

Dawson Day Camps (Day)

Telephone: 879-1758 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham 35209 Email: lcuenin@dawsonchurch.org Website: www.dawsonchurch.org/recreation Ages: Grades 1-5 (completed) Dates: Session I--June 16-20; Session II--June 23-27; Session III– July 14-17 Description: Camp takes place at Camp Dawson near Calera. Campers meet at the church’s Family Recreation Center each morning and travel by bus to camp. Activities include archery, swimming, BB guns, recreation, crafts, small group time, high ropes course and a climbing wall.

Levite Jewish Community Center (Day)

Telephone: 879-0411 Address: 3960 Montclair Road, Birmingham 35213 Email: jklein@bhamjcc.org Website: www.bhamjcc.org

Telephone: 822-9461 Address: 2061 Patton Chapel Road, Hoover 35216 Email: stpeterscdc@gmail.com Website: www.stperterscdc.com Ages: 2 months-Grade 3 Dates: MDO/Preschool--June 2-July 25; Day Camp-May 27-Aug. 1 Description: Programs offer fun-filled activities throughout the summer months, including water play, sports, arts and crafts, cooking and more.

UAB Rec Summer Camps (Day)

Telephone: 996-4937 Address: 1501 University Blvd., Birmingham AL 35294 Email: cjudkins@uab.edu Website: www.uab.edu/campusrecreation Ages: 5-16 Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Description: This camp offers 10 consecutive weeks of diverse programming with options of before-care and after-care. Kids will have opportunities to explore active sports, creative crafts, different cultures and more. Weekly themes and dates are on the web page.

Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Summer Days (Day)

Telephone: 822-9631 Email: slee@vhumc.org Website: www.vhumc.org/summerdays/ Ages: Grades K-5 (completed) Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Website: www.vhumc.org Description: Summer Days at VHUMC provides a weekly themed-based camp where children can explore a new topic each week. Themes include Art of Wonder, Farm to Table, Stars and Stripes, Mission Blast Off and more. See website for details.

Vestavia Hills YMCA (Day)

Telephone: 823-0144 Address: 2086 Columbiana Road, Birmingham 35216 Website: www.ymcabham.org/vestavia Description: The mission of the YMCA is “to put JudeoChristian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body.” With the Vestavia Hills YMCA, children participate in a camping program that offers good supervision, safety, fun and personal growth.

YMCA Hargis Retreat (Day)

Telephone: 678-6512 Address: 928 Hargis Drive, Chelsea 35043 Email: cshores@ymcabham.org Website: www.ymcabham.org/hrdaycamp Ages: 5-15 Dates: May 27-Aug. 1--weeklong sessions. (No camp July 4.) Description: Hargis offers several specialty camps for grades 4 and up. Activities include adventure sports, mountain biking, fishing, outdoor survival, ultimate Frisbee, rock climbing and more.

Summer Camps at the Y (Day)

Telephone: 801-YMCA Address: 2101 Fourth Ave. North, Birmingham 35203 Website: ymcabham.org/ycampismore Ages: 5-18 Dates: May 27-Aug. 1 Description: The YMCA’s core values--caring, honesty, respect and responsibility--are part of each camp session. Programs are planned around essential elements to help kids become caring and responsible. Staff training includes camp safety, activity planning, CPR, first aid, and more. The camp has low staff/child ratios, and no child is denied access due to inability to pay. For more information, visit the website or call a Birmingham area YMCA. Alabaster Family YMCA--663-7240 Greystone Family YMCA--981-0144 YMCA Hargis Retreat--678-6512 Hoover Family YMCA--682 1399 Northeast Family YMCA--833-7616 Pelham Family YMCA--664-9622 Shades Valley Family YMCA--870-9622 Trussville Family YMCA--655-2224 Vestavia YMCA--823-0144 Western Area Family YMCA--923-1195 YMCA Youth Center--324-1643

fashion

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 29

Triple Treat

Pink Tulip Will Open Third Store By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

The designers behind the North Shelby-based three07 met as college students at the University of Alabama. From left: Melissa Grimes, Courtni Tyre and April Moore. Photos special to the Journal

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Trendy Trio

When the designers behind the North Shelbybased three07 women’s clothing line randomly took seats in their first fashion class at the University of Alabama in 2004, they said they never imagined the chance meeting would lead them to form a company—and deep friendships. April Moore, Courtni Tyre and Melissa Grimes were all pursuing bachelor’s degrees in apparel and textiles design at UA when they struck up a conversation in class and became fast friends with a common goal—to break into the fashion industry. “We just hit it off and formed a friendship,” Tyre said. “It was easy for us to work together from the very beginning. We did all of our (school) projects together, and it worked well because all brought different strengths to the table.” That friendship and easy collaboration led the college friends to open their own design business, three07, in 2010 after they had all graduated with bachelor’s degrees in apparel and textiles design. But to this day, the women marvel at how many things had to fall in place for them to realize their dream. Tyre, a native of Dothan, is the only one of the three women who set her sights on a career in the fashion industry at an early age. “I grew up always wanting to design,” Tyre said. “I was sketching all the time, but I didn’t learn to sew until I was in college.” And even though Tyre knew she wanted to work in the fashion industry, she entered UA as a psychology major. “Then I decided that I really wanted to follow my passion,” she said. “It was scary to make that phone call to my mother to tell her I was going to switch over to design, but I knew I

they first met. “Luckily, we all decided early enough that we didn’t get behind in the design classes,” Tyre said. During their college years, the three would often talk about starting their own design business, but as graduation day came and went, their plans were diverted. Grimes joined the Peace Corps after she, Tyre and Moore graduated from UA in 2007. She spent two years working in West Africa. Even though she was thousands of miles away from her college design partners and friends, fashion was still very much on her mind. “I went in as an agriculture volunteer and ended up working in the small business section,” Grimes said. “I worked with girls who were learning to sew and were selling their work to make money. It was really perfect. I think it was fate.” During the two years Grimes was serving in the Peace Corps, Tyre and Moore were also fashion focused. “We knew we still wanted to start our own design house, but we knew we wanted to wait on Melissa to get back,” Moore said. “So in the meantime, Courtni and I brainstormed on how to break into the market.” During a phone conversation about niche markets in the fashion industry, Tyre and Moore started talking about an emerging trend they had both noticed. “Game day fashion was just starting to be a trend at that time, and we thought there was a great market for high-quality clothing in that market,” Moore said. When Grimes returned to Alabama, the trio hit the ground running with their game day fashion idea. They formed three07, LLC in late 2010. The name of the company is a nod to the three friends’ college graduation date. “We didn’t introduce our first line until 2011, so we had a whole year to get everything ready,” Tyre said. “It was great to be working together again.” The friends debuted their game day fashion line in 2011, and sports fans across the Southeast gave the fledging company a healthy start.

