February 7, 2013 Current Issue

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

INSIDE

JOU RNAL OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013

VOL. 22 #3

Former Tide football star joins fight against cancer

ABOUT TOWN PAGE 3

Actor Thom Gossom Jr. returns home to headline Better Basics fundraiser

PEOPLE PAGE 8

Abby’s Road

Jann Robinson job-searhes on CBS reality show

PEOPLE PAGE 10

R.J. and Carrie Murray joined the fight against heart disease after their daughter, Abby, was born with a heart defect. Abbyʼs now an active 3-year-old, and her parents are helping raise money for the American Heart Association. From left: Carrie, Colin, Abby and R.J. Murray. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

Daughter’s Illness and Recovery Inspire Couple to Support Heart Association

BY KEYSHA DREXEL

Unbreak My Heart Birmingham Heart Ball March 2, 6:30-11:30 p.m.

Cahaba Grand Conference Center The Heart Guild of Alabama will present “Unbreak My Heart,” the Birmingham Heart Ball, at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center on March 2. Presented by Wells Fargo, the event benefits the American Heart Association. Terry Kellogg, president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, will be the event’s honoree. Tickets are $350 each. Registration closes Feb. 22. For more information, visit www.heart.org/ birminghamheartball or call 510-1515.

JOURNAL EDITOR

W

hen R.J. and Carrie Murray see their 3-year-old daughter running around their Eagle Point home laughing and playing, they are reminded of how close they came to never witnessing such simple moments of joy.

When Abby was born on April 22, 2009, the Murrays were not even sure she would live through her first weeks of life, much less thrive and grow into a contented child with a quick smile.

“You see her now and you can never imagine what we went through when Abby was born.

People tell me all the time that she’s the happiest child they’ve ever seen, and I think it’s because she had to fight for her life in the beginning and she’s just glad to be here,” Carrie said.

Abby was born with pulmonary valve steno-

sis, a heart defect that causes a thickened or fused heart valve that does not open fully. The pulmonary valve allows blood to flow out of the heart, into the pulmonary artery and then to the lungs.

Just after Abby was born via C-section, the doctors and nurses whisked her away from her confused parents.

“I knew something was wrong, because I heard a weak little cry from her and then they took her away and I never got to hold her,” Carrie said. “She wasn’t getting enough oxygen and she was completely blue.”

Abby was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit, a place R.J. said he hoped he and his wife would never have to see again.

“Our first child, Colin, was born early and had to spend time in the NICU, so yes, both of my kids freaked me out when they were born,” he said. “Because of what happened with Colin, I was really looking forward to cutting the cord See ABBYʼS ROAD, page 17

Group of fathers work to strengthen bond with daughters LIFE PAGE 14

Krewe King Edgar Welden loves the sporting life

SOCIAL PAGE 18

SUE MURPHY HITS THE BARS P. 2 • ROTARY CLUB OF BIRMINGHAM MARKS CENTENNIAL P. 12 • VALENTINEʼS DAY GIFT GUIDE, DINING OPTIONS PP. 14 & 15

2 • Thursday, February 7, 2013

OPINION/CONTENTS

UNI-QUE TEAM PLAYERS Gwin Students Showcase Skills on One Wheel

Gwin Elementary School in Hoover has a sport that usually only a circus can claim: unicycling.

Coached by physical education teacher Robin McMahan, the school’s unicycling team consists of about 25 students in grades 3-5. The team performed at different sporting events around Alabama three times last year and has already performed at one event this year.

SEE SCHOOLS PAGE 26

ON OTMJ.COM

See more photos from the latest parties, events and meetings online.

COMING FEB. 21

Get a look at the latest trends with our Spring Fashion Guide and check out our Camp Guide for ways to keep the kids busy this summer.

IN THIS ISSUE ABOUT TOWN PEOPLE NEWS LIFE

3 8 12 14

SOCIAL WEDDINGS SCHOOLS SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

18 25 26 32

February 7, 2013

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, Lynn Grisard Fullman Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Ivanna Ellis Vol. 22, No. 3

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

Copyright 2013 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

MURPHY’S LAW

Hitting the Bars

I

and date paste, flax seed and sunflower t all started innocently enough. kernels. Cranberries and blueberries and Whenever I travel, I carry three those tiny little seeds from pomegranthings: a good book, a workable pen ates – they were all in there somewhere. and a single palatable granola bar. The Some bars were proud to be called strategy has served me well, a backup organic (organic rice, organic oats, system for late night layovers, extended organic sugar), although that distinctaxis on the tarmac or times when a bag tion added another inch or two to their of peanuts simply would not do. labels. Organic or not, the bars all At first, I was happy with the gave the impression that you would be crunchy grocery store granola bar, oats healthier if you brought them home … stuck together with tasty adhesive. so I did.

Somewhere along the line, however, I A lot of them. became restless. I moved from crunchy So far, no real problem, unless you to chewy. I began to select bars loaded factor in the individual versus multiwith fruit and nuts, still centered around pack surcharge, but after further reading oatmeal, of course, and I congratulated Sue Murphy I discovered that some of the bars were myself on choosing a snack that was so high in calories that they were simultaneously lowering my cholesFor a person who more like a meal … a meal that gave terol. a wide range of vitamins and I was so pleased with myself that is a hazard in the you minerals, one that was handy and I started tossing granola bars in every kitchen, the bar tasty, one that did not require cookpurse and tote bag. I even kept a or the implementation of a knife secret stash in the car, just for emerworld was positively ing or fork. gencies, mind you.

Huzzah! I carried bars with me And then … then I wandered into addictive. Without when I went shopping. I’d grab a the granola bar aisle at the megaintervention, I might glass of iced tea, toss down a bluehealth food grocery store.

There it was: a giant wall of never have cooked berry date paste wonder, and keep moving. I started having them for snack bars, all individually cradled in again. lunch at home. Instead of hauling their colorful paper trays. No variety out a loaf of bread or nuking a cup boxes here. No multi-packs either, of soup, I would reach for a meal unless you were working toward sixbar. For a person who is a hazard in the kitchen, the bar pack abs, which apparently you could have if you went world was positively addictive. Without intervention, I with the super intense protein bars. might never have cooked again.

There were bars for everyone – vegans, the gluten Thank goodness my husband Harold does not share sensitive, the lactose averse, although if you were allermy granola bar enthusiasm. No matter how far afield gic to tree nuts you were out of luck because every bar I go, I know I can count on him to eventually lead me “might” have been hanging out with those guys at some point. It sounded like a sketchy production process. Were back to the world of vegetables, meat and potatoes. Of course, if they ever come up with a corned beef and cabtheir acai berries running loose around the factory? bage bar, all bets are off.

If you were okay with tree nuts, however, the giant An entire meal compacted into a teeny tiny bar. I wall was yours. love it. It’s so Jetsons … or Soylent Green, but I try not The first thing I discovered was that oats were for to think about that. ❖ amateurs. These new bars were filled with soy beans

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What’s your favorite local spot for a romantic dinner?

“My husband works at Bistro V in Vestavia Hills, so that would definitely have to be my answer.”

“I really love to go to Firebirds. The food is wonderful and it has a great atmosphere.”

Virginia Freeman Vestavia Hills

Grace Hicks Vestavia Hills

“Last year, my sweetheart and I went up to Vulcan for Valentine’s Day and along with the great view, we enjoyed a great meal. It’s a really romantic thing to do for Valentine’s Day.” Elizabeth Balch Vestavia Hills

“I really love Surin West.

You go there for the great food. For a romantic atmosphere, I would have to say Veranda is a good choice.”

Saeid Anafjeh North Shelby

Team Spirit

BY KEYSHA DREXEL

Former Tide Football Star Joins Fight Against Cancer

a degree,” he said.

Jerry said he thought he was a pretty good football player until he got to UA. “The competition was absolutely eing a member of back-to-back fierce. Joe Namath was on my team, all national championship football those talented players. I knew I had to teams under Coach Paul “Bear” work hard and do my part,” he said.

Bryant at the University of Alabama And work hard he did. In fact, taught Jerry Duncan of Vestavia Hills Jerry’s work ethic so impressed Bryant a thing or two about resilience, dedicathat the legendary coach in 1971 estabtion, hard work and faith. lished the “Jerry Duncan I Like To And as he takes on one of the Practice Award,” given annually to a toughest opponents he has ever faced in player who exhibits a strong prostate cancer, the Alabama work ethic and love of the Sports Hall of Famer said he is game during spring training. using lessons he learned on the Also in 1971, Jerry became gridiron during the 1960s to the team’s first sideline commeet the challenge. mentator, a position he held “You never back away for 24 years. from something just because In 1997, he received the it might be hard. I learned that Paul W. Bryant Alumniby playing for Coach Bryant, Athlete Award and 10 years and it’s something that still later was inducted into the helps me today,” he said.

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

Jerry, diagnosed with “A lot of what I learned prostate cancer about a year back then I carry with me ago, is helping to raise money every day, and it has always for cancer research through helped me. I wouldn’t take the Southeastern Cancer anything for the lessons I Foundation’s annual ROAR learned from Coach Bryant gala. and from being on his team,” Jerry will be the honoree at Jerry said. the ROAR third annual James Jerry Duncan was a member of two national championJerry’s prognosis is good, Bond Gala, “GoldenCure,” on ship teams at the University of Alabama under Coach he said, and his last tests show Feb. 9 at The Club. The char- Paul “Bear” Bryant in the 1960s. Photos special to The Journal that he is cancer-free. Jerry ity event aims to raise $1 milJerry Duncan, said he has faith that he will lion for cancer research. diagnosed with be healthy for many years to come ROAR is the volunteer fundraising prostate cancer and be able to enjoy time with his committee of the Southeast Cancer about a year ago, three children and five grandchilFoundation, which donated $500,000 is helping to raise dren. money for cancer last year to fund personalized cancer research through His daughter, Melissa Gibbons, medicine research at the University of the Southeastern graduated from UA in 1994, Alabama at Birmingham.

Cancer followed by her brother, Evan Jerry said he is “a little bit embarFoundationʼs annuDuncan, in 1995. The Duncans’ rassed” about being the event’s honal ROAR gala. youngest child, Luke Bryant oree this year but said he hopes it will Duncan, is a junior at UA. The help raise more money for cancer couple’s grandchildren range in age research. from 14 to 7 years old. that Jerry start radiation therapy.

“When they first approached me “I just hope to be able to keep “But I wanted to make sure that about being the honoree, I said no going, to watch my grandchildren grow was the right choice, so we talked because that is just not my personality. up and to do all those things you want to a renowned doctor at Vanderbilt But the more I thought about having to do as a parent and grandparent,” he (University Medical Center), and he the chance to reach the fundraising said. said that if I wanted to, I could delay goal, the more I decided I had no reaJerry said he hasn’t let his battle the radiation. And that was my goal, to son not to do it,” he said. avoid it altogether or delay it as long as with cancer slow him down and that he Jerry said before his diagnosis last still has the discipline to work hard that possible,” he said. year, he was like most people and did Jerry said he knows that by delaying Bryant taught him. not realize how cancer touches almost The 69-year-old is the senior vice the radiation he is taking a risk that the everyone’s life in one way or another. president of UBS Financial Services cancer will spread and become more “I would hear of people that had and was named one of Barron’s Top aggressive. But in life, just like on the cancer, people that fought it and won football field, Jerry said, sometimes you 1,000 Advisors in America. and fought it and lost, but until I was “I get up at 5:30 every morning and just have to follow your instincts. diagnosed and starting looking around, go to work, and people are always ask“I guess maybe I am taking a big I didn’t realize how much cancer ing me when I’m going to retire. I’ve risk, but I feel in my heart that I’m affects so many people and not just the still got a lot more work to do before doing the right thing. Sometimes, you ones who have it,” he said. then,” he said. just have to trust your gut and have Jerry said his diagnosis was a comJerry said that work includes helpfaith,” he said. plete surprise to him.

Having faith is something Jerry said ing raise money for cancer research “I was just shocked. I went in for being done at UAB. has helped him throughout his entire a regular check-up and I was feeling “For every dollar we raise at the life. just fine. I had no idea, and when you ROAR event, UAB will match it, so we Growing up in the mountains hear them tell you that you have cancer, have the potential to really help a lot of of Sparta, N.C., Jerry said he never there’s a part of you that just finds it people through this,” he said. dreamed he would be a member of one unbelievable and you don’t know what The gala’s James Bond theme will national championship football team, to do,” he said. be carried out through all of the event’s let alone two.

But just like when he helped lead “I was a first generation college kid, activities with the GoldenCure martini, the Crimson Tide to three consecutive a live auction of Bond’s favorites with and it took a lot of faith to even dream SEC Championships in 1964-1966, Jack Granger and dancing to the music Jerry said he knew facing and defeating about playing college ball. My parents of Total Assets. didn’t have the opportunity to go to any opponent comes down to teamFor more information on the gala, college, but they instilled in me from work. visit www.southeastcancer.org or call a young age that if I worked hard and Jerry said his wife, Karen, did a lot 936-1403.❖ had faith, I could go to college and get of research on all the different treat-

B

JOURNAL EDITOR

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 3

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ments for prostate cancer. The couple traveled to doctors and specialists in New York and Tennessee to get second and third opinions on his diagnosis and treatment.

“I don’t know what I would have done without Karen. She’s the best teammate I could ask for in this fight,” he said.

Jerry had surgery to remove his prostate, but the procedure didn’t get all of the cancer. Doctors recommended

Dawson Memorial Baptist Church 1114 Oxmoor Road • Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 871-7324 • Prayer Line (205) 795-PRAY www.dawsonchurch.org

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About Town

going wild for wildlife—And Chocolate Homewood

Wild About Chocolate Feb. 9, 6 p.m.

Rosewood Hall The ninth Wild About Chocolate fundraising event to benefit the Alabama Wildlife Center will be Feb. 9 at Rosewood Hall in downtown Homewood’s SoHo Square. Local restaurants, bakeries and caterers will provide chocolate desserts and appetizers. There will be complimentary wine and beer and a cash bar. The evening will also feature artist-in-residence Justin Gaffrey and a live auction with Ken Jackson. Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door.

Reserved tables with eight seats are $1,000. Tickets can be purchased online at www.awrc.org or by calling 663-7930, ext. 8. ❖

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Hoover

Cleve Eaton and the Alabama All Stars Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m.

Hoover Public Library Birmingham legend Cleve Eaton and his band will perform an evening of classic jazz at the Hoover Public Library.

Eaton played with the Count Basie Jennifer Orchestra for 17 years and performed Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., with many other legendary performers, 205-824-1246, fax including Ramsay Lewis, Frank Sinatra Jan. 2013 and Ella Fitzgerald. The event is free.

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Committee members get ready for the Wild About Chocolate event benefiting the Alabama Wildlife Center. From left: Katherine Klyce, Gina Hinson and Sandra Allinson. Photo special to The Journal

Save the Date

Mommy and Me Program Feb. 7, 10:30-11 a.m. randon Homewood Public Library ver The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., New moms are welcome to attend 05-824-1246, fax story time with their babies. Admission is free. If you are coming with a large ct. .2012 I was overweight with high cholesterol and high group or want more information, call blood my own efforts eat right Thispressure. is yourDespite AD PROOF fromtothe OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the 332-6619.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Join Birmingham attorney Richard Jaffe, author of “Quest for Justice: Defending the Damned,” for a book talk and book signing at the Homewood Public Library. Jaffe will spotlight sensational murder cases and talk about his representation of Eric Robert Rudolph. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 322-6620.

Birmingham

Living Wild With Tom Ulrich Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m.

Birmingham Zoo The Shades Valley Camera Club will present Living Wild With Tom Ulrich at the Birmingham Zoo auditorium on

Feb. 8. Ulrich is a well-known wildlife photographer. His presentation will highlight his world travels and work. The program is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 249-7154.

Mountain Brook

Children’s and Maternity Consignment Sale Feb. 8-9 Mountain Brook Community Church The Sweet Repeats Children’s and Maternity Consignment Sale will be Feb. 8-9 at Mountain Brook Community Church, 3001 U.S. 280. Sale times are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.noon on Saturday. Most items will be 50 percent off on Saturday. For more information, call the church at 802-7070.

Birmingham

Phoenix Ball Feb. 8, 8 p.m.

Old Car Heaven The Phoenix Club of Birmingham will present the 2013 Phoenix Ball at Old Car Heaven Feb. 8. Tickets are $50.

The event will include live music, food, red carpets, Hollywood backdrops and “paparazzi,” vintage cars, food, cocktail dresses, an ice luge and a horned owl.

For more information, call 949-5989 or visit http://phoenixclubofbirmingham. com.

Birmingham

Red Diamond SuperPOPS!: Hollywood’s Legendary Hits with Chris Confessore Feb. 9, 8-9:30 p.m.

Alabama Theatre Principal POPS! Conductor Chris Confessore leads the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in selections from classic films like “The Magnificent Seven,” “Gone with the Wind,” “The Pink Panther,” “Rocky” and more. Tickets are $29-$62; student tickets are $14. For more information, call 975-2787.

Birmingham

Valentines with the Animals Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Birmingham Zoo Join the zoo in celebrating Valentine’s Day by making Valentines for your favorite animals. Face painting and other fun activities are included in this event where participants will learn interesting animal facts. The event is free for members, $14 for adults, $9

for children ages 2-12 and $9 for ages 65 and over. For more information, call 879-0409.

Birmingham

Chinese New Year Festival Feb. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Boutwell Municipal Auditorium Organized by the Birmingham Chinese Festival Association, the annual Birmingham Chinese New Year’s Festival celebrates one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. The festival will feature Chinese games, food, dance, music, acrobatic performances, kung fu demonstrations and more. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

For more information, visit http:// bhmchinesefestival.org.

Birmingham

From Seed to Chocolate: A Valentine Venture Feb. 9, 2-4 p.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Venture out to find the tree of chocolate in The Gardens. Learn how and where the cacao tree grows, discover football-shaped seed pods that grow on trunks and find out what is inside them. Get your spoons and aprons ready to mix up some homemade chocolate candy for Valentine’s Day. Children will take home an apron, recipe book of chocolate and a box of their homemade chocolates in a do-it-yourself Valentine chocolate box they design. The cost is $12 for members and $15 for non-members.

For more information, call 414-3950.

Hoover

Beginning Zentangle Class Feb. 9, 1-3:30 p.m.

