02.12.2015

Otmj Thursday, February 12, 2015

funny business Page 26

a father’s love Page 8

over the mountain journal ❖ otmj.com

Having a Heart for a Cause

Dr. James Kirklin Is Honoree of AHA’s Annual Ball

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

life page 14

inside

southern-style Local landscape painter is featured artist at Hoover’s Southern Voices about town Page 4

waking up about addiction Experiences highlight prevention event. news page 10

going dutch Museum party opens Small Treasures exhibition social Page 18

2 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

Opinion/Contents

School Ties

Samford, Holy Family Cristo Rey Are Partners in Internship Program Holy Family Cristo Rey High School and Samford University have similar missions, according to a Samford official.

“We believe Samford to be a university that stresses academic excellence in an environment that is completely undergirded by a Christian world view,” said Randy Pittman, vice president of university advancement. “I believe Holy Family Cristo Rey does the same thing.”

That makes a program that lets students at the Birmingham high school work at Samford part time a natural fit.

The Corporate Work Study Program got a large financial boost recently when an anonymous donor endowed the internship fund with $500,000.

The interest alone from this gift will allow five students from the school to be interns at Samford University.

Representatives from both schools gathered at Samford to acknowledge the gift.

“This is one of the best partnerships we have had at Samford,” SU President Andrew Westmoreland said. “We are so grateful for this association with the school.”

Father Alex Steinmiller, president of Holy Family Cristo Rey, said the generosity of the people at Samford and the donors is “truly of the Holy Spirit.”

The partnership between the schools is even more unique because Samford employees can give to the fund out of their personal paychecks.

Current interns are Jasmine Pegues working in pharmacy, Christina Hill in education, Taylor Crawford in the arts, Adiyah Crenshaw in the library, Simuka Leonard in world languages and cultures and Taylor Adams in the business school.

Another fund not yet fully endowed will enable a graduate of Holy Family Cristo Rey to attend Samford University on a full scholarship.

The university is already seeing benefits in the partnership with three graduates of Holy Family Cristo Rey enrolled for the spring semester.

They are sophomore Hope Allen and freshmen Elijah Brown and Raven Hill.

in this issue About Town 4 people 8 news 10 life 14 social 18

weddings 25 business 26 schools 28 sports 32

On otmj.com

There’s so much happening in the Over the Mountain area, we can’t fit it all in the paper! Visit www.otmj.com for more stories and photos.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

murphy’s law

Waffling on the LDL

but it would also add to my LDL and When the waitress appeared at our negate some of my previous oatmeal breakfast table, Harold was ready. Of fortitude. course, he always orders the same Pancakes are pure carbs (read: delithing – the combo that includes two of cious) and my doctor would just as everything on the menu and a big pot soon I limit my sugar intake (Mg/dL), of full lead coffee. I am not that easy. I but if I bypass the cinnamon roll panhem and I haw, then I send the waitress cakes and the ones filled with chocolate off for a cup of wimpy decaf to buy chips (that’s the LOL group), I might be more time. able to justify a short stack of blueberry It’s not like I don’t know what the pancakes, although I just heard that if I restaurant has to offer. It’s all right eat red fruits it will help trim my belly there in the six-page, plasticized, full fat. Is there a multi-berry pancake on color menu. If you bypass the latter day the menu…with spinach? fish and chips and turkey and dressing I flip past the whole grain oatmeal platters– voila! Breakfast is served. pancakes which, on the surface, would Harold and I like going out for Sue Murphy seem like a winner, but I ordered those breakfast because breakfast is the most pancakes once before and the surface dish-intensive meal of the day. Take And then, my eyes came of the pancakes was a little dry, not Harold’s twofer combo: It’s a minimum four-pan, four-utensil maneuto rest on the waffles. to mention the fact that the pancakes topped with banana slices ver, and that doesn’t even include the Waffles are pancakes came instead of syrup, so I ask you, what coffee or the orange juice. The kitchen aftermath is so overwhelming that purposely indented with is the point?

Our waitress was rounding the neither one of us will even attempt little pockets to be filled bend, and the good girl inside of me it. I know what you’re thinking… with warm maple syrup. was saying, “Just order the oatmeal,” your mama made eggs and bacon They’re like a party on a but I resisted. and grits and biscuits every morning And then, my eyes came to rest of your life with one cast iron skillet. plate. The menu didn’t on the waffles. Waffles are pancakes Well, my mama was different. I was offer an oatmeal waffle, purposely indented with little pockets raised on Pop-Tarts. Harold was the but if I skipped the to be filled with warm maple syrup. same, which is another reason we They’re like a party on a plate. The were destined for each other from butter and… menu didn’t offer an oatmeal waffle, the beginning. but if I skipped the butter and…

When we breakfast at home, “What’ll it be, hon?” The waitress had her pen at the Harold has something from the toaster and I have microready. wave oatmeal, a whole grain wonder that is supposed to “A waffle with no butter with a scrambled egg and a lower my LDL, but it seems a shame to waste a goingfruit cup on the side.” out-to-breakfast excursion on a bowl of oatmeal, which “You got it.” leaves me to choose between the two remaining breakAs the waitress headed back to the kitchen, I almost fast camps: the egg group and the pancake group, and so called out to her, “And throw in a few chocolate chips!” begins my dietary calculations.

A spinach omelet would bring me a lot of protein and But, I didn’t The LDL, Mg/dL, LOL combo. That would have I could sweeten the nutritional deal with cheese (calcium) and green leafy (albeit now smushed up) vegetables, made me a good, good, happy girl. ❖

over the Mountain Views

What’s the Best Valentine’s Day...

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

Flower

wine

restaurant

movie

“I would recommend the red tulip. Based on a tragic love story involving a Turkish prince and his love for his princess, the red tulip symbolizes perfect love. A bouquet of tulips represents elegance and grace.”

Andrew B. Krebbs

“For Valentine’s Day, picking the right wine can be tricky. A few favorites to get you started on the path to a perfect evening!

Belstar, Sparkling Rose; The Expedition by Canoe Ridge, Pinot Gris and Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir.”

Andrew Brim

“My favorite romantic restaurant is the dining room side of Bottega, but if you don’t have reservations yet, it’s too late for that. Other great choices that don’t take reservations are Chez Fonfon, the cafe side of Bottega, 26 and the little wine bar behind GianMarco’s.”

Susan Swagler

“‘Dr. Zhivago’ is best romantic movie. Scheduled soon as a Broadway show!

Second best romantic movie is ‘Love Actually.’”

Cathy Gilmore

February 12, 2015

Publisher: Maury Wald 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, Emily Williams Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Jacob Fuqua Vol. 25, 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 2015 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.

Director of Marketing and Membership Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Piggly Wiggly Wine Department

Restaurant reviewer for The Birmingham News and al.com

Director Virginia Samford Theatre

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

About Town

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 3

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4 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

About Town

A Sense of Place, Southern-style Local Landscape Painter Is Featured Artist at Hoover’s Southern Voices

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

feb. 12 - feb. 25 Fri., Feb. 13 HOOVER

Hearts and Harmony Gala Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel The Hoover Service Club will present this third annual gala from 6:30-11:30 p.m. The event will feature the Hoover High School First Edition Jazz Ensemble, silent and live auctions, and Miss Alabama Jaime Nutter.

Tickets are $100. For sponsorship information, contact Elaine Thompson at lthom10136@bellsouth.net or 428-7404.

For ticket information, call 903-4987.

HOOVER

By June Mathews When artist Melanie Morris accompanied her husband, author Michael Morris, to the Hoover Public Library’s Southern Voices Festival in 2004, she met that year’s featured artist, Toni Tully, with whom she naturally felt a connection.

“She was so nice, and I thought then that I would love to be the featured artist someday,” Morris said.

So when she was asked last summer to fulfill that role in Southern Voices 2015, Morris not only didn’t hesitate, she was over-the-moon happy to accept, she said.

“I was stunned and excited,” said Morris, who lives in Vestavia Hills. “I love how it joins

From her native Mississippi over to the Carolinas and down into Florida, Morris depicts regional scenes with acrylics, using a palette knife technique to give her work a dreamlike look.

Michael’s literary world and my art world, and I can’t wait for the event.”

The way her husband’s world complements hers is evident in the way Morris and her artwork came to the attention of the festival’s organizers.

“I first became acquainted with Melanie through Michael, who is one of our favorite Southern Voices alumni,” said Assistant Library Director Amanda Borden. “Last spring, he gave me a few notecards printed with Melanie’s art, and I was stunned by their beauty.

“She uses her paintbrush -- or rather, palette knife -- to elevate everyday Southern settings to something truly special and imaginative, much like a good Southern writer does with words.”

Morris’s chosen theme for the exhibit, “A Sense of Place – the Southern Landscape,” is an apt description for her series of contemporary landscapes and florals based on photos taken throughout the South. From her native Mississippi over to the Carolinas and down into Florida, Morris depicts regional scenes with acrylics, using a palette knife technique to give her work a dreamlike look.

Photos special to the Journal

Melanie Morris was recently named an Emerging Artist

by Art Galleries and Artists of the South magazine.

Positively Funny Improv Show Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel This pre-Valentine’s Day show includes games for couples and musical numbers made up on the spot. Shows are at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Food and drinks will be available.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.positivelyfunny.com or call 888-680-5540.

“After a trip to the Big Sur, Calif., I became frustrated when I couldn’t capture the feel of the area with a brush,” she said. “It was then that I switched to a palette knife and never looked back.

I love the interesting textures and looseness that I achieve with a knife.”

Oddly enough, Morris never really intended to become an artist. She began her college career in pre-med, but an aversion to the sight of blood compelled her to switch majors to communications with an eye toward advertising. As planned, she ultimately wound up in the advertising field, but on the sales side rather than the creative side of the office.

She later decided to study painting at Peace College in Raleigh, N.C., where she and her husband were living at the time. Unfortunately, one of the first things she learned was that oil paint triggered her allergies. Switching to acrylics rid Morris of the problem, and she’s used mostly acrylics ever since.

Southern Voices Festival A celebration of writing, music and art

Feb. 24-28 Hoover Public Library

Feb. 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Melanie Morris Artist Reception in the Friends Gallery Free and open to the public Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, 8 p.m.

Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors In Concert in the Library Theatre Tickets: $25 Feb. 27, 7 p.m.

An Evening with Wally Lamb (Sold out) Feb. 28, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Author Conference in the Library Theatre with Karen Abbott, Chelsea Cain, Amy Greene, James Scott, Jon Sealy, Thrity Umrigar and Meg Wolitzer Tickets: $40 For more information, visit www. southernvoices.info or call 444-7888.

Feb. 13-14 HOMEWOOD

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” Homewood Public Library This event includes a buffet at 6:30 p.m. followed by South City Theatre’s production of the Tennessee Williams play at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets are $25. To buy tickets, call 332-6625 or visit the library’s adult services desk.

Sat., Feb. 14 BIRMINGHAM

“I’ve been painting for 15 years, but I’ve always loved art,” she said. “And I’ve always liked to draw. When I was 3, my mom took me out into the yard and told me to draw what I saw. I never had a coloring book or anything like that.”

During some of her non-studio hours, Morris teaches painting classes at Alabama Art Supply.

She also works as a part-time business manager in UAB’s Department of Medical Education.

“I like to use both sides of my brain, and the job at UAB gives me a nice back-and-forth between the office and painting,” she said.

Among the canvases Morris will be showing at Southern Voices are “Sanctuary,” a tree-filled rendition of Rowan Oak, the Oxford, Miss., home of William Faulkner; a sunrise scene called “God of Wonders,” captured by Morris with a cell phone camera following an early-morning prayer service; and a colorful interpretation of a flower-filled South Alabama field called “Backroads.”

The Southern Voices Artist Reception honoring Morris is Feb. 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Friends Gallery on the Theatre Level. The reception is free and open to the public. The artwork will remain on display through March.

Morris’s work has been featured in Cottage Journal magazine and Birmingham Home and Garden magazine. She also shows paintings at Bennett Galleries in Nashville, Tenn., at her Homewood studio and online at MelanieMorrisArt. com and on her Melanie Morris Art Facebook page.

She was recently named an Emerging Artist by Art Galleries and Artists of the South magazine. ❖

Woo at the Zoo Birmingham Zoo The zoo’s second annual Valentine’s Day event includes light hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, beer, giveaways and animal greetings. Tickets for zoo members are $50 per person and $75 for couples. Tickets for non-zoo members are $65 per person and $90 for couples. For more information, visit www.birminghamzoo.com.

HOOVER

Kidz Kitchen with the Queen of Hearts Hoover Public Library From 10:30-11:15 a.m., children are welcome to join the Queen of Hearts to make tarts for their Valentines. This event is free. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.org or call 444-7800.

HOMEWOOD

Kiwanis Pancake Day Exceptional Foundation The Kiwanis Club of HomewoodMountain Brook will serve breakfast from 7 a.m.-noon. The cost is $5. The event includes children’s activities, music and a silent auction until 11 a.m.

Sun., Feb. 15 HOOVER

Pawty Gras Pet Parade Ross Bridge This costume pet parade benefits the

Greater Birmingham Humane Society. It starts at 1 p.m. near the tennis courts at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa. Cost per pet is $10. Awards will be given for the best costumes. Preregister on the Ross Bridge Facebook page or call 949-3006.

Feb. 18 - April 3 BIRMINGHAM

Lenten Preaching Series The Cathedral Church of the Advent Celebrating 107 years of weekday services during Lent, The Advent will host its 2015 Lenten Preaching Series beginning Ash Wednesday. The 25-minute service will begin at 12:05 and lunch will be served until 1 p.m. at a modest price. Each service will be held in the the Parish Hall and Dining Room of the Advent from Feb. 18 until Good Friday, April 3. The series will feature faithful preachers from all over the world.

For more information, call 251-2324.

Thurs., Feb. 19 HOMEWOOD

Legacy League Scholarship Luncheon The Club Christian comedian Anita Renfroe will headline this event at 11:30 a.m. Tickets

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

are $50. Proceeds provide Samford University scholarships to deserving students with financial need. For reservations, go to www.samford.edu/ legacyleague.

Homewood

Taste of Homewood Rosewood Hall The Mardi Gras-themed event features more than 30 Homewood restaurants, caterers, bakeries, coffee shops and beverage merchants.

For more information about the event and for a list of other locations to purchase tickets, call the Homewood Chamber at 871-5631 or visit its Facebook Page.

HOMEWOOD

Fairy Tale Ball Homewood Public Library This free event at 6:15 p.m. includes games, crafts and snacks. Guests can come in costumes, visit different character stations and eat some treats. For more information, call 332-6600.

HOMEWOOD

Night at the Oscars Homewood Public Library Hollywood enthusiast Dick Sergento explores the history of the Oscars at this free event at 6:30 p.m. Call 3326600 for more information.

Fri., Feb. 20 BIRMINGHAM

Red Stiletto Party Vulcan Park and Museum

Cocktails will be served at 7 p.m. followed by a fashion show at 8 p.m. at this Ronald McDonald House fundraiser.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for couples. For tickets, visit www.RMHCA. org.

Feb. 20-21

older will feature guest speaker Candice Moore, music, food and fun. The event is from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The cost is $30. To register, visit VHUMC.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Southern Writers Festival Barnes & Noble at The Summit

This event from 1-3 p.m. will feature a book signing with 10 authors, including Vestavia Hills author Shirley Martin, Shirley Aaron, Michele Boatright, Don Brown, Lawayne Childrey, Bill Fitts, Jim Lewis, Bob Lujano, Tamika Newhouse and Stephen Russell. For more information, call 298-0665.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Book Writing Boot Camp Canterbury United Methodist Church Birmingham author Denise George will host this event for authors interested in book publishing and memoir-writing.