College Friends Start Their Own Design Company

Spring Fashion

Sneak Peek Area shops preview the newest looks for spring, pages 30-31.

A model wears a bold print from the three07 spring/ summer collection for 2014, featuring orchid—the color of the moment.

had to take the risk.” Tyre wasn’t the only one who was having a change of heart—and major—during that time. Grimes, a native of Mobile, originally chose to major in interior design. “I was about a year in when I decided interior design was not for me,” Grimes said. “I just liked drawing the little models for interior design and knew I wanted something that was hands-on artsy.” The hands-on aspect of apparel design is also what attracted Moore, a Birmingham native, to the field, she said. “I was always artistic growing up, but I had no clue what I wanted to major in when I got to college,” she said. “I thought about art, and then I just went through all of the majors and looked for something really hands-on and active.” It was shortly after all three young women had decided on new career paths in fashion that

See TRI0, page 31

A business that started as a small home gift store almost 30 years ago will expand into a three-location retail clothing company next month. The Pink Tulip, which first opened in Southside in 1986 and currently has locations in Homewood and Cahaba Village, will open a third store in Hoover’s Patton Creek shopping center in March. And this will not be the first time owners Letty and Jeff Algren have been at the helm of three locations of The Pink Tulip. The couple expanded the business from one to three stores between 1986 and the ‘When we early 2000s, at which first started time they sold the out in Five company and worked in church ministry Points, I never for five years. They imagined that bought the business we’d have back in 2010. “When we first three stores, started out in Five sell everything Points, I never imagand work in ined that we’d have three stores, sell ministry and everything and work then come in ministry and then back to have come back to have three stores again,” three stores Letty Algrin said. again.’ When she and her husband first opened The Pink Tulip in 1986, they envisioned using their prior experience in retail to run a home and gift store. “My husband had been with department stores up North for several years by that point, and we had both worked at Parisian at different times. I was a buyer for Parisian for five years, and we just decided it was time to open our own store,” Algrin said. Making the move to become small business owners was something the Algrins said they didn’t take lightly. “Believe me, it was scary,” Algrin said. “We literally had to borrow $5,000 to get started. It was hard, but it was something that we believed in and really wanted to do.” The couple opened their first store with just $15,000 in inventory. “But that shoestring beginning didn’t matter,” Algrin said. “I knew how to be creative on a budget. That’s something I learned from my mother.” Algrin’s mother, Helen Stewart, was closely involved with helping her daughter grow The Pink Tulip from the very beginning. “My logo today is still the little pink tulip with my mother’s handwriting,” Algrin said. “She passed away in November. She was 94 years old and one of the most creative, artistic people I’ve ever known.” The business got its name from Algrin’s favorite flower. See pink tulip, page 30

30 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

fashion

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Spring Fashion

Old Man Winter has been a little more cantankerous than usual this year, which is all the more reason to look forward to spring. If you can’t wait to store away your cold weather gear, check out these fashions from some of our favorite Over the Mountain boutiques. Journal photos by Marsha Perry 4

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pink tulip, From page 29

“I love flowers and especially tulips,” she said. “The name fit because at first, we didn’t carry clothing and it sounded like a great name for a home store.” But as their business grew, the Algrins began to respond to the needs of their customers and added some clothing to The Pink Tulip’s offerings. “Little by little, we were getting requests from our customers to start carrying clothing, so we added a few pieces here and there,” Algrin said. “That evolved into The Pink Tulip becoming a clothing store with accents

of gifts.” Algrin said she has always tried to make sure The Pink Tulip offers trendy clothing that is still conservative and appeals to women of all ages. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, you still want to look cute,” Algrin said. “I have customers who shop with their daughters and their granddaughters, and they can all find something that works for them.” Algrin said her late mother was the perfect example of the breadth of The Pink Tulip’s customer base. “Even when she was in her 90s, my mother didn’t dress like an old woman, and she didn’t want to dress like an old woman,” Algrin said. “We have things that will flatter you, no matter how old

you are, and still make you look like a lady.” The Pink Tulip also offers clothing and accessories for even the most ontrend and discerning teen shoppers. “When I came back to the business after five years in the ministry, my daughter was a teenager, and I started realizing how difficult it was to find clothes for her that were young and contemporary with a fun attitude that are at the same time conservative enough to wear anywhere,” she said. The Pink Tulip also offers plenty of fun, trendy options for plus-size customers, Algrin said. Algrin said the best part of her job is working as a team with the store managers and others on staff at The

1.Sarah Huddle, left, is wearing our favorite Joe’s Jeggings, $69, which come in a rainbow of colors and prints. Her royal blue top, $48, is from our new teen collection. The striped infinity scarf, $35, is the perfect way to finish off Sarah’s outfit. Megan Nolen can’t go wrong with white jeans and this amazing Scotch & Soda long-sleeved tee, $48. Add a pop of color to any outfit with a Malibu Sugar tank, $22. Snap Kids Apparel, 834-8038. 2. Baylee Edwards is ready for warmer weather in this “transition into spring” dress by Mystree, $94, leather wrap belt by ADA in sunshine yellow, $79, and iPad clutch, $66. The clutch includes a chain so it can also be used as a shoulder bag. a.k.a. Girl Stuff, 802-7735. 3. Paige Stelly makes the transition to warmer days in this flirty mint chiffon top with a tiered ruffle design, $114. She has paired it with a cream crochet vest, $36, and brown leggings, $29. Her ensemble is accented by a long pearl strand necklace with a tassel charm, $88, filigree earrings, $36, and a vintage inspired ring, $20. Chelsea Cornelius is ready for a night out with friends wearing an adorable cream tunic with colorful embroidery detailing, $69, layered A-top, a cream slip with crochet detailing on the hem, $39, and charcoal leg-