Artists on the Bluff Learn Zentangle, the method of creating beautiful images out of repetitive patterns. During this introductory class, participants will learn at least eight basic tangles and complete at least two tiles. The $35 fee includes supplies and a mini-kit for use at home. For more information, call 305-2082.

Homewood

Learning Spanish Program Feb. 9, 10:30-11 a.m.

Homewood Public Library Learn Spanish during story time at

the Homewood Public Library. The free event is open to all ages. An adult must accompany children under 12. For more information, call 332-6619.

Birmingham

Youth Programs Showcase Feb. 9-10, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Red Mountain Theatre Company The Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Youth Programs, a group of talented students ages 6-18, will perform musical numbers from favorite

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

shows. The shows are choreographed

by Broadway veterans and show business professionals. Discounted student tickets are available 30 minutes before each show with a valid student ID. For tickets or more information, visit www.redmountaintheatre.org or call 324-2424.

Birmingham

Genealogy Lecture Feb. 10, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

LJCC

roll out the red carpet Mountain Brook

Night at the Oscars Feb. 14, 6 p.m.

Country Club of Birmingham A Night at the Oscars to benefit Mitchell’s Place will be held at the Country Club of Birmingham on Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. Mitchell’s Place is a comprehensive autism treatment center. The event, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. James P. Cowin, will feature a viewing of the 85th Academy Awards.

Hollywood-elegant attire is suggested; black tie is optional.

For more information, call 9570294 or visit www.mitchellsplace.com.

Allen Meisler and daughter, Anna at last year’s Birmingham Night at the Oscars. Photo special to The Journal

Author Barbara Bonfield will share her story of discovering history using genealogy with her lecture “Who Do You Think You Are?” at the Levite Jewish Community Center on Feb. 10. Topics will include exploring your roots, how to take an oral history and information on local resources. Light refreshments will be served. Books will be available for sale. For more information, call 8790411 or visit www.bhamjcc.org.

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North Shelby

Special Equestrian Volunteer Training Feb. 12, 16 and 21 Indian Springs A therapeutic horseback riding program for people who are physically, mentally or emotionally disabled will hold training sessions for volunteers on Feb. 12, 16 and 21. Special Equestrians serves more than 105 children and adults each year. The mandatory training sessions for Special Equestrians volunteers will be from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 12, 9-11 a.m. on Feb. 16 and 4-6 p.m. on Feb. 21. Volunteers should attend one of the training sessions. For more information, visit www.specialequest.org or call 987-WHOA. North Shelby

Hearts of Hope Luncheon Feb. 13, noon.

Cahaba Grand Conference Center The Women’s Auxiliary of The Foundry Rescue Mission and Recovery Center will host its seventh annual Hearts of Hope Benefit Luncheon Feb. 13 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. The luncheon benefits programs for addicted and homeless women seeking Christian recovery, shelter,

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To: From: Date:

Larry, 879-3388 Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax april 2012

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOUR April 19, 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 82

Please make sure all information is co including address and phone numb Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

6 • Thursday, February 7, 2013

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

a tango in homewood Homewood

L

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Save the Date Continued education and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Pam Tebow, mother of Tim Tebow, will be the keynote speaker.

Tickets are $75. Table sponsorships for the event are also available. For more information, call 425-7737, ext. 26, or visit www.thefoundryonline.org.

Vestavia Hills

12th Annual

Staff members from the Children’s Dance Foundation in Homewood get ready for the Takes Two to Tango fundraiser. From left: Shellie Chambers, Blakely Cottle and Diane Litsey.

Takes Two to Tango Feb. 16, 7-9:30 p.m.

Children’s Dance Foundation Enjoy decadent desserts from Cafe Dupont and a dance lesson with your sweetheart at the annual Takes Two to Tango fundraising event for Children’s Dance Foundation. A dance lesson will be taught by guest artists from Fred Astaire Dance Studios.

The cost is $60 per couple. For reservations, call 870-0073. For more information, visit www. childrensdancefoundation.org. ❖

Children’s Consignment Sale Feb. 15, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Vestavia Hills UMC Come out to the Children’s Consignment Sale at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church to get great deals on gently used children’s clothing and accessories. The sale will be Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with most items on sale for half price from 4-6 p.m. To shop early, become a seller or volunteer. For more information, visit www.thewhaleofasale.com.

To: Donna, 979-5691 From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: Feb. 2012 North Shelby This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for the Southeastern Outings Day Hike Feb. 9, 2012 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Feb. 16, 10 a.m.

Oak Mountain State Park Enjoy a moderate hike in the woodlands at Oak Mountain State Park. The hike will be off the park’s

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

color-coded trails. Well-behaved, properly supervised children over age 8 are welcome. Park admission is $3 per person and $1 for seniors. Bring a picnic lunch and drink. The hike will depart from the parking area between the upper and lower fishing lakes at 10 a.m. For more information, call David Shepherd at 240-4681.

Birmingham

Superhero 5K Feb. 16, 8 a.m.

Linn Park Join the Literacy Council’s Team TLC for the Run for Reading events.

The Superhero 5K will start at 8 a.m. on Feb. 16. Every mile completed by participants helps raise money to teach illiterate adults how to read. To register for the event, visit www.crowdrise.com/ superhero5k. For more information on the Literacy Council’s Run for Reading events, email Missy Burchart at mburchart@literacy-council.org or call 326-1925.

Birmingham

Heart 2 HeART Event Feb. 16, 6-9 p.m.

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Looking for Women With Thank you for your prompt attention. History of Breast Cancer

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

Taste the best food & beverages Homewood has to offer!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Rosewood Hall at SoHo 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. www.homewoodchamber.com (205) 871-5631

Title Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors:

Exercise often improves the health and well-being of women after breast cancer. Women with breast cancer frequently exercise less after their cancer diagnosis. Investigators at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are addressing this decline in physical activity through a research study that evaluates the effectiveness of an exercise program specifically designed to help breast cancer survivors exercise regularly.

You may qualify for this study if you: • are a woman between the ages of 19 and 70.

• have a history of stage I, II or IIIA breast cancer.

• are not currently receiving (nor plan to receive during the study) chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

• do not have metastasis.

• speak English.

• have not been exercising greater than 60 minutes per week for the past 6 months.

• do not have physical or psychosocial constraints to exercising.

For more information, contact the Exercise and Cancer Research Team at 205-975-1247 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Dept. of Nutrition Sciences 326 Webb 1720 2nd Ave. S Birmingham, AL

Principal Investigator: Laura Q. Rogers, MD, MPH, FACP, FACSM Professor

Ted’s Garage aTeam’s Heart 2 HeART event pairs children with pediatric cancer with professional artists. Artwork created by the children and artists is presented at the event. Tickets are $125. Individual sponsorships that include four tickets and a reserved table during the live auction are $1,000. For more information, call 401-8232 or visit www. ateamministries.org/heart-2-heart/whatis-heart-2-heart.

Hoover

Hummingbirds Galore!

Feb. 16, 10-11:30 a.m.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens Instructors Martha and Bob Sargent will teach participants how to make their yards a haven for hummingbirds.

The class will also include information on different species of hummingbirds, the best feeders and plants for attracting them and tips on how to discourage ants, wasps and bees near hummingbird feeders. The class is $12 for members and $15 for non-members.

Class size is limited; pre-registration is suggested. To register or for more information, visit www.aldridgegardens. com.

Mountain Brook

Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music Feb. 17, 4 p.m.

Canterbury United Methodist Church Canterbury United Methodist Church will host the fifth annual Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music at 4 p.m. on Feb. 17. A choral concert, “O Day Full of Grace,” will be presented by the Over the Mountain Festival of Sacred Music Chorus directed by Dr. Thomas Smith, professor emeritus of music from Auburn University, accompanied by members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The event is open to the public. For more information, visit http://otmfestivals.org/ festival13.htm or call 879-1909.

Homewood

Prints and Process Reception Feb. 19, 4-6 p.m.

Samford University Art Gallery Prints and Process: Recent Works

by Joshua Pickens will be on display at the Samford University Gallery through Feb. 28. There will be a reception from 4-6 p.m. on Feb. 19. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information, call the SU art department, 726-2840.

ABOUT TOWN

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL BIRMINGHAM

Caregivers Support Group Feb. 20, 6-7:30 p.m.

LJCC The Collat Jewish Family Services Caregivers Support Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Levite Jewish Community Center in the Senior Lounge. This is an opportunity for caregivers to find mutual emotional support, exchange coping skills and share community resources. The meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www. cfsbham.org.

HOMEWOOD

Taste of Homewood Feb. 21, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Homewood City Hall The 12th annual Taste of Homewood will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at Rosewood Hall in City Hall at SoHo. The Mardi Gras-themed event will feature more than 30 Homewood restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and beverage merchants. The Taste of

BIG NIGHT AT THE CLUB A Night Under the Big Top Feb. 22, 8 p.m.

The Club The Junior Board of Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center will host “A Night Under the Big Top” at The Club.

The event will feature extensive silent and live auctions, casino fun and games, food, drink and music from The Undergrounders. Tickets are $60 each or $110 per pair in advance or $75 each at the door. Join the Friends of Glenwood for a $175 donation and receive two free tickets. For more information, call 795-3294 or visit www.glenwood.org.❖ RNB_Ad_FINAL.pdf

Email About Town information to OTMJ editor Keysha Drexel: kdrexel@otmj.com

RED NOSE MARDI GRAS Board Vice President Todd Jordan and President Meredith McLaughlin get ready for the Red Nose Ball to benefit Camp Smile-A-Mile.

The Feb. 23 event will have a Mardi Gras theme.

Photo special to The Journal C

BIRMINGHAM

M

Red Nose Ball Feb. 23, 6 p.m.-midnight Cahaba Grand Conference Center The board of directors of Camp Smile-A-Mile will host the 21st annual Red Nose Ball on Feb. 23 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Energen is presenting the Mardi Gras-themed fundraising event. The ball includes a cocktail hour with a silent auction followed by a seated dinner and dancing.

Mike Royer will be the master of ceremonies with Ken Jackson serving as the auctioneer for the 11th year. There will also be a live auction that will include original art pieces. Tickets are $300. Sponsorships are available for $2,000-$20,000. The Red Nose Ball is the camp’s largest annual fundraiser.

Proceeds fund support programs for children who are battling cancer or who have overcome the disease. For more information, visit www.campsam.org.

Y

CM

MY

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Do you have MULTIPLE PETS? BUSy SchEDULE? Want LESS STRESS for your PET?

From left: Britney Sommerville, silent auction chair; Cathleen Ellington, president; John Goldasich, vice president; and Andy Parker, secretary.

BIRMINGHAM

Homewood also includes live music.

Tickets, $30 in advance or $35 at the door, can be purchased at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce offices at the Homewood Library or online at www.homewoodchamber.com.

For more information, call 871-5631. ❖

Like QUIET and PERSONAL ATTENTION? Rather be hOME vs. WAITING ROOM?

1

12/26/12

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 7

Photo special to The Journal

2:24 PM

8 • Thursday, February 7, 2013

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

One for the Books

Actor, Writer and Avid Reader Thom Gossom Jr. Headlines Better Basics Fundraiser

By Donna Cornelius

B

Journal Features Writer

irmingham native Thom Gossom Jr. has made a name for himself as an actor, appearing in popular TV series like “In the Heat of the Night” and hit movies like “Fight Club.” Many Auburn University fans know him as a walk-on football player who became the first black athlete to graduate from AU. He’s an author, too. His book “Walk-on” recalls his Auburn experiences and his growing-up years in Alabama.

Gossom has spent much of his life in the spotlight – and sitting beneath a reading lamp with book in hand.

“I’ve always been an avid reader,” he said.

“Reading is the key to any success you have in life.”

Gossom will return to Birmingham Feb. 20 to talk about reading at the Better Basics Love for Literacy Luncheon.

Better Basics provides literacy intervention and enrichment programs for elementary and middle school students in Alabama. Last year, the nonprofit served more than 16,000 students and gave away almost 49,000 books to children who might not otherwise have had books in their homes, according to organization officials.

Gossom said he knows firsthand the value of encouraging kids to read.

“When I was growing up, reading was always a premium in our home,” he said. “I saw my dad Love for Literacy reading the newspaper, and my mother read a Luncheon lot and always took us When: Feb. 20, to the library.”

11:30am-1p.m.

He was “always Where: The Club in the school library What: Better Basics at Our Lady of Fatima fundraising event Elementary,” he said. For more information: Later, when he was a Call 944-2928 student at John Carroll Catholic High School, “the librarian there became my friend,” he said.

Today, Gossom has an extensive book collection at his home in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., he said. “We have thousands, maybe 1,500 books in our library,” he said.

As much as Gossom loved reading as a child, he developed other interests, too, including football and acting.

“As a student at John Carroll, I loved football,” he said. “In those pre-integration days, I decided I’d be the first black athlete to play for Bear Bryant.”

Although it didn’t work out for him to play for the legendary University of Alabama coach, Gossom in 1970 followed fellow John Carroll alumnus Pat Sullivan to Auburn as a walk-on player. Gossom earned a spot on the team.

“I was a double major at Auburn in journalism and radio/TV,” Gossom said. “I had great journalism professors at Auburn.”

His fellow students there, he said, included Rheta Grimsley Johnson, an award-winning reporter and Pulitzer Prize finalist, and Cynthia Tucker, a journalist who won the Pulitzer Prize.

“I’m still waiting on my Pulitzer,” Gossom said, laughing.

Although that coveted award hasn’t come his way yet, Gossom used his writing skills in “Walk-on.”

“The book talks about sports integration as seen through my eyes at that time,” Gossom said. “It’s certainly a sports story, but more important, it’s a story of determination, of the quest to reach a goal. I’ve found people can

relate to it. We’re getting ready to do the second edition.”

People who have read the book seem to be inspired by it, he said.

“I just got an email from a man in Nebraska who said he was going to send a copy to Bo Pelini,” the University of Nebraska’s head football coach, Gossom said.

Like his college football career, Gossom’s acting career got its start in his hometown.

“My interest in acting started in Birmingham,” he said.

“I was in a theater program that was an outreach of Town and Gown Theatre and UAB. I did my first stage play at UAB.” Gossom said he was appearing in a Birmingham Festival Theatre production when a man who was going to shoot a movie at Tannehill State Park came to watch.

“He wrote a part for me in his film,” ‘Reading is Gossom said.

Gossom later the key to any joined the cast of success you “In the Heat of the Night,” which starred have in life.’

Carroll O’Connor of Thom Gossom Jr. “All in the Family” fame. Gossom’s many movie and TV credits include “Jeepers Creepers 2,” “Miss Evers’ Boys,” “Boston Legal,” “E.R.” and “NYPD Blue.”

His profession took him to Los Angeles for several years, and he still spends a good part of his time there today, he said.

He’s currently working on a documentary film project about James Owens, Auburn’s first black football player.

Three books of Gossom’s own short stories are coming out this summer, he said.

In Fort Walton Beach, he and his wife, Dr. Joyce Gillie Gossom, are active in their community. He’s involved in the school system, he said, and his wife is a city council member. The couple has a grown son, Dixson.

Gossom’s appearance at this year’s luncheon will not only promote Better Basics’ literacy programs but will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement.

“The integration experience prepares you to deal with adversity,” Gossom said. “It prepares you for compromise, something that’s lacking in the world today. It doesn’t bother me if someone disagrees with me. My feeling is you can’t have everything, and I can’t have everything.”

Gossom said he’s looking forward to speaking at the Better Basics luncheon.

“My father and sisters are in Birmingham, so this is a homecoming for me,” he said. “And I want to support young people’s reading efforts. We’ll have a lot of fun. It will be a memorable event.”

When Gossom talks to luncheon guests about the importance of reading, he’ll be speaking from experience.

Recently, Gossom said, he was surprised when a man walked up and handed him an old library book about baseball great Jackie Robinson.

“I thought, ‘Well, that’s neat– but why are you giving me this?’” Gossom said. “He told me to look in the back.

You remember that library books used to have cards in the back, and you signed your name when you checked them out. There, with the date November 1969, was the name ‘Thomas Gossom Jr.’ That book must have made an impact on me, because a year later I walked on at Auburn,” he said.

The Better Basics Love for Literacy Luncheon is Feb. 20 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Club in Homewood.

Tickets are $40 each or $300 for a table of eight. For tickets, visit www.betterbasics.org or mail a check to 211 Summit Parkway, Suite 108, Birmingham, AL 35209. For more information, email events@betterbasics.org or call 944-2928. ❖

Lakeshore Foundation Names New Officers The Lakeshore Foundation has announced its new Junior Board officers.

Birmingham attorney Frank Long will serve as president. Jeff Powell, also a Birmingham attorney, will serve as vice president.

Long is an associate with Balch & Bingham in the firm’s corporate section, where his practice focuses on Frank Long public finance matters.

He is a member of the Public Finance practice group and represents governmental, nonprofit and for-profit organizations throughout the state for both publically underwritten and privately placed taxexempt financings.

Powell is an associate at Jones Jeff Powell Walker in the firm’s banking and financial services practice group. His practice focuses on representation of banks and other financial institutions in corporate, financial, regulatory and operational

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 9

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

matters.

The Lakeshore Foundation’s Junior Board focuses on volunteerism, fundraising activities and promoting community awareness to support the foundation’s mission. The volunteer group of 16 professionals meets monthly.

Homewood Native Named Carroll Fellow Caleb Weaver of Homewood, a member of Georgetown University’s class of 2016, has been selected to participate in Georgetown’s Carroll Fellows Initiative.

Directed by Georgetown’s Office of Fellowships, Awards and Research, the Caroll Fellows Initiative is Georgetown’s flagship program for its most academically talented and ambitious undergraduates. Carroll Fellows are selected based on their academic performance, essays and an interview.

Beginning in the spring of their freshman year with the mandatory twosemester Carroll Forum seminar, the Fellows follow a seven-semester path that includes independent academic year and summer research programs and culminates in a senior year thesis or research project and competition for a post-graduate Fulbright Fellowship.

The program rewards Georgetown undergraduates whom it describes as “broadly curious, energetic, and effective, and committed to living fully the John Carroll motto of ‘Mentis Vita pro Vita Mundi’--the life of the mind for the life of the world.”

Caleb is the son of Robert and Patricia Weaver of Homewood. He

is a 2012 graduate of Homewood High School. Caleb is a freshman at Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service where he is studying international culture and politics and international development.