The camp includes two seminars. The cost is $149 for one seminar and $285 for both. For more information, visit www.bookwritingbootcamp.org.

Feb. 20-22 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Book Sale Emmet O’Neal Library Friends of Emmet O’Neal Library’s annual sale is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 20 and 21 and 1-4 p.m. Feb. 22. Those who donate $25 or more to the library are invited to the wine-and-cheese preview party Feb. 19 from 6-8 p.m. For more information, call 936-6462.

727 Jasmine Way

Totally remodeled and Better than new!

Full finished basement!

Beautiful screened porch!

For more information go to JamesHarwell.com

Sat., Feb. 21

James Harwell 2011 Sales Associate of the Year

VESTAVIA HILLS

Women’s Conference Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church The Designed to Shine conference for women ages 18 and

Over the Mountain Office 1220 Alford Avenue • 205.281.4731

TAKE YOUR SMILE

TO NEW HEIGHTS To: From: Date:

James Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax February

At Over the Mountain Dentistry we believe that you deserve dental This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the care that meets YOUR ThatPlease is why be as flexible february needs.

12th, 2014 issue. contactwe your try sales to representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246. as possible to cater to you with convenient scheduling, relaxing Pleasedental make sureservices. all information is correct, amenities and comprehensive We are a highly including address and phone number! recommended Mountain Brook dental office conveniently located on Cahaba Road in Mountainplease Brookinitial Village.

Weback serve adults of all ages and fax within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

We invite you to make Over the Mountain Dentistry your new dental home.

Call us today for an appointment or to set up time for a quick tour. We cannot wait to meet you!

205.968.1296 Ruth Penton Polson, DMD

www.otmdentistry.com smiles@otmdentistry.com

2850 Cahaba Road, Suite 140 Mountain Brook, Al 35223

6 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Clearance Sale

A Gala Event for Glenwood

‘Night under the Big Top’ Has Casino Games, Dancing Our furniture, lighting, luxury bed linens and accessOries will add elegance and individuality tO yOur hOme, whether yOu chOOse a single item Or an entire rOOm.

Purveyors of Fine Furniture, Luxury Bed Linens, Oil on Canvas Art & Decorative Objects

2813 18th street south • homewood • (205) 879-5474 mantoothinteriors.com

To: From: Date:

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

Come join us!

The Junior Board of Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center will host its 11th annual A Night under the Big Top event at The Club Feb. 13.

Glenwood is Alabama’s most experienced and comprehensive provider of services for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder.

Currently, Glenwood provides services for more than 8,000 individuals in 103 schools across Alabama.

The goal for each Junior Board member is to learn, develop and grow through volunteer service and commitment to Glenwood. One way the group says it accomHOMEWOOD

Sorority 101 Samford University This Birmingham Alumnae Panhellenic event is open to high school students interested in learning more about sorority recruitment. The free event is from 10 a.m.-noon.

For more information, visit www. birminghampanhellenic.yolasite.com.

Feb. 21-22 BIRMINGHAM

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain JournalCamellia for theShow feb. 12, 2015 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens FOR THE DESIGNED TO SHINE WOMEN’S CONFERENCE, FEATURING SPEAKER

Camellia enthusiasts from

Birmingham and the north-central please make sure allCandice information Moore! 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.

WHERE: VHUMC TYSON HALL

save the date Feb. 27-28 HOMEWOOD

Lil’ Lambs Spring Sale Trinity United Methodist Church This annual consignment sale offers gently worn clothing, toys and furniture.

This Valentine's Day, give her something that will last longer than flowers....

Or Candy...

WHEN: 02.21.15 8:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.

WHAT: A LIFE-CHANGING MORNING WITHCONFERENCE A FABULOUS DESIGNED TO SHINE WOMEN’S SPEAKER, POWERFUL MUSIC, SPECIAL FEATURING CANDICE MOORE PERFORMANCES, GIRL TIME, FOOD AND FUN! COST: $30

TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT VHUMC.ORG/WOMENSMINISTRY

plishes its goal is through fundraising. A Night under the Big Top is the board’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The event will begin at 8 p.m. and end at midnight. It will include food and drinks, casino games, a silent auction and dancing with music by The Undergrounders.

All proceeds from the event will benefit programs and services for children impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Last year’s event drew more than 700 people and raised $215,000.

Individual tickets are $60 per person and $110 per pair before the event. All tickets are $75 each on the day of the event.

For tickets, visit www.glenwood.org.

For more information, visit the website or call 7953251. ❖

Alabama area are invited to bring their outdoor-grown blooms to the show between 9-11 a.m. Feb. 21. Judging of the blooms will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Saturday. All the blooms entered will be available for public viewing from 1-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m.

Sunday. Admission is free.

thank you for your prompt attention.

WHO: WOMEN AGE 18 AND UP

At a recent meeting to discuss ‘Night under the Big Top’ from left: Andy Parker, Erin Clark, Noah Oliphant, Will Thuston and Glenn Drennen. Photo special to the Journal

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

The sale is open to the public from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 27 and from 9 a.m.noon Feb. 28. For more information, visit www.trinitybirmingham.com.

Feb. 28 VESTAVIA

Dinner & Diamonds Regions Field The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation will host their annual flagship fundraiser Dinner & Diamonds event. Last year, more than 500 people attended the sold-out event. Tickets start at $80.00 and can be purchased online at www.vestaviafoundation.org.

For more information, visit the website or call 978-8808.

BIRMINGHAM

Red Nose Ball Cahaba Grand Conference Center This Camp Smile-A-Mile fundraiser Feb. 28 starts at 6 p.m. and includes silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing. Tickets are $300. For more information, visit www.campsam.org or call 323-8427.

March 5 BIRMINGHAM Alabama Childhood Food Solutions Banquet Grandview Parkway Marriott Hotel Auburn University Athletic Director Jay Jacobs is the guest speaker for this 6 p.m. event, which includes music and a silent auction. For tickets, send an email to info@ alabamachildhoodfoodssolutions.com. ❖ Send About Town information to: editorial@otmj.com

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

About Town

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 7

14th Annual

Thursday, February 19, 2015 Rosewood Hall at SoHo Square 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Aabco Rents • CBS 42 • Restaurant Depot State of Alabama Tourism Department Former Representative Paul DeMarco • Senator Jabo Waggoner

8 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

About Town

The Long Run

By Donna Cornelius

Journal photo by Kirsten Hutto

By Lee Davis Almost 23 years ago, nobody could have guessed that the birth of a child could lead to the establishment of one of the most successful charitable events in metro Birmingham.

But that’s exactly what happened.

In August of 1992, Paul and Cinna Sotherland of Homewood gave birth to their son, Matt. The child had Down syndrome, along with a heart defect that frequently accompanies the diagnosis.

“It was a shock,” Paul said. “The idea of having a child with special needs is something that happens to somebody else, not you. But he was our boy, and we were going to do whatever it took to help him.”

The following November, Matt was taken to UAB Hospital for open heart surgery.

“We were scared to death,” Paul said. “We had accepted the fact that Matt had special needs, but the fact he was going to need this surgery at such a young age was a lot to take in. We prayed for the best.”

Before their son went into surgery, Paul and Cinna looked out one of the big windows of the hospital to see hundreds of the runners, spectators and volunteers who were participating in the Vulcan Marathon, at the time one of the top running events in the area. Paul had never been a serious runner but somehow drew inspiration from the scene below.

“I had played football in high school but had never done a lot of running,” he said. “But something about the people getting ready for that marathon put a light in my head. There was no way to compare what Matt was going through to training for a marathon, but I made a deal with him in my mind: If Matt would pull through the surgery, I would run a marathon for him the next year.”

Matt’s surgery was successful. And if Paul needed any more inspiration, he got it shortly after the operation.

He received a call from Gene Stallings, the University of Alabama head football coach at the time. Stallings’s team – headed toward the national championship – was scheduled to play Auburn the following day.

But Stallings, whose son John Mark also had Down syndrome, had learned of Matt’s situation and wanted to express concern and offer hope to the Sotherland family.

“That tells you a lot about Coach Stallings,” Paul said. “The fact that he took the time to call and ask about Matt right before a big game shows that he is truly a caring, compassionate person. He’s got to be one of nicest men in the

Running the Good Race Mercedes Marathon Runners Hit the Course for The Bell Center

Parents’ Love for Child Inspired Marathon

world.”

After Matt came home from the hospital, Paul began his quest to keep his promise to his son.

One day at at time

“In some ways, preparing for a marathon was similar to the challenges Matt faced every day,” Paul said. “You can’t look at a marathon and say ‘I’m going to conquer it all at once.’

You have to take it one day at a time, one step at a time. It was very much the same way with Matt.”

Paul trained relentlessly, often rising before dawn to get in the necessary running. One mile became two. Then two miles became three.

Finally, a year later, Paul ran in his first-ever Vulcan Marathon and began to be a regular participant in marathons and half marathons everywhere.

And as the years went by, Matt became Paul’s most avid cheerleader.

Matt and Paul’s story had an impact beyond their family. Early in his training, Paul had turned to Valerie McLean, owner of the Trak Shak running shops, for expert guidance, motivation and practical advice.

McLean responded by organizing a half marathon to benefit the Early Invention Program, now known as The Bell Center, from which Matt received critical therapies in his early years. The event eventually grew into the Mercedes Marathon and Half Marathon, which by 2014 had raised millions of dollars for charities.

“We are big supporters of The Bell Center,” said Paul. “The people there have done so much to help Matt. We are so thankful for what they did.”

Paul retired from marathon running a few years ago but still takes a great interest in the sport.

Matt, as a young adult, lives with his family and still needs assistance with basic tasks.

But more importantly, he has the love of his parents, his sister, Katie, and the special needs community.

“None of us can understand exactly what someone with special needs faces on a daily basis,” Paul said. “By setting up a challenge or a goal for ourselves, we can in some way honor them and hopefully inspire good things from others.”

Sometimes inspiration can come from the most mundane places – such as a hospital window. On a November morning in 1992, Paul Sotherland looked out a window and saw the Big Picture. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Before the 2009 Mercedes Marathon, a friend asked Sally Williams to run for a cause.

“I ran as a BellRunner for a child with Down syndrome,” said Williams, who lives in Birmingham near Crestline.

BellRunners raise money for the marathon’s official charity, The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs. The Birmingham-based nonprofit organization offers therapies to infants and toddlers who are at risk for delay or who have diagnoses like Down syndrome, spina bifida, cerebral palsy or premature birth.

Like the other Bell Center volunteer runners, Williams hit the course in a bright red shirt with a picture of her sponsored child on the back.

“I wore my red shirt, but I had no idea why I was doing it,” she said.

“Four years later, I was running for my own child.

“Then I saw the impact.”

Williams’ son, Walker, has Down syndrome. The 2 ½-year-old boy receives services from The Bell Center.

“This is my third year to run as a BellRunner for him,” Williams said. “When I see others running for The Bell Center, I want to ask, ‘Do you understand what you’re doing?’

Now, I see.”

BellRunners agree to raise $100 per mile in honor of a specific child at The Bell Center.

“Fundraising can intimidate people, but it’s not as hard as you think,” Williams said.

Runners get contributions of all sizes, from $25 donations from individuals to larger corporate gifts, she said.

“Some runners do fundraisers, like bake sales in carpool lines,” Williams said. “My friend’s older children raised money with a bake sale for their class.”

Volunteers can run or walk the Mercedes 5K and half marathon, run the 26.2-mile marathon or create a five-person relay team.

To help them prepare for the event, BellRunners can participate in the Couch-to-5K training program offered by Resolute Running in Homewood.

“If you’ve never run before, this gives you access to trainers and gives you a program to follow,” Williams said.

This year’s Mercedes Marathon is Feb. 20-22. During the race weekend, BellRunners are treated to perks such as waived entry fees to the marathon, access to a heated tent on the race’s starting line in downtown Birmingham’s Linn Park, VIP access at the post-race party, a 15 percent discount throughout the year at The Trak Shak, and socials.

The tent offers another bonus for runners.

“It has porta-potties,” Williams said, laughing.

During the race, spectators greet the runners in red shirts with extra attention, she said..

“The BellRunners get more claps than anybody,” Williams said.

Support for The BellRunner program is crucial to The Bell Center, she said.

“The Bell Center’s operating budget needs

this,” Williams said. “Money from tuition covers only about 10 percent of the costs. This is our major fundraiser.”

Williams said running is a hobby for her.

“A lot of people run in the Mercedes because of personal goals – to run their first half marathon or to run in a certain time,” she said. “You can combine that by doing something that means so much to these children.”

While most runners look forward to finishing the race, Williams said she’ll feel a special satisfaction when she completes the half marathon this year.

“Three other moms and I whose children are in their last year at the Bell Center will cross the finish line together,” she said.

For more information about supporting the BellRunner program, visit www.thebellcenter. org or contact Kelly Peoples at kpeoples@thebellcenter.org or 879-3417. ❖

Above: BellRunner Sally Williams and her son, Walker. below: Anna Kate Lebeau Photos special to The Journal

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Samford Professor Earns National Debate Honor Samford University Communication Studies professor Michael Janas was inducted into the 2015 Barkley Forum Gold Key society Jan. 23.

The Gold Key society recognizes significant contributions to forensics education and is the most prestigious honor given by the Barkley Forum of Emory University.

Each year the members of the selfperpetuating Key Society invite a small number of debate teachers from schools across the nation into membership in a ceremony held during the Barkley Forum for High Schools at Emory University.

Janas’ selection into the Key Society is particularly noteworthy because he is not a high school debate coach. Only 20 Michael Janas other non-high school debate coaches have received the honor. Of the 172 members of the society, only six have been from Alabama.

“It is humbling to be in the company of so many great people, like Marilee Dukes and Pat Bailey of Homewood,” Janas said.

In addition to serving as president of the American Forensics Association, Janas was the director of debate at Samford for 12 years and founded the Birmingham Area Debate League.

He coaches teams at Homewood Middle School and Edgewood Elementary School. He has served as chairman of the National Communication Association’s Committee on International Discussion and Debate, head coach of the U.S. National Debate Team and as a member of the National Debate Tournament Committee.

From left: Brothers Andrew Darwin, Joseph Darwin, Stephen Darwin and Daniel Darwin are all Eagle Scouts.

Eagle Scout Darwin Carries on Family Tradition Daniel Darwin, a 16-year-old Briarwood Christian School student, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

His Eagle Scout ceremony was held in November at the Church of the Ascension in Vestavia Hills.

Darwin carried on a family tradition in earning the Boy Scout award. His brothers -- Andrew, Joseph and Stephen Darwin -- also are Eagle Scouts. They are the sons of Mike and Virginia Darwin.

The Darwins are the first family to have four Eagle Scouts with Troop 96 in Vestavia Hills.

Daniel Darwin is a member of Briarwood’s math team and its varsity lacrosse team goalie.

He is on the Briarwood Youth Group’s servant leadership team and regularly volunteers with the Special Connection program for special needs children at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. program was over 2,000, and those readers read 1.5 million pages from May to July.

Melton was president of the JCLC Children’s Services Round Table, sat on the Alabama Library Association’s Alabama Authors Awards committee, and planned the annual Children’s Services Mini-Conference for eight years.

Melton said she will most miss “the children and the parents and the people of Mountain Brook as well as the ability

to serve the community through the children’s department.”