Pink Tulip. “We’re a team and my husband and I may own the company on paper, but we encourage our employees to talk to us and really be equal partners,” Algrin said. Algrin said she and her husband decided to open the Patton Creek store because they were responding to the needs of their customers. “We used to have a store on (Alabama) 150 where Verizon is, and our customers in Hoover who shop in that area have been asking us to come back to that area,” she said. The new Hoover store will be next door to Cajun Steamer and down from Edgar’s Bakery. Algrin said she is using salvaged

lumber and other items from the old Arlington High School in Bessemer that is being demolished to outfit the 4,000-square-foot Hoover store. “We want the store to reflect our unique style and offer a fun experience that isn’t in a cookie-cutter boutique approach,” she said. The Hoover store will have the same hours as the Cahaba Village store, opening from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. “We’re shooting for a Feb. 24 opening, so people can get a sneak peek, and then we’ll definitely have the grand opening by March 1,” Algrin said. For more information, visit www. thepinktu.com. ❖

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gings, $29. Her ensemble is accented by a layering necklace with turquoise bead accents, $29, a leather cuff bracelet with silver cross detail, $110, and hand crafted drop earrings, $25. The Pink Tulip, 870-7258 and 637-5390. 4. Jump right into summer fun with one of these monogrammable bandeau top bathing suits, fully lined with removable pads and optional neck strap. Sizes small, medium and large,$45.99, in coral, mint green, sky blue, fuschia, black and navy. (Red and white coming in March!)  Bottoms, $29.99 in coral, mint green, black and navy. Monograms Plus, 822-3353. 5. A pair of Pedro Garcia shoes always make a powerful fashion statement. They are both vibrant and traditional. Shown left to right, Jacelyn grey sandle, $440, Jeril studded sandal, $550, Fabine tan wedge, $475 and Zola tan and black ankle strap heel, $465. Betsy Prince, 871-1965. 6. Jan Denaburg, right, looks so sharp wearing an Art of Cloth tunic in Blue Hawaii, $158; Renuar ponte legging, $78; and

trio,

From page 29

“From there, we started designing spring and summer lines that have nothing to do with game day,” Moore said. When it came time to expand beyond school spirit designs, the trio said they knew they wanted to keep their line true to their Southern roots. “We all grew up in Southern families where we were taught good morals,” Moore said. “We don’t do raunchy. We want to keep it classy.” But classy does not mean boring or dated, Tyre said. “It’s a modern look with Southern

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fashion

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Laurel Bassett prehnite necklace, $68. She has finished off her look with an etched “Savannah” cuff, $148 and earrings, $58. Sloan Bashinsky, left, looks stylish in an Art of Cloth cowl neck tunic in hyacinth, $158; Margaret M jeans, $108; Laurel Bassett sterling earrings, $54 and brass cuff, $114. Her look is completed with VanEli bronze sandals, $132. Town & Country Clothes, 871-7909. 7. Miss Alabama 2013 Chandler Champion makes the fashion transition to spring in this loose-fitting, silk V-neck top by AZI in a positive/negative pattern, $150, and leggings by Alice & Trixie, also in a negative/positive pattern, $216. The Clothes Tree by Deborah, 822-1902. 8. Jackson Pruitt and Malley Bailey are ready for sunshine and spring break in these styles from Vineyard Vines. Jackson is wearing the Harbor shirt in Permit Plaid, $15, and the Bungalow shorts in Seersucker, $89.50. Malley is wearing the Casey cardigan in Aurora and the Ropes Print peplum top and shorts, $118 and $98. Vineyard Vines, 970-9758.

charm to it,” she said. “We have a lot of fun prints in great colors and I think that’s more of a Southern tradition, and our high-quality fabrication also reflects that tradition.” The three07 spring/summer line will feature fun prints featuring the color of the moment—orchid—along with some faux leather pieces with creative cut-outs. “The white and nude pink faux leather really balances the bright prints,” Moore said. “We’re really pleased with the way this line turned out.” Tyre said one advantage of being a small design firm is that three07 can offer customers looks they won’t find on everyone—yet.

“We still have the advantage of being small and offering things that you can’t get just anywhere,” she said. Shoefly in Homewood and Molly Green in the Riverchase Galleria carry three07 clothing, and Alter’d State carries the company’s game day fashions. “You will be able to find our spring and summer collection in the local stores in May and then the game day line will hit the stores in August, or maybe even a little sooner than that,” Moore said. Last year, three07 designs were shown at Birmingham Fashion Week, and the design company was also featured at Austin Fashion Week in

9 9. These stylish shoes will add a “spring” to your step and style this season. Top left, Keely turquoise multi-flower heel, $84.99, center, Dr. Scholl’s Maeve tan woven wedges, $79.99, and bottom left, Sydney khaki, $49.99. Flip-flops & What Nots, 967-7429.

Texas. “Those have been really incredible experiences for us,” Grimes said. “We’ve seen a great turnout and a good response.” On Feb. 15, Tyre, Moore and Grimes took their designs to Magic Market in Las Vegas for the first time. They said the opportunity gave them a chance to show their ideas to people from all around the world. In March, the friends will travel to Louisiana to debut their 2014 spring/ summer line at New Orleans Fashion Week. “We are so excited to be a part of New Orleans Fashion Week and have the chance to take our designs to more people,” Grimes said. “It’s

going to be loads of fun and a really good experience.” The trio said their immediate business goal is to expand their customer base. Their five-year goal is to work at growing three07 full time. “Right now we all have day jobs, and hopefully, somewhere down the road we’ll be able to focus full time on fashion together,” Moore said. The friends said they would also like to open their own retail store and maybe even take three07 designs abroad. “Hopefully, we can find people in other states and even other countries that like our designs,” Moore said. “You never know what might happen.” ❖