Simmons Student Wins Girl Scout Award

project.

The project included installing new carpet, applying a fresh coat of paint, upgrading the electrical system, revamping the food storage area and organizing the storage and meeting areas.

Katherine said she learned

An eighth-grade student at Simmons Middle School in Hoover has earned the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can receive.

Katherine Love, a member of Girl Scout Troop 468, earned the Girl Scout Silver Award for her project to renovate the community/ youth center at her church.

Katherine organized the labor and gathered the supplies for the Silver Award Katherine Love

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about teamwork and the power of encouragement while completing the project.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is presented to students in grades 6-8 and symbolizes a Cadette’s accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities. ❖

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This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Feb. 10, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Please make sure all information is correct, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. including address and phone number!

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Working It

Jann Robinson Job-Searches On CBS Reality Show

BY KEYSHA DREXEL JOURNAL EDITOR

W

hile most people would be nervous about being scrutinized by millions of viewers on national television, the heat from the spotlight didn’t even make one Mountain Brook mother break a sweat.

Jann Robinson, a caterer and culinary consultant, will appear on the debut episode of a new CBS reality series called “The Job” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8.

“Once you’ve seen death eye to eye, very little scares you,” Jann said.

“I’ve seen the worst that life can throw Jim at you, so I knew I could take whatever happened up on that stage.”

Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Jann had to learn a lot about being FAX: 205-824-1246 courageous during tough times when Oct. 2010 she lost her husband, Dave, to cancer 3rd Friday of Every Month This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL theDave Robinson, owner of in for 2006.

Fee Nov. 4 2010 Nominal issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Dave’s Deli in Mountain Brook, died on Sept. 28, 2006, just weeks before secure • confidential Jann gave birth to their sixth child.

“The first few days (after Dave aaa naid certified died) were surreal. I was really living in a cloud, and it took me a long time Serving commercial businesses in to come out of it,” she said.

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Central and North Alabama Jann said when her husband died, If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, she immediately started thinking about your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. how she was going to support the Contact us: Thank 205.943.5252 / www.ucpbham.com you for your prompt attention. couple’s children and manage their catering business on her own.

The couple started Backstage To: Jennifer Catering together in the 1990s, she From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., said. Jann also runs Jann Robinson 205-824-1246, fax Culinary Living, a Southern lifestyle Date: Oct.. 2012 consulting company.

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain“We Journal forathe were always team and it wasto hard to think about how to move nov.1 , 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes 824-1246. forward without him, but I knew I had takecorrect, care of our children,” she said. please make sure all informationtoAbout is two years after her husband away, Jann said, she took stock including address and phone passed number! of her life and made a bold decision.

“The life I had known had totally please initial and fax back within 24 changed. hours.

I took stock of my heart’s If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, desires and decided to go after my your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. dreams and start building my own Thank you for your prompt attention. personal brand and get on television. I started in 2009 with the goal of getting my own national lifestyle program,”

Call 205-542-6094

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

she said.

Throughout their 14-year marriage, Jann said, her husband was always supportive of her desire to be on television.

“He knew about those dreams and he always encouraged me, and he believed in me more than anyone else.

I took strength when I decided to go

Community document Shred days

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

Jann Robinson on the set of “The Job” which premieres this week on CBS. Photo special to The Journal

forward with these goals from knowing that he would want me to do this,” she said.

Jann said she knows her dream is one that comes with a lot of risks, but she said she has never been one to shrink from taking chances.

“I’m a Southern girl, a steel magnolia. I guess I’m a bit of a gambler because I seek high places and take risks to get there,” she said.

Jann began working towards her dreams by checking out casting calls for TV series and building her personal brand.

She read about “The Job” on a CBS website and decided to try out for the show.

“I told them in my casting interviews that the reason I’m doing this is for my children. I want to show them

YOUNG LAWYERS HELP AREA STUDENTS

The Young Lawyers of the Birmingham Bar Association present a check to the Assistance Leagueʼs Operation School Bell program. From left: Houston Smith, Mary Ann Wade, Heather Fann, Jody Dean, Will Davis and Rochelle Simms. Photo special to The Journal

that no matter what life throws at you, you can pull yourself together, put on some lipstick and keep moving forward,” she said.

Evidently, the show’s casting crew found Jann’s story compelling, and she soon got a call from executives at “The Job” saying she had been chosen for the series.

On “The Job,” Jann will compete against four other contestants to win a job with The Palm, a fine dining restaurant with 25 locations in cities like Atlanta, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington, D.C. Hosted by Lisa Ling, each episode of “The Job” will feature five candidates participating in several rounds of eliminations challenges as they compete for their dream job. Contestants can get on-the-spot job offers from three other companies besides The Palm, at which point they would have to decide on whether to take the job or remain in the running for the job at The Palm.

Jann traveled back and forth to New York City for about two months to film the show.

“Fortunately, my children are older now, and I have a great support system of family and friends that watched after them while I was out of town,” she said.

Jann said the connections she made while filming in New York will be helpful to her down the road as she continues to build her brand and pursue her dream of having her own television show.

“It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I know I’ll be in contact with the people I met through the show for a long time,” she said.

Jann said she is grateful for whatever personal boost being on the show will give her but said the audience she hopes she reaches the most are her children.

“I could have ignored this opportunity, but my heart told me to pursue it, and I hope that’s what my children do throughout their lives--follow their hearts,” she said.

For more information on the show, visit www.cbs.com/shows/the-job. ❖

The Young Lawyers of the Birmingham Bar Association recently presented a check to Operation School Bell, a nonprofit program administered

by Assistance League of Birmingham.

Each school year, Operation School Bell provides approximately 2,000 students with new clothes, a hoodie, undergarments, socks and a new book.

The funds from the Young Lawyers will purchase hygiene kits for each student.

Assistance League has also partnered with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama to provide each child a packet of easy-to-prepare food.

Houston Smith is president of Young Lawyers. Mary Ann Wade is president of Assistance League. Jody Dean is chairman of Operation School Bell. ❖

The Hoover Rotary Club honored veterans at a recent event. Front, from left: Paul Pocopanni, Trey Dowdey, Lutz LaBruyere, Jay Lutenbacher, Walt Hughes, Robert Cahoon and John Williauer. Back: Andy Peters, W.E. Babin, Ken Hubbard, Bill Powell, Ron Simms, Earl Davis, Rex Webb, Bill Clark and Larry Sparks.

Photo special to The Journal

Hoover Rotarians Honor Military Veterans The Hoover Rotary Club recently honored club members who are veterans and others who were guests of members.

Major General (Ret.) Bill Clark was a special guest and spoke on the historical use of the military in exerting U.S. influence around the world.

Brigadier General (Ret.) Paul Pocopanni of the Alabama Air Guard was also a special guest and was recognized by the club.

Members of the club honored at the event included John Willauer, Walt Hughes, Ken Hubbard, Earl Davis, Trey Dowdey, Andy Peters and Larry Sparks, all Army veterans; and Ron Simms, Bill Powell and Jay Lutenbacher, all Air Force veterans.

A visiting Rotarian, Army veteran Rex Webb, was also recognized.

Special guests of members who were recognized for their service in World War II were Lutz LaBruyere, Navy, guest of Kathleen Spencer; Robert Cahoon, Army Air Corps, guest of Terry Turner; and W.E. Babin, Army, guest of Walker Johnson.

The club also honored the late John Daniel Lindsey, Army, who was represented by his daughter and club member Joanie Gable.

Recognizing veterans has become a club tradition, and this year, as a small thank you, each veteran was presented

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 11

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

with a special coin in recognition of their service. The coins were donated by Mark’s Outdoors.

For more information about becoming a member of the club, contact Larry Sparks, membership chairman, at clsparkslaw@gmail.com, or Andy Peters, president, at andypeters@ wynfreyhotels.com.

John Carroll Senior Earns Eagle Scout Rank Steven Dinan, a senior at John Carroll Catholic High School, has achieved scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.

He is a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church Troop 71 under the leadership of Scoutmaster Don Peterson.

Steven started in the scouting program as a Tiger Cub in 2000. He earned the Arrow of Light Award, Cub Scouting’s highest award.

As a Boy Scout, he participated in summer camp outings at Camp Sequoyah and trips including Pine Mountain, Hiawassee, Fort Morgan and the Smokies.

Steven also participated in the Rugged E Adventure trip to Emerald Bay at Catalina Island, Calif., and a High Adventure trip to Florida Sea Base in the Florida Keys.

As a member of Troop 71, Steven held several troop leadership positions, including webmaster, historian and

patrol leader. He was selected to attend National Youth Leadership Training and was tapped into the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s honor society.

Steven also earned the Ad Altare Dei and the Pope Pius XII Religious Awards.

He completed more than 150 service hours and earned 35 merit badges.

Steven grew up in Shelby County and visited Oak Mountain State Park often for camping, hiking and mountain biking. For his Eagle Scout project, he led a group of scouts and adult leaders to create the Bump Stop Rest Area at Oak Mountain State Park.

The rest area is for cyclists to gather, relax, visit and enjoy comfortable benches and picnic tables in a shaded area next to the BUMP changing stations, garage and washing station and bike rack.

His project included the design, fundraising and leadership of scouts and leaders to complete the project, including clearing the area, cutting limbs and removing debris, recycling three picnic tables original to the park, constructing two park benches, installing a bat house for mosquito patrol, installing a dusk-to-dawn light, digging a drainage ditch and installing an architectural boulder and ground cover to finish the area.

Steven is a four-year letterman Steven Dinan on the high

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12 • Thursday, February 7, 2013

News

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Century of Service

Rotary Club of Birmingham Celebrates Past, Looks to the Future During Centennial Anniversary

By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

D

uring a visit to Denver in 1912, famed architect Harry Wheelock discovered the power of likeminded businessmen coming together to serve their communities.

Wheelock, who designed Birmingham’s first courthouse and city hall, brought the concept to the Magic City and, with the help of other civic-minded business leaders, started the Rotary Club of Birmingham.

Attended by 32 businessmen, the club’s first meeting was held Feb. 6, 1913 at the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. At the time, the group represented the 56th national chapter of Rotary International, which now has more than 34,000 club affiliations worldwide.

A century later, the Rotary Club of Birmingham is the largest chapter in the world with nearly 600 members, many of whom are residents and business and civic leaders in Over the Mountain communities.

Officials say club membership is merely indicative of the attitude towards service in the general Birmingham community.

“I think our members care more about impact in the community and in the world than they do about being the largest club,” said Susan Jackson, executive director for the Rotary Club of Birmingham.

Throughout its 100 years of history, the Rotary Club of Birmingham has championed and funded philanthropic and charitable causes locally, nationally and globally. It’s also provided the proving ground for two of its leaders to go on to head Rotary International.

The Rotary Club of Birmingham kicked off its centennial anniversary Feb. 6 in typical fashion with a luncheon at the Harbert Center, 2019 Fourth Ave. North.

The club, along with the Kiwanis Club and the Crippled Children’s Foundation, helped build the facility in 1986 as a meeting place for nonprofit organizations. The Birmingham club’s headquarters occupies a space in the building.

The group’s weekly luncheon, however, was punctuated by the presence of Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka, who wished Rotarians well on their centennial milestone.

The day of commemoration also included a concert at the Alys Stephens Center and a private dinner for Rotarians at five area restaurants, the multiple sites necessary to accommodate such a large membership.

True to its cause, the Birmingham club has chosen a signature project to celebrate its centennial. The group has adopted a path along Second Avenue South to develop as a trail to Railroad Park. The path is part of the Freshwater Land Trust’s proposed Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System, a longrange plan which includes 250 miles of greenways and trails that run along creeks and rivers throughout Jefferson County.

The project represents the club’s goal to unite and connect the greater Birmingham community, said Malena Cunningham, a member of the Birmingham Rotary Club’s centennial committee.

“These trails will help with our obesity rate. They will help the appearance of the city. They will help with economic development. They will make the city walkable. They will connect locations so people can get out and move and really enjoy the city,” she said.

The trail will eventually connect downtown to Railroad Park, the new baseball stadium and Sloss Furnaces, Cunningham said.

The Rotary Club is also partnering with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for a two-day symposium in April on human rights and civil rights, Cunningham said. Birmingham is celebrating 50 years as a pivotal player in the Civil Rights Movement.

The Rotary Club, like other groups shaped by the culture of segregation, reflected exclusivity in its membership. But

Clockwise from above: Rotary International has made great strides fighting polio and Rotary of Birmingham officials say they are “this close” to eradicating the disease.

Frank E. Spain is one of two presidents of Rotary International who came from the Rotary Club of Birmingham. Spain served from 1951-52. Whit DeBardeleben is the current president of the Rotary Club of Birmingham. He has been a member since 1976. Photos special to The Journal

“Having three presidents come out of the same community shows that Birmingham has always been and will continue to be a great place for Rotary.” kenneth schuppert Jr. rotary international vice president women and minorities have found a place among the club’s membership.

“Our centennial anniversary is just as much about looking forward as it is about respecting the past and past leadership,” Jackson said. “Certainly the past leadership had to have been strong in order to have endured this kind of time, so we wouldn’t ever want to forget the strength of the past, but we’re definitely looking forward to how to have a place in the future, too.”

The Birmingham Rotary Club’s past is entrenched in service, with members engaging their communities to make the Magic City and the world a better place.

One of the club’s first presidents led an effort among Rotarians to raise support for war bonds to finance World War I. The goal was to raise $1 million. Local Rotarians raised $1.125 million.

“I think that was a great statement about those early Rotarians,” Jackson said. “The same year, they got behind what was then the Boy’s Club and raised another $60,000 as a club project. Then they got behind the YMCA and raised another $30,000 in the same year. So from its early years, the

club had been service-minded.”

The Birmingham club helped start Rotary Clubs in Atlanta, Memphis, Nashville, Savannah and Tampa, as well as other cities in Alabama.

Two presidents of Rotary International have come from the Birmingham club--Frank Spain, who served in 1951-52, and Roy Hickman in 1972-73. Another local Rotarian, Glenn Estess Sr. from the Rotary Club of Shades Valley, served as Rotary International president in 2004-2005.

“Having three presidents come out of the same community shows that Birmingham has always been and will continue to be a great place for Rotary,” said Kenneth Schuppert Jr., Rotary International vice president. “The leadership of its members will ensure that Rotary remains relevant in the area for a long time to come.”

The Birmingham club’s leadership contribution has been felt in other areas beyond the presidency.

Since 1985, Rotary International has made eradicating polio its signature project and has raised $1.2 billion, $1.9 million raised by the Rotary Club of Birmingham and the Rotary Club of Birmingham-Sunrise.

Les Wright, former Samford University president and Rotary Club of Birmingham member, was the Rotary International’s first chairman of the Polio Plus Campaign.

Other international projects the local club has supported include building schools in the Dominican Republic and helping to build an early cancer detection center in Sri Lanka.

Locally, the Birmingham club has built children’s playgrounds at the YWCA and Bethel Baptist Church among other places. Its signature project is a preschool learning initiative.

“We’re in 12 of 14 classrooms for pre-kindergarten education in downtown Birmingham schools,” said Whit DeBardeleben, current president of the Rotary Club of Birmingham and a member since 1976. “We’re funding these classrooms to get the kids a head start before kindergarten. If they go through the pre-K programs, the odds are tremendously in their favor to go through high school, to be well educated and be better citizens.”

The local club also started Camp South Hampton following the April 2011 tornadoes. The summer camp provides reading and activities for children ages 5-13 who attend South Hampton Elementary School in Pratt City.

“We put on the camp five days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offered two hot meals a day,” Jackson said. “We really offered the parents a chance to put their lives back together.

We did it a second year and probably will do it a third year.”

The club’s accomplishments are almost too numerous to detail. But the overall impact of the club is an extension of the generosity found in Birmingham, which explains both the Rotary Club of Birmingham’s numbers and its longevity, members say.

“Birmingham’s strength is its caring community,” Jackson said. “Its people belong to and support their church affiliations, their school affiliations and their civic club affiliations. They care, and they make it a priority.”

It is a priority that has not gone unnoticed.

“The Birmingham Rotary Club is a great leader in the Birmingham community, the state of Alabama and throughout the world,” Schuppert said. “It has supported Rotary District 6860 (which consists of 55 Alabama clubs) in too many ways to count and has been an exceptional financial supporter year after year of the Rotary Foundation, and especially for Rotary’s Polio Plus eradication efforts and campaigns … My hat is off, and I personally thank the Birmingham Rotary Club and all its members for what has been done in the past and what will be done in the future to make the Birmingham community, state of Alabama and our world a better place for all of mankind.”

To learn more about Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Birmingham, visit www.birminghamrotary.org, www. rotaryfirst100.org and www.rotary.org. ❖

u Vestavia hills

Garrison Is New City Planner

By William C. Singleton III

C

Journal contributor

onrad Garrison said he’s always had a knack for seeing a process through from start to finish.

Garrison, 32, hopes to put his planning skills to good use as Vestavia Hills’ new city planner. The city hired Garrison in November to provide oversight to the city’s planning process as well as various completed studies it hopes to implement.

“I have always been interested in things that have a beginning, middle and an end,” he said. “And planning projects, you’re kind of able to be involved in those projects and in those processes, whether it’s developing a house or developing a shopping center or implementing a plan.”

City Manager Randy Robertson said hiring a city planner was akin

to filling a vacant seat in an orchestra.

The city last year hired an economic development director, Fred Baughman, as part of that orchestra.

“If you Conrad Garrison look at any progressive city, even much smaller ones, there is a city planner involved on the principal staff,” Robertson said. “And his principal functions are to orchestrate the land that we do have at its best and most efficient use. That gets into the nuts and bolts of how we’re zoned and working with builders, contractors, developers and even existing land owners on how land is currently being used, how it can be used in the future and

how it can blend into the overall design and symmetry that this entire community desires.”

Garrison said his hiring will allow other members of the city clerk’s office to devote their attention fully to their jobs. He said City Clerk Rebecca Leavings and Deputy City Clerk Wendy Appling have been performing a lot of planning responsibilities. They need to be free to focus fully on their responsibilities, he said.

“Becky and Wendy have done a great job,” Garrison said. “It’s just that they have so much to do.