The Emmet O’Neal Library Board appointed Gloria Repolesk, who was the elementary children’s librarian at Emmet O’Neal, to succeed Melton as head of the children’s department. Repolesk started her new position Feb. 1. ❖ Send people news to: editorial@otmj.com

Lil’ Lambs Children’s Spring

Consignment Sale

O’Neal Librarian Retires Carol Melton, the head of the children’s department at Emmet O’Neal Library, retired Feb. 1 after more than 23 years with the Jefferson County Library Cooperative.

Melton, who earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Alabama, spent more than 10 years working at the Hoover Library before transferring to Mountain Brook’s Emmet O’Neal Library to head the children’s department.

Under her leadership, the number of children’s programs offered by the department has more than doubled.

Melton cultivated a strong working relationship with Mountain Brook’s Junior Women’s Committee of 100, whose generous financial contributions and member volunteer hours continue to be essential to the operations of the children’s department, library officials said.

Melton also expanded the library’s summer reading program. In 2014, the children’s department hosted more than 100 programs with more than 6,600 patrons in attendance. The number of children who participated in the incentive-driven summer reading

Friday, February 27 • 9am-3pm Saturday, February 28 • 9am-12pm

GYM

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 9

News

10 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

u Over the Mountain

Waking Up about Addiction Personal Experiences Highlight Prevention Event

“I was on the right track, or what seemed like the right track, to doing everything you would want to do in life and everything that parents would ever want from their kid,” said Brad Blount, his image playing on a large screen in the crowded ballroom of Vestavia Country Club.

A room packed with people remained silent as Blount said, “But I ended up becoming a heroin addict.”

An organization whose vision is to prevent substance abuse in central Alabama, the Addiction Prevention Coalition strives for its goal by pushing for community collaboration. One way the group spreads its message is through events like the “Wake Up!” breakfast, where recovering addicts like Blount share stories and provide parents with the tools to best approach their own children about drugs and alcohol.

The breakfast featured Blount and another young adult whose stories of addiction hit close to home.

Each grew up in an affluent community attending highly-rated schools. But as APC spokesman Danny Malloy said, “There is no onesize-fits-all for addiction.”

Suzie Sarcone, a 17-year-old student at Mountain Brook High School, and Blount, a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, have led lives deeply affected by substance abuse.

“I wasn’t drinking because I liked it, I was drinking to get drunk,” Sarcone said.

Sarcone said she grew up in a family environment where addictive behavior was prevalent and found that alcohol and drug abuse helped her to forget about her difficult home life.

Blount’s opiate abuse began after a football injury to his shoulder, he said. He was prescribed Lortab – and later, Oxycodone – for his shoulder and quickly became dependent on the drug without realizing it.

Once the pills ran out, his search for a quicker and cheaper fix led him to heroin, he said.

Both Sarcone and Blount offered

‘The greatest challenge we face is getting the community to be open to discussing these issues.’

Steve Briggs, APC founder and board member.

Photo special to the Journal

By Emily Williams

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u hoover

Sidewalk Project Should Start This Summer A sidewalk project along Preserve Parkway is expected to start this summer, Hoover city officials say.

The City Council recently agreed to maintain the sidewalks once they’re finished.

The project involves building sidewalks on the north side of Preserve Parkway from Sulphur Springs Road to the Preserve Town Center.

Tim Westhoven, the city’s assistant executive director, said the project will cost about $1 million, with the Alabama Department of Transportation funding about $800,000 and the city the rest.

The council also agreed to replace and upgrade streetlights on U.S. 31 from the Cahaba River to Patton Chapel Road, about a 1.5-mile stretch. The project will replace streetlights removed during the widening of U.S. 31 from Data Drive to Interstate 459, Westhoven said.

The replacement poles will be taller and the lights LED, which are more energy efficient, he added.

The project will cost about $1.1 million and involve the standard 80-20 percent federal funding as other federal-city ventures.

City officials have not yet released a timeline for the project. ­­— William C. Singleton III

u Mountain Brook Brad Blount and Suzie Sarcone shared stories and provided parents with tools to best approach their own children about drugs and alcohol.

knowledge that parents might not otherwise be able to obtain. Each talked about what methods were most effective -- and ineffective -- on their journeys to recovery.

Blount and Sarcone agreed that the greatest indicators of substance abuse are not physical symptoms. With eye drops and an extra layer of clothing, Blount said, he easily disguised his physical symptoms from his parents.

“I was always gone,” Sarcone said. “I was never home, and I would lie about where I was.”

She would also constantly ask for money, giving any excuse imaginable to get it, she said.

Once the problem is identified, Blount and Sarcone said a parent must take care in how they approach their child.

“Parents are going to pass judgment unconsciously,” Blount said, adding that parents must be aware of their tone in order to have truthful conversations with their kids.

The goal is to be as open as possible to any discussion, whether the topic is good or bad, said Sarcone.

Both speakers said, whether or not a child abuses substances, engaging in non-threatening discussions about drugs will keep them better-informed.

But when a punishment must be put in place, Sarcone said, a parent cannot waver. She said when it comes time to lay down hard rules, it is important for intentions to be clear.

Phrases like “I didn’t raise you that way” are counterproductive, Blount said.

“Be careful about shaming your kid. We know you didn’t ‘raise us that way,’” he said.

Both speakers said a parent should avoid extremes, such as forbidding a child from seeing certain people or going to certain places.

“It’s like telling them not to eat the cookie,” Sarcone said.

Adults must always remember what it is like to be a teenager, when every disappointment seems lifealtering, said Blount.

“It’s really important not to minimize their feelings,” Blount said. “Be aware of what they’re going through.”

He said his parents came to terms with results of the injury long before Blount could himself, and it was that injury that eventually led to his addiction.

Both Sarcone and Blount stressed that it is not always parents’ fault when a child becomes involved in addictive practices. Parents cannot make their children’s choices for them, but they can shape the way their child chooses to behave, they said.

“My goal is to prevent other people from going through what me and my family experienced,” Sarcone said.

During her recovery, Sarcone said, she and her mother have found a balance and have reached a state of open discussion.

With the help of Sarcone and Blount, APC is opening drug-related discussions in a community-wide setting in order to promote similar discussions inside the home.

“The greatest challenge we face is getting the community to be open to discussing these issues,” said Steve Briggs, APC founder and board member.

For more information about the APC, visit www.addictionpreventioncoalition.org ❖

Time Is Short for Residents to Give Traffic Feedback Mountain Brook residents have until Friday, Feb. 13, to provide feedback on traffic improvements in the city.

The city and the Regional Planning Commission held a public involvement meeting Feb. 10 to gain input on which eight city intersections should be the focus of traffic improvements. The feedback will shape the city’s decision about which intersections it should focus improvements on, City Manager Sam Gaston said.

“The council will make the final decision about what eight intersections will be first studied,” Gaston said. “Right now, we’re just trying to determine which are the eight areas that we feel like are important to study.”

Mountain Brook officials received an APPLE (Advanced Planning Programming and Logical Engineering) grant for $40,000 to improve eight intersections. The grant required the city to identify eight areas for improvement, Gaston said. The city’s matching portion for the grant was $10,000.

“This grant will allow us to study up to eight intersections to see what can be done to relieve traffic flow and congestion,” he said.

The focus on traffic improvements stems from a community survey the city conducted last year, Gaston added.

“That was one of the things our residents told us they wanted us to work on. They want us to try to improve traffic flow through the city,” he said.

The city hired Skipper Consulting Inc. to help in its efforts to improve traffic flow. Skipper made a presentation at Tuesday’s meeting along with the planning commission.

Improvements to Montevallo Road

‘That was one of the things our residents told us they wanted us to work on. They want us to try to improve traffic flow through the city.’

City Manager Sam Gaston

were among the suggestions made by Mountain Brook residents, Gaston said.

After the council selects the eight roads, the city will have to prioritize and allocate funds to do the work, the city manager said. The process could take a few years from start to completion, he added.

“Hopefully, we can do a few each year over the next several years,” Gaston said.

Residents who still want to provide comments on the projects are asked to contact Richard L. Caudle, P.E., Project Manager – Mountain Brook Traffic Study, c/o Skipper Consulting, Inc., 3644 Vann Road Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35235, Richard@skipperinc.com.

— William C. Singleton III

u homewood

Council Clears Way for New Hotels The Homewood City Council cleared the way for a future hotel.

The council recently approved amending a zoning ordinance to allow hotels as a permitted use. The city’s planning commission recommended that council members put back in the zoning ordinance hotel use. It was taken out in 2007 over concerns about further high-rise development downtown, Councilman Peter Wright said.

However, the city hopes to attract another hotel to the former Mountain Brook Inn property. City officials are entertaining a development proposal that would include a 10-story office building, a hotel of up to 10 stories and a parking deck on the site.

“Nothing has been approved yet, but it does clear the ordinance so that a hotel can be a candidate for that spot,” Wright said. — William C. Singleton III

City hopes to attract another hotel to the former Mountain Brook Inn property

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 11

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u homewood

It’s Official: K9 Force Has New Member Homewood has added another four-legged member to its police force.

The city officially welcomed Banjo as a member of its K9 force. A Dutch Shepherd, Banjo joins Shiloh and Justice as Homewood Police K9 dogs.

Though Banjo has been on the job since January, the City Council had to recognize his addition to the department by an official vote.

Mayor Scott McBrayer said Banjo came as a donation to the department when Officer Reggie Sutton, the dog’s handler, joined the force.

The city had to pay for additional training for Banjo – about $5,000 to $6,000. But because Banjo has already been trained for police work, it didn’t cost as much as it would for a new dog, the mayor added.

“To equip and train a brand new dog, you’re looking at about

$100,000,” McBrayer said.

Sutton said Banjo had been trained simply as a patrol dog used to track and apprehend suspects. Banjo had to be trained to detect narcotics.

“Banjo had no narcotics training, so we spent three months training him and then having him certified,” said Sgt. Jeremiah Mote, who is in charge of Homewood Police’s K9 unit. “We use dual purpose dogs, which is unusual for this area besides Birmingham.”

Mote said the additional K9 force member allows the Homewood Police Department to cover all shifts.

Sutton and Banjo work the night shift.

Sutton described Banjo as “highstrung.” He also said Banjo’s breed is used by the Royal Dutch Police.

Mote said the Homewood K9 dogs occasionally make public appearances at schools and other functions.

“It’s very fortunate we have the support of the mayor and city council and the support of the community,” Mote said. “They’ve always loved the K9s, and they’re very happy to have three dogs on the shifts.” ❖

by Jeff (Bonzo)

u vestavia hills

McCallum Park Bridge Is Open

By William C. Singleton III A bridge at McCallum Park is now open.

Completed in January, the 100-foot bridge spans Little Shades Creek and gives park visitors access to more than 30 acres on the northwest side of the creek.

The developed portion of McCallum Park sits off Rocky Ridge Road at the end of Rosemary Lane and consists of five acres with pavilions, playground equipment and sidewalks.

Until the bridge was completed, park visitors had to wade through Little Shades Creek if they wanted to access the park’s sprawling wooded area.

“The bridge opens up the park and gives access to all the open space on the other side of the creek,” said Brian Davis, Vestavia Hills public services director.

The city hasn’t officially dedicated the bridge but likely will do so in the spring, Davis said.

“We still have some things to do around it,” he said. “We still have land-

scaping to do, and we have a handrail that has to be completed. We also were waiting for better weather.”

The city has started building a crushed-stone trail which it plans to extend towards Vestavia Hills High School, which sits near woods leading to the open space section of McCallum Park.

In August, the city awarded a bid to Sprouse Construction to build the bridge along with 500 linear feet of trail. The contract totaled $308,460.

The city received two grants totaling $150,000 to go toward the bridge project, and the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Foundation contributed $100,000.

Davis said he hopes the Boy Scouts and other groups will contribute projects that beautify and provide greater access to the park’s open space.

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

Homewood Officer Reggie Sutton with the department’s new K9, Banjo.

Journal photo by William C. Singleton III

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By William C. Singleton III

Rehab Reality

Family Research Results From 135 Rehabs

Most people do some sort of research before deciding on a rehab. Many tell us that they spent hours that turned into days trying to sort out the thousands of options on the internet.

We recently had parents who took their research to the highest level by spending weeks researching and actually traveling to find the right place for their son. Not only did they make a spreadsheet of the 135 rehabs they checked out, but they visited about half of them. I know this because I met with them and they shared their research with me.

Some of their findings proved what we’ve been saying for years. Most rehabs have 12 step as their program or at the very least the basis of it.

Others that aren’t 12 step might use drugs, scientology, or even implants.

Very few offer a true health based program and master level counseling such as the one we provide at Bayshore Retreat.

It’s easy to fall prey to TV commercials and other advertising that promises results with catchy slogans.

At the end of the day addiction is unique to the individual. His or her history and problems that contribute to or created the addiction and until those are dealt with personally and individually, the chance of recovery is very low. We know, from experience, what works.Being small and personal is the first key so we can help the individual.

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12 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

news

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Three OTM Cities Are on ‘Safest Places’ List u over the Mountain

By William C. Singleton III

Though petty crimes still seem to be an endless problem for suburban cities, the Over the Mountain area still ranks among the safest places to live in the state.

Movoto Real Estate has released its Top 10 Safest Places in Alabama rankings, and Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook and Hoover made the cut.

Vestavia Hills was ranked No. 1

overall, tied with Helena. Mountain Brook came in 8th and Hoover 10th.

Vestavia Hills achieved the ranking for its low number of violent crimes per capita.

“In 2013, it had just 17 for the entire year,” Movoto’s site states. “With its population of just over 34,000, this meant Vestavia Heights (sic) had the lowest number of violent crimes per person ­none of which were murders.

Additionally, it had the fourth lowest

number of property crimes, with just 561, all adding up to the fourth lowest number of total crimes per person.”

The rankings are based on the 2013 FBI Uniform Crime Report.

Movoto Real Estate is a Californiabased company that tracks real estate trends. For more information on Movoto Real Estate’s ranking methodology, visit www.movoto.com/ blog/top-ten/safest-places-in-alabama-2013/.

POWER TO

BUILD DREAMS

Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes mentioned the rankings at a recent council meeting.

“We are proud to be listed as the safest city in Alabama,” he said. “It is clearly an indication of the wonderful quality of life we enjoy in Vestavia Hills.”

Downes praised the police department for its role in keeping the city safe.

“The rate of crime in Vestavia Hills is at an all-time low,” Downes said.

“We talk a lot about our city’s positive growth and how we live ‘A Life Above.’ None of that would be possible if we didn’t have the quality of public safety services that we enjoy.”

But the release of the rankings comes at a time when crime seems to be getting a lot of media attention in the Over the Mountain areas.

Law enforcement and city officials say, however, there’s no crime wave sweeping the suburbs and that the petty crimes getting attention could be reduced significantly with an ounce of prevention.

“We’ve seen a rash of automobile break-ins lately,” said Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis. “And with automobile break-ins, 99 percent of them are a result of people leaving their doors unlocked. … I would still say Over the Mountain communities are very safe when you look at the overall crime statistics. Obviously we know crime can happen anywhere. But if you look at the major crimes, they took a decrease, so we’re very, very pleased.”

Although Homewood didn’t make Movoto’s list, Mayor Scott McBrayer said his city’s public safety record ranks among the best in Alabama.