32 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

Career Compass

Schools

OTM Students Discover Aptitudes through Latitude Test By Keysha Drexel

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Journal editor

or high school students in the Over the Mountain area, it is time to start making decisions about college. In an environment where attending college is getting more and more expensive and a college degree no longer guarantees a good job, a new test is helping Over the Mountain students discover their ideal majors and careers. Several local students recently took an online test called Latitude, launched in December by the Tennessee-based company YouScience. The test measures students’ interests and abilities based on a two-hour online assessment. The idea, company officials said, is that job success is more likely if someone pursues a career for which they are naturally suited. “Our mission is to help young adults successfully transition from dependent high school students to independent, employed adults in the career of their choice,” said Philip Hardin, chief

executive officer of YouScience. The test is also available to college students who are still trying to determine their career paths. Genny Pittman, a senior at Homewood High School, and her sister, Ashley Pittman, a senior at the University of Alabama, both recently took the test. “Initially, I thought an aptitude test would be a waste of time,” Genny said. “But after taking Latitude, I am now more confident than ever in my strengths.” Ashley said the test affirmed that she is on the right career path. “As a senior in college, I was shocked to see that all of the career options matched to the major I was in,” she said. The test begins with a series of exercises that measure 14 of the aptitudes that are most indicative of college and career success. These aptitudes range from spatial orientation to inductive reasoning. Each exercise takes anywhere from five to 12 minutes.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

detailed and accurate, and they told me a lot about my current strengths and weaknesses,” she said. Mike Washburn, father of Spain Park High School senior Ally Washburn, said the results helped his daughter focus on college and career options she had never considered. “The experience Several Over the Mountain students--and their parents--say an online test was eye-opening for called Latitude is helping them discover their ideal majors and careers. the entire family,” he At left, Vestavia Hills High School senior Michael Peddy is pictured with said. his mother, Susan Peddy. At right, Spain Park High School senior Ally Susan Peddy, Washburn is pictured with her father, Mike Washburn. Photos special to the Journal mother of Vestavia A Mountain Brook High School sophomore Hills High School senior Michael Peddy, said said the test indicated he has untapped strengths. she wished the test had been available when she “Some aptitudes I knew I had, but others was applying to college. In addition to Homewood, Mountain Brook, were pointed out that I had never realized,” Spain Park and Vestavia Hills students, students Charlie Cope said. “The results are so interestfrom Altamont, Briarwood, Indian Springs, John ing.” Carroll, Oak Mountain, Pelham and Westminster Olivia Burton, a senior at Mountain Brook School at Oak Mountain have also taken High School, said her test results were spot-on. Latitude. ❖ “My results from Latitude were surprisingly

School Notes

Will Pearson, center, co-founder of Mental Floss magazine, brought copies of his magazine for students to read when he visited Simmons Middle School in Hoover recently. Photo special to the Journal

Pearson Speaks at Simmons Middle School The co-founder of Mental Floss magazine recently returned to his alma mater to talk to students about never giving up on their dreams. Will Pearson of Hoover visited Simmons Middle School on Jan. 10 to speak to the student body. Pearson shared stories about his time at Simmons Middle and said the choices he made as a student in middle school and high school were integral in shaping his future. He reminded students that their “choices as teenagers lead to patterns in decision-making that will always impact” their lives. Teachers said Pearson’s presentation was entertaining and informative and gave the students a chance to see that someone from their part of the world can become successful through diligent work and never giving up on dreams. Pearson was named one of the 30 most promising young entrepreneurs by Inc. magazine in 2007.

Tournament on Jan. 25. The school’s All-star dance team, under the guidance of Kristen Glover, won first place in the Kick category and second place in the Jazz category at the Southeast Regional American All-stars competition on Jan. 25 at Homewood High School. Individual recognition went to Allison Bonds, who placed first in the soloist competition, and Ashley Blair, who placed third. Oak Mountain Middle hosted auditions for the Shelby County Honor Band on Jan. 16. Oak Mountain seventh and eighth-graders in the concert, symphonic and advanced symphonic band classes earned 44 of the 81 ensemble positions available in the Honor Band with 30 of those students awarded chair placements in the top five positions. Band students are under the direction of Heather Holmes.

Spain Park Cheerleaders Take First Place at Contest Hilltop Montessori Hosts Multicultural Festival The second-grade squad

representing the HAA Spain Park Youth Cheerleading Association won first place at a recent competition. The squad, made up of girls from Riverchase and Rocky Ridge elementary schools in Hoover, won the first-place award at the Junior Division II Universal Cheerleaders Association Alabama State Youth Cheer Championships. Participating squads were judged on technical strength in jumps, motions, techniques, voice projection, choreography, originality, showmanship and dance.

Hilltop Montessori School in Mt Laurel recently hosted a school-wide MultiCultural Festival. In keeping with the Montessori method, the students worked

Oak Mountain Middle Performers Win Awards Oak Mountain Middle School’s band and dance team recently won awards for their performances. The school’s Winter Guard, under the direction of Venus Pressley, took first place at the Pell City Invitational

Hilltop Montessori students dressed in native clothing for the Multi-cultural Festival. From left: Julia Gale, Lauren Dunn and Sky Otter showcase dancing from Holland. Photo special to the Journal

cooperatively to transform each of their learning environments into specific countries, immersing themselves in the customs, food and culture of each region. The students visited other classrooms to learn from their peers, sampling art, food, dance, clothing and games of Russia, Thailand, Germany, Sweden, Holland, India and Japan. The U.S. was also represented by the upper elementary class, which showcased Hawaii, complete with a gingerbread beach scene made to scale. The research behind the projects was extensive, school officials said. One of the lower elementary classes worked with a local engineer to create a scale windmill from Holland. Other students wore traditional dress from India to greet their young guests.  The event was funded by the school’s Annual Fund program, supported by parents and the community.

Cassity Named Science Teacher of the Year A teacher at Shades Cahaba Elementary School in Homewood was named the 2013 Elementary Science Teacher of the Year. Jennifer Cassity, the LEAD teacher at Shades Cahaba Elementary, was presented with the award on Feb. 18 at the Alabama Science Teachers Association conference at the McWane Science Center in downtown Jennifer Cassity Birmingham. Homewood City Schools has had three teachers selected for the honor in the past four years. Rita Schell, a teacher at Hall-Kent Elementary School, won the award in 2010. In 2012,

Pam Smith, a teacher at Edgewood Elementary School, won the award.

St. Francis Xavier to Host Mardi Gras Gala Feb. 22 St. Francis Xavier Home and School Association will host the Mardi Gras Gala to benefit the school on Feb. 22. The event will feature Las Vegasstyle casino games, food, a silent auction, raffle, children’s art work, photo booth, wine pull and much more. Tickets are $25 and include admission to the gala, food, one drink ticket and $500 of “play” money for the gaming tables. Tickets can be purchased in advance at all St. Francis Xavier Masses and in the school office. Tickets will not be sold at the door. This year’s silent auction will include a Beatles’ album autographed by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, an autographed photo of One Direction, sheet music autographed by Taylor Swift, a lake home vacation package, a football signed by Nick Saban and art items created by students at the school. For more information on the Mardi Gras Gala, call the school office at 8711687.