Hopefully, I have the knowledge and experience to steer the pathway forward. With the Highway 31 study finished, that pretty much requires a planner full time to help implement that plan and see it through.”

The U.S. 31 Corridor Redevelopment Plan, completed in November, recommends redesign-

ing the highway portion that runs through Vestavia Hills as a viable boulevard that better manages traffic flow with greenways attractive to pedestrians, businesses and residents.

“That’s a 20-year project and to not have anyone overseeing that project would ultimately cause the plan to fail or not be implemented,” Garrison said. “It would be just another stack of papers collecting dust on a desk, so having a planner full time certainly helps that process.”

Garrison comes to Vestavia Hills from Hoke County, N.C., where he served as county manager for three years.

He grew up in southwest Florida and received his undergraduate degree in political science at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla. Garrison received his master’s degree in public administration and a post-graduate certification in urban and regional planning from the University of Central Florida.

He met his wife, Kellyn, at Flagler College. His wife’s family is from Vestavia Hills. ❖

Annual February

Sale!

All month long

the building has become a rare piece of architecture because many similar structures across the country have been razed, officials with The Gardens said.

In 2011, safety concerns about the building’s glass ceiling prompted it to be closed to the public. But officials said the structure remains sturdy and is worthy of preservation.

Officials said that the project is expected to be finished in September in time for the new school year and the return of the Discovery Field Trips, The Gardens’ award-winning educational programs.

u HOOVER

More Parking Coming to Elementary School Shades Mountain Elementary School is one step closer to doubling its parking area.

The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission approved a plan by the Hoover Board of Education to expand Shades Mountain Elementary’s current parking area to three adjacent lots slightly east of the school. The expansion would take the school’s parking area from 43 to 89 spaces.

The expansion includes lots at 2239 Sumpter Street, 2250 Sumpter Street and 2281 Hackberry Lane.

Shades Mountain Elementary Principal Juli Feltham said the additional parking would give the school more room, especially for special events. The school board seeks conditional use zoning to accommodate parking spaces in a residential zoning classification.

The Hoover City Council is expected to vote on the request at its Feb. 18 meeting.

William C. Singleton III

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 13

News

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u Homewood

From left: Gregg Clark, Greenhouse Specialty Grower, BBG; Corey Weaver, The Pennington Group, Inc., general contractor; James Horton, director of BBG; and Jim Smith, Montgomery Smith, Inc., designer and contractor. will be restored, and an insulation system will be installed. The renovation project’s initial phase does not include adding new exhibits. Some old exhibits

will be removed from the building while the work is underway.

First opened in 1963 and designed by the now defunct Lord & Burnham firm,

Carrington to Speak at Chamber Luncheon David Carrington, the president of the Jefferson County Commission will be the guest speaker at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s membership luncheon on Feb. 19 at 11:30 a.m. at The Club.

Tickets are $20 for the event. ❖

u birmingham

Conservatory To Get $1.4 Million Renovation

One of the area’s most iconic sites is slated to get $1.4 million in renovations this year.

The renovation of the Conservatory at Birmingham Botanical Gardens will allow the structure to be open to the public for the first time since April 2011.

Officials from The Gardens said renovation work will begin in May after the threat of frost has passed.

The first phase of the project will include stripping the old glass and cleaning the structure. Electrical and ventilation upgrades will also be part of the first phase of work. Interior partitions will be repaired and doors will be replaced.

The Conservatory’s facelift will also include checking for and removing any asbestos and lead and re-glazing with safety glass.

The Conservatory’s original entrance

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14 • Thursday, February 7, 2013

LIFE

‘We, as fathers, have to be role models for our children, particularly our daughters.’ DAVID SPLAWN

Pure Love

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

otmj 2013

Valnetinne’s Day Gift Guide

Group Works to Strengthen Father-Daughter Bond through Faith

BY KEYSHA DREXEL

“We’re always recruiting dads to join us, to join our planning committee, to get involved,” he said.

Fathers 4:8 was founded by Joby O’Brien, group of Birmingham fathers is of Greystone, after he read a book on parenting hosting what they call a “celebragirls by James Dobson. tion of the heart” in an effort to Joby, who is coordinating this year’s ball, strengthen bonds with their daughters and said events like the White Rose Ball that aim to show their commitment to being good role strengthen the father-daughter bond are more models. important now than ever. Joby said pediatric The second annual White Rose Ball will research shows that a daughter’s connection be held Feb. 22 from 6-11 p.m. at Vestavia with her parents--especially her father--is the Country Club. number one factor in preventing girls from The ball is an opportunity for fathers to engaging in premarital sex, taking drugs and make a commitment to be men of purity not alcohol, attempting suicide and suffering from only in action but in thought and emotion as eating disorders, low self-esteem and depreswell, said David Splawn of Inverness, one of sion. the organizers of the event.

He said research also indicates that girls “We, as fathers, have to be role models with strong relationships with their fathers are for our children, particularly our daughters,” more likely to stay in school and to do better David said. “Our focus is about having fathers academically. first commit to being an example of purity and “In this day and age, it is so important for protectors of their daughters and having the us as fathers to show our daughters who God daughters respond to that.” our Father really is. We are to lead by example The event is being sponsored by Fathers not only in how we live but in how we love our 4:8, a group formed last year by Christian David Splawn and his daughter, Linley attended wives. We are to love our daughters by guiding Birmingham area fathers looking for guidance, the first White Rose Ball in 2012. them in their choices for purity,” Joby said. support and encouragement in raising their The Fathers 4:8 group and the daughters. The group takes its name White Rose Ball are more focused on from Philippians 4:8, which says “to giving girls the tools and guidance dwell on whatever is true, honorable, they need to get the most out of life, just, pure, lovely, commendable, David said. excellent and worthy of praise,” “It’s not just about saying no, it’s David said. about the ‘Greater Yes.’ It’s about What sets the White Rose Ball saying no to the things of the world apart from other purity balls, David and saying yes to God’s plan for us. said, is its focus.

It’s not just that God wants us to say “What distinguishes it from no to some things we think might be events like True Love Waits and fun and more about Him wanting us other Christian movements to remain to say yes to what is ultimately satispure sexually is that while that’s fying,” he said. included in our focus, it is not our That concept can be difficult for primary focus,” David said. “Instead, even some adults to wrap their heads we focus on having a pure heart and Fathers and daughters danced the night away at the inaugural White around, David said. But with the help mind in the first place with the belief Rose Ball last year. This yearʼs event will be Feb. 22. of Fathers 4:8 and events like the that if you do that, your actions will Photos special to The Journal White Rose Ball, he said he hopes follow.” more fathers and daughters talk about versation, and now it’s something that we talk And the focus is not just on what it and support each other in their purity efforts. about regularly,” he said. their daughters must commit to, David said.

The ball will include a ceremony where the Those conversation openers and other tips “This puts it back on the fathers and on the fathers and daughters attending say a pledge fact that we have to be good role models to our on raising a teenage daughter in the age of the together and the daughters lay white roses at Internet and Lady Gaga have been the most children, particularly our daughters,” he said. the foot of the cross. invaluable parts about being involved with For adult men, David said, purity in “It’s a beautiful ceremony and a nice Fathers 4:8, David said. thoughts and actions can be a struggle. evening, but it is so much more than a father“You get the benefit of talking to like-mind“Just like our daughters, in this day and age, daughter dance,” David said. ed people, other dads who are worried about we are bombarded with all sorts of temptations Joby said he hopes the ball shows the girls what their daughter is up to on the Internet and that keep us from having a pure mind and a attending how much their fathers love them how to deal with it,” he said. “We talk to each pure heart. Just like our daughters, adult men and how much God loves them. other about how to deal with the latest technolhave to be careful of what they expose them“Through this ball, we want to show our ogy or trend.” selves to, what they watch, what they listen to, young ladies a small glimpse of how God sees The group also provides fathers with because even Christian men can struggle with them: loved, treasured, protected,” he said. follow-up material to help them handle those purity on that level,” he said.

About 100 people attended last year’s sensitive conversations with their daughters, David and his daughter, Linley, a ninthevent. David said he is expecting this year’s David said. grader at Briarwood Christian School, attended turnout to be even bigger. The formal din“After the ball, we give information on the inaugural event last year. The father-daugh- ideas for father-daughter date nights and quesner dance will feature guest speakers George Shamblin and Mike Mulvaney with musical ter outing sparked an ongoing conversation tions to discuss with your daughter. This is not performances by Morgan Grubb and Haley between the two, David said, which is the aim just something we want to talk about one night Spates. a year,” he said. of the White Rose Ball.

For more information on the 2013 White The group meets once a week in the month “This has really helped us bring an open Rose Ball, visit www.whiteroseball.com or leading up to the ball and about once a month conversation in our family about what it means www.foureightfathers.org. ❖ during the rest of the year, David said. to be pure. The event helped open that con-

A

JOURNAL EDITOR

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We have a large selection of beautiful jewelry to make your Valentine very happy. A wide range of affordable prices from $85 and up.

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Feather her nest this Valentines Day with a glazed pottery cross with flower $26-$37 (depends on size).

Chickadee, 969-3138.

Continued on page 16

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Special Day, Special Dishes

Life

Where To Dine Out for Valentine’s Day, A Few Suggestions

By Lynn Grisard Fullman

Chili-garlicpistachio crusted Atlantic salmon will be among Valentine’s specials served at Bellinis Ristorante & Bar.

Y

journal contributor

ou’ve sent flowers, bestowed jewelry and whispered “I love you” to your sweetheart. Now it’s time to make dinner reservations.

Eating out is a romantic gesture.

Granted, some men might prefer a slab of ribs and a cool beer, but women often have other ideas. When it comes to romance, just as a man should never give a woman a gift that plugs into the wall, neither should he, on Valentine’s Day especially, consider a fast-food spot a suitable place for a special dinner.

Thankfully, several Birmingham area restaurants have planned special dinners to make Valentine’s Day a memorable occasion.

Here a few possibilities: A specialty cocktail and Valentinethemed infused whiskey will be on tap for Valentine’s at Avo (2721 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, 871-8212, www.avorestaurant.com).

Besides that, the restaurant will serve what owner Tom Sheffer describes as the restaurant’s “usual favorite items.”

Known for its American food with a California accent, Avo and Dram, an adjacent bar known for its Kentucky and Tennessee whisky, will have its usual full menus on Valentine’s.

“We always have a game-of-theday entree at Dram, featuring fresh game, and a market fish of the day at Avo with the chef’s choice of the freshest seafood brought in that day,” Sheffer said. “We also offer recurring weekly specials on Wednesdays, breakfast for supper of grilled Berkshire pork chop on Kentucky grits topped with a fried farm egg; on Thursday, cornbread-stuffed quail with figs, pecans and pot-likker greens and on Friday, grilled prime strip with baked potato and mushroom ragout.”

You can make reservations, which are strongly encouraged any time, at OpenTable.com.

At Bellinis Ristorante & Bar (6801 Cahaba Valley Rd., Suite 106, Hoover, 981-5380, www.ourbellinis.com), Executive Chef/General Manager Matthew G. Lagace plans to showcase some of Bellinis’ most popular options which, in a customer survey, were rated last year’s favored entrées.

Among those will be an 8-ounce organic, wood-grilled filet served over roasted corn and gorgonzola fricassee topped with roasted fingerling potatoes, pancetta and warm bacon vinaigrette finished with a balsamic reduction.

Other choices will be chili-garlicpistachio crusted Atlantic salmon and lightly blackened Chilean sea bass.

A Tuscan Italian steakhouse known for its fusion flair, Bellinis will offer the dinner specials for two weeks beginning Feb. 10, “so everyone can taste some of our best from last year,” Lagace said.

Throughout the day on Feb. 14, Brio Tuscan Grille (591 Colonial Brookwood Village, Homewood, 879-

Photo courtesy Bellinis Ristorante & Bar.

9177, www.brioitalian.com) will feature two entrees from its Lighter Side of Tuscany menu that is filled with Italian dishes.

The Salmon Griglia (500 calories, in case you’re counting that day) includes grilled asparagus, sweet potatoes, spinach, roasted peppers, pesto vinaigrette, feta, diced tomatoes and balsamic glaze ($16.95).

The Shrimp Mediterranean (470 calories) gives shrimp fans a spicy grilled jumbo shrimp dish on a bed of orzo and farro pilaf with broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, spinach, feta and pesto vinaigrette ($14.95).

Dyron’s Lowcountry (121 Oak St., Mountain Brook, 834-8257, www. dyronslowcountry.com) will run its regular menu of Lowcountry/Southern Upscale food – plus “a few extraspecial specials” that will be available most of Valentine’s week when dinner service will begin a bit earlier than usual to allow for more diners. Hours on Feb. 14 will be from 5-10 p.m.

Known for its local, Southern fare, Little Savannah Restaurant and

Bar (3811 Clairmont Ave., Forest Park, 591-1119, www.littlesavannah. com) on Valentine’s Day will present ladies with a tulip and offer a threecourse menu with three options each for appetizer, entrée and dessert. Cost is $65 per person excluding tax, tip and alcohol; add $20 for wine pairings. (Also, cooking classes are coming soon.)

Chris Newsome, owner of Ollie Irene (2713 Culver Rd., Mountain Brook Village, 769-6034, www.ollieirene.com) will serve the restaurant’s “current, eclectic menu, with some special specials on the board and perhaps a themed cocktail and featured wine.”

“As usual,” he said, “we do not take reservations. We’re the place for couples who are not looking for the traditional special-occasion dinner with roses and reservations.”

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (2300 Woodcrest Place, at the Embassy Suites, 879-9995, www.ruthschris.

See dishes, page 16

Let us be your Valentine's Day gift source February 14th!

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Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 15

16 • Thursday, February 7, 2013

LIFE Keep your valentine cozy in the car during these chilly winter days with custom-heated seats.

Alabama Auto Top, 251-0684

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

A sweet surprise is an iced cookie, cupcake or cake from Savageʼs Bakery.

Special Valentineʼs Day gift bags start at $4.25.

Savageʼs Bakery & Deli, 871-4901.

Give her the wrong size at Christmas? These estate sapphire and diamond earrings are one size fits all! Levyʼs Fine Jewelry, 251-3381.

"Sweet Home" Silver Necklace, $64

2933 18th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM 205-803-3900 www.alabamagoods.com

Hand-beaded glass Lily & Laura Bracelets are the craze at Wrapsody. Pair them, mix and match them to create your own fun look. They make a perfect Valentine for that special someone.

Individually, $14 or 3 or more $12 each. Wrapsody, 989-7277.

This beautiful gold and diamond necklace from Isbell Jewelers is the perfect way to say I love you.

Isbell Jewelers, 995-7990

FANCY GOODS VARIETY OTMJ READERS

Thank you for your patronage in 2012 - we hope to see you again soon.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentines Eye Kit. It includes a full sized Pro Therapy Ultimate Lift Eye Cream, a Latissee Eye Lash kit, red make up bag, and a Valentinesʼs Day card. Valued at $220.00.

Brookwood Dermatology, 824-4441.

DISHES,

from page 15

978-1451

www.fancygoodsvariety.com

2512 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 102, Vestavia Hills

net) is serving up a lobster appetizer special that will be available through Feb. 19 from 3-10 p.m.

The steakhouse’s five ounces of Spicy Lobster Bites ($17) are lightly fried, then tossed in a perfectly spicy sriracha-mayonnaise sauce and served with a tangy cucumber salad.

“We’re pretty sure you’ll fall in love a little more with every bite,” a restaurant spokesman said.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Satterfield’s Restaurant (3161 Cahaba Heights Rd., 969-9690, www.satterfieldsrestaurant.com), known for its blend of Southern cuisine with European influences, will serve a three-course set menu for $85 per person, exclud-

What could be more thoughtful than heart-shaped soaps? Pré de Provence Hearts Collection soap made with only the finest ingredients. $16. Interiors at Pepper Place, 323-2817.

Hand-crafted clay hearts beautifully enhanced with gold or silver leaf by artist Barbara Biel, The Grande 9” heart, for that person who deserves your whole heart down to the 1/2” necklace.

Lambs Ears, Ltd., 802-5700.

Make her feel special with Build-It Bangle Bracelets to personalize! Bracelets $12.99, Charms - $7.99 - each one as individual as your own personality.

Monograms Plus, 822-3353.

Give the gift of a cleaner and healthier home to your special sweetheart, $150-$300. Mention the OTMJ and receive 10 percent off. The Maids, 871-9338.

ing beverage, tax and gratuity.

Grouper, lamb shank, yellow-fin tuna, chicken breast, pork chop and beef filet are among entrée options that evening.

Silvertron Café (3813 Clairmont Ave., Forest Park, 591-3707, www. silvertroncafe.us) will offer a Valentine’s menu on Feb. 14 and 15 from 5-9 p.m. both nights.

In addition to the restaurant’s usual menu, the café will have several Valentine’s specials, including baked cheese and tomato bisque ($6.25), grilled sirloin steak topped with a bourbon sauce and served with sweet potato fries ($12.75), skewered scallops topped with fresh mint-orange-ginger sauce and local organic mashed sweet potatoes ($12.75) and homemade chocolatestrawberry frozen parfait topped with raspberry coulis and whipped cream

Laurel Bassett handmade cuffs starting at $78 are a great gift to remember that special someone.

Town and Country Clothes, 8717909.

These classic porcelain cherubs are a great keepsake to remember Valentineʼs Day for anyone on your list. $1.50 each. Homewood Antiques & Marketplace, 414-9945.

Ladies 14-karat white gold diamond anchor pendant. The anchor stands for strength and stability, the perfect symbol of love.Also available in yellow gold, $489.

Shayʼs Jewelers, 978-5880.

Firefly designs are affordable handmade jewelry and sparkle with the use of Swarovski crystals. Starts at $35. Jewels By Rose, 979-5611.

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($6.25).

The featured cocktail will be coconut rum, tequila gold and orange juice with a touch of cream ($7.25).

Known for its American cuisine and housed in what once was a television repair shop, the restaurant has a charm all its own.

Want your meal at home? Then check out V. Richards’ (3916 Clairmont Ave., Forest Park, 5917000, www.vrichards.net) deal that is being offered on Valentine’s Day after 3 p.m.

For $95, you get flowers, a bottle of wine and a choice of special menu items. The menu lets you choose one item for each course.