“The only crime statistic that has gone up in Homewood is unlawful break-ins of vehicles and thefts,” he said. “And in about 90 to 95 percent of those cases, people leave their doors unlocked or their keys in the cars, and

“In 2013, it had just 17 for the entire year,” Movoto’s site states. “With its population of just over 34,000, this meant Vestavia Heights (sic) had the lowest number of violent crimes per person -- none of which were murders.” Journal file photo by Lee Walls Jr.

people are just slipping around at night and lifting up on the handle and taking advantage of the opportunities.”

Vestavia Hills Lt. Brian Gilham said the press some crimes are getting may actually be a good sign.

“There’s been some more notable cases where we’ve had good evidence, and that’s made the press,” he said.

“But they’re not totally out of the norm.”

McBrayer said police have to constantly remind residents to be vigilant about not putting themselves in a situation to become victims of crime.

“We’ve been trying to get the word out to make sure you lock your vehicles and reduce your chances of being a crime victim,” he said. “It just takes a little common sense.” ❖

u hoover

New Councilman Has History of Serving City

Journal photo by William C. Singleton III

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New Hoover City Councilman Joe Rives said his decision to serve on the council is his way to pay his “civic rent.”

“I think everybody should pay their civic rent,” Rives said. “Anything I can do to make this city even better and better and better is what I want to do.”

The council appointed the 73-year-old

1/16/15 10:43 AM

Rives to fill the vacant seat of Trey Lott, who stepped down last month because he moved to Alabaster. Lott had 20 months remaining on his term.

Council President Jack Wright said the council wanted a person who knows the city and can step in Lott’s seat and not miss a beat.

Rives knows a lot about the city, having served more than nine years on the city’s board of zoning adjustments and three months on the planning and zoning commission. He also has been a Hoover resident for 44 years.

“I feel very honored and humbled this council let me join them to help them make the city of Hoover a better place for all of us to live and work and locate our business,” Rives said.

Councilman John Natter called Rives “an individual of unquestioned integrity … who has no agendas.”

After the council approved Rives as councilman, City Judge Brad Bishop swore him into office.

— William C. Singleton III

MAX Service Will Continue for Now u homewood

By William C. Singleton III

Journal phto by Maury Wald

Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority buses will continue to roll through Homewood at least until April 30.

The council agreed to allocate $66,000 for three more months of bus services until the city better assesses its transit needs.

Bus service was scheduled to end Jan. 31. But at a Homewood City Council finance committee meeting in December attended by transit officials, transit advocates packed council chambers and urged council members to continue funding bus service.

The council in September passed a 2014-2015 operating budget that reduced Homewood’s contribution to the transit authority (also called Metro Area Express) by 50 percent. The

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 13

news

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

reduction would have ended certain day routes and paratransit service for disabled riders on Dec. 22 if the council hadn’t voted for an extension until Jan. 31.

The council’s decision to continue until April wasn’t unanimous. Four of nine council members voted against the three-month extension.

Councilman Fred Hawkins, who voted “no,” said he wanted to restore funding for the entire fiscal year.

City officials have said they aren’t sure they’re getting the most for the money they contribute to area transit and have asked for updated ridership data but hadn’t received it at the time they decided to reduce their contribution to MAX. City officials also have been upset that Homewood lost its seat on the transit board and say the lack

of representation has led to a lack of information and communication.

Homewood lost its seat on the transit board in 2012 when seats were reallocated based on population changes.

Since Homewood’s concerns came to a head in December, transit and Homewood officials have been working more closely.

“We’re looking at doing a survey with the Homewood chamber as well as their planning department, a consultant and the Regional Planning Commission to look at the total

picture in order for us to move forward,” said MAX Executive Director Ann August.

Councilman Britt Thames said he’s encouraged that transit officials, particularly August and Patrick Sellers, the board’s new chairman, are working to address the city’s concerns.

“Their response to our situation has been incredible, and I’m really excited about what we’ve started here and what’s going to come of it,” he said. ❖

The council agreed to allocate $66,000 for three more months of bus services until the city better assesses its transit needs.

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UAB’s Dr. James Kirkin is internationally known for his work in cardiothoracic surgery.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Photo special to the Journal

Having a Heart for a Cause Dr. James Kirklin Is Honoree of AHA’s Annual Ball

By Donna Cornelius When James Kirklin decided to switch majors in college, the world likely lost a marine biologist.

But it gained an internationally-known doctor.

Kirklin was an All-American diver at Ohio State University when he decided to switch majors and prepare for medical school, he said.

“I’ve always loved the ocean and still enjoy scuba diving,” said Kirklin, professor and director of cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and director of the Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Children’s of Alabama.

But Kirklin’s decision to pursue a career in medicine didn’t come out of left field. His father, Dr. John Kirklin, built UAB’s cardiovascular surgery program into one of the most respected in the United States.

James Kirklin is following his father in supporting the Birmingham Heart Ball. He is serving as the honoree of the 2015 ball, 22 years after his father held the same position.

This is the 28th year the American Heart Association has hosted the event, set this year for March 7 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

Last year, the black-tie gala raised more than $1 million and placed in the top 10 in the nation for fundraising.

Money raised by the ball goes directly to the American Heart Association to fund research, education and awareness initiatives. These programs target heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers, respectively, according to the AHA. Kirklin said these programs are particularly critical for Alabamians.

“Alabama is particularly challenged in the arena of heart disease,” he said. “Alabama is among the top states in the country for deaths from cardiovascular causes.”

Obesity and high blood pressure, especially among young people, and tobacco use are common risk factors among Alabamians, Kirklin said.

“There are so many areas where we need to enlighten and educate people about the negative impact of certain life-

styles,” he said.

Kirklin doesn’t just preach healthy habits. He practices them.

“It’s important to watch your weight and exercise regularly,” he said. “I work out three times a week, and my wife is an aggressive walker. You need 150 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity.”

Making time for fun promotes good health, he said.

“My wife and I take two trips a year, in the winter and in the summer,” Kirklin said. “We keep a power boat in Orange Beach and take it down to the Florida Keys or the Bahamas.

We love diving.”

His three children and four grandchildren all are avid scuba divers, too, he said.

“Being fully engaged in something outside your profession can really lessen stress,” Kirklin said.

The surgeon has a demanding professional life. His clinical interests include heart transplantation, pediatric and adult congenital heart defects, and mechanical circulatory support.

Kirklin is consistently recognized in “Best Doctors in America.”

His years as a springboard and tower diver helped prepare him for a career in medicine, he said.

“It’s very difficult to be an athlete in college,” Kirklin said. “People underestimate the time requirement. In terms of time and discipline, it’s very challenging. But it gave me the ability to focus and to concentrate on the task at hand – the same things you need in cardiovascular surgery.”

After graduating from OSU, Kirklin attended Harvard Medical School.

“That was actually easier than college, because I had fewer distractions,” he said.

Kirklin came to Birmingham in 1981 to become assistant professor of surgery at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He was in college when his father moved to Birmingham so he had visited but not lived in the city until then.

“I’d visit during my summer vacations, and I was struck by the beauty of Alabama the first time I drove here from Ohio,” he said.

Birmingham Heart Ball Sat., March 7 Cahaba Grand Conference Center The Heart Ball is an engaging evening of fun and passion bringing community and philanthropic leaders together. Last year, Heart Ball events raised close to $73 million with support from over 100,000 individuals and corporations nationwide, funding research and programs across the country and in our community. For more information contact Danya Segrest, 510-1520, danya.segrest@heart.org or visit birminghamheartball.ahaevents.org

Kirklin has become so thoroughly invested in his adopted state that he pulled for the University of Alabama and not his alma mater when the Crimson Tide and Buckeyes met in the College Football Playoffs game in January, he said.

He’s also a big supporter of the American Heart Association. Funds raised by the Heart Ball, he said, will help the AHA reach its “20/20” goal – improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent and reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and strokes by 20 percent.

“The Heart Ball is a major vehicle not just for fundraising but for bringing attention to the American Heart Association and its mission,” Kirklin said.

For more information about the ball, visit birminghamheartball.org or call the American Heart Association at 5101500. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Life

otmj 2015

Valentine’s day

Gift Guide

Roberto Coin Tiny Treasures are available in a variety of 18K gold and diamond pendants to fit any personality. Starting at $580.

Bromberg’s Mountain Brook 871-3276, The Summit 969-1776.

Pottery by Jessie - our latest and greatest new find. Small chip and dip, $40 and large chip and dip, $60.

The Cook Store, 879-5277.

We adore these ceramic pieces made by Alabama Mud. Vase, 5“ tall, $24. Trinket dish 4“ wide, $12.

Alabama Goods, 803-3900. alabamagoods.com

Full Moon BBQ’s Ultimate Flavor Pack comes loaded with Full Moon’s Southern Seasoning, famous Chow Chow, award winning BBQ Sauce and Alabama White Sauce, $30.99 The gift pack is available in most Full Moon locations and online.

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Pouchee--the ultimate purse organizer.

Attach the strap and you have a small purse. Starting at $19.99.

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Romantic envelope necklace with a “letter” inside that reads “I love you,” $29.99. Snoozy’s Kids, 871-2662.

Nothing could be sweeter than an iced cookie, cupcake or cake from Savage’s Bakery. Special Valentine’s Day gift bags start at $4.25.

Savage’s Bakery & Deli, 871-4901.

More great ideas on page 17

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 15

16 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Spanning the Globe Riverchase Couple Has Traveled to 324 Countries

By Donna Cornelius Last November, Bob and Phyllis Henson hit a goal not even the most avid globetrotter may ever dream of reaching.

They’ve traveled to every country in the world.

The Hensons, who live in Riverchase, said they decided in 1965 to visit all 324 countries recognized by the Travelers Century Club in Santa Monica, Calif. TCC is a club for people who have visited 100 or more countries or territories.

TCC’s list includes small islands like Tristan da Cuhna, a remote South Atlantic island with a population of 169, Bob said.

“The high school there had three students, and the elementary school had six,” Phyllis said. “But they’re very happy people.”

The Hensons know that because the TCC requires travelers to “put their boots on the ground” in order to say they’ve visited a country, Bob said. Hopping off a plane onto the airport tarmac for a minute or so doesn’t count, he said.

“They want you to interact with the people, experience the culture and spend money there,” he said.

And while the Hensons may not have saved the best trip for last, the last journey on their checklist was one of their most harrowing expeditions.

“We’d been trying to get into Libya for 10 or 12 years,” Bob said. “But an American can’t get a Visa, and there are no international flights.”

To get into the northern Travel has played a African country, the Hensons part in the couple’s had to use a bit of ingenuity – some cash. In Alexandria, relationship from and Egypt, they hired a driver who the beginning. They spoke Arabic and English, paid him $500 “to ensure our safe met when Bob was passage,” Bob said, and traveled a student at Auburn with him in a 1998 Mercedes some 150 miles to the Libyan University. Phyllis’ border.

“Phyllis and I cowered in cousin introduced the back seat while he talked the two, and Bob back and forth with the border made the long trip to guards,” Bob said.

Once inside the country, the Phyllis’ home in Ft. Hensons didn’t spend much time Lauderdale, Fla., sightseeing.

“We got food and interacted on weekends. with some people in the market,” Bob said.

Getting out of Libya proved to be harder than getting in.

The Hensons said the guards on duty when the couple and their driver tried to leave were tough to deal with.

“It took us $500 apiece to get out,” Bob said. “We just took off and got through.”

Travel has played a part in the couple’s relationship from the beginning. They met when Bob was a student at Auburn University. Phyllis’ cousin introduced the two, and Bob made the long trip to Phyllis’ home in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on weekends.

“It was a hell of a commute,” Bob said, laughing.

After getting engaged on top of Vulcan in Birmingham, they were married July 30, 1960.

Bob’s career in the international communications industry led them to live in exotic places, including Cairo, Sydney and Bucharest, Romania.

“It was in 1965 that we started doing international travel,” Bob said. “We’d been to all 50 states and all the Canadian provinces. We thought, now what?”

Their three sons – all became engineers after graduating from Auburn University – were happy to stay with their grandparents in Calera, Bob said, so he and Phyllis took a cruise from Singapore to Mumbai, India.

“We hit a lot of the Southeast Asia countries on that trip,” he said. “After that, we’ve made at least one major trip every year.”

Cruises are a great way to visit several countries during one trip, Bob said. A cruise was also the couple’s means of getting to Antarctica.

Left: Travelers Century Club Chairman Klaus Billep, left, presents awards to Bob and Phyllis Henson, who visited their 324th country last November.

Below: Phyllis Henson buddies up with a cigar-smoking dancer in Cuba. The Hensons at the Mt. Everest base station. Bob Henson at Omaha Beach on June 6, 2004, the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.North Korea is one of the most difficult countries for Americans to visit, but Bob and Phyllis Henson managed to get there.

“We spent 10 days in the ice floes,” Bob said. “Phyllis loved that trip so much that when I asked her where she wanted to go for our 50th wedding anniversary, she said, ‘Back to Antarctica!’”

The Hensons have been to places whose names most people can’t even pronounce – or have heard of: Ogasawara, St. Eustatius, Srpska, Umm Al Qaiwain, Abkhazia and Lakshadweep.

They’ve visited more familiar spots, too, like Auschwitz, Diamond Head, the Egyptian pyramids, the Great Wall of China and Mt. Everest.

The Hensons said their favorite city is Hong Kong, where they lived for almost two years in the late 1990s.

Their least favorite, they said, is Tobruk, the Libyan city they had such trouble leaving.

Their Riverchase home is full of memorabilia from their journeys.

On the living room wall is a large map with pins marking every place they’ve visited – and there are an awful lot of pins.

The Hensons said they’ve been lucky enough to remain pretty healthy during their travels.

“We’ve been pretty blessed that way, except for sleep deprivation,” Bob said.

While Phyllis said she will try any unfamiliar food at least once, Bob isn’t an adventurous eater. In China, Phyllis said, she once took a bite of a strange dish and got a mouthful of tiny bones.

“I think it must have been some sort of snake,” Bob said.

Incidents like that, he said, are why they always pack some edible staples.

“We carry Lance extra-crunchy peanut butter crackers and 12-packs of Oreos,” Bob said.

The Travelers Century Club in December honored the Hensons for traveling to their 324th country. The couple received two inscribed solar-powered globes.

While they’re pleased to have reached their goal, their decades-long odyssey has meant more than just checking country names off a list, the Hensons said.

“We’ve made so many friends all over the world,” Phyllis said.

The Hensons don’t intend to store their suitcases anytime soon. They’re already planning new adventures, including a November visit to Norway’s west coast.

Even with frightening escapes from Libya and meals that might include snake, the Hensons remain enthusiastic travelers.

“We’ve enjoyed every trip we’ve made,” Phyllis said.

“We’ve tried to see and learn about other cultures. Every country has so much to offer.” ❖

Photos special to the Journal

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 17

18 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Going Dutch

From left: Robert Schindler, Ann Trondson, Carrie Montgomery, Graham Boettcher, Meghan Ann Hellenga and Wassan Al-Khudhairi.

Photos and image courtesy Birmingham Museum of Art

Museum Party Opens Small Treasures Exhibition

T

he Birmingham Museum of Art welcomed nearly 1,000 guests Jan. 31 to the opening of its new exhibition, Small Treasures: Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals, and Their Contemporaries.

The opening party – Small Paintings, Big Party! – was a celebration to welcome paintings by some of the greatest masters of the Dutch Golden Age. Guests entered the museum’s Eighth Avenue lobby to see Dutchthemed décor featuring festive tulip arrangements by Tiffany Robinson of Studio Flowers.

Visitors were greeted with tastings

by Trim Tab Brewing Co. and Stone Hollow Farmstead.