Brookwood Forest Sixthgraders Take to the Ice Sixth-graders from Brookwood Forest Elementary School in Mountain Brook recently gathered for an ice skating party. The party was held at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena on Jan. 12. School officials said there was a great turnout for the Sunday afternoon event. Co-chairmen Nancy Thomason, Mary Jane Gillum and Margaret Mullen planned the event. Those attending warmed up in a private room with a fireplace as they enjoyed pizza, cookies and soda. The sixth-graders will tour Mountain Brook Junior High School in February and will meet with the school principal.

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Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

communication,” she said. “I hope to one day play a role in making it easier to communicate, especially for children.”

John Carroll Catholic High School recently held its President’s Dinner. From left: Robert Hayes, Rev. John McDonald and Bobby Bowden.

Coaches Speak at JCCH President’s Dinner

The Mountain Brook Junior High Spartanettes recently won the UDA Alabama Dance Championship. Front, from left: Mary Inzer Hagan, Lucy Christian, Kate Seibels, Kate Hinson, Adele Bloodworth, Carolyn Walheim, Caroline Cross and Delia Vandevelde. Middle: Charlotte Farrar, Kate Childs, Mary Robins Miller, Hannah Reeder, Reagan Clark, Maitland Null, Brantley Goodman, Fredda Cardwell and Lindsay Kahn. Back: Sponsor Debbie Stump, Olivia Keating, Emilyn Hamn, Caroline Kohn, Lee Knight, Kay Foy, sponsor Lisa Lewis and Murray Brown. Photo special to the Journal

Spartanettes Win State Dance Championship

The Mountain Brook Junior High School Spartanettes recently competed against some of the best junior high dance teams in the area and won the championship title. The Spartanettes won the high kick division of the Universal Dance Association’s Alabama Dance Championships on Jan. 11 at Spain Park High School in Hoover. The group was defending its state title for the third year and had the highest score in its division. Team members include Mary Inzer Hagan, Lucy Christian, Kate Seibels, Kate Hinson, Adele Bloodworth, Carolyn Walheim, Caroline Cross, Delia Vandevelde, Charlotte Farrar, Kate Childs, Mary Robins Miller, Hannah Reeder, Reagan Clark, Maitland Null, Brantley Goodman, Fredda Cardwell, Lindsay Kahn, Olivia Keating, Emilyn Hamn, Caroline Kohn, Lee Knight, Kay Foy and Murray Brown. Debbie Stump and Lisa Lewis are the Spartanettes’ sponsors. ❖

Spelling Bee Winners Named at N.E. Miles Two students at N.E. Miles Jewish Day School were recently recognized for their spelling prowess.

Ellen Landy, left, and Jacob Elgavish were the winners in N.E. Miles Jewish Day School’s spelling bee. Photo special to the Journal

Jacob Elgavish and Ellen Landy won the school’s annual spelling bee after winning their class spelling bees. Third-grader Elgavish won the second and third-grade spelling bee. Fifth-grader Landy won the fourth through eighth-grade spelling bee.

Taylor Crowned Miss Oak Mountain High School Myrah Elizabeth Taylor was recently crowned Miss Oak Mountain High

School. An honor roll student, Taylor has served as vice president of the school ambassadors and as a peer assistant for three years. Taylor said she enjoys mentoring incoming freshmen and helping them make the often difficult transition from middle school to high school. Taylor has been a Girl Scout for several years and earned Myrah Taylor the Girl Scouts’ Silver, Bronze and Gold Awards for service projects to help her community. Taylor is a member of the Starlette dance team and the UDA All-stars and is part of the competition team at the Pointe Dance Arts studio. She has earned dance scholarships from the Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen Program, Tremaine and Co Dance. She was presented as a 2013 Starlight debutante and was a finalist in the Class of 2014 Shelby County Distinguished Young Women program. Taylor said she plans to attend the University of South Alabama to study speech language pathology. “When I was younger, I was extremely shy and struggled with

The John Carroll Catholic High School Educational Foundation hosted coaches Bobby Bowden and Robert Hayes at its annual President’s Dinner Jan. 27. Bowden and Hayes spoke about the importance of continuing support for the school’s ongoing capital campaign and its education foundation. At the event, the Rev. John McDonald, school president, honored Angie Contri Perry with the annual President’s Award for her efforts on behalf of the school.

Author visits Liberty Park Middle School in Vestavia Students at Liberty Park Middle School recently received some tips from the author of “The Phoenix Files.” Chris Morphew visited the school to talk about the writing process and to share his top writing tips with the students there. “The Phoenix Files” is a dystopiangenre serial novel, similar to other apocalyptic thrillers for teen and adult audiences such as “The Hunger Games” and the “Divergent” series. A Bible studies teacher from Sydney, Australia, Morphew has written 18 books. This was his first visit to the U.S. While in Vestavia Hills, Morphew also conducted a writing workshop with several students selected by their language arts teachers because they had shown an interest in reading and writing and/or had read some of Morphew’s books. He told these students that he organizes the chapters in his books by using “old-fashioned” index cards.

Photo special to the Journal

performer at the 2014 JEN conference. The 22-member band was joined by internationally renowned guest artists Tom Walsh and John Fedchock. Various big band styles were performed, including Alabama favorite “Tuxedo Junction.” A rousing rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In” led by Will Roberson on trumpet and lead vocals, Chris Preuc on trombone, Cory Cheung on sousaphone and Nick Greengard on clarinet concluded the evening concert. Hoover Jam was selected to perform at the JENerations Jazz Festival, held in conjunction with the conference, along with more than 800 elementary, middle, junior high, high school, college and community musical groups of all ages. Following the JEN trip, 11 Hoover High School jazz students performed at the 2014 Alabama Music Educators Association Conference at the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center in Montgomery Jan. 23-25. The students were selected from among hundreds of statewide applicants to perform in the Gold and Silver All-State

Jazz Bands. Richard Chen, Cory Cheung, Kristina Darroch and Nick Greengard represented Hoover High School in the Gold Jazz Band. Taylor Battles, Preston Beatty, Josh Constantine, Conner Jackson, Chris Preuc, Will Roberson and Lee Roberts were selected to the Silver Jazz Band. Tyler Greengard and Daniel Phillips were chosen as alternates.