Appetizer options are V. Richards crab cakes served with mixed baby lettuces and remoulade sauce or smoked duck breast with local red watercress, Stone Hollow chevre,

dried cherries and citrus vinaigrette.

The trio of entrees include seared Steelhead trout and marinated vegetables, Ashley Farms Airline chicken breast with roasted Brussels sprouts and root vegetable gratin, and lamb loin chops, roasted chickpeas, roasted red peppers, cilantro and mint yogurt.

For dessert, choose between chocolate decadence cake and fruit tart.

Add a cheese platter with creamy, bleu and aged cheeses and dried fruits and nuts ($10).

Reserve in advance if you prefer your meal in-house. Fried chicken from Publix is great, but it likely won’t win you any brownie points on Valentine’s.

To avoid disappointment, make reservations. The earlier, the better.

Don’t let a well-heeled Casanova beat you to the dinner table. ❖

ABBYʼS ROAD FROM PAGE 1

with Abby, but as soon as she was born, the doctors pushed me aside and started working on her. It was one of the scariest moments of my life.”

A couple of days after Abby was born at Brookwood Medical Center, Carrie said, the family received a miracle.

“A pediatric cardiologist just happened to be at the hospital. This was a doctor that was not usually there, but he did some tests and we found out about Abby’s heart defect. God was really watching out for us by putting that doctor there at just the right time,” she said.

After about 10 days at Brookwood, Abby was transferred to UAB, where doctors planned to do surgery to open her closed heart valve.

“The doctors had to tell us all the risks, and we’re sitting there thinking that our daughter has just been born and we may never even get to bring her home from the hospital, we may never get to see her grow up. It was one of the most harrowing experiences that I believe you can go through as a parent,” Carrie said.

R.J. and Carrie walked around UAB while Abby was in surgery, praying and crying together.

“It was one of the longest hours of my life. We had a lot of friends here, but no family. I was born and raised in New York, and Carrie’s from Baltimore. I remember talking to Carrie about what would happen if Abby didn’t make it. It was just a terrible, terrible time,” R.J. said.

Abby came through the surgery without a hitch, Carrie said, and was able to go home two weeks after the surgery.

But her parents were still worried about her health and what the heart defect meant for their daughter’s future.

Carrie said they wondered if the

‘I knew something was wrong, because I heard a weak little cry from her and then they took her away and I never got to hold her.’

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 17

COVER STORY

OVER THE MOUNTAIN AIN JOURNAL

“What we went through that day is something I hope no other parent has to go through, and that’s why we got involved with the American Heart Association,” R.J. said.

R.J. is on the planning committee for the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball, which will be held this year on March 2.

“We may never know why Abby was born with this heart defect, but what we can do is try to raise as much money as we can for research.

The timing was right for us to get involved with the efforts to end heart

disease and prevent all we can,” he said.

R.J. said before Abby was born, he and Carrie always donated to charities and tried to help other health-related organizations.

“We both have a lot of cancer in our families, but when it comes to something that has affected your own child, it becomes really important to you,” he said.

R.J. said he feels good knowing that the money he, his family and his co-workers at Wells Fargo will raise through events like the Heart Walk and the Heart Ball will help fund research.

“To know that that money is going to be used right here in our own backyard at UAB, that’s important to me. What the (American) Heart Association does is give hope to the Abbys out there that haven’t been born yet. We may not be able to prevent all heart defects, but if we can detect them early, maybe that will save lives,” he said.

For more information about the 26th annual Birmingham Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ Affiliate/Birmingham. ❖

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Carrie Murray procedure would hold and if Abby would be able to play sports and be an active child as she grew.

“We were very cautious with her, and it does make you worry more. We had baby monitors and I swear, we To: checked on her every five seconds. It From: was emotionally draining, but every Date: day that she got better was like a miracle to us,” Carrie said.

Carrie said her daughter’s doctors say it is very unlikely the valve will close again, but if it does, Abby can have the procedure to open it again.

R.J. said his daughter’s experience inspired him to become more involved with the American Heart Association.

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Having a Ball

Krewe King Edgar Welden Loves the Sporting Life

BY DONNA CORNELIUS

E

JOURNAL FEATURES WRITER

dgar Welden will reign for a night as king of the 46th annual Beaux Arts Krewe Ball.

But for a year, he was king of the road.

The retired Birmingham businessman is the Krewe’s choice this year to serve as king at the Feb. 8 ball at Boutwell Municipal Auditorium. His main duty at the event will be to escort the ball’s queen, whose identity won’t be revealed until that night.

While Welden said he was happy to be a part of the ball, he’s likely more comfortable wearing a baseball cap than a crown.

Several years ago, Welden fulfilled a longtime dream by taking a year off from his real estate business and traveling the country to attend sports events.

He traveled more than 120,000 miles to all 50 states. He started his journey Dec. 26, 1996, in Sacramento, Calif., attending an NBA game between the Kings and the Vancouver Grizzlies. He ended his trip a little closer to home at the 1997 Christmas Day Blue-Gray Football Classic in Montgomery.

“I ran away from home,” Welden said.

Welden is chairman of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame’s board of directors and was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. But sports have been a part of his life since his childhood in Wetumpka. He played football, basketball and baseball at Wetumpka High School, he said.

“I love Wetumpka and still go back there to see cousins and friends,” he said. “I’ve taught my grandchildren its history until they’re sick of it. If I ask them a question and they don’t know the answer to it, they’ve learned to say ‘Wetumpka.’”

After high school, Welden left his hometown to enroll at the University of Alabama and earned a bachelor’s degree there. He still has deep ties to UA, he said.

“I met my wife, Louise Cleve, there, and both our children went to Alabama and met their spouses there,” he said. “I’ve been very active with the university and with sports and the business school there.”

Welden and his wife moved to Birmingham after college and have lived there ever since, he said, except for a short stint in Montgomery.

“We love Birmingham,” he said. “It’s a great place to raise children.”

He started a real estate and property management company, WeldenField, some 40 years ago with his older brother, Charles, and the late Pete Field, he said.

“I’ve been fortunate to have good partners in life, starting with Louise,” he said. “I’ve had good partners in business, too.”

For years, Welden took an active role in Alabama’s Republican Party.

“I started at a young age as the state chairman of the Republican Party,” he said. “That was in the 1970s. I served 12 years as the Republican National Committeeman representing Alabama.”

During that time, Welden met several U.S. Presidents, including Gerald Ford, Ronald

Edgar Welden, second from right, was named Beaux Arts Krewe King at a luncheon last month.

Welden will reign at the Kreweʼs annual ball, set this year for Feb. 8. With him are, from left: Dean Nix, Krewe Ball Captain; Gail Andrews, Birmingham Museum of Art R. Hugh Daniel Director; and Brian Sullivan, 2013 Beaux Arts Krewe president. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

Reagan and “both the Bushes,” he said.

He was never tempted to run for office himself, he said, but “always enjoyed supporting other people.”

“When I first got involved, there were only a few elected Republicans in Alabama,” he said. “I’ve watched the party go from having almost no elected officials in Alabama to having many.”

When Guy Hunt was elected governor in 1986, Welden took time away from his business to serve on Hunt’s transition team.

“That was an exciting and historical time, from a political standpoint,” Welden said. “It was the end of the George Wallace era. Hunt was the first Republican elected governor in Alabama since Reconstruction, and I was active in that transition.”

‘I enjoy playing tennis, so I decided it would be good to play tennis in every county in Alabama. Coosa County didn’t have a public tennis court, so the probate judge arranged for me to play in the hallway of the courthouse.’

EDGAR WELDEN Welden has been director of the Alabama Development Office and ADECA, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

He was also head of the Alabama Humanities Foundation. During that time, he set himself an unusual goal.

“I enjoy playing tennis, so I decided it would be good to play tennis in every county in Alabama,” he said.

Doing that in one county proved to be a challenge.

“Coosa County didn’t have a public tennis court, so the probate judge arranged for me to play in the hallway of the courthouse,” he said.

A YEAR ON THE ROAD

During his year-long sports odyssey, Welden went not only to games but to each state capital.

“I love history and politics,” he said. “I’d tour the capitol buildings and get a real sense of history.”

He couldn’t make an exact itinerary, he said, because some events were tournaments or playoffs.

“Sometimes, where I’d go next would depend on who won certain games,” he said.

Louise joined him on some occasions, including a memorable Major League Baseball game.

“On our wedding anniversary, I was in Denver, so my wife flew out to join me, and I took her to a Rockies game,” Welden said.

He and his wife were sitting in the stands behind third base when slugger Larry Walker hit a foul ball in their direction.

“It hit Louise and broke her arm,” Welden said. “She’s a great sports fan and has put up with my foolishness and my trips. That time, she took a hit for me.”

He chose to schedule his cross-country adventure during an opportune time.

“My daughter was getting married that year,” he said. “Nobody asked me what I spent on my trip, and I didn’t ask what the wedding cost.”

Welden documented his year-long experiences in a book called “Time Out! A Sports

Fan’s Dream Year.” That book led to the formation of Will Publishing, which Welden calls a “mom and pop publishing company.”

“It’s for self-publishing,” he said. “It was the year my first grandson, Will, was born, so we named it after him.”

Among the books published by the company are “Hearts of Dixie: Fifty Alabamians and the State They Called Home” by James L. Noles Jr. and “Taku,” the story of four people and their connection to an Alaskan wilderness lodge.

“We partnered with Tom and Jan Bailey’s Seacoast Publishing to publish books about famous Alabamians for fourth graders,” Welden said. “We’ve done 47 of these.”

One Will Publishing book that’s particularly dear to Welden’s heart is “Wetumpka: The Golden Years.”

“The book’s time frame, 1942 to 1965, includes the years my principal, high school coach and band director served,” Welden said. “It includes every football lineup, where the players are now and a little about what was going on in the city, state and country at the time.

“I call it ‘War and Peace’ because it’s more than 700 pages long.”

As the Krewe King this year, Welden said he’s looking forward to the ball.

“I’ve been involved with the Krewe for a number of years,” he said. “We’ve enjoyed it because its purpose is to support the Birmingham Museum of Art. The ball is good for the community because the museum is so important to Birmingham. I’m very proud to be partnered with them.”

The Weldens’ daughter, Ann, was presented at a Krewe ball in the early 1990s, he said.

Although he couldn’t divulge the name of this year’s queen, “Let’s just say that her beauty, dignity and intelligence will make up for any deficiencies on the part of the king,” he said with a smile.

At the ball, Welden’s trainbearers will be his grandchildren -- Jamie MacKinnon Holman Jr., Welden Williams Holman, Joy Louise Holman, Allen Cleve Welden, William Edgar Welden III, Robert Evan Welden and Ann Derby Welden. The eighth trainbearer is Mary Frances Robertson, whom Welden calls “my adopted granddaughter.”

Welden loves sharing not only Wetumpka tales but his love for the University of Alabama with his grandchildren.

“Recently, I took one of my grandsons to Tuscaloosa,” he said. “We took in a tennis match, toured the new softball indoor facility and went to a swim meet and then a basketball game.”

The Weldens’ son Ed, daughter Ann and their families all live nearby, said Welden.

He and Louise live in Mountain Brook. Their home is a replica of the Gorgas House, a well-known structure on the University of Alabama campus. The house was already built when the Weldens bought it, “so that was just a coincidence,” Welden said.

He’s pleased that those closest to him will be at the ball to support him in his royal role, he said.

“Nothing is more fun for me than to have a good excuse to have a party and to be with family and friends,” he said. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Coquette Barnes, Tommy Amason, Yates Amason and Bill Barnes.

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 19

Photos special to The Journal

Members Honored at The Gardens K

erry Smith was the featured speaker at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 48th annual celebration of its members on Jan. 24.

More than 150 members and staff gathered in Strange Auditorium for drinks and hors d’oeuvres

by Savoie Catering. The festivities then moved to the Linn-Henley Lecture Hall.

Kerry is the state Master Gardener coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

She led a discussion on the unique relationship between Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The system has a satellite office at the Garden Center.

Those attending the annual celebration included Alpha Goings, Betsy Graham, Louise Walton, Annette Drummonds, Pat Cosgrove, Bethany O’Rear, Joann Wissinger, Coquette Barnes, Tommy Amason, Yates Amason and Bill Barnes.

Others spotted at the event included Emily Bowron, Bill Bowron, Frieda Murfee, Frances Wheelock, more photos at George Wheelock, Fletcher Harvey, Roger Clarke, Susan Jackson, Janet Taylor and Jerry Taylor.

Also there were Jeanie Sherlock, Scott Walton, Kelley Walton, Katy Eldridge, Jamey Eldridge, Martha Espy, Fred Spicer, Peggy Bonfield, Orrin Ford, Valerie Abbott, Mary Williamson, Lex Williamson, Nina Miranda, Anita Dark, Bonnie McDonald, Orrin Ford, Tricia Noble, Aileen Carter and Chris Boles. ❖

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20 • Thursday, February 7, 2013

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Art Served Up at Acoustic Soup

he seventh annual Acoustic Soup, which benefits VSA Alabama, was held Jan. 24 at WorkPlay.

The event was hosted by VSA Alabama’s Junior Patrons. Proceeds support VSA Alabama’s mission of providing opportunities in the arts for children and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses and its signature program, ArtPartners.

The event featured soup, bread and dessert tastings from 18 participating restaurants and chefs from the Birmingham area.

The Stephen McCullough Band set the tone with jazzy tunes played throughout the evening.

As guests arrived, they were given a guitar pick, which they used to vote for their favorite soup. Melt Food Truck won the People’s Choice award for its tomato basil soup.

Celebrity Soup judges Rob Conrad, Magic 96.5; Deon Gordon, Birmingham Foodie; Vanessa Rocchio, Southern Living Test Kitchen; Beth Olive, ArtPartners Emerging Artist; and Jeh Jeh Pruitt, WBRC Fox 6, awarded more photos at Happy Catering Company the Golden Spoon Award for its marzano tomato bread soup and gave The Soup Dude the Tablescape Award for best table display.

The 350 guests had the opportunity to purchase ceramic bowls painted

by VSA Alabama Emerging Artists.

OTMJ.COM

Members of the VSA Alabama Junior Partners at the Acoustic Soup event. From left: Katie Suttle Weinert, Jaclynn Maxwell, Wakisha E. Hazzard and Kathleen Geer. Photos special to The Journal

Participating restaurants were Ashley Mac’s, Avo, B&A Warehouse, Bistro Provare, Bistro V, Dram, El Barrio, Happy Catering Company, Jackson’s Bar & Bistro, Little Savannah Restaurant and Bar, Lucy’s Coffee & Tea, Melt Food Truck, Pinches Tacos, Shindig’s Tom Hamby, Katherine Davis and Wyona Hamby.

Catering, The Soup Dude, Veranda on chairman of the event was Jaclynn Highland, Vino and Yellow Bicycle Maxwell. Wakisha E. Hazzard was Catering Company. the event’s co-chairman. The public Katie Suttle Weinert is the VSA relations chairman was Kathleen Alabama Junior Board president. The Geer. ❖

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From left: Dr. and Mrs. Karl Emil Hofammann III, Christopher Freeman French Cruden, Susan Emerson Murray and S. Mark Roberts. Photo special to The Journal

S

Couple Feted with Engagement Party

. Mark Roberts and Dr. and Mrs. Karl E. Hofammann III hosted an engagement cocktail party Dec. 21 at the Country Club of Birmingham honoring Susan Emerson Murray and Christopher Freeman French Cruden, both of Birmingham.

Susan is a graduate of the Altamont School and Boston University.

Chris attended Mountain Brook High School and the Altamont School and graduated from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Chris also received a master’s degree from

Georgetown University, where Susan is also a graduate student.

Susan is the daughter of Martin Murray of Birmingham and Susan Holt Murray of Charlotte, N.C., originally from Birmingham. Chris is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Karl E. Hofammann III of Birmingham.

At the party were Chris’ sister Dabney Hofammann, a sophomore at Grinnell College and a graduate of Indian Springs School; Chris’s younger brother, Karl E Hofammann IV, a senior at Indian Springs School; and Susan’s younger brother, Andrew Murray, a consultant in Washington

D.C. Unable to attend were Susan’s older brother, Brian Murray of Charlotte, N.C., and Chris’ younger sister, Elizabeth Cruden, who attended the Altamont School and Kilgrasten Boarding School in Scotland and was presented at the Ball of Roses. Elizabeth lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Chris works for the Federal Government, and Susan works at Georgetown University. Both live in Washington, D.C. The wedding will be Sept. 28 in Charlottesville, Va. ❖

40% O

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 21

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Mountain Brook Girls Shine at Starlight Ball

M

ountain Brook 12th-grade girls and their escorts were presented at the 2013 Starlight Ball at the Cahaba Grand on Jan. 26.

The venue was transformed into a “Hollywood Walk of Fame” by Robert Logan of Backstage Florists.

The 131 presentees, their escorts and guests enjoyed dinner before the presentation and dancing afterward to the music of 24/7.

Sue Register was chairman of the Starlight Ball. Co-chairmen were Allison Brown and Carolyn Greene.

The ball committee included 25 mothers.