In the lobby, guests posed in the photo booth, sporting red hats in honor of the star of the exhibition, Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with the Red Hat.” In Oscar’s Café, images of tulip fields and windmills were projected onto the walls for a Dutch countryside atmosphere. With a spread by A Social Affair, cash bars and the jazzy sounds of the Chad Fisher Group, the party was in full swing.

Guests also could have their own portraits sketched by artist Andy Jordan or visit the Museum Store to see all the Small Treasures-themed gifts.

Upstairs, visitors were among the first to see Small Treasures in Birmingham.

The first gallery includes a welcome area, setting the stage for the time and place where the artists worked. The welcome area includes a smaller exhibition with works from the museum’s permanent collection, such as Rembrandt prints, small-scale treasures from many collection areas, portraits inspired by the Dutch masters, and miniatures.

The main event – the exhibition of 40 small-scale paintings -- drew a crowd all evening.

The Birmingham Museum of Art will host Small Treasures through April 26. ❖

Lee Handley, Whitney Hall, Marquelon Sigler

Jay Segal, Alene Gamel, Deborah and Hank Layman.

Jayne Morgan and Allen Trotman Artist Andy Jordan

Pat Anderson and Amber Anderson Stephen Cockrell, Emely Martinez Cockrell, Alexee Deep Conroy, Matthew Conroy.

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 19

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Barbara and David Oberman, Mary and David Kimerling, Mary Kathryn and Jack Bryant, Cole and Raymond Harbert Jr., Kristen and Richard Woods, Melanie and Danny Bowers, Robert Raiford and Zane Rhoades, Ginger and Lane Milam, Kim and Jeff Arrington, Ann Bailey

Above: The Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Performing Ensemble joined Ocean’s wait staff for the evening. Right: Abigail Barlow. Photo special to the Journal

Performance Plus

RMTC Ensemble Pitches in at Annual Gala Red Mountain Theatre Company held its annual fundraising event at George Reis’ Ocean restaurant Jan. 26.

Members of the Red Mountain Performing Ensemble, the organization’s youth program for ages 14-18, joined Ocean’s wait staff for the evening. Group members sang popular tunes and brandished top hats for collecting cash tips.

Nearly 100 guests enjoyed dinner and entertainment at the event, which raised money for RMTC’s James Above: From left: Keith Cromwell and Kate Bowers. right: Jessica Dietrich Marsh, Russell Marsh and Janis O’Malley.

ntain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., ax

OOF from the Over The MOunTain JOurnal for the sue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

ke sure all information is correct,

and Craig White, Catherine and Kenan Lucas, Janet and Cary Beck, Phyllis and David Hall, Karen and Tommy Tynes, Kathryn and Doug Eckert, Kaye and Mark Rosse, Susan and Lee Reeves, Robin and David Donahue, and Beth and John Norris. ❖

Hatcher Founder’s Fund. The fund provides need and merit-based scholarships to young artists.

Items auctioned off in the live auction included a Frank Fleming statue, dinner for six at Ocean, a Stella and Dot necklace, an Amy Murphy Studios gift certificate, and a private salon concert by Broadway veteran Rufus Bonds Jr. Gold sponsors for the evening included Alabama Power Co., the Bowers/Woods families, the Harbert/ Bryant families, and Lynn and Benny LaRussa.

Among those in attendance were Corbin Day and Kim Jemison, Dianne and Bill Mooney, Mary and Mike Rooney, Lynn and Benny LaRussa, Jennifer Dunn, Lora and Bill Terry, Karen and Alan Register, Elizabeth and Bill Koleszar,

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20 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: James Bond’s Aston Martin, Melody McGuire, Hamp McWhorter and Julie Kim.

FEBRUARY is Heart Health Month.

Did you know that Dental Health affects Heart Health?

Photos special to the Journal by Llyod Beard

It’s true! Dental health directly affects overall health, including heart health!

At Fair Haven Retirement Community, you’ll find an on-site Oral Health Center staffed by the dentists and students of the UAB School of Dentistry. The Oral Health Center provides quality dental care for residents at a reduced cost while imparting valuable hands-on skill and experience to UAB’s dental students!

A Roaring Success

James Bond Gala Raises Money for Cancer Research

Meet Dr. Sonja Makhija, Dr. Lillian Mitchell, Dr. Teri Chafin and Receptionist Blair Pulliam.

ROAR’s fourth annual James Bond Gala “Diamonds and Cures Are Forever” raised several hundred million dollars for cancer research with the help of honoree Dr. Larry Lemak and a host committee.

The Jan. 21 event at The Club was the product of a year of work by ROAR, or Regional Oncology Active Research, a nonprofit fundraising organization committed to funding personalized cancer medicine research at UAB. Members of the host committee were Swaid Swaid, Charlie Tickle, Chris Gray, Keith Granger, Nick Sellers, Norman Tynes, Bruce Gordon, Mike Ross, Jabo Waggoner, Justin Kaplin, John Lemak, Charlie Waldrep, Brian Skelton, Gary Ivey, Jim Thompson, Scott Appell, Tracy Causey, Bruce Gordon, Gene Hallman, Justin Kaplan, Randy Lott, Amanda Martin, Nick Sellers and Pat Sullivan. Sponsors, auction bidders and those making generous pledges included Joey and

Kaye Moore, Wendy and Richard Crew, Stephen and Karen Henniger, Southlake Financial Group and Randy Lott, Renasant Bank, Mike Ross, Realty South, Tim Breen and Motion Industries, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Shoal Ambulance, Martha and Richard Thompson, Johnny and Beth Tarassoli, Jeff Timbrook, Jim and Charlene Dunlap, Dr. Eddie Yang and Sara Yang, Staci and Raphael Pierce, Dana and Eric Walchek, and Dr. Robert Kim and Julie Kim. The James Bond theme was carried out with Bond Girls circulating, diamonds on the tabletops, a large martini ice sculpture, a live auction of Bond’s favorites with Jack Granger, and dancing to the music of Total Assets.

President of ROAR is Melody McGuire. Julie Kim was gala chairman. Hamp McWhorter is vice president, and treasurer is Darlene Wilson. For more information, visit www.roarthecure.org. ❖

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Joey and Kay Moore and Dr. Larry Lemak.

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 21

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

French Flair

Photos special to the Journal

65th Blue and Gray Colonels Ball has Napoleonic Theme

Mae Rose Tyson with her father Marc Bryant Tyson.

Mary Shelton Hornsby

The Blue and Gray Colonels Association hosted their annual ball in December, celebrating a year of philanthropic service.

For 65 years, the Blue and Gray Colonels have focused on promoting the arts in Alabama through philanthropic service. Their organization supports the Central Alabama Community Foundation, the Alabama Dance Theatre and various arts programs across Alabama.

Modeled after the Austrian Ball des Rosenkavalier, attended by Blue and Gray Co-founder Nimrod Thompson Frazer, the annual debutante presentation has been hosted in

Mary Jane Young

Montgomery since 1950. Originally, the ball was organized in order to provide a social component to the annual Blue and Gray football game. While the football game no longer exists, young women, in their freshman year of college, are invited to debut each December.

The 65th annual ball encompassed a Napoleonic theme, incorporating mimes performing on pedestals, eight large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and a throne - created specifically for the ball by Eric Spangenberg of New Orleans. Hints of bees were scattered throughout the event, paying homage to Queen Lilla Bea Granger,

Mary Ellison Rembert with Jeffrey Alan Stallings, Jr.

a student at Samford University.

The 2014 honorees, composed of 34 young women, represented families across the state of Alabama.

Debutantes from the Over the Mountain area included: Mary Shelton Hornsby, daughter of Virginia and John Steven Hornsby of Mountain Brook; Mary Ellison Rembert, daughter of Mary and James Britton Rembert of Vestavia Hills; Mae Rose Tyson, daughter of Lissa and Marc Bryant Tyson of Mountain Brook; and Mary Jane Young, daughter of Amy and Sheffield Hoover Young of Vestavia Hills. ❖

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Glittering Gala

Nothing says

Music Guild Supporters Gather for ‘Rhythm and Muse’

Love

Birmingham Music Guild hosted its annual fundraising gala, Rhythm and Muse, at Vestavia Country Club Jan. 31.

The Guild has raised more than $550,000 in scholarPonchos now available in ship money over the years to support music students in Alabama colleges and universities. The group has raised beautiful Spring colors! more than $45,000 this year.

Some 200 members and guests enjoyed listening and dancing to the music of BMC Executive Director Ron Bourdages and his City Lights band.

The event’s honoree was 1988 Birmingham Music Guild scholarship winner Diane Boyd Schultz, professor of music at the University of Alabama. Schultz is an internationally recognized flutist and piccoloist.

Following her performance, Bob Straka of Grandview 2406 Canterbury road • Mtn. brook Village • 879.2730 Financial Group conducted a lively auction of items, including an artisan brewery tour, a Golden Rule BBQ party, Auburn and Alabama football packages, trips, private parties and dinners, a wine collection, and sports and entertainment packages.

Phillip Lindsay produced a visual presentation for the Guild and auction items.

To: Marguerite Around the ballroom, partygoers mingled at food staFrom: Over the Mountain Journal tions with small plates of Creole turkey, shrimp and grits, 823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax prime rib, cheese and crab dips, and assorted desserts.

As the party wound down, Gala Chairman Judy Date: Feb. 2015 Anderson received an ovation for planning a memorable This is your ad proof for Over The Mountain Journal FEb. 12 2015 issue. Please contact yourevening sales representative soon as along with herasco-chairman, Marsha Drennen. possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changesPat to 824-1246.

Grant is president of the Birmingham Music Club Guild.

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

Also receiving kudos were Anne Lamkin for planning the menu and Kay Clark for coordinating the table centerPlease initial and fax back within 24 hours. pieces. Adding sparkle to a subtle color scheme of white, cream andrun celery If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before the press date, your ad will as is.green, mirrored centerpieces and votive candles created a magical atmosphere for the evening.

Thank you for your prompt attention.Cream, white and green flowers were arranged by Ginni G Florists and placed in tall crackled silver glass vases.

Assisting with decorations were Charlann Anderson, Lesley DeRamus, Vicki Lukens, Anne Lamkin and Martha Black.

Guild member Angie Holder contributed her professional expertise as the photographer for the evening.

Table captains included Judy Anderson, Martha Black, Jeanne Bradford, Marsha Drennen, Janis Zeanah, Sandra Holley, Anne Lamkin, Nancy Morrow, Jo Self, Michele Smith, Lochrane Coleman Smith, Carolyn Long, Deanie Gagliano, Pat Grant, Diane Boyd Schultz, Diane Beck and Elaine Clark.

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Major benefactors included Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Anderson; Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Lamkin; Mr. and Mrs. James L. Drennen; First Partners Bank, Mr. and Mrs. Elam Holley; Mr. and Mrs. David Self; Mr. and Mrs. Russell Cunningham; Mr. and Mrs. Mell Gage Smith; Mr. and Mrs. Thad Long; Jack White, Grammy Awardwinning contemporary musician; Padella Paddleboards, Ben Bludsworth; Mr. and Mrs. Perry Grant; Chef Joseph Mitchell; B Coop’s Art House, Betsy Cooper; Health Worx; Hoar Construction; Children’s Hospital; Atlas Keg Company, Robert Israel; Larry’s Limousine; Gulf Breeze Firearms, Duke McCaa; Simmons Sporting Goods, Clay Simmons; and AnyTime Fitness, Blake Scazzaro. ❖

The Vestavia Hills Garden Club kicked off 2015 on Jan. 15 at the Vestavia Hills Country Club with a program by David Doggett entitled “Hello Hydrangea!”

Doggett is a retired computer programmer who, for the past dozen years, has been a gardening enthusiast and has earned the Master Gardener designation.

He has collected more than 70 vari-

eties of Japanese maples and propagates them by grafting. He also propagates hydrangeas.

Doggett sells his trees and shrubs through his backyard nursery, Trees Company.

Hostesses in charge of the table centerpieces for the event were Della Fancher, Tracey Prichard and Millie Chandler. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

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Above: From left: Cindy St. Clair, pianist, and Diane Boyd Schultz. below: Jim and Marsha Drennen and Judy and Charles Anderson. Photos special to the Journal

From left: Della Fancher, Tracey Prichard and Millie Chandler.

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Lucy Barrett Wolter and Antoinette please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone numbe Dunn Wyatt ❖

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Twilight Presentation

Mountain Brook Seniors Debut at Annual Ball Senior girls from Mountain Brook were presented at the 2015 Twilight Ball Jan. 24 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

A seated dinner preceded the presentation of the young women and their escorts. Tables were decorated with tall glass vases filled with lighted branches, white flowers and candles on white table linens.

White trees with lights and twilight blue up-lighting accented the ballroom.

Following the presentation, honorees and their guests danced to the music of the Atlanta Allstars.

Co-chairmen of this year’s event were Carrie Law, Margaret Little and Laura Sink.

Those presented at the 2015 Twilight Ball were: Emma Ann Abele, Sidnie Corinne Adair, Hampton Leigh Adams, Regan O’Connor Aland, Mary Harper Alexander, Mary Callaway Anderson, Mary Seldon Andrews, Elinor Clay Anthony, Mary Lucile Baker, Anne Lacey Ballard, Caroline Grace Barber, Evalyn LeBlanc Bargeron, Chaise Taylor Belt, Ellen Hunter Berryhill, Anne Marie Birmingham, Sophie Helen Bluestein, Caroline Edwards Boone, Sarah Louise Bragg, Mary

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 23

Katherine Karle Bridges, Sally Kale Bussman, Elizabeth Coles Calvin, Carter Anne Cheatham, Margaret Christine Clemmons, Anne Grey Cook, Mary Alice Corcoran, Kendall Elizabeth Crumbaugh, Mary Rives Drake, Caroline Gilchrist Dunn, Katherine Gail Durkee, Haley Michelle Fenn, Neely Ann Francis, Elizabeth Benton French, Lucy Elizabeth Gardner, Abigail Marie Garrett, Julia Grace Garrison, Anna Catherine Gillespy, Ellen Elizabeth deBerniere Given, Margaret Allyn Pratt Given, Kara Nicole Gravlee, Margaret Ellison Gray, Mary Keller Greene, Logan Ann Grill, Colee Ann Harkins, Catherine Brevard Harmon, Elizabeth Freret Harmon, Katherine Dryden Harris, Walters Leigh Haynes, Ella Cleland Hiott, Margaret Elizabeth Howell, Elizabeth Britton Hurley, Kathleen Ellen Jackson, Camille Elizabeth Jernigan, Kelley Jiang, Caitlyn Jean Jones, Natalie Corkern Jones, Claudia Rose Keating, Caroline Frances Kennedy, Kaylor Elizabeth Kidd, Lillian Judith Kilgore, Lindsey Anne Kirk, True Alexandra Knowles, Anna Strong LaRussa, Grace Anne Latimer, Chandler Thorogood Law, Julia Alexa

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24 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Award Winning

Pen Women’s Art Show Features Local Artists

Pride and responsibility drive us to be the best in everything we do.

Joseph Braswell

As a life-long Over-the-Mountain resident and a third generation working at Guin, I feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work that my grandfather began over 55 years ago. Family is very important to us, and we treat our customers with the same care and respect as members of our own family. It would be a privilege to serve you.

The newest exhibit at Artists on the Bluff features work from artists in the Birmingham Chapter of the National League of American Pen Women. The exhibit opened with a reception on Sunday, Feb. 1 and included a presentation of awards and ribbons to participating artists in various categories.