Specialist Visits McElwain Christian Academy Julian Simmons, a Native American specialist, recently visited students at McElwain Christian Academy on Montevallo Road in Birmingham. Simmons showed the students artifacts and examples of Native American clothing during his visit. He talked about ceremonial items, sharing examples with the students. Simmons also discussed Native American music during his visit. Lucy Bloodworth is the principal at McElwain Christian Academy. ❖

Hoover Jazz Bands Keep Busy with Performances January was a busy month for students in the jazz program at Hoover High School. Early in the month, the two bands, First Edition and Jam, mingled with some of jazz music’s greatest artists and performed before musicians, performers and students from around the world at the fifth annual Jazz Educators Network Conference in Dallas. The bands were among more than 3,000 students, teachers, artists, performing arts presenters, music industry partners and jazz enthusiasts at the four-day conference. The award-winning First Edition jazz band was selected as an official

Julian Simmons, far right, visited McElwain Christian Academy to talk about Native American culture and history. Photo special to the Journal

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34 • Thursday, February 20, 2014

Five for the Flag

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The Homewood Middle School girls’ basketball team went undefeated this season and won the Metro South Championship Tournament. From left, front: Luba Eady, Kassidy Crawford, Kalia Cunningham, Lia Roberson, Jasmine Griffin and Michia Robinson. Back: Head Coach Christi Martin, YaMiah Hill, Tori Webb, Sakeria Hollis, Aliyah McCary, Kayla Mikula, Assistant Coach Erin Meacham and Assistant Coach Reba Hudson.

Area Girls’ Teams Reach Regionals By Lee Davis Journal Sports Writer In the first quarter of its Class 6A sub-regional game with Wetumpka, the Spain Park girls’ basketball team looked to be in real trouble. The Lady Indians rolled to an early 9-2 lead before Lady Jaguar coach Mike Chase called for a timeout. It may have been one of the most

Hoover’s Jada Smith brings the ball down the court against Tuscaloosa County. Journal photo by Marvin gentry

important timeouts of the season. “We settled down after the slow start and didn’t have those turnovers that led to easy baskets,” Chase said later. “Then we started chipping away.” Spain Park responded with a 9-2 rally of its own to tie the score at 11-11. From there, the Lady Jags dominated the rest of the game to win 60-46. The victory sent the Lady Jags, 26-7 for the season, to the Central Regionals at Alabama State University in Montgomery to face Opelika on Wednesday. Spain Park was just one of five Over the Mountain girls’ teams that advanced to regional play last week-

end. Oak Mountain, who lost twice to Class 6A Area 7 champion Thompson during the season, made the third time the charm with a 72-69 upset of the Lady Warriors. The win propelled the Lady Eagles to the Central Regionals at Alabama State to face Jeff Davis of Montgomery on Wednesday. “Thompson has such a great program,” Oak Mountain coach George Minoso said. “For our team to be able to finally not only be competitive with them but to beat them makes this a special win for us.” It wasn’t easy. The Lady Eagles led 68-67 with less than a minute to play before earning four consecutive points to close the verdict. Madison Pierce led the way for the victors, scoring 22 points with six rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot. Christian McGowan scored 15 points with two rebounds. D’Miyah Foster had 14 points, six rebounds and two steals. Hoover easily earned its way to the Northwest Regional at Hanceville with a 51-19 domination of Tuscaloosa County. Jailyn Maddox scored 17 points, while Jada Smith added 10 points with six steals. The Lady Bucs ran their record to 17-13. Hoover faced Sparkman on Tuesday. Mountain Brook gained a berth in the Northeastern Regionals at Jacksonville State University with a 61-47 rout of Huffman. Sara Carr led the Lady Spartans with 20 points, while Mary Katherine Pinson and Collier Ogilvie each added 13. Mountain Brook raised its record to 23-7 for the year. The Spartans met Huntsville in the regional on Wednesday. In Class 5A sub-regional play, Homewood slipped past Springville 55-45 to reach Jacksonville’s Northeast Regional. Hannah Barber and Tori Webb each scored 10 points for the Lady Patriots, who will enter the regionals with an 18-5 mark. Homewood met Arab in the regionals on Wednesday.

Photo special to The Journal

HMS Girls’ Basketball Team Has Undefeated Season The Homewood Middle School girls’ basketball team just ended an undefeated season with a 22-0 record. The team also won the Metro South Championship Tournament this season for the first time in 23 years, said coach Christi Martin. “Last year, half of our team played on the seventh-grade team and half played on the eighth grade team due

to inadequate numbers on the eighth grade team,” Martin said. “Once they were finally able to play together this year, they were on a mission, and that mission was to win a championship.” HMS won the metro tournament crown by defeating Berry Middle School 60-44. Homewood led 21-4 at the end of the first quarter and 35-11 at halftime.

Spartan Runner Signs with Tulane

Emily Bedell, a standout distance runner on the Mountain Brook High School track team committed recently to run next year for Tulane University. The fourtime Class 6A All-State cross-country athlete was joined at her signing by her parents Elise and Nathan Bedell.

Homewood’s Sakeria Hollis, Lia Roberson and Kalia Cunningham were named to the all-tournament team. Cunningham was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Nine of the 11 HMS players also play AAU basketball, Martin said. “My hope is that we can continue to build on this solid foundation these girls have laid,” she said. “You’re going to hear about this group for the next four years, and that is what is so promising for Homewood girls’ basketball. They aren’t done yet. They’re just getting started.”

Waldrop Signs with Alabama

Mary Glenn Waldrop, a senior member of the Mountain Brook High School track team has committed to the University of Alabama. Waldrop has earned 6A All-State honors in javelin for the last two years. Attending Waldrop’s signing recently were her parents, Susan and Glenn Waldrop.

Red Diamond Vulcan Soccer Tournament Kicks Off in March

Cusimano Signs with Central Alabama Members of the Spain Park Lady Jaguar team with their 6A Area 8 championship trophy are from left, front: Jada Ashford, Alyssa Gaston, Maggie Baldwin, Amanda Gaston, Claire Holt and Victoria Baldwin. Back: Jordan Ashford, Jemaiya Lee, Keyasha Gordon, Elizabeth Philpot, Monique Speigner and Christen Craig. Photo special to the Journal

Chris Cusimano, a senior, standout outfielder and two-year starter for Vestavia Hills recently signed with Central Alabama Community College.

Visintainer Signs with Shelton State

Price Visintainer is a standout Rebel infielder and two-year starter for Vestavia Hills. He signed recently with Shelton State.