The young women presented at the ball included: Laurie Allison Akin, Margaret Leigh Albright, Eleanor Harris Bailey, Alana Kathleen Bartoletti, Casey Joan Bayer, Anna Nicole Bolton, Lillian Wakefield Bowron, Sarah St. Clair Bowron, Celeste Chisolm Brady, Dabney Kathleen Bragg, Margaret Russell Bromberg, Carlyle Lee Brown, Margaret Alice Brown, Virginia Scott Bullock, Lauren Anne Bundrick, Margaret Keelyn Callaway, Allie Galloway Cannon, Mary Clay Carr; Sarah Church Cassady, Emily Katherine Causey, Mary Kathryn Chesebro, Kathleen Markham Collins, Elizabeth McLendon Colquett, Sarah Elizabeth Colvin, Caroline Elise Cooper, Lamar Bickley Cooper, Emily Rose Cox, Mary Glenn Culp, Katherine Greer Cunningham, Elizabeth Miller Damrich, Mary Eleanor DeRamus, Harper Lane De Wine, Patricia McGee Dodson, Saige Olive Donner, Bailey Elizabeth Edmonds; Marguerite MacRae Edmonds, Virginia Allison Elam, Alaina Grace Elgin, Mary Catherine Ellard, Claire Elizabeth Fox, Jessica Claire Fraley, Julia Blair Franklin, Annabelle Jackson Friedman, Allie Beth Garber, Mary Carolyn Garcia, Julia Sloan Geiss, Julia Grace Elizabeth Gillen, Haley Kathleen Gray, Margaret Stabler Greene, Anna Catherine Gurosky, Virginia

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Ann Haas, Valerie Taylor Harkins, Bradley Ann Henderson; Allison Leigh Hill, Caroline Ashcraft Holbrook, Macy Caroline Holmes, Elizabeth Denise Horton, Virginia Davis Hutchinson, Jordan Leigh Hughes, Tully Jayne Jackson, Margaret Pearson Jeffords, Ann Brooks Johnson, Marjorie Teel Jones, Mary Ashton Jones, Isabella Mae Keating, Laura Hamilton Keel, Margherite Cecelia Keller, Virginia Ann Kennedy, Jessica Danielle Key, Melissa Gail Kidd, Kathryn Blunt Kirkland; Mary Rebecca Lankford, Leah Brooks LaRussa, Laura Elizabeth Lavette, Frances Caroline Lee, Christina Laura Lilly, Madeline Kate Lindsey, Julia Rose Lott, Farris Ann Luce, Kathryn Courtney Lundberg, Brucie Elizabeth Mancuso, Megan Elizabeth McDowell, Elizabeth Carter Marks, Sarah Frances Matheson, Laura Miller Middlebrook, Adelaide Elizabeth Miller, Elizabeth Overton Moore, Ellie Batya Mouyal; Ana Preda Naumescu, Katharyn Gray Neil, Jennifer Pryor O’Neil,

Sally Leila Orcutt, Melissa Catherine Parker, Laura Elizabeth Patrick, Emily Elizabeth Pearlstein, Anna Catherine Peeples, Carment McGuire Phillips, Hannah Ann Pitts, Mary Dealie Pope, Margaret Louise Pritchard, Lane Jennings Proctor, Kendall Caroline Reed, Sarah Lawrence Reed, Katherine Fuller Register, Helen Catherine Reich, Laura Elizabeth Rice; Mary Gaynor Screven, Laura Louise Semmes, Ashley Marie Shaffer, Tate Alexandra Sieber, Jennifer Lynne Sirkin, Ann Alexander Sisson, Catherine Treadwell Smith, Marion Gray Sumrall, Sloan McClelland Tandet, Shelby Raines Thigpen, Hayden Nicole Thomas, Mary Grace Tracy, Sarah Grace McNeer Tucker, Ann Ellard Turner, Rebecca Ivy Turnley, Sawyer Richardson Underwood, Elizabeth Beeson Warren; Mary Charlotte Weaver, Emma Sterling Wells, Caroline Parker White, Isabelle O’Neal White, Ellen Jessica Wilson, Katherine Jennings Windle, Elizabeth Stewart Wood and Virginia Carol Wright. ❖

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Road if we have not heard from you Trussville by 5 pm of the Friday before the pre From 141the turn your ad willI-59 runNorth as is.take WeExit print paper Monday.

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Alliance Francaise Hosts Holiday Soiree

Send your party pics to: editorial@otmj.com

The Alliance Française Christmas party was held at the Mountain Brook home of Fiona and Rob Shattuck.

Guests enjoyed quiches, foie de canard, roulage, French chocolate and AT PATTON CREEK pastries.

Rob Heenan, chef at the Quality Original and Limited Edition Birmingham Country Club, created a Art chocolate replica of the Eiffel Tower for the occasion. Champagne and wine were served.

Christmas songs sung in French added to the festivities.

181 Main Street, Suite 225•Hoover•733.4893•www.inskysart.com The party also featured a lecture

by France’s Jean Louis Etienne, who talked about his studies and experi“CROSSES Looking ences in the North Pole.

GUARANTEED Along with the party’s hosts, for a unique FOR LIFE!” those at the event included Marc by local artist Valentine’s Magaud, scientific attaché at the Guy Barnes Day Gift? from re-purposed French Embassy in Washington, D.C., materials. and Serge Bokobza, president of the Alliance Française in Birmingham.

Others attending included Kim Thomas, Scott Brown, Annie To: Robert 988-3131 McCarter, Regine Smith, John From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Sechrist, Katherine Sechrist,

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From left: Jean Louise Etienne, Melinda Shallcross and Marc Magaud.

Photo special to The Journal

Mark King, Margaret King, Ines Schormann, Norbert Schormann, Sebastian Schormann, Clay Spicer, Melinda Shallcross, Cotton Shallcross, Dr. Carter and Jenny Morris.

Also there were Stuart Herring, David Blake, Bob Burns, Bernard Moore, Nancy Moore, Tom Gordon, Kristine Whitten, Genevieve

Retriever Lends a Paw During Holiday Party

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the 2/7/13 otmj issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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& marketplace Please make sure all information heisRetriever correct, store in Birmingham helped out Hand in 930 Oxmoor Rd. • 414.9945 Paw during a holiday party and silent auction. address and phone number!

Mon. - Sat. 10am-6pm • Sun. including 1pm-6pm • www.homewoodantiques.com For the December event, 30 percent of the sales at The

Blaudeau, Esperance Taylor, Sharon Jones, Rob Heenan, Ussa Heenan, Bruce McClelland, Olivia Alison, Curtis Hendrickson, Ellen Schmidt, Robert Reiche, David McCarter and Stephanie McCarter.

Out-of-town guests included David Cross and his wife from Hawaii and Amro, Majid and Azza Elbalki from Syria. ❖

available to either rent or buy.

Hot apple cider, wine and beer were served to a large crowd gathered at the festively-decorated store for the holiday event. ❖

Retriever went to the nonprofit organization that offers

animal-assisted Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. therapy.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,mission is to improve the health and Hand in Paw’s your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. well-being of children and adults by serving those with

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Chris Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Jan. 2013

through interactions with professionally-trained animalassisted therapy teams.

The event included an auction and an art show. The auction featured women’s clothing, shoes and purses from famous designers. The art show included works from local and international artists, including Leo Ticheli, Jim Ownes, Allison Wheeler, Peggy Johnson Ron Rabun, Rhonda Allen, Luanne Bondarenko and Jerry Otts.

Karen Arant, owner of The Retriever, greeted guests in one of her vintage dresses and a mink that were both

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Feb. 9, 2013 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

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Our mission is to provide the owner and the resident the best possible experience in property management.

You can reach any of our team members to assist you in finding a rental property or managing your home as a rental.

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Tammy Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246

Leo and Belinda Ticheli, Bill Arant and Fred Owen.

Photo special to The Journal

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 23

The Birmingham Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters had its general meeting on Dec. 19. From left: Speaker Kevin Shook, Faye Hart, Jeannine McElroy and Dr. William Colvin.

Photo special to The Journal

NSAL Celebrates Spirit of Christmas

T

he Birmingham Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters was treated to “The Spirit of Christmas” at its Dec. 19 general meeting when pianist Michael King and vocalist Kristi Tingle Higginbotham entertained.

The luncheon-meeting at Birmingham Country Club was the last event of 2012 for the chapter, which met again on Jan. 16. Charles Buchanan presented a program on Birmingham printmakers.

In October, the chapter heard Professor Kevin Shook of Birmingham-Southern College talk about the art and technique of printmaking, the focus of the national organization’s competition this year.

Dr. William Colvin is coordinating

New President Holds First Meeting

The Republican Women of the South met on Jan. 23 at the Vestavia Country Club.

The meeting was called to order

by Cynthia Douglas, the group’s new president.

The Vestavia Country Club staff served lunch as members received an update on the agenda for the new legislative session in Montgomery.

the local chapter’s competition.

In November, Birmingham Ballet Director Cindy Free presented several ballerinas in scenes from “The Nutcracker.” Free also is the chapter’s vice president of programs. Mildred Allen-Taub is chapter president.

New members welcomed at the meetings were Herb Patterson, Lu Moss and Miriam McClung.

Attending in November were Edith and Robert Bauman, William Colvin, Zelda Covey, Margie Denton, Cindy Free, Fay Hart, Jane Hinds, Ruth Jensen, Dannette Ledbetter, Gail Ledbetter, Nancy Morrow, Herb Patterson, Mary Frances Reed, Mel Robinson, Catherine

Rogers, Pat Southern, Mildred Allen-Taub, Jessie Williams, Janis Zeanah, Sue Watkins and Martha Willetts.

Guests were Whitney Renfroe, Grace Baker, Susanna Kaletski, Katherine Free, Elizabeth Lindsey, Marsha Baker, Frances Lindsey, Suanne Ferguson, Mark Kaletski, Gina Mialo, Christian Free and Cannon Suqua.

Along with those who attended in November, others at the October event were Dr. Kathleen Berecek, Lynn Russell-Davis, Tallulah Hargrove, Melva Jones, Nancy Jones, Jeannine McElroy, Libby Odom, Mary Frances Reed, Ann Rose, Carolyn Satterfield and Sara Vaughn. ❖

Mary Sue McClurkin, a member of the Alabama House of Representatives, gave the group an informative update. Members were encouraged to ask questions after her presentation.

McClurkin said some of the items on this year’s House Republican Caucus agenda include the Women’s Health and Safety Act, Alabama Firearms Protection Amendment, Local Control School Flexibility Act and Medicaid Fraud Reduction Act.

The new club officers were installed by McClurkin at the meeting.

The new vice president is Betty Stockham. Tad Douglas is secretary, and Monica Gallups is treasurer.

The club meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. Visitors are welcome.

For information at RWOS, contact Cynthia Douglas at candouglas@bellsouth.net. ❖

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Tommy, Thanks for getting this up so quick. Here are the corrections: 1. no slogan under the logo 2. logo looks pasted, can we make that entire bottom row black background? Either that or I’m working on getting a copy of my logo with black font on white background.

3. blue circle should read “color sealer is guaranteed against stains!”

4. Get rid of the whole 5 step process and replace with “transform the look of your tile!” (running center under first picture) and “ ” (running center under second picture) 2902 18th5.Street So. •the Homewood • 870.4367 Under pictures put 4 bullets reading: - No Mess - Easy to Care or

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Heart HeART

he Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has announced a gift of $500,000 from Ken Jackson to the Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services.

Jackson, founder of the Remy Fund, said he made the gift to increase the ability of the special Field of Interest Fund to support animal-related programs that provide rescue and shelter services, spay and neuter services and animal-assisted therapy.

“We know the needs are great, and we want to be able to increase our grants over time,” Jackson said.

In its first two years, the Remy Fund of the Community Foundation awarded $40,000 in grants. Nonprofit organizations can submit applications for the next cycle of Remy Fund grants starting April 1.

A committee of volunteers reviews all proposals, visits facilities and meets with organization leaders to evaluate finalists. Committee members

Members of the Remy Fund committee are, from left: Beverly Virciglio, Murphy Lynch, Debra Linton, Brenda Bell Guercio, Ken Jackson and Beth Franklin.

Photo special to The Journal

include Brenda Bell Guercio, Beth A. Franklin, Debra J. Linton, James “Murphy” Lynch and Beverly S. Virciglio, with Jackson as ex-officio and non-voting member.

Jackson established the Remy Fund with an initial $250,000 gift and named it in honor of his late dog Remy, a Jack Russell-Shih Tzu mix.

“I have seen such a difference that

we have been able to make already with grants to organizations that are doing great work with traditional companion animals – cats, dogs and horses,” Jackson said. “This whole experience has been so rewarding that I wanted to do more.”

For more information on the Remy Fund, visit www.foundationbirmingham.org. ❖

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Hoover New Horizons Marks 25th Anniversary

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

oover New Horizons celebrated its 25th anniversary Nov. 27 with a party at the Hoover Senior Center.

More than 155 people attended a monthly luncheon prior to the anniversary celebration.

The Hoover Songbirds entertained. The group blended more than 20 voices to sing a variety of songs.

The event ended with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated sunroom at the Hoover Senior Center.

Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey helped Richard Riess, chairman of the Senior Center Building Committee, open the sunroom.

9:27 AM Hoover city officials attending included John Lyda, John Natter and John Greene.

Past presidents of New Horizons attending were Wayne Phelps, Sam Phelps, Carl Murray, Karl Johnson, Don Barley, Joe Bianchi, Ron Christman, Bill Lees and Ken Sullivan.

The mission of the Hoover New Horizons is to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens in Hoover by providing opportunities for involvement in social, recreational and service activities and to support the development of projects within the city.

The group has grown over the last 25 years to include

From left: John Lyda, John Greene, Mayor Gary Ivey and John Natter. Photo special to The Journal

three full-time staff members, one part-time staff member, more than seven exercise classes, active classes such as yoga, line dancing and ballroom dancing, arts and crafts groups, card games, two or three guest speakers per month and special events each month. ❖

2 0 13

Supporting Pediatric Cancer Families Saturday, February 16th, 2013 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

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Carlton-Chandler

Mr. and Mrs. Will Darsey Carlton Jr. of Fairhope announce the engagement of their daughter, Mackenzie Lauren, to William Dale Chase Chandler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dale Chandler of North Shelby County.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. Will Darsey Sr. of Fairhope, the

Herndon-Neill

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Joseph Friedlander of Roanoke, Va., formerly of Birmingham, announce the engagement of their daughter, Laura Cathleen Herndon, to Zacary Rockwell Neill, son of Mrs. Lynn Killian Neill of Hendersonville, N.C., and Mr. Don Samuel Neill of Hendersonville.

Miss Herndon is the daughter of the late Mr. David Burrell Herndon of Atlanta, formerly of Birmingham.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Nancy Teitloff McGill

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 25

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jasper May of Shreveport, La., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eugene Hancock of Farmerville, La. Miss Carlton is a 2006 graduate of Fairhope High School and a 2011 graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in advertising.

She is employed at Tamara’s Restaurant Group as an event coordinator.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Betty H. McWilliams of North Shelby County and the late Mr. William Barnett McWilliams and Mrs. Ila Mae Chandler of Cahaba Heights and the late Mr. Dale Chandler.

Mr. Chandler is a 2004 graduate of Briarwood Christian High School. He attended the University of Alabama and is employed as a project manager with Southern Logistics Incorporated in Fairhope.

The wedding is planned for March 9 at Fairhope United Methodist Church. of Nashville, Tenn., and the late Mr. L.C. Teitloff and Mrs. Jane Atherton Herndon of Livermore, Ky., and the late Mr. Shirley Burrell Herndon.

Miss Herndon is a graduate of The Altamont School in Birmingham and a cum laude graduate of Wake Forest University, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, the Concert Choir and co-chairman of Project Pumpkin. She is a graduate of Cumberland School of Law and is cochairman of member development for the Junior League of Asheville and cochairman of professional development for the Young Professionals Association of Asheville. Miss Herndon is director of annual giving at the University of North Carolina, Asheville.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William Harold Killian of Greenville, S.C., Mrs. Helen Sossamon Neill of Hendersonville, and the late Elmer Yates Neill.

Mr. Neill is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega, and the University of North Carolina School of Law. He is a criminal defense attorney in Hendersonville.

The wedding is planned for Oct. 5.

Ceitlin-Royal

Dr. and Mrs. Harold Ceitlin of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Jill Leigh Ceitlin, to Russin Louis Royal, son

of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Royal of Birmingham.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Ceitlin of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Julien Liliental of Selma.

Miss Ceitlin is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she was a member of Delta Phi Epsilon social sorority and received a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in history and Spanish. She received a master’s degree in public health from the George Washington School of Public Health. She was a member of Delta Omega Honor Society in Public Health, a board member of Young Professionals Division of the AntiDefamation League, a top 10 finalist of Prize to the Future in Birmingham and was presented at the Ball of Roses. Miss Ceitlin is employed with

Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office of the World Health Organization.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Helen Silverman of Longview, Texas, and the late Mr. Abe Silverman of Longview and the late Mr. and Mrs. Louis and Naomi Royal of Cincinnati.

Mr. Royal is a graduate of the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and Northwestern University with a master’s degree in science and communications. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu, past governing board member of the Chicago International Film Festival and board chair of AIPAC Chicago Young Leadership Council. Mr. Royal is employed with Olson PR. The wedding is planned for May 11.

Fletcher-Price

in interdisciplinary studies. She is employed as special events manager at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Charles A. Bourgeois and the late Mrs. Joy A. Bourgeois of Winter Park, Fla., and Mr. Lawrence E. Price Sr. and Ms. Phyllis Carpenter of Merritt Island, Fla. Mr. Price is a graduate of Oak Mountain High School and Auburn University, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and received a bachelor’s degree in finance. He is employed with Wells Fargo.

The wedding is planned for Dec. 14.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Fletcher of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Caroline Paige Fletcher, to Erin Taylor Price, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Price Jr. of Birmingham.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claude McWhorter of Calera and the late Mr. Richard E. Fletcher and Mrs. Sue L. Fletcher of Birmingham.

Miss Fletcher is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and Auburn University, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and received a bachelor’s degree

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of Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Hankins of Hoover and Mr. William A. Burke Jr. of Gulf Shores and the late Mrs. William A. Burke Jr. Miss Burke is a graduate of the University of Alabama with bachelor’s Recently engaged degrees in psychology and nursing.

She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi or married? social sorority and Gamma Beta Phi Let us help you spread the and Sigma Alpha Lambda honor societies. She is employed with Children’s of word of your good news.

Alabama.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Julian Lester Alexander Jr. To: 323-6014 Send your of Hoover and the late Mr. Julian Lester From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 announcement Alexander Jr. and Mrs. Earl Franklin Date: Feb. 2011 sunday february 10th, 2013 Horn of Nashville, Tenn., and the late to editorial@otmj.

Mr. Earl Franklin Horn.

This is your 2-4pmfor the com orAD visitPROOF www. from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL Mr. Alexander is a graduate of the Feb. 10, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. otmj.com and University of Alabama with a bachfill out the form chickadee elor’s degree in finance and a master’s Please make sure all information is correct, under the degree in business administration. He 3138 cahaba heights road including address and phone number! was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

“Forms, Issue birmingham, al 35243 He is employed with Accounting, and Info.”

969.3138 Economics & Appraisal Group LLC. Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

The wedding is planned for March.

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,

Come for fun, leave with your questions answered, your wedding needs met, and a few more items checked off your list!

Door Prizes, Giveaways, and Grab Bags!