Artisan, Instructor and Sculptor Nelson Grice acted as juror, spending over one and a half hours going over all of the works and deliberating before coming to a decision prior to the opening event.

Hoover Art Alliance Awards were given to Joyce Cates Byrd for her acrylic work “Bunches of Birches” and Ellen Justice for her pastel “The Fisherman.”

The Lenora Hagman Memorial

From left: Jimbo Parsons, Lois Taylor, Richard Byrd, Joyce Cates Byrd and Wanda Cates Posey. Photo special to the Journal

Award was given to Deborah Ballog for her glass work “Cappuccino Bar.” First place winners included, Melinda Mathews for Oils and Acrylics, Winnie Cooper for Watercolor, Rillina Oglesbay for Mixed Media, Ballog for Crafts and Mary Lembke for Photography.

The exhibit includes works by each award winner, as well as: Caroline Clark, Sandra Davis, Pat Dicas, Elizabeth Elliott, Cynthia

Hay, Charlotte Holder, Bettye Howell, Ellen Justice, Mary Anne Kohn, Melinda Mathews, Barbara Mitchell, Kathleen Pilleteri, Grady Sue Saxon, Marie Taylor and Ruth Truett.

The Pen Woman’s Art Show can be viewed in the Soon-Bok Lee Sellers Gallery at Artists on the Bluff and runs until Feb. 25.

For more information, call 6375946. ❖ The 1977 class of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School held a special Christmas reunion. The former students also welcomed former teachers and their principal to enjoy the evening with them.

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School Ties OLS Class of 1977 Has Reunion

Many members of the 1977 class of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School gathered for a Christmas reunion in December.

The event began with a special Mass in the church celebrated by Father Frank Muscolino, who was in residence at OLS during the 1970s and is now retired.

miriam Haskell

Following the liturgy, those who attended enjoyed a festive buffet dinner in the Family Life Center catered by Nabeel’s Café and Market in Homewood.

Former students, teachers and the Sisters of Mercy who staffed the school were invited to attend the event along with their family members.

The former classmates welcomed their former teachers, Connie Eitzen Bourgeois and Sister Deborah Kennedy, and principal, Sister Judith Dianne McGowan. ❖

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Jacobs-Cantrell

Constanza Natalia Jacobs and John Holmes Cantrell were married Sept. 13 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Detroit.

Father John Moutafis officiated the ceremony. A reception followed at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the birthplace of the Model T Ford.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James Basil Jacobs of Grosse Pointe, Mich. She is the

Peeples-Hillard

Samantha Leigh Peeples of Richmond, Va., and Jack Robert Hillard of Lexington, Ky., were married Jan. 3 at Southside Baptist Church in Birmingham.

Fall-Funderburg

Amy Elizabeth Fall and Corey David Funderburg were married June 12 at Canterbury United Methodist Church. The Reverend Samuel Lee Williamson and the Reverend Monsignor Michael F.

granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Vassilis Jacobs of Brooklyn, N.Y., and the late Mr. George Gabrilaki of Heraklion, Greece, and Mrs. George Gabrilaki of Heraklion.

The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. James Edgar Cantrell Jr. of Birmingham. He is the grandson of the late Dr. and Mrs. James Edgar Cantrell Sr. of Atlanta and the late Mr. and Mrs. Hebert Guy Green of Pensacola, Fla. The bride and groom met in 2007 while attending college in New York.

The groom graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from Columbia University in 2009 and a juris doctorate and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia in 2014. He is an associate with the law firm Bracewell & Giuliani in New York.

The bride graduated with a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Barnard College in 2010 and works in healthcare marketing and consulting with the Kinetix Group in New York.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a high-neck, capsleeved lace and silk Lela Rose gown

with a chapel-length veil. During the ceremony, the bride received the ring of her great-grandmother from 1914, while the groom received the ring of the bride’s grandfather from 1940.

The bride was attended by Tess Finkel of New York City as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Nicole Nolletti of Woodbury, Conn.; Sarah Baker of Trumbull, Conn.; Elizabeth Sze of Houston; Roxanne Dehnad of Holmdel, N.J.; and Laura Lo Vasco and Kristin Caretti of Grosse Pointe.

Michael Kosdan of Santa Fe, N.M., was the best man. Groomsmen were Edward Beaulac of Garden City, N.Y.; Josh Banker of North Stonington, Conn.; Ben Weingarten of Millburn, N.J.; Daniel Johnson of Concord, N.C.; Michael Bradshaw of Reston, Va.; and Joseph Tootle of Birmingham.

Vassilis Jacobs, brother of the bride, served as the Koumbaros, or the sponsor of the marriage in the Greek Orthodox Church.

After a honeymoon trip to Italy, the couple live on the Upper West Side in New York City with their dog, Elvis.

Rev. Gerald Peeples of Bethabara Baptist Church of Owensboro, Ky., officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen R. Peeples of Sandy Springs, Ga., and the granddaughter of Ms. Johnnie Hough Beam and the late Mr. Fred Beam of Mountain Brook and Dr. W. D. Peeples Jr. and the late Mrs. Katie Blackerby Peeples of Homewood.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack P. Hillard and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bivens, all of Lexington, and Mr. Jack N. Hillard and the late Mrs. Patsy Ann Hillard of Frankfort, Ky. Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by her cousin, Katlyn Peeples, as maid of honor and the sister of the groom, Mindy Grote, as matron of honor.

Bridesmaids were Alex Botkin, cousin of the groom; Hillary Moffatt;

Julie Woon; Rachel Yazdgerdi; and Heather Kennedy. Eliza McLemore, cousin of the bride, and Mady Grote, niece of the groom, were flower girls.

Drew Hillard, brother of the groom, was the best man.

Groomsmen were Wade Grote, brother-in-law of the groom; Jordan Peeples, brother of the bride; Taylor Botkin, cousin of the groom; Mike Rowbottom; Trevor Helton; and Nathan Vant Hoff. Graham Smith and Chapman Hillard, nephew of the groom, were ring bearers.

A rehearsal dinner was hosted by the parents of the groom at the Birmingham Dreamland Bar-B-Que the night before the wedding. A reception followed the ceremony at the Harbert Center.

After a honeymoon trip to Mexico, the couple live in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Sexton officiated the ceremony.

A reception followed at Inverness Country Club.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Franklin Fall of Mountain Brook. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Ray Osborne Welborn and the late Mr. Welborn of Laurel, Miss., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ira Veltus Fall Jr. of Ellisville, Miss.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Bernard Funderburg of Pell City. He is the grandson of Mrs. William Turner Funderburg and the late Mr. Funderburg of Pell City and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Francis Brady of Albuquerque, N.M. The bride was given in marriage by her father. She wore an ivory silk shantung gown by New York designer Steven Birnbaum. The strapless sweetheart neckline bodice was fitted at her natural waist and accented with a silk satin waistband.

The full A-line skirt swept to a chapel-length train. Tiny satin covered buttons trimmed the gown from the back neckline to the end of the train. Completing her ensemble was an ivory illusion chapel-length veil edged in a narrow ivory satin ribbon.

The bride was attended by Lauren Breshears of Columbia, Mo., as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Haley Funderburg, sister of the groom, of Pell City and Anna Catherine Roberson, Mary Elizabeth Roberson and Katie Rushing, all of Birmingham.

The groom’s brother, Jared Funderburg, of Birmingham served as his best man. Groomsmen were Wesley Fall, brother of the bride, of Mountain Brook, Peter Everett of Calera and Jonathan Spann of Brandon, Miss.

After a honeymoon trip to Costa Rica, the couple live in Birmingham.

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 25

To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, call 823-9646 or email us at editorial@otmj.com

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Business

26 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Laughing and Learning

Comedy Group Uses Humor to Spread Anti-bullying Message

By Emily Williams What began as a not-for-profit anti-bullying coalition has evolved into an incorporated business serving corporations and individuals through workshops and improv classes.

David Grissom, founder of Positively Funny, Inc., said he discovered his love of improvisation after graduating from UAB with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

“In the mid-1990s, I actually got asked to be part of a writing team where I was working on a new sitcom out in L.A.,” Grissom said. “So that began my comedy writing side of life.”

He went on to work with The Second City, a well-known Chicago comedy venue, honing his skill in improvisational and comedic writing.

With his professional experience, Grissom came back to Birmingham with the hope of creating a space in which he could help children who fall victim to bullying in school, Perform-4APurpose.

“I started the not-for-profit, and then I realized that you have to have money for a nonprofit,” Grissom said.

But it was difficult to find funding in the competitive Birmingham market, he said, so he created the PFI side of Perform-4A-Purpose.

“It’s a great way of self-funding what we strive to do in the schools,” he said.

Through Perform-4A-Purpose, Grissom and his cast travel to Alabama schools and engage the students in improvisational games that help teach the children about the dangers of bullying and school violence.

While working with a class in Centerville, Grissom and his team invited children to act out characters from “Gilligan’s Island.” One student, a severely autistic child who had never attempted to draw attention to himself, stood up and performed, Grissom said.

“He felt such safety in the environment that we create in the workshops that he got up there and, actually, he was Ginger Grant,” Grissom said, referring to one of the characters in the TV show.

To keep the nonprofit alive and continue its anti-bullying mission, PFI serves the corporate community with workshops focused on teambuilding, leadership, sales and communication skills.

“One of the key things in improv is communication, and communication is one of those things that people aren’t very good at in life anymore,” Grissom said.

In these workshops, PFI performers utilize the basics of improv to engage a group in proper communication. Grissom said one of the most important rules of improv is the “yes, and” rule, wherein the listener must always agree with their partner as a way of acknowledging and accepting what is being said.

“You can even tell people no by saying ‘yes, and’ because you are acknowledging that you are listening,” Grissom said, adding that someone who knows how to listen will be better at communicating with business partners or colleagues.

In addition to corporate training, Grissom and his PFI cast members appear every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Rare Martini in Birmingham’s Lakeview district.

StarDome Reunion

“There’s no greater honor than taking to the stage every week and making people laugh,” Grissom said.

The comedy troupe also performs regularly at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham with two shows every Friday at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

The Hyatt will be the setting for PFI’s upcoming Valentine’s show, “My Bloody Valentine.”

Those who attend, Grissom said, “can expect what they always get, which is, a lot of funny, but this particular focus is going to be on relationships -- which is such an incredible thing to make fun of.”

“My Bloody Valentine” will have two showings on Feb. 13, one at 7:30 p.m. and one at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.

For more information, visit www.positivelyfunnyinc.com. ❖

“We gave Steve his first chance to headline a show,” Ayers said. “We believed that he was going to be a star, and once he headlined our club, he became a star in Birmingham.”

Ayers said he believes Harvey would have succeeded even if he had never headlined that night.

“I was only the guy who noticed him first and gave him that push,” he said.

Harvey often has mentioned the Ayers family and his time in Birmingham on his national radio show, Bruce Ayers said.

“He never forgot us,” he said.

In December, the Ayerses said, they were delighted to receive a call from one of the producers of Harvey’s show asking if they would like to surprise the comedian on his 58th birthday show.

The couple flew to Chicago to surprise their friend, whom they hadn’t seen in more than 10 years, they said.

For the taping of the show that aired in January, the Ayerses blended in with the studio audience until the show’s “Ask Steve” segment, where Harvey reads a question from the audience.

Comedy Club Owners Help Steve Harvey Celebrate

Photo special to the Journal

By Heather Skaggs Since 1983, Bruce Ayers has brought laughter to the Over the Mountain area with live stage comedy performances at his business, the Comedy Club StarDome.

In the early years, then-unknown talents such as Tim Allen, Sinbad and James Gregory performed at the Comedy Club’s first location on U.S. 31 in Homewood.

As the club’s popularity grew, it moved in 1985 to a larger facility on Green Springs Highway. After that building was destroyed by fire in 1993, the StarDome moved to 1818 Data Drive in Hoover.

Ayers owns the club with his wife, CheChe. For more than 30 years, the comedy club has seen many acts come through its doors, and Ayers has helped many comics establish their careers with a jumpstart from Birmingham.

“Sometimes in show business, and really in any business, it just takes one guy to believe in you, and that one person can push you to the next level of success,” Ayers said. “Today we receive lots of calls from comics and agents all over the country.”

Back in 1989, a fellow club owner introduced Ayers to a comedian named Steve Harvey, who now stars in his own television show and hosts “The Family Feud.”

Harvey became a top comic in Birmingham before making it big in Hollywood.

Above: From left, front: Matthew Martin, Kelsey Domeny and Ty Mulagani. Back: Kris Genschmer, Mike Domeny, Scott Pierce and David Grissom. Below: PFI founder, David Grissom performs with his Improv cast every Tuesday night at the Rare Martini. Photos special to the Journal

Comedy Club StarDome owners Buce and CheChe Ayers with comedian Steve Harvey, left, on the set of his show.

As Harvey read, “Someone wants me to come out of standup retirement...,” the camera immediately cut to Bruce and CheChe. When Harvey saw them in the audience, he broke down in tears, Bruce Ayers said.

“I said, ‘Hey, Steve, it’s Bruce and CheChe from the StarDome in Birmingham, Alabama,’” Ayers said. “You remember back in 1989. Do you remember the joke you headlined for us with? It took you to the Apollo.”

Harvey responded by telling his audience, “Nobody else never let me headline; they wouldn’t hire me.”

He pointed to Ayers and said, “He was the first guy, him and his wife there, that believed in me.” After the show, the three met in Harvey’s dressing room.

“We went in, and it was like old times,” Bruce Ayers said.

“He is a great guy. We talked about family, his schedule and just catching up. It was very cool.”

Steve Harvey is among many who got their big push at the StarDome. Before comedian Sinbad was on national television and a contestant on Star Search, he made his debut on the StarDome stage. Other top names include Rickey Smiley, Heath Hyche, Mickey Dean and Matt Davis.

The Ayerses said they like their club’s Hoover location.

“We love being in Hoover,” CheChe Ayers said. “There is a lot of support from the community and the city.”

CheChe and Bruce, along with their daughters, Gina Zimmerman and Dena Dow, work and operate the 420-seat club with a staff of 50.

“We have some wonderful employees,” Bruce Ayers said. “We all love what we do.”

The Comedy Club StarDome has a packed schedule for 2015.

Set to appear this month are Sheryl Underwood Feb.20-21, Killer Beaz Feb 24-25 and 27-28, and Kim Coles Feb 26.

Also coming up are Tom Green on March 1, DeRay Davis March 6-8, and Medium Cindy Kaza April 18.

The comedy club will host open mic nights for aspiring comedians March 13 and 27.

For more information, visit www.stardome.com. ❖

Hendrick Dealership Wins Top Award Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM has been awarded a top award for customer service.

The Hoover dealership won a 2015 DealerRater Dealer of the Year award, which recognizes auto dealerships across the U.S. and Canada that deliver outstanding customer service based on consumer reviews written on DealerRater.com.

“Consumers have identified the best dealers to do business with, and Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM has emerged as the leader among RAM/Chrysler dealers across the United States,” said DealerRater CEO Gary Tucker. “The quality and number of reviews for Hendrick speak volumes of the topnotch experiences provided to customers.”

The Dealer of the Year awards are based on reviews by new- and used-car shoppers and those who took their vehicles into dealerships for service. Reviewers evaluated Hendrick on its customer service, quality of work, friendliness, pricing and overall experience.

Hendrick has demonstrated consistently high PowerScore ratings for customer satisfaction, placing it in the top of its class. The PowerScore is determined using a formula that factors the dealership’s average DealerRater consumer rating and the total number of reviews written about the dealership during 2014.