The Birmingham United Soccer Association will host the Red Diamond Vulcan Cup Soccer Tournament in March at fields all across the Over the Mountain area. Boys will play March 1-2 and girls will play March 8-9 in the 2014 tournament. Schedules will be posted for the boys’ tournament on Feb. 21 and on-site check-in will be from 6-10 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Hyatt Place Inverness. Schedules for the girls’ tournament will be posted on Feb. 28 and on-site check-in will be on March 7. Tournament fees range from $600-$700 for boys and girls. Teams entering the Red Diamond Vulcan Cup Tournament will be grouped according to past play records to make the most competitive divisions possible. Organizers said they are expecting more than 300 teams from 14-15 states to take part in this year’s tournament. More than 30 soccer fields in Jefferson and Shelby counties will be used during the 14th annual event. For more information, visit www.birminghamunited. com.

indoor track, From page 36

string in the first day of competition to end his participation in the meet. Despite his loss, Hoover rolled to an easy victory, outdistancing runner-up Auburn 90-71. “We weren’t supposed to win without Marlon,” said Buccaneer coach Devon Hind. “I was depressed at first (when Humphrey was injured), but then I realized we could do whatever we wanted. I challenged them, and they challenged themselves.” Hoover won the 4X800 relay, and Micah Bagley won the triple jump. Oak Mountain’s Randall Ceneus won the 400-meter run. The Bucs’ Charles Moseley was second in the event. The news was just as good for the Hoover girls, who also claimed the Class 6A title. Led by Brittley Humphrey, Marlon’s sister, the Lady Bucs totaled 130 points to easily outdistance runner-up Pelham’s 72 total. Mountain Brook was third with 42 points. Brittley Humphrey won the 60-meter run and 60-meter hurdle in record-setting time. Sarah Samford helped the effort with three strong second-place finishes. Mountain Brook’s Julia Leonard won the high jump. Homewood won its second consecutive Class 5A championship, totaling 125 points to rout runner-up St. Paul’s by a 52-point margin. Andy Smith paced the Patriots with victories in the 1600-meter and 3200meter runs. He was also a member of Homewood’s winning 4X800 relay team that set a Class 5A record. Smith

wrestlers,

Vestavia’s Catherine Bunch, Spain Park’s Madeline Held and Hoover’s Sydney Steely participate in the 3200 meter race at the AHSSA State Championship. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

narrowly edged teammate Alex Ngei for the 1600-meter crown. “Our edge came in the distance and jump events,” said Patriot coach Tom Esslinger. “This may be the most wellrounded team we’ve had.” Homewood’s girls’ team finished second behind St. Paul’s. The Lady Patriots totaled 120 points to lose narrowly to the Lady Saints. Kiara Williams sparked Homewood’s effort, sweeping the long jump, triple jump and 60-meter

From page 36

ished with a 39-7 mark for the season. Morgan Paugh of Vestavia won the 152-pound class by a fall over Davis Perry of Hewitt-Trussville. Paugh ended the year with a 47-4 record. Alex Shunnarah of Hoover won the 195-pound class with a decision against Hunter Lee of Oxford. Shunnarah finished with a 43-1 worksheet. Payton Garlington of Hoover lost a decision to Riley Pike of Thompson in the 120-pound finals. Garlington had a 35-9 record this year. Dalton Campbell of Vestavia lost a decision to Payton Demos of Huntsville in the 220-pound finals. Campbell completed the year with a 35-2 record.

davis,

From page 36

track, not to mention golf and tennis. Now there is much more overlap. Football ends in December, weeks after basketball begins. Basketball ends in March, weeks after baseball, softball and soccer begin. Only indoor and outdoor track seem to have clear lines of demarcation for beginning and end–and that’s largely because it’s the same athletes participating in the same events. Football’s December ending isn’t a big deal because it’s early in the month and involves only the small number of teams which reach the championship finals. But basketball’s early start does handicap those programs–particularly

Thursday, February 20, 2014 • 35

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

at smaller schools–that are heavily dependent on football players for their pool of basketball athletes. The early March finish for basketball isn’t so bad either, particularly when you remember that the colleges don’t finish until early April and the NBA doesn’t complete its playoffs until June. What I will never understand, however, is why baseball, softball and soccer need to start in February. Even if you discount the rarity of the recent snowstorms that paralyzed our community, February is almost always one of the coldest months of the years. As any loyal fan or devoted parent can testify, there are few things more miserable than shivering through a baseball or softball game when the wind is blowing and it’s 38 degrees,

run. Katie Brooks Boone of Westminster-Oak Mountain won the 60-meter run in Class 1A-4A competition, and Taylor Young of Altamont won the 60-meter hurdles event. Boone, who will run at Auburn University next year, achieved the victory in the 60-meter event despite suffering a run of injuries and illness during the indoor season. “I was disappointed not to win the 400 meters, but I got over it and focused on winning the 60 meters,” said Boone. “So I felt pretty good about the meet overall.” Boone said the victory also should help her confidence as outdoor competition nears. “Since I’ll be running in college, I want to use the spring as an opportunity to step up my training and get ready for the increased competition,” she said. “It would also be nice to wrap up my senior year with a few more wins.” As possibly the best-known athlete in her school’s young history, Boone admitted to entering the outdoor season with mixed emotions. “I love my teammates, and it’s going to be sad to leave them,” she said. “But I’m so excited about the chance to compete at the next level.” Her school will likely be just as sad to see Boone leave.

Spain Park’s Elijah Krukowski, right, wrestles Mountain Brook’s Joshua Anders at the AHSSAA State tournament. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

particularly at night. The cold temperatures can impact players as well. Baseball, softball and soccer are called spring sports for a reason: That’s when they were meant to be played. Looking at a typical Class 6A baseball schedule in Alabama, you see that counting tournaments, doubleheaders and possible playoff games, a team can easily play more than 60 games in a season. And with each area often containing only three or four schools, a team will find itself playing a handful of games which count toward reaching the playoffs. In the 1970s, the high school baseball season didn’t even begin until after spring break, and a typical schedule offered 25 games, not counting playoffs. In 2014, most baseball teams in Alabama will have played 25 games

Three in a Match Spartans, Jags, Pats Win; Buzzer Beater Sends Bucs Home By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