Burke-Alexander

Mr. and Mrs. John Burke of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Brittany René Burke, to John Michael Alexander, son of Mr. and Mrs. Julian Lester Alexander III of Mountain Brook.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

26 • Thursday, February 7, 2013

Uni-que Team Players

schools

Gwin Students Showcase Skills On One Wheel

By Ivanna Ellis

G

Journal intern

win Elementary School in Hoover has a sport that usually only a circus can claim: unicycling.

Coached by physical education teacher Robin McMahan, the school’s unicycling team consists of about 25 students in grades 3-5. The team performed at different sporting events around Alabama three times last year and has already performed at one event this year.

“When I started my job six years ago, I said, ‘I have no idea how to ride [a unicycle],’” Robin said, laughing, “But I quickly learned how to teach it. Now we travel to do performances. We’ve been to Samford University, the University of Alabama and a lot of the local high schools.”

According to Robin, the unicycle program started before she began teaching at the school.

She said it was initiated by Janice Sharpe, the P.E. teacher Robin replaced after Sharpe retired.

Since Robin has taken the reins, with the help of fellow P.E. teacher Tammy Propst, the school has purchased more unicycles (at about $100 each), the number of team members has grown and the team has added more performances to its agenda.

Many of the children on the team found out about the program from their older siblings who attended Gwin and were on the team, they said.

“My older sister was on the unicycle team, and I wanted to do the performances like she got to do,” said Lexi McGrew, a fourth-grader.

Roderick Linsey, also a fourth-grader, said he joined the team for the challenge and had a point to prove.

“My brother knows how to ride, but he wasn’t on the team. So when I said I wanted to be on the team, he didn’t think I could, but I showed him I can,” Roderick said.

Eligibility for the unicycle team starts in the third grade for the students, and then the step-by-step process to actually make the team begins. It’s the first time many of the students have tried out for a team, Robin said.

First they have to learn in P.E. how to ride a pedalo, a small, three-wheeled contraption that requires balance to pedal while standing, Robin said.

“Once they pass that, then they start learning how to ride a unicycle during P.E. and before school,” she said. “Some students even got their own unicycles so they can practice at home.

Once they get the hang of it, they have to be able to ride the unicycle twice around the gym to make the team. Once they’re on the team, they start learning all the skills.”

The kids learn to master the unicycle at different paces, Robin said.

“It usually takes (the students) from the third to the fourth grade to learn how to ride the pedalo, but sometimes I have kids that learn it, like, the first week. It really just depends on the child. Some pick it up really quickly and some take longer. Either way, it takes a lot of practice,” she said.

Fourth-grader Jeremy Glass said he wanted to be on the team because “it sounded fun and it teaches you balance.”

Experienced rider Cooper Prince, a fifthgrader, said he joined the team after he saw the older kids riding the unicycles.

“It looked fun, so I wanted to do it and go to different places and show them that we can do it,” Cooper said.

Besides helping students gain a skill few others have, the unicycle program at Gwin has many other benefits for the team members, Robin said.

On top of the list: giving the students a challenge.

“It takes them out of their comfort zone and

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Another veteran rider, fifth-grader Vann Storch, continues to challenge himself by riding the tallest unicycle that the school has.

“At first I was scared I was going to fall trying to Holly Prince, Leanna Eubanks get off of it, and Harrison Martin carry a but I haven’t parachute during their perforfallen yet,” mance with the Gwin unicycle said Vann. team. Journal photos by Marvin Gentry Vann said he loves the unicycles because “you can do a little bit more on the unicycles than you can on John Mark a bike because it’s lighter. You can do fun things Amundson spins a ball like shoot baskets while you ride. I’m learning while riding how to juggle on it now.” a unicycle.

At events, the team puts on a full show, riding around the gym court twirling flags, riding in a circle while holding a parachute in the middle, shooting basketballs into the net--and actually making the shots. One rider can even spin a basketball on his finger while riding.

“Usually, when the crowd gets excited and starts cheering for them, that really gets them excited,” said Robin.

Despite its unusual nature, unicycling is perfectly unique to Gwin.

“I just think it’s different, and the kids love it. I think I’ve heard of a school in Tuscaloosa that has unicycles, but I haven’t heard of anywhere else around here that has them,” said Robin.

What’s next for the team? “Between me and (the kids), we’re always thinking of new skills gives them something to get them excited about. for them to work on,” said Robin. “Every year Once they make the team, they get to perform in I try to let them take control of it and let them front of a crowd and get comfortable with that. come up with new skills that they want to do. So Plus, it really is a good workout riding the uniwe’re just going to keep doing the performances cycle,” Robin said. and keep growing.” ❖

School Notes

The Deer Valley Singers performed during the holidays.

Deer Valley Singers Perform at Galleria The Deer Valley Singers helped usher in the holiday season by performing at the Riverchase Galleria’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony Nov. 9.

The group meets as part of the Explorer program at Deer Valley Elementary School in Hoover. The students met once a week for 30 minutes to learn several songs with choreography that they present as a show during the Christmas season.

The group also performed at Barnes & Noble during the school’s book fair.

This month, they will sing at the Ross Bridge tree lighting ceremony.

Photo special to The Journal

Members of the Deer Valley Singers include Kinzel Rohrer, Elizabeth Tedder, Katie House, Jadyn Trent, Alexanda Kuhn, Rachel Hager, Erica Han, Alyssa Christian, Laura Beth Edgeworth, Abby Turner, Sarah Turner, Caroline Hare, Nathan Williams, Vincent Chen, Caroline Hare, Erica Han, Christopher Wren, Kayla McCants, Mason Williams, Alexandra Kuhn, Ta’Niyah Thomas, Grace Dikeman, Laura Beth Edgeworth and Trisha Sivam.

LPM Celebrates Veterans Liberty Park Middle School recently held its annual Veterans Day program.

Principal Kacy Pierce explained to the students that Veterans Day is observed

to remember the sacrifices that veterans made for freedom.

Attending the program were Dr. Jamie Blair, superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools; Randy Robertson, Vestavia city manager; George Pierce, city government representative, and Vestavia Police Chief Dan Rary.

Also in attendance were former soldiers from the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Persian Gulf, Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Students watched an introductory video that explained how soldiers put their dreams on hold, leave their families behind and endure hardships and physical wounds so U.S. citizens have the freedom to worship and the right to vote.

Retired Army Command Sgt. Major Jerry McClain, the keynote speaker, started the program with army exercises and Veterans Day trivia questions.

Katie Larson, LPM Student Government Association chaplain, told the audience that veterans deserve our deepest appreciation and respect.

Egypt Pettway, SGA treasurer, spoke about how veterans give their time to volunteer and help.

Lily Rumbley, SGA girls’ vice president, spoke on the topic of how veterans did their share.

The program was put together by Kirk Spence, Amy Woodward and Brad Schwoebel.

Crestline Book Fair Helps Brookville Elementary Crestline Elementary School held its annual book fair during the week of Nov. 12.

All students and teachers visited the library to shop for books from Scholastic.

The school also used the event as an outreach opportunity for its partner school, Brookville Elementary. For every dollar that students donated to Brookville, Crestline received twice the amount in books from Scholastic.

Crestline Elementary was able to buy $676 in books for the library at Brookville Elementary.

The librarians at Crestline Elementary selected a variety of bestselling books to deliver to Brookville Elementary.

Bruno Montessori Wins Second at Lego Event The Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy Lego Robotics team won second place overall at the Central Alabama FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League Qualifier held at the school Dec. 1.

Nine teams from across central Alabama participated in this regional Lego Robotics tournament.

This year’s tournament was “a lot

Mary Patton Hand and Katherine Wann shop at the Crestline Elementary School book fair.

Photo special to The Journal

bigger and a lot more exciting and challenging” than qualifiers from past years, according to Soha Rasool, seventh-grader and JBMA team member.

The theme for the competition was “Senior Solutions,” centering on designs that serve older individuals.

Teams, who had been preparing for months, were judged not only on the functionality of their robotic creations but also on their teamwork and on a research project involving an innovative design to help seniors.

The second half of the tournament consisted of fast-paced Lego robots challenges.

The team competed in the state championship in Huntsville Jan. 19.

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 27

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Homewood Show Choir Takes Top Honors

The Homewood High School Show Choir won Grand Champion honors at the South Jones Invitational in Mississippi on Jan. 26.

The Legacy Show Choir won the first runner-up award in the women’s division contest.

The Network won first runner-up in the preliminary competition and went on to win the Grand Champion award

and awards for best vocals, best choreography and best show design in the finals.

The show choir’s teacher and director, Scott Thorne, said he was very pleased with the success at the competition.

“I’m real happy at how well we did and look forward to getting better and better each week,” Thorne said.

Mountain Brook Junior High theatre students preview their festival show for residents at St. Martin’s in the Pines.

Photo special to The Journal

Mountain Brook Troupe Performs at Festival Students in the Mountain Brook Junior High School Choir were accepted to the 2013 Junior Theatre Festival in January at Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta.

To prepare for the festival, the cast practiced twice a day on weekdays.

The 32 students representing the school at the festival performed a 15-minute selection from a musical for a panel of distinguished theater professionals. The students, ages 12-15, performed songs from “Guys and Dolls Jr.” The students will present their full production of the musical to the community on April 19 and 30. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, with children 6 and younger admitted free.

For more information, call the school at 871-3516.

Featuring 82 groups representing 23 states, the Junior Theatre Festival is the world’s largest musical theater festival dedicated to celebrating young people experiencing the transformative power of musical theater.

The Mountain Brook Junior High School Choir is actively involved in its community and has forged relationships with many local organizations and with St. Martin’s in the Pines retirement home, which the group frequently visits and entertains with concerts.

The choir recently cheered St. Martin’s in the Pines residents with a presentation of holiday songs and also plans a costumed performance of songs from “Guys and Dolls Jr.” for the facility.

Choir productions are entirely student-driven and frequently created in collaboration with their high school counterparts.

St. Francis Students Help Children in Need Students at St. Francis Xavier School, under the direction of Girl Scout Brownie Troop 678 and Girl Scout Cadette Troop 159, collected 132 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child is a Samaritan’s Purse project. Participants collect toys and other essential items for children in need around the world.

The Girl Scouts went to each classroom at the school and spoke about the project. They showed a video showing where the donated items will be sent.

Students who completed the project were awarded a day to wear nonuniform “wacky” shoes of their choice.

The troops are led by Angie and Tony Dailey.

Rush, Gregory Morris, Hayley Atkins, Seth Van Gefen, Candelo Bajo and Blake Sandidge.

Students were selected by their teachers for exemplifying the character traits discussed during the first nine weeks of the 2012-13 school year.

Behaviors demonstrated include overcoming obstacles, forgiveness, friendliness, showing respect, making good choices and making a difference by encouraging other students.

Oak Mountain Honors Good Character Several Oak Mountain Middle School students were recognized as Characters with Character on Jan. 9.

Eighth-graders honored were Sydney Gossett, Luke Rakers, Erin Straw, Spencer Hughes, Barbara Carpenter and Trey Philpott.

Seventh-graders named Characters with Character were Emma Coon, Ben Wilke, Linda Lin, Wyatt Mercer, Julia Burdett and Ryan Cruce.

Sixth-graders recognized were Emily

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Mike A. Keller, DDS, PC Pediatric / Adolescent Dentistry Dr. Mike Keller, friends & staff are happy to recognize January members of the NO SUGAR BUG CLUB

Alex Abele Helen Abele Heather Adams Harriet Adams Michael Adelberg Gabe Adkins Hady Ahmed Hader Ahmed Kord Allen Salyn Allen Jordan Allen Gilbert Amason Edith Amason Emily Browning Amason Alexis Anderson Ella Andrews Olivia Andrews Jenifer Andrews Justin Andrews Joseph Wayne Anglin Franco Anyiko John Anyiko Sadie Armstrong Heidi Armstrong Thatcher Armstrong Anna Armstrong Joshua Awbrey Laney Awbrey Jake Awbrey Connelly Backus Holland Backus Miller Backus Caroline Grace Bagwell Blackwell Bailey Anna Bailey Cody Bailey Kathryn Baker Jacob Baker Erinn Baker Reese Barnett Caroline Barnett Hannah Barnette Nicholas Barnette Summer Beason Hunter Beason Garrett Beason Trent Beason Camryn Beason Katelyn Beason Chandler Beason Bennett Belden Margo Belden Gabrielle Berman Fia Bernard Layla Berry Carolanne Berte Sara Frances Berte Maria Betsch Camden Blackerby Emma Blackerby Julia Bochnak Meredith Bochnak Will Bochnak Anna Bochnak Drew Bodnar Anna Boger Garrett Boger Olivia Boling Will Bond Ann Massey Bowman Graves Bowman

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28 • Thursday, February 7, 2013

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Helping Feed Haiti

Members of the Mountain Brook High School Band gathered on Jan. 13 to pack meals to send to orphans in Haiti.

The event was part of the band’s efforts to raise money for a trip to the Heritage Festival in New York City and to help the Feed the Need organization provide meals to children in need.

The students worked for months to raise money to buy the meals. They packaged more than 10,000 meals at the Jan. 13 event.

Photo special to The Journal

School Notes Plans Underway for Homewood Showcase Plans are underway for the Homewood City Schools Foundation’s Showcase 2013.

The event is planned for March 12, starting at 6 p.m. at Homewood Middle School. It is free and open to the public.

The evening will begin with a performance by the Percussion Spectacular, a group of 150 student musicians from Homewood City Schools.

After the musical presentation, parents can become students as students become the teachers during hands-on demonstrations in art, math and science led by school faculty members.

“Showcase 2013 gives parents and students a chance to see and experience the programs and activities taking place at the other Homewood schools,” said Ashley Condon, board president of Homewood City Schools Foundation. “The exposure brings a real sense of excitement and appreciation for all that our school system has to offer. It is truly a celebration.”

For more information on Showcase 2013, visit www. homewoodcityschoolsfoundation.com.

Santa’s Helpers from Altamont Lend a Hand For the fifth consecutive year, fifth and sixth-grade students from Altamont were Santa’s helpers at the YWCA Santa’s Workshop.

Students put together arts and crafts

Organizers are making plans for the Homewood City Schools Foundation’s Showcase 2013 in March. From left: Mark Williams, Brooke Gann, Bill Cleveland, Debby Weathers and Ashley Condon. Photo special to The Journal supplies, created cozy scarves and decorated gift bags for the event.

Santa’s Workshop helps families living in Birmingham area homeless shelters and transitional housing programs during the holiday season.

The event aims to lift spirits by giving the children an opportunity to make gifts for parents, teachers and friends.

Mothers are able to “shop” for donated gifts to give to their children while the children participate in arts and crafts projects and pose for photos with Santa.

East Students Cast Votes Students at Vestavia Hills Elementary East got a chance to see the democratic process in action during the school’s mock presidential election Nov. 5.

Third-graders at the school received ballots, signed them, completed their ballots in a private area and then placed them in the ballot box.

After voting, the students received an

“I Voted” sticker.

The results of the mock election were revealed during the school’s morning announcements on Election Day by Principal Mark Richardson. The majority of the students voted for Gov. Mitt Romney.

The students said they were excited to see how the electoral process works and learned how important it is to participate by voting.

Fifth-grader Wins Bluff Park Spelling Bee Eighteen fourth and fifth-grade students at Bluff Park Elementary School in Hoover faced off in the school’s annual spelling bee on Nov. 2.

Fifth-grader Caroline Locker was the winner. Caroline Schock, a fourthgrader, was the runner-up in the contest.

Both students represented Bluff Park Elementary School at the Hoover District Spelling Bee at Hoover High School on Jan. 24.

Coby Wins Oak Mountain Middle Spelling Bee

Altamont fifth and sixth-grade students help out in the YWCA Santa’s Workshop.

Photo special to The Journal

Sixth-grader Michael Coby won Oak Mountain Middle School’s recent spelling bee.

Coby, who competed against 50 other students, won by correctly spelling the word “manuscript.”

He will advance to the Jefferson County spelling bee competition.

Jany Lee, also a sixth-grader, was the runner-up.

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 29

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Spreading good cheer with bears

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Bumpus Middle School cheerleaders delivered stuffed animals to the children at Children’s Harbor. Front, from left: Bailey Ingle, Molly Abraham, Sydney Garlington, Claire Largin, Grace Braswell, Ashleigh Cooch,

Grace Bauder, Kaitlyn Hogan, Maddy Calvano and Olivia Bishop. Back: Coach Melissa Cox, Megan Schrock, Emily Couch, Caroline Ozgun, Anna Mardis, Abby Underwood, Tallulah Jones, Maddie Lee, Makayla Phillips,

School Notes Trace Crossings Student Wins Poster Contest A first-grader at Trace Crossings Elementary School in Hoover has been named the winner in the Jefferson County Farmers Federation Farm/City Poster Contest.

Karlee Rye won the countywide contest for her poster created with the theme of this year’s celebration, “Grown Safely. Extra Tasty.”

National Farm/City Week is observed annually the week before Thanksgiving to recognize the cooperation between farmers and consumers. This year’s theme was aimed at drawing attention to the farmers dedicated to producing healthy, wholesome products for generations to come.

Karlee was recognized for her winning poster at a dinner held at the Wynfrey Hotel. She received $100. Her teacher, Adriana Northcutt, also received $100 to use in her classroom.

Spelling Champs Named at Cherokee Bend Students competed against each other for the title of top speller at Cherokee Bend Elementary School on Dec. 11.

Samson Sands, a sixth-grader, was the winner of this year’s competition.

Fifth-grader Jack Irby and George Davis, a sixth-grade student, tied for second place.

Trace Crossings Elementary first-grader Karlee Rye, left, is congratulated on winning the Farm/City Poster Contest by her teacher, Adriana Northcutt. Photo special to The Journal

OLS Students Give Back to Others with Projects Students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School spread good cheer during the holiday season through several class and school-wide service projects.

Preschool students donated new toys to underprivileged children through Birmingham’s Catholic Center for Concern, while kindergarten and firstgrade students collected and donated items to the Birmingham Catholic Diocese’s disaster relief warehouse.

Mell Kleman, Senna House and Coach Ashley Sparks. Mia Gage, Amber Ajlouny, Caroline Fort, Lauren Reed, Hayden Woods, Gwinneth Campbell and Ashley Lawson are not pictured.