Joel Smith, Hendrick’s executive general manager, called the recognition an honor.

“Our team works extra hard to make sure every customer has a great experience while at Hendrick,” Smith said. “Our mission is to be the premier quality vehicle retailer in the world, providing the best opportunities for our team members, customers, communities and the manufacturers we represent.”

Tucker said having “a strong online reputation matters, making the significance of our Dealer of the Year awards crucial to dealers looking to thrive in today’s business environment.”

DealerRater attracts more than 10 million consumers every year who read more than 1.6 million dealer reviews.

Greenlee Will Head BBA Women’s Business Council Robin Y. Greenlee, vice president

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 27

Business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

and credit risk officer in Aliant Bank’s corporate office in Birmingham, recently was named chairwoman of the Birmingham Business Alliance’s Women’s Business Council.

The Women’s Business Council provides and fosters educational, professional and volunteer support to women in the Birmingham area. Its mission is to aid women in their goals while helping the business community prosper.

“The businesswomen of Birmingham contribute so much to the economic growth of our community, and it is exciting to see how the BBA’s Women’s Business Council is working to support their career growth through education and networking opportunities,” Greenlee said. “I look forward to the new faces that will be encouraged and equipped through the Women’s Business Council in 2015.”

Greenlee has been with Aliant Bank for more than 17 years.

She has served with the Women’s Business Council since its inception.

She also teaches financial literacy in the community, is a choir member and Sunday school teacher at her church, and mentors other women.

“Robin has been a huge asset to the Women’s Business Council, and we are very excited about her new leadership role,” said Loren Traylor, BBA vice president of investor relations.

in Homewood to celebrate being named to the exclusive list.

According to Inc. magazine, the company, now headquartered in Livermore, Calif., has increased its revenues from $266,809 in 2010 to $6.4 million as of 2013.

ProctorU, which still maintains a major part of its operation in Hoover, has hired 235 employees in the last three years, according to the magazine.

The company’s sales and marketing team is based in the Hoover office in the Riverchase Center office complex off

Riverchase Parkway East.

The Hoover office is one of four ProctorU locations. In addition to the headquarters in Livermore, ProctorU also has locations in Folsom, Calif., and Gilbert, Ariz., Hayes said.

ProctorU’s services allow distance learners to take any test anywhere using computers, webcams, high-speed Internet connections and software that help protect the integrity of the testtaking process.

Hayes said ProctorU has administered nearly 1 million exams for

test-takers in 75 countries for more than 500 higher education institutions and certification organizations, according to a company news release.

“This is another validation of the way we attacked the online proctoring problem. We went to great lengths to keep a live person in the process and clearly, the market has spoken,” said ProctorU Executive Vice President Jarrod Morgan.

Send business news to: editorial@otmj.com

“We bought a house for our horse.”

Hoover Company Among Fastest-growing A company founded in Hoover was recently named one of the fastestgrowing companies in the country.

ProctorU, an online test proctoring company that started in 2008 in Hoover, was recently named to the 2014 Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies.

The company came in at No. 183 on the list and was ranked No. 4 in the education sector.

“Making the list is a validation of the efforts of all the staff who have helped us get here. It is a nice ‘pat on the back’ for the 400-plus employees of ProctorU who come to work every day,” ProctorU President Don Kassner said.

Franklin Hayes, the company’s media coordinator, said the staff in the Hoover office ordered a cake from Dreamcakes

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Michelle loves helping families settle in Birmingham. “The Simpsons have made wonderful updates to their first home together. With interest rates at historic lows, this is a great time to buy a house!”

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28 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

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Jake Collins, a part-time history buff and full-time Homewood Middle School teacher, has created a history blog that tries to infuse Homewood’s past into his students’ daily lives.

Three years ago, after being approached by students with the idea, Collins began seeking out historic Homewood locations and posting photos of them outside of his classroom.

Students would then hunt for the location and take their own pictures for extra credit.

Through a collaboration with long-time Homewood resident Martha Wurtele, Collins is co-authoring a book about the history of Homewood.

When Collins, a Homewood native, moved back to the city to teach eighth-grade social studies, he wasn’t sure how to get his students interested in the subject.

“When I first looked at the curriculum and saw Ancient World History, I thought, ‘How in the world do I make this fun for kids?’” Collins said.

Collins consulted a book of Homewood history. After reading the book, he said, he began to see a “link between the development of ancient civilization and the development of Homewood.”

He took old photos of historic areas, supplied by Wurtele, and asked his students if they could find the same spots today.

The kids responded well and began asking if they could Instagram pictures of themselves in these historical sites for extra credit points, Collins said.

A year later, Collins and his fellow history teachers at the school began integrating the extra credit opportunity into their classes, setting up an Instagram account to keep track of students’ pictures.

“Last year, we probably had close to 1,000 kids posting using the hashtags on Instagram,” Collins said.

In August, Collins started the blog Homewood History Hunt and has since posted a new historical site each week for his students to find.

“Three years into it, I’ve even noticed how much parents of students know about the history of Homewood,” he said.

“Most people weren’t aware that there used to be a lake right around here, and now it’s becoming common knowledge.”

What began as an extra credit opportunity has turned into a book deal with Arcadia Publishing. Collins and Wurtele will co-author a book on Homewood for the company’s Images of America series, set to be released in December.

Wurtele has a vast quantity of historical photographs which she has been building for years, she said. In the late 1980s, she began heavily researching the people and places in each photograph while expanding her collection.

“I focused on the period before we ever became a city, up until Edgewood was incorporated,” she said.

Wurtele found that before incorporation, the area that is now Homewood was made up of dairy farms. The original ordinance was used as a means to confine roaming cattle.

“Farmers actually start the cities,” said Wurtele, quoting Daniel Webster’s belief that “when tillage begins, other arts will follow.”

When Collins first approached Wurtele asking to use her pictures for his Historical Hunt, Wurtele said she did not hesitate to open up her entire collection. Both share a strong passion for local history and favorite historical hot-spots around Homewood.

Wurtele said her favorite piece of Homewood history is her own home.

“It was built in 1899,” she said. “When I started doing my research many years ago, I interviewed the granddaughter of the people who built it.”

Due to more than 40 years of interviews and research, Wurtele is able to name each person who belongs to the family responsible for building her house, she said.

Collins’ favorite spots include the old site of Oxmoor Furnace, Edgewood Lake and the electric car line that ran through Homewood to the lake. Unlike Wurtele’s home, none

Journal photo by Emily Williams

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School Project Inspires Blog, Book on Homewood’s Past

From top: The Edgewood Electric Car ran through what is now Homewood.

Martha Wurtele and Jake Collins, with a selection from Wurtele’s photograph collection. The Pete Cox Family photographed in front of their house, now Zanaty Realty.

A group of Homewood Middle School students re-create the Pete Cox family photo for Homewood History Hunt.

of Collins’ favorite spots are in use today, but signs of their existence can still be found.

“If you go over to Central Park in Homewood, where Manhattan T’s into Park Ridge, you can actually still see some of the tracks that go into the woods,” Collins said.

“People drive by that every day and don’t even notice it.”

The two soon-to-be authors are always on the lookout for more information and call on the community for help. They have hosted two library days, during which local history enthusiasts were invited to bring historical photographs and stories. More than 100 people, including 30 children, attended the last library day.

Wurtele said it’s important to share local history for two reasons.

“First of all, so it doesn’t repeat itself, but it’s to encourage love of community, I think,” she said.

Collins attributes much of their success to his own students’ creativity. Without the input of his students, the Homewood History Hunt would not exist, he said.

“The great thing about this is that it was all student-driven,” he said. “I didn’t come up with any of this. I just worry so much that in public education we try to stifle that kind of creativity.”

Collins and Wurtele said they will continue gathering information and asking the community for help. They hope to finish collecting information by March. The book is due in July.

All the while, Collins will keep on trying to inspire his students to find pieces of history through the Homewood History Hunt.

For more information, visit www.homewoodhistoryhunt.blogspot.com. ❖

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 29

schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

MBHS Show Choir Concert Has British Influence

Front, from left: Tori Bachafer, Caroline Parker, Mollie Hadley and Frances Dazzio. Back: Katie Brown, Kate Bryan, Dr. Gregory Jeane, Ellen Looney and Anna Leigh Rumbley.

Vestavia Schools Raise Money for Rotary Cause The Vestavia Hills school system raised $2,700 for Pennies for Polio, a Rotary International project.

The VHHS Interact Club, a Rotary Youth Club used the fundraiser to help the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club continue its support of Rotary International’s global commitment to eradicate polio worldwide.

The commitment to eradicate polio began in 1986, and Alabama Rotarians have played a pivotal role from the beginning. The first global campaign was under the leadership of Dr. Leslie Wright, president of Samford University.

To date, Rotarians have raised more than $2 billion for the campaign, and the number of countries where polio was endemic has dropped from 165 to 3.

The $2,700 raised in Vestavia will cover the cost of inoculation for 4,500 children in the three remaining endemic polio areas.

Every school in Vestavia supported the fundraiser. Information packets were prepared for every student in the system and distributed by school personnel.

Contributions were collected on Oct. 24, Rotary World Polio Day.

The Mountain Brook High School Show Choir will perform their annual spring concert to the tune of current and classic music from the United Kingdom.

Directed by John Kincaid and choreographed by Todd Underwood, “Brookie Invasion” will feature 230 choir students singing and dancing to hit songs from famous British composers and groups.

The show will be a journey from the 1960s through today, highlighting the heyday of rock-androll with classics from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen and Led Zeppelin. The show will include modern classics, with songs from current artists like Adele and Coldplay.

Show times will be Feb. 18, 19 and 20 at 7:00 p.m. and Feb. 21 at 2:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Mountain Brook High School.

Advance tickets for the event are $12 and may be purchased by contacting Dori Hardee at hardeed@ mtnbrook.k12.al.us or by calling 4143800. Tickets may also be purchased from MBHS choir members. Any available tickets following presale will be sold at the door.

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Meadow Brook Homeowners Group Supports Schools The Meadow Brook Homeowners Association supports schools and community projects through its MBHO CARES program.

CARES stands for Community Assistance and Relief Efforts.

The group has made recent donations to Inverness Elementary, Oak Mountain Middle School, Oak Mountain Intermediate School and Oak Mountain High School.

“The Meadow Brook Homeowners Association is proud to make these recent donations to show our support as a community partner with our schools,” said Clark Edwards, MBHO vice president. “We feel fortunate to have

Clark Edwards presents a donation to Dr. Kristi Sayers, Oak Mountain High School principal. Photo special to the Journal

excellent teachers, administration and leadership in the Oak Mountain schools but also understand that each school works on a limited budget. A donation of this kind is mutually beneficial to the students and staff as it is to every

Simmons Choir Wins at Competition

Photo special to the Journal

Simmons Middle School in Hoover hit a high note at the Capital City Classic show choir competition Jan. 30.

Twelve choirs from Alabama and the Southeast competed in the competition in Montgomery.

Simmons won its division and had the highest composite

homeowner in the neighborhood, as we understand the relationship between a neighborhood and the strength of the schools.”

MBHO CARES also has contributed to relief efforts for tornado victims, Oak Mountain Missions, Project Night Night, Insoles for Soldiers, scholarships, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Children’s of Alabama.

In 2010, Bloomberg Business Week named Meadow Brook the Best Affordable Suburb in America for the state of Alabama.

score.

The Simmons choir also came away with Best Visual award for choreography, costumes, props and backdrops and with the Best Show Design award.

Dan Cater is the choir director. Delle Kincaid, the school’s drama coach, and Carrie McGrann, art teacher, also support the group.

www.ChildrensAL.org/heart 205.934.3460

30 • Thursday, February 12, 2015

sports

Patriot Power: Members of the Homewood High School boys indoor track team celebrate after winning their Class 6A state championship last Saturday. The Patriots won its third consecutive state title totaling 114 points over second place Opelika High School with 98 points. Photo special to the Journal by Scott Butler

AHSAA Indoor Track State Championship Individual and Team Results from OTM Schools

Girls 60 Meter Dash 1A-3A: 1 Taylor Young, Altamont Girls 60 Meter Hurdles 1A-3A: 2 Taylor Young, Altamont Girls 4x800 Meter Relay 1A-3A: 3 Westminster Girls Long Jump 1A-3A: 1 Taylor Young, Altamont Girls Triple Jump 1A-3A: 1 Taylor Young, Altamont Girls 60 Meter Dash 6A: 3 Elysa Griffin, Homewood Girls 400 Meter Dash 6A: 3 Ann Mosely Whitsett, Homewood Girls 800 Meter Run 6A: 2 Ann Mosely Whitsett, Homewood Girls 60 Meter Hurdles 6A: 1 Kiara Williams, Homewood Girls 4x200 Meter Relay 6A: 1 Homewood Girls 4x400 Meter Relay 6A: 1 Homewood Girls 4x800 Meter Relay 6A: 3 Homewood Girls Long Jump 6A: 1 Elysa Griffin, Homewood 2 Kiara Williams, Homewood Girls Triple Jump 6A: 1 Kiara Williams, Homewood 3 Christian Hill, Homewood Girls 60 Meter Dash 7A: 1 Caitlyn Little, Hoover Girls 60 Meter Dash 7A: 2 Caitlyn Little, Hoover Girls 400 Meter Dash 7A: 1 Sydney Steely, Hoover 2 Sanders Reed, Mountain Brook Girls 800 Meter Run 7A: 1 Presley Weems, Hoover 2 Sanders Reed, Mountain Brook 3 Ally Barnett, Hoover Girls 1600 Meter Run 7A: 2 Ally Barnett, Hoover Girls 3200 Meter Run 7A: 2 Frances Patrick, Mountain Brook Girls 60 Meter Hurdles 7A: 1 Brittley Humphrey, Hoover 2 Caitlyn Little, Hoover

Girls 60 Meter Hurdles 7A: 1 Brittley Humphrey, Hoover 2 Caitlyn Little, Hoover Girls 4x200 Meter Relay 7A: 1 Hoover Girls 4x400 Meter Relay 7A: 1 Hoover 2 Mountain Brook Girls 4x800 Meter Relay 7A: 1 Hoover Girls High Jump 7A: 1 Julia Leonard, Mountain Brook Girls Pole Vault 7A: 3 Eva Thomas, Hoover Boys 800 Meter Run 1A-3A: 2 Scott Landers, Westminster 3 Jacob Carrel, Westminster Boys 1600 Meter Run 1A-3A: 2 Scott Landers, Westminster Boys 4x200 Meter Relay 1A-3A: 3 Westminster Boys 4x400 Meter Relay 1A-3A: 1 Westminster Boys 4x800 Meter Relay 1A-3A: 3 Westminster Boys Long Jump 1A-3A: 2 Wiley Boone, Westminster Boys Triple Jump 1A-3A: 3 Wiley Boone, Westminster Boys 800 Meter Run 6A: 1 Andy Smith, Homewood 2 Logan Sadler, Homewood Boys 1600 Meter Run 6A: 2 Andy Smith, Homewood Boys 3200 Meter Run 6A: 2 Andy Smith, Homewood 3 Alex Ngei, Homewood Boys 60 Meter Hurdles 6A: 2 Alazae Hester-Taylor, Homewood Boys 4x400 Meter Relay 6A: 2 Homewood Boys 4x800 Meter Relay 6A: 1 Homewood Boys High Jump 6A: 2 Alazae Hester-Taylor, Homewood 2 Teverius Lindsey, Homewood Boys Long Jump 6A: 3 Lawton Dorough, Homewood

humphrey,

isn’t enough if I’m not getting better.”