The Mountain Brook Spartans boys’ basketball team served up Product 19 Friday night. No, it wasn’t a healthy type of breakfast cereal. The 19 reflected how many consecutive games Coach Bucky McMillan’s team has won, and the long streak couldn’t be happening at a better time. The top-ranked Spartans crushed Gardendale 73-46 in Class 6A subregional play to advance to the Class 6A Northeast Regionals at Jacksonville State University. Guard TaWarren Grant paced Mountain Brook with 17 points, with 11 coming in the crucial fourth quarter. Alex Peters also scored 17 points despite getting into early foul trouble. Jack Kline and Patrick Keim each added 10 for the Spartans. Mountain Brook didn’t shoot well early in the game but used its hustling defense to keep control of the game. The winners started a 15-point run late in the first half that extended well into the third quarter to break the game open at 46-22. “We don’t really play conventional basketball,” Keim said. “We run up and down the court and try to wear the other guys down. That’s what happened tonight.” Mountain Brook, the defending 6A state champs, improved its mark to 30-3 for the season. Grant believes this Spartan team might be the best yet. “I think this team plays the hardest,” he said. “We battle hard, no matter what happens. We just go to war.”

Homewood Offers Senior Softball League

Despite its high ranking, Mountain Brook didn’t draw an easy game for its opening round in the regionals. The Spartans faced Robert E. Lee of Huntsville on Tuesday in a game with championship overtones. Spain Park defeated Thompson 61-52 in another sub-regional. The win sent the Jaguars to the Central Regionals at Alabama State University. They faced Central-Phenix City on Wednesday. Austin Wiley and Antonio Moss each scored 16 points for Spain Park. Wiley took 10 rebounds, and Moss grabbed eight. The Jags ran their season record to 20-10. Bessemer City’s Johnathan Coleman hit a jump shot with one second left to give the Tigers a 65-64 win over Hoover. Quamari Hardy topped the Buccaneer scoring with 20 points. Austin Cherry added 17, and Maurice Brown scored 13. In Class 5A, Homewood took a dramatic 52-50 win over Center Point. Owen Ferguson’s three-point basket with six seconds on the clock gave the Patriots the victory. Malik Cook topped Homewood’s scoring with 17 points. Ferguson added 11. Sean Eaton scored 10 points, and Stan Mizerany scored five. The Patriots raised their record to 21-9 and advanced to the Northeast Regionals at Jacksonville State University, where they met Columbia of Huntsville on Wednesday. In Class 1A, Shades Mountain Christian’s season ended with a 59-52 loss to Collinsville, and St. Jude defeated Westminster Oak Mountain 80-38.

Senior softball players can play in two different Homewood leagues this spring.

Those ages 55 and older can play in games on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at West Homewood Park. For ages 50 and older, games are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. at Green Springs Park. The season starts March 4. For more information, call Ed Girard at 253-9562.

by spring break. Nobody is advocating going back to the 1970s, but is there any real reason why we couldn’t push back the season for spring sports to at least the first or second week in March? Teams could still use their spring breaks to play games in Florida or participate in local tournaments. Does a baseball or softball team really need a 40 to 50-game regular season? And maybe we should take a look at the playoff formats, too. Why not shorten the season a little at both ends and begin the playoffs earlier? There are other activities on a young person’s mind in the spring months besides sports. Seniors have college trips and, of course, the prom. A few years ago, one of the state’s most prominent soccer programs had

to play a postseason game without its seniors because the game conflicted with the prom, and the upperclassmen chose dancing with their dates over kicking soccer balls. Fortunately, the team won anyway and the coach didn’t suspend the players, but more often it seems sports are forcing teenagers into too many choices at times in their lives they will never experience again. I am not singling out spring sports. I’ve been covering them for 36 years. Nobody enjoys a well-played baseball, softball or soccer game more than I do. But now that the Alabama High School Athletic Association has finished its new classifications, the organization needs to take a long look at scheduling. Parkas and mittens are not spectator-appropriate attire for spring sports.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Two Buc

Sports

Five area girls’ teams reach regionals P. 34 Spartans, Jags, Pats Win; Buzzer Beater Sends Bucs Home P. 35

Heroes

Lee Davis

Lapping the Field

Are Sports Overlaps Really Necessary?

M

Led by Brittley Humphrey, the Lady Bucs totaled 130 points to easily outdistance runner-up Pelham’s 72 total. Mountain Brook was third with 42 points. Humphrey won the 60-meter run and 60-meter hurdle in record-setting time. More photos at otmj. com. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Hoover Sweeps Boys’ and Girls’ Indoor Championships Hoover’s Gage Camp wrestles Vestavia’s Jack Stoves at the AHSAA State wrestling tournament in Huntsville last weekend. More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

Sometimes you don’t need one of your best athletes to win a state championship. That’s what the Hoover Bucs

boys’ indoor track team learned Feb. 4-5 at the Birmingham Metroplex, when it rolled to the state Class 6A title despite the loss of star sprinter Marlon Humphrey. The two-sport star injured a hamSee indoor track, page 35

Patriot Repeat Homewood won its second consecutive Class 5A championship, totaling 125 points to rout runner-up St. Paul’s by a 52-point margin. Andy Smith, above, paced the Patriots with victories in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter runs. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Area Wrestlers Claim State Title Berths By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

Nobody could stop the Thompson wrestling machine, but Over the Mountain schools did claim some individual titles in last week’s state meet at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. The Warriors won their fourth con-

secutive state Class 6A championship, totaling 186 points to outdistance runner-up Vestavia Hills, which finished with 150.5 points. Hoover took fifth place with 118 points. The Bucs’ Jackson Hall won the 138-pound class by a decision over Auburn’s Dylan Spurlock. Hall fin-

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See wrestlers, page 35

ost people with no direct connection to high school athletics probably assume that the fall is the busiest time of the year for those who do work in that area. The large shadow of football in Alabama is probably the main reason for that perception. But the simple truth is that the busiest time of the year is right now. Think about it: Indoor track and wrestling determined their championships within the last two weeks. The basketball regionals are in full swing. Soccer has already started. Baseball and softball open this week. Outdoor track and field season is just around the corner. And, oh yes, the college football signing date just came and went. Any way you want to slice it, that’s a lot. Do schools really need to have so much going on at once, or is there a better way? There was a time when sports fell well within their natural seasons. Football was for the autumn months along with volleyball and cross country. As the weather got colder, activities moved indoors with basketball, wrestling and indoor track. As winter gave way to spring, the cycle went back to outdoor sports, most notably baseball, softball, soccer and outdoor

See Davis, page 35