Photo special to The Journal

w

THINKERS, DOERS&LEADERS

To: Darlene WHERE STUDENTS ARE From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Second-graders collected warm Date: Jan.

socks for the residents of Mount Royal Towers. Third-graders collected food for the Comunità Cenacolo America community in Hanceville, which helps men and women rebuild their lives.

Fourth-graders wrote cheerful letters to Mount Royal Towers residents.

Fifth-graders sold hot cocoa to raise money for Neverthirst, an organization that provides clean water to the poor through churches in the Central African Republic, Sudan, Africa and India. The students also sold candy to raise money for orphans in India.

Students in the sixth and seventh grades worked together with Hands on Birmingham to sort and distribute toys donated to Toys for Tots.

Eighth-graders visited residents at Mount Royal Towers and delivered poinsettias, calendars and the socks collected by the second-graders. They also delivered the letters written by the fourth-grade students.

Teachers and staff members participated in the collection of items for family members and co-workers.

They also donated to the Todd Michael Parsons Memorial Fund to benefit the Brookwood Center of Mental Health.

Books Donated from Highlands Book Fair Students at Highlands School not only helped their own library but helped others in need with a project during the annual Scholastic Book Fair.

The All for Books campaign yielded 2,635 books that were donated. ❖

Maid Service for the Home 25 Years Experience Samson Sands, right, won the Cherokee Bend spelling bee. Tying for second were Jack Irby, left, and George Davis. Photo special to The Journal

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30 • Thursday, February 7, 2013

sports

Homewood’s Rivers Signs with Calhoun Community College

Homewood senior baseball pitcher and third baseman Conner Rivers signed with Calhoun Community College on Jan. 30.

Conner is a two year varsity baseball player and three year varsity football player for the Patriots. He played for the East Cobb Astros of Atlanta this summer. Conner was named to the Rawlings pre-season All American Team, Under Armour pre-season All American Team and Perfect Game BCS All Tournament Team.

Conner follows in the footsteps of some famous Warhawks, among them New York Yankee great, Jorge Posada and several other major league players who got their start at Calhoun Community College.

spartans, from back cover

Hoover had narrowly failed against the Dragons.

Unlike Hoover, Mountain Brook wouldn’t have the theoretical advantage of playing Wenonah at home.

Instead Birmingham-Southern College’s Battle Coliseum would host the big event.

Just like the Hoover game, Spartans vs. Dragons lived up to its pre-game hype. But also like the first game, Wenonah emerged as a hardfighting winner.

Mountain Brook scratched to a 50-49 lead late in the third period before the Dragons took advantage of a 30-14 sprint the rest of the way to claim a 79-64 victory.

The Spartans came to the BSC campus reeling from a stunning 39-35 loss to area rival Vestavia Hills a few days before, but that disappointment didn’t deter Mountain Brook from turning in one of its best efforts of the season against Wenonah.

“The final score doesn’t give the game its due justice,” said Spartan coach Bucky McMillian in the after-

davis,

from back cover

cessful runners, Boone understands that often no pain means no gain.

“I just have to keep thinking ‘no fear,’” she said. “I always worry about cramping when I run the 400 (meters). Today, I wanted to run a race without any fear. I just kept thinking ‘only one more minute of pain, only one more minute of pain.’”

Because of her success in the same events last year, Boone admitted she entered the day with confidence.

“I felt like I could do well,” she said. “But it was important to try to stay humble about everything.”

Boone said that competing in indoor track was a different experience from the sport’s outdoor counterpart.

“The environment is totally dif-

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Shaw Signs with Troy University Volleyball

Symone Shaw of Homewood recently signed a national letter of intent to play volleyball for Troy University. Shaw will join the Trojans in the fall for the 2013 season.

Symone, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter from Homewood attends Homewood High School, but does not play volleyball for the Patriots.

Shaw plays for the Team Sting Volleyball Club in Birmingham.

Last season with the Sting, Shaw recorded 602 kills and posted a .309 attack percentage, both tops on her team and second in the entire club. She also recorded 71 block assists, 34 block solos and 39 service aces.

Conner Rivers at his signing with his parents Chip and Cynthia Rivers, Calhoun coach Mike Burns and Homewood High School coach Doug Gann.

Photo special to The Journal

struggled the past week. Hoover, math. “Not at all. People will just see formerly the state’s top-ranked team, the score and think it must not have found itself entering February on a been much of a contest. This was a bumpy three-game losing streak. great game, back and forth all the The Bucs’ problems began on way. It was a single digit ball game, Jan. 29, when red-hot Vestavia took until we had to take chances late to a surprising 47-45 victory. Landon try to gain the lead. We gave it our Crowder paced best shot.” the Rebels with 13 Mountain ‘This was a great points, while Mitch Brook’s prime tormentor was the game, back and forth Baldwin added 12.

Brannon DeFore Dragons’ Isiah all the way ... we had topped Hoover with Maston, who scored 22 points, to take chances late 10.

Two days later, including 15 in to try to gain the lead. Gadsden City took the final quarter.

Maston dedicated We gave it our best Hoover’s measure by a 64-63 count. the game to his shot.’

Michael Wiesneth late uncle, who had led the losing cause passed away the Bucky McMillan with 16 points, with previous weekend.

DeFore adding 15.

Bear Wilson The third loss came last Friday, helped the winning cause with 15 when Wenonah took another win over rebounds and two resounding slam the Bucs. Quamauri Hardy scored dunks that threw the Spartans off bal18 for Hoover, and Leonard Wood ance. chipped in 11.

Malek Grant led Mountain Brook Vestavia couldn’t follow its with 14 points. Jeremy Berman followed with 11. Patrick Keim scored 7. impressive upsets of Mountain Brook and Hoover with a win against The Spartans saw their record fall Homewood, as the Patriots edged past to 21-5 for the season. the Rebels 43-38 on Jan. 31. Sean Mountain Brook wasn’t the only Eaton sparked Homewood with 43 area boys’ basketball power that ferent,” she said. “There are more people congregated together, and it’s much louder than at an outdoor meet. My times are better in outdoor meets, but on a new track like this (at CrossPlex), I really feel like I’m flying.

“But the most important thing– whether running indoors or outdoors-is to be focused.”

Boone became interested in competitive running in the seventh grade– but perhaps surprisingly, it wasn’t an instant love, despite her genetic inclinations.

“I first went out for cross country in middle school but didn’t like it,” she said. “But later I got into track and had some success and decided that’s where I wanted to stay.”

Boone is highly dedicated to her sport, but unlike many track and field standouts, she doesn’t do a lot of running on her own time.

“I go to a small private school

where they believe in giving out a lot of homework,” said Boone, laughing. “So that pretty much eats up my time after school and practice. The meets are on Saturday, and Sunday is a day for church and family. But I do enough running at practice to make up for it.”

Boone’s thoughts are already targeted on the outdoor season, which will begin in early March. She enters the new season with a clear-cut set of goals.

“Since I’m a junior, it will be the first time that colleges can take a serious look and start recruiting me,” she said. “So there will be some pressure there I haven’t had before. I want to go out and produce the best times possible every time I run.”

If her past is any indication, the girl from the tiny school with the long list of accomplishments is going to make Katie Brooks Boone a household name in Alabama high

Symone Shaw plays for the Team Sting Volleyball Club in Birmingham.

points, while Crowder was the Rebels’ top scorer with 11.

Mountain Brook rebounded from its losses to Vestavia and Wenonah with a 70-50 triumph over Spain Park.

Berman paced the winners with 18 points, and Tawarren Grant put in 11.

Drew Morgan led the Jaguars with 10.

The Spartans concluded their busy week with a 76-70 win over Pinson Valley. Malek Grant scored 14, and Berman followed with 10.

Spain Park whipped Weaver 59-45. Deion Wright scored 22 for the Jaguars, and Chris Jaudon added 12.

Gardendale edged out Oak Mountain 35-33. DeShawn Giles led the Eagles with 12 points.

Shelby County beat Briarwood by a 58-43 count. Justin Brown was the Lions’ top scorer with 15 points. Sam Cargo added 10.

John Carroll Catholic edged out Mortimer Jordan 53-50, thanks in part to Devin Hill’s 11 points and Jack Meineke’s 10.

In a game involving small schools, Indian Springs outlasted Shades Mountain Christian 47-45. Kenechi Ijemere led ISS with 21 points. Mitch Anderson topped the Eagles with 11.

Jaylon Kemp totaled 10.

In weekend girls’ games, Mountain Brook overwhelmed Pinson Valley 54-11. Ellie Mouyal and Mary Katherine Pinson each scored 21

points for the Lady Spartans.

Mountain Brook raised its record to 19-5.

Homewood edged Vestavia 46-43.

Anna Frierson led the Lady Patriots with 17 points. Kiara Williams chipped in 10. Peyton Blalock topped the Lady Rebels with 14.

Hoover dominated Gadsden City 63-20. Marqu’es Webb and Courtney Hunter both contributed 16 points for the Lady Bucs.

John Carroll ripped Holy Family 70-27. Kelsi Hobbs led a balanced scored attack with 15 points. Whitney Clark scored 14, Roni Richardson tossed in 13 and Christian Jordan added 11.

Gardendale snuck past Oak Mountain 53-49. MacKenzie Germany and Madison Pierce each scored 12 points for the Lady Eagles.

In late Saturday games, Huffman defeated the Mountain Brook boys 70-65 despite 14 points from Ben Shearer and 12 from Jeremy Berman.

The Lady Spartans routed the Lady Vikings 54-28. Ellie Mouyal led Mountain Brook with 14 points.

Collier Ogilvie added nine as the team ran its record to 20-5.

The Hoover girls moved their mark to 21-4 with a 43-37 triumph over Southhaven of Mississippi.

Marqu’es Webb sparked the Lady Bucs with 20 points.

school track and field.

as Landon Crowder and Mitchell Baldwin produced big efforts for the Rebels. The upset was only mildly surprising in the sense that Vestavia historically does well against traditional opponents on its home court.

The Rebels had also bagged an upset against Mountain Brook on the road a few days before the Bucs came to town.

Two days later, Hoover took it on the chin again. This time, Gadsden City edged the Bucs 64-63.

So Hoover entered its rematch with Wenonah on a two-game losing slide.

The streak stretched to three when the Dragons whipped the Bucs again 73-67.

None of this means that Hoover’s team is on the verge of collapse. To the contrary, the Bucs should still be on anyone’s short list of teams likely to reach the Final Four in Birmingham.

Basketball Ups and Downs

Just when the Over the Mountain high school basketball season looks like it’s about to take a definite shape, a string of unpredictable streaks and upsets serve as a reminder that whenever a game tips off, anything can–and usually will–happen.

Take the Hoover Bucs, for example: Riding high at or near the top of the Class 6A rankings, Coach Charles Burkett’s team looked almost invincible. Then Hoover lost a close decision to Class 5A mega-power in Wenonah in mid-January.

The loss, while certainly disappointing, seemed like no big deal, and the two schools would meet again in early February. But as the first month of the year gave way to the second, the Bucs hit the proverbial brick wall.

On Jan. 29, they were shocked by longtime rival Vestavia Hills 47-45

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

state track, from back cover

60-meter hurdles in 7.80 seconds.

Both numbers eclipsed old records.

Another Class 6A winner was Mountain Brook’s Payton Ballard, who edged out Vestavia Hills’ favored Mac Macoy in the 3200-meter run.

Ballard completed the course in

Homewood’s Orlando Swann runs the 60 meter dash.

Mountain Brook’s Peyton Ballard wins the 3,200-meter 6A state championship.

a time of 9:27.25. Macoy’s time was 9:29.27.

Ballard also took second place honors in the 800-meter run.

Humphrey’s heroics sparked Hoover to the Class 6A state championship. The Bucs totaled 96 points to narrowly edge runner-up Mountain Brook’s 96. Auburn took third place with 60 points, with Vestavia close behind with 57.

In girls’ Class 6A competition, Mountain Brook swept to an easy victory, besting runner-up Hoover 113.50-82.50.

The Homewood Patriots took first place in boys’ Class 5A, smashing second place Central of Tuscaloosa 100-83. The Lady Patriot track team also turned in a strong performance in Class 5A girls, taking second place behind champion St. Paul’s Episcopal.

In boys’ Class 1A-4A, Westminster-Oak Mountain finished runner-up behind UMS-Wright of Mobile. Altamont took fourth in girls’ Class 1A-4A. Other area winners in boys’ Class 6A competition included Mountain Brook’s Brian Smith in the shot put and Vestavia’s Chris Thrasher in the pole vault. Hoover’s tandem of Justin Redwine, Brian Gonzales, Jonathan Harvey and Humphrey combined to win the 400-meter relay, narrowly beating out Mountain Brook’s Ben Carter, Cameron Lee, Charlie Forbes and Ballard.

Vestavia’s foursome of Josh Kidd, Daniel Hess, David Connor and Macoy teamed to win the 800-meter relay.

Area winners in girls’ Class 6A

John Orr of Vestavia Hills competes in the shot put.

included Spain Park’s Simone Charley in the triple jump, Mountain Brook’s Mary Glenn Waldrop in the shot put and Hoover’s Brittley Humphrey in the 60-meter hurdles. Humphrey, the younger sister of Marlon Humphrey, set a state record in her event as a freshman.

Mountain Brook swept the 400- and 800meter relay races. The Lady Spartan team of Laurie Akin, Catherine Smith, Kendall Reed and Katharyn Neil took the 400-meter relay. Ann Sisson, Murray Manley, Smith and Reed combined Katharyn Neil of Mountain Brook competes in the for the 800-meter relay 60 meter hurdles. victory.

In boys’ Class 5A races, Homewood’s Mike Brian Smith of Mountain Rohdy won the 3,200Brook won the 6A shot meter run and teammate put title.

Alex Ngei was second.

In girls’ Class 5A competition, Homewood’s Lauren Collins and Ann Mosely Whitsett finished first and second, respectively, in the 800-meter run. The Lady Patriot combination of Chandler Bledsoe, Victoria Reyes, Mary Margaret Jackson and Whitsett won the 800meter relay.

Westminster-Oak Mountain brought home a pair of first-place trophies in the boys’ Class 1A-4A competition. Andrew Carrell won the 60-meter hurdles event. Carrell, Scott Landers, Jacob Carrell and Garrett Smith took top honors in the 400-meter relay.

Westminster’s Mattie Hoagland won the 1600-meter run in girls’ 1A-4A competition. The Altamont School’s Taylor Young won the long jump trophy in the same classification.

Brittley Humphrey of Hoover High runs the 60 meter hurdles.

Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

Thursday, February 7, 2013 • 31

OTM Players Chosen for Under Armour Tournament

Two baseball players from Over the Mountain high schools have been selected Pre-Season All-Americans by Under Armour.

Spain Park shortstop Hayden Freeman and Mountain Brook pitcher Douglass Hubbard participated in the Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament in Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 18-20.

Freeman is a freshman, and Hubbard is a senior.

Four other Birmingham area baseball players were named to the pre-season team.

Keynote speaker for the event’s awards ceremony was former Major League Baseball player Wes Helms of Mountain Brook pitcher Douglass Hubbard Birmingham. participated in the Under Armour PreSeason All-America Tournament in Tucson, Also at the event was Ariz. Photo special to The Journal former MLB pitcher Roger The players were selected based Clemens. Clemens’ sons Kacy on a strong performance at a previand Kody participated in the tournaous Under Armour national event or ment. recommendation by a professional Freeman, Hubbard and the other scout. players participated in a professionalNotable alumni of the tournament style tryout on Saturday morning and include Atlanta Braves outfielder B.J. then competed in three wooden bat Upton, New York Mets third basegames over the next two days. The man David Wright, and Washington tournament was at the Kino Sports Nationals outfielder Lastings Complex, former spring training Milledge. home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Humphrey’s Triumph

Sports

Homewood’s Conner Rivers signs with Calhoun Community College P. 30 OTM Players Chosen for Under Armour Tournament P. 31

Hoover’s Marlon Humphrey took record-smashing victories in the 400-meter run, 60-meter run and 60-meter hurdles to help his Bucs roll to the state 6A championship.

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Buc Sprinter Leads Team To State Indoor Title

Lee Davis

By Lee Davis

M

Boone’s Pickin’s

Journal Sports Writer

ost people know Marlon Humphrey as a blue chip football recruit who has helped the Hoover Bucs to many victories on the

gridiron.

Humphrey’s not too bad at indoor sports either.

The Hoover junior set three new records at the Alabama High School Association’s state indoor meet at the Birmingham CrossPlex last weekend.

Humphrey took record-smashing victories in the 400-meter run, 60-meter run and 60-meter hurdles to help his Bucs roll to the state 6A championship.

He completed the 400-meter course in a time of 48.11, which in addition to setting a new state meet record was the fastest recorded time in the AHSAA record book for all classifications.

Humphrey also claimed first place in the 60-meter run with a time of 6.89 seconds and the

Westminster’s Katie Breaks Her Own Records

U

See state track, page 31 Mountain Brook’s Reagan Alexander (21) fights for a rebound with Wenonah’s Jaquan Nelson.

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Weekend Wrap-up

Spartans Fall Short in Battle Against Dragons

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

Hoover took a shot and failed. Now it was Mountain Brook’s turn for an epic confrontation.

The highly-ranked Class 6A power Bucs had faced Class 5A superpower Wenonah in midJanuary, only to fall short by a 58-49 count that was far closer than the final score indicated. As the first month of 2013 drew to a close, the second-ranked Spartans had the opportunity to succeed where See Spartans, page 30

nless you are a high school track and field fanatic, the odds are you may not know much about Katie Brooks Boone and her school, Westminster-Oak Mountain.

That may be about to change soon.

Boone, a junior, won her second consecutive 400-meter championship in Class 1A-4A competition at the Alabama High School Athletic Association indoor meet at the Birmingham CrossPlex last weekend.

Her time of 58.36 seconds broke her own state record of 59.16, set in 2012. Boone also replaced her former record in the 60-meter run, taking first place with a time of 7.75 seconds.

Despite competing at one of the smallest Class 1A schools in Alabama, Boone has already claimed six state championships in her career.

She has won three consecutive titles in the 300-meter hurdles in the state outdoor meet in addition to the two indoor 400-meter crowns.

Boone probably has the love of running well-embedded into her DNA. Her parents and grandfather competed in track and field at Auburn University.

And as is the case with most sucSee Davis, page 30

lyric special event: March 6, 2013