Early February is a particularly busy time of the year for Humphrey.

In addition to competing in the state indoor meet, she and the Lady Bucs basketball team are preparing for the postseason. Humphrey’s day usually begins with a workout at the school around 6:30 a.m.

“It’s a lot going on, but since I live close to the school I don’t have to get up as early as some of the girls do,” she said, laughing.

As might be expected from someone coming from an athletic family,

From page 32

“There are some differences, but pretty much it’s about the same,” she said. “Running and jumping is still running and jumping.”

Humphrey also hoped to bring another team championship trophy to the Lady Bucs – and set more state marks.

“It’s important to break my records not because I want to show off but because I want to keep improving,” she said. “Just going out and winning again

Boys Triple Jump 6A: 2 Alazae Hester-Taylor, Homewood Boys 400 Meter Dash 7A: 3 Joshua Hall, Hoover Boys 800 Meter Run 7A: 3 Daniel Nixon , Spain Park Boys 1600 Meter Run 7A: 2 Drew Williams, Mountain Brook Boys 3200 Meter Run 7A: 1 Cole Stidfole, Oak Mountain 3 Marshall Smith, Mountain Brook Boys 4x200 Meter Relay 7A: 1 Hoover Boys 4x400 Meter Relay 7A: 2 Hoover Boys 4x800 Meter Relay 7A: 3 Mountain Brook Boys High Jump 7A: 1 Sam Brown, Oak Mountain 2 Brady Merchant, Hoover 3 Drew Williams, Mountain Brook Boys Pole Vault 7A: 3 Jacob Doak, Hoover Boys Long Jump 7A: 2 Bradrick Shaw, Hoover Boys Triple Jump 7A: 2 Micah Bagley, Hoover Boys Shot Put 7A: 1 Christian Bell, Hoover 3 John Orr, Vestavia Hills Team Rankings Women - 6A 2 Homewood

Women - 7A 1 Hoover 2 Mountain Brook Men - 1A-3A 3 Westminster Men - 6A 1 Homewood Men - 7A 2 Hoover

103 123.50 68 75 114 85.50

Top three listed in each category. Source: Alabama High School Athletic Association

Humphrey said she is always on the receiving end of coaching and advice.

“Everybody’s got an opinion,” she said. “And most of the time it’s good advice. My family just wants what’s best for me, and I appreciate it.”

Unlike some runners, Humphrey said she is not particularly superstitious before running a big event.

“When I started in ninth grade, I had this ritual of talking to one of my coaches for good luck,” she said. “Then once I didn’t have the opportunity to talk to him, and I still ran a good race.

From then on, I realized success was

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Team members are, from left, front: Courtney Clark, Charlotte Gillum, Cameron Hudson, Lindsay Davis (manager), Hannon Tatarek and Ellie Dayhuff. Back: Cate Jones, Liz Vandevelde, Kate Amberson, Lauren Snipes, Lillian Troiano, Ann Vandevelde, Katherine Kimberlin and coach Jane Mosakowski. Photos special to the Journal

Spartans Complete Perfect Season

The Mountain Brook Junior High seventh-grade girls basketball team defeated Hewitt Trussville 41-13 to claim the Metro championship. Liz Vandevelde and Ellie Dayhuff were named to the All-Tournament team and Ann Vandevelde was named the tournament MVP. The championship win capped off an outstanding season as the Spartans finished with a perfect 19-0 record. The team is coached by Jane Mosakowski.

Team members are, from left, front: Clark Griffin, Paul Stramaglia, Sam Higgins, Edward Reed, Peyton Haley and Alex Belt. Back: Coach Bruce Henricks, Holt Bashinsky, Richman Priestley, Andrew Flemming, Carter Sobera, Kade Worthen, Beau Hubbard and Coach Zach Skipper.

MBJH Boys Finish 24-0, Claim Metro Title

The seventh-grade Mountain Brook Junior High boys basketball team completed an undefeated season with a 41-36 victory over Pizitz Middle School in the championship game of the Metro South Tournament.

Peyton Haley and Carter Sobera were named to the All-Tournament team and Paul Stramaglia was selected as the tournament Most Valuable Player.

Representing MBJH on the All-Metro South team for the season were Paul Stramaglia and Peyton Haley.

The team finished 16-0 in the Metro and 24-0 overall including first place finishes in the Simmons Tipoff Tournament and the War on the Wood Tournament. all about performance and preparation, not rituals.”

Humphrey said she enjoys being a track/basketball athlete at Hoover. She also understands where her future is likely to belong.

My goal is to run track in college,” she said. “Basketball is great, but I think my greatest strengths are in track and field.”

While Humphrey’s achievements on the track are remarkable enough on their own merit, people can’t help noticing her unusual first name.

“When I was born, my mother had

a favorite character on a television show named ‘Whitley,’” Humphrey said. “The doctor said, ‘You can’t name her that – name her Brittley’. My mom liked the sound of it, and that’s how I got my name.”

The name may be unusual – but it does have advantages. There aren’t too many other Brittleys out there.

“One thing about it – when someone calls ‘Brittley’ I know they are talking to me,” she said.

And when someone says “champion,” Brittley Humphrey is often the subject as well.

Bowled Over

Spain Park’s Kendall Keeps Rolling Strikes

By Lee Davis Ryan Kendall is good at strikes, but you won’t see him on the baseball mound for Spain Park High School this spring.

Instead, Kendall is an expert at strikes with balls that roll on the ground – at bowling alleys everywhere. In many ways, he is a trailblazer in a growing sport in Alabama.

Bowling was sanctioned at the club level by the Alabama High School Athletic Association last summer, and Spain Park made the most of the opportunity. Led by Kendall, the Jaguars posted a perfect 10-0 record and took first place in two major tournaments.

“Ryan is an outstanding bowler and really anchored our team,” said Spain Park coach Stephen Hobbs. “He was an integral part of our success and was named the top bowler in both our tournaments. You learn a lot about the game just being around him.”

For Kendall, the arrival of bowling at Spain Park couldn’t have come at a better time.

“At the start of school, there were notices around school that announced a meeting for anyone who wanted to participate in a club bowling team,” he said. “A lot of people came to the meeting. Next thing you know, we had a team.”

As a youth, Kendall participated in baseball, basketball and track before he discovered bowling. His first encounter with the sport took place when he was 10 years old and visiting an uncle

tourney, From page 32

as it might seem. Although the Rebels came into the tournament with a losing record, they had been very competitive in their previous meetings with Spain Park, especially at home.

And Hatchett – with two state championships under his belt during his long tenure on Limerock Road – knows a thing or two about what it takes to win a big game. He also has a history of taking overlooked Vestavia teams on surprisingly strong February winning streaks.

The Rebels pulled out the victory against Spain Park in a finish Vestavia fans likely will talk about for years.

Senior Spencer Haynes drained a three-point desperation basket with 3.2 seconds on the clock. He drew the foul and completed the four-point play to seal the win.

“I couldn’t even really find the goal until I was in the air,” Haynes said. “I was just looking in the vicinity of the basket and hoisted it up.

The prayer was answered.”

Haynes said the true pressure came with the free throw which proved to be the ultimate game-winner.

“The shot (that tied the game) was in the moment. There wasn’t time to think,” he said. “The free throw was real tense because everything had slowed down.”

Naturally it didn’t hurt that Haynes is a 90 percent shooter from the charity stripe.

Thursday, February 12, 2015 • 31

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Led by Ryan Kendall, the Jaguars posted a perfect 10-0 record and took first place in two major tournaments. Photo special to the Journal

in Chicago.

“My uncle had been a competitive bowler, and he took me bowling while I was in Chicago,” Kendall said. “I really enjoyed it.

When I got home, my dad saw that I was serious about it, and I started bowling on a regular basis.”

So Kendall gradually dropped the other sports to devote his full time to bowling, and the decision paid off. He began to excel in bowling leagues and tournaments all over the state.

As is the case with any sport, Kendall said there is no substitute for practice.

“Practice, practice, practice,” he said. “There are no shortcuts. Coaching can help, but if anyone wants to be good at bowling, they have to do it a lot. Technique and form are important, but if you aren’t at the alley working your game, it’s not going to improve significantly.”

Unlike some bowlers, Kendall doesn’t have any favorite rituals or superstitions, he said.

“I don’t have any lucky socks or shoes or anything like that,” he said. “I just go out and bowl.”

Critics of the present Alabama High School Athletic Association area tournament format might make the case that Spain Park had accomplished too much during the full course of a 24-5 regular season to see it all go down the drain in its first postseason game. That might be a compelling argument except for the fact that basketball is a tournamentoriented sport, which gives everyone a mulligan in the postseason. Vestavia got its second chance last week – and took full advantage of it.

Spain Park’s loss will hurt for a while, but the Jaguars can be proud of all they accomplished in 2014-15.

With blue chip talent such as Jamal Johnson and Wiley returning, the future is bright. This season’s disappointment in the area tournament will be a teachable moment for the future: Everyone steps up their level of play in the postseason.

And that’s what makes basketball so much fun. We’re not even to Valentine’s Day yet, and we’ve already had our share of dramatic moments and upsets.

I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next.

Signing Mania

In the unlikely event you missed it, Feb. 4 was the official NCAA signing date, when high school athletes could officially sign letters of intent to receive collegiate athletic scholarships.

As always, there were

Although Kendall has bowled for only a few years, he has already reached a plateau that many seek for decades and never accomplish.

He has bowled a score of 300 – that’s 12 consecutive strikes for a perfect game – on seven occasions. His first 300 score came in 2012. The most recent came last October.

“I was really nervous the first time I did it,” Kendall said. “When you get those first 11 strikes in a row, it’s easy to think of ways to mess up. So I just tried to stay in a zone and not think about it too much. The more recent perfect games were easier. I just kept thinking that if I’ve done it before, I can do it again.”

Kendall said he enjoys playing at all the local bowling alleys but said there are differences in the lanes that frequent bowlers can detect.

“So much of it depends on what kind of oil they put on the lanes,” he said. “The lighter the oil used, the more likely the ball is to hook.

The heavier the oil, the more likely the ball is to go straight. That’s not a criticism of any of the alleys. I’m just saying that there are differences.”

Graduating from high school will not end Kendall’s competitive bowling career. He plans to attend Wichita State University, a perennial power in college bowling with 19 national championships to its credit.

“Wichita is dominant in bowling like Alabama is in football,” he said. “And they have an excellent engineering program, so it’s a good fit for me.”

Kendall said he’d love to see the day that bowling is sanctioned as a full-fledged high school varsity sport in Alabama.

“We’re still a little behind the other states – even in the South – in that regard,” he said.

“Becoming a varsity sport would be a fantastic thing for bowling and offer something new for kids to get involved.”

Ryan Kendall’s success in bowling has probably brought that day closer to reality.

dozens of Over the Mountain athletes who put their signatures on paper that day.

It’s a special moment and a proud moment when a young athlete takes that huge leap from high school competition to the next level. Regardless of their sport or school, all of them worked incredibly hard for years to reach that day, and they greatly deserve this community’s congratulations and respect.

They have done their schools, their families and themselves proud.

Without a doubt their work is just beginning. Once these young athletes start actually competing at the collegiate level, their roads will only become more difficult. But let them celebrate their special day in the sun.

They deserve it.

Look for a complete list of signings in the Feb. 26 Over The Mountain Journal

Joy League in Homewood Set to Begin 58th Season Joy League Baseball in Homewood began registering boys and girls for its 58th consecutive season of daytime baseball on Feb. 7.

Registration will continue each Saturday in February from 9 a.m.-noon at Edgewood Elementary School, 901 College Ave. in Homewood.

Boys and girls ages 4-12 are eligible to play.

The cost per player is $30.

League games are played on Saturday mornings at Edgewood Elementary. Games begin March 28 and end June 27.

Each team practices one hour a week.

Now serving its third generation of players, the Joy League began when several boys, including a son of Joy League founder John J. Smith Sr., tried out for area youth baseball teams. Some didn’t get on a team – but they still wanted to learn to play baseball.

In the spring of 1958, Smith rounded up 67 of these boys, and the league was established.

Smith visited area fire stations and police precincts to recruit volunteer coaches, one of whom was then-Homewood Fire Chief Howard Fields.

Smith, an attorney, died in 2008 at age 96.

League Commissioner Perry Akins said the league still follows its original guidelines.

“Mr. Smith said many times that there are no benchwarmers in the Joy League,” Akins said.

“That’s still true today. From the beginning, Joy League assured, and still assures, that every player plays in every game, and there are no tryouts.”

Joy League has 16 teams. Last year, 200 children played.

Coaches are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives.

Ted Hagler also is a league commissioner. He and Akins are both former Joy League coaches.

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Sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Mountain Brook girls win Metro title P. 30 Jag’s Ryan Kendall keeps rolling strike P. 31 Lee Davis

Tourney Bouts: Rebel Upset Shows Importance of Postseason

state Indoor Track & Field Championships

Family Jewels

Brittley Humphrey Carries Family Tradition Well

Homewood three-peat Details page 30

Homewood’s Lawton Dorough competes in the long jump competition.

Hoover’s Brittley Humphrey presently holds the state indoor record for the 60-meter hurdles and the state outdoor record for the 300-meter low hurdles and 100-meter high hurdles. Hoover outdistanced runner-up Mountain Brook 123.50 to 68. Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

By Lee Davis Brittley Humphrey comes from an athletic family. Her father, Bobby, was an All-American running back at the University of Alabama in the 1980s.

Her brother, Marlon, presently plays football for the Crimson Tide.

But the spark that made Brittley Humphrey a champion had comparatively little to do with family ties.

“I was going to Gwin Elementary School, and we did a lot of running,” she said. “Everyone always said the boys could outrun the girls. I didn’t like that. I wanted to show that girls could run, too.”

In the years that followed, Brittley Humphrey has lived up to her promise. Now a junior at Hoover High School, Humphrey has become one of the state’s best runners and hurdlers in both indoor and outdoor track – and she’s a pretty good basketball player, too.

Humphrey presently holds the state indoor record for the 60-meter hurdles and the state outdoor record for the 300-meter low hurdles and 100-meter high hurdles.

“In our family, everyone does sports, and I guess track and field is the one l like best,” she said.

Humphrey repeated as the 60-meter hurdles champion at last week’s state meet at the Birmingham Crossplex. Understandably, she considers the event to be one of her favorites.

“I like the indoor track because you can see your time quickly and share it with your teammates,” Humphrey said. “The other great thing about the indoor meet is that you don’t have to run in the cold weather.”

Humphrey also excels in the relay events and the 400-meter dash and said there isn’t much difference in training for indoor as opposed to outdoor events.

See Humphrey page 30

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Mountain Brook’s Frances Patrick finished second in Class 7A 3200meter run.

Let’s be honest.

Every high school sportswriter in metro Birmingham had already written their setup for the Class 7A boys’ Area 6 Tournament at Mountain Brook.

The top-seeded Spartans would easily defeat Hewitt-Trussville in Thursday night’s first round. Spain Park – which has spent almost the entire season ranked in Class 7A’s top five – would handle Vestavia Hills in the other bracket.

So then the stage would be set for an epic Mountain Brook-Spain Park confrontation in Saturday’s Area 6 final. The Spartans and Jaguars had split two regular season meetings, so what would be better than a rubber match in the championship game?

Admit it. This is probably what you thought would happen, too.

Obviously, Vestavia coach George Hatchett and his Rebels did not get the memo about what was supposed to happen Thursday night. They stunned Spain Park 56-55 to not only advance to the area tournament final but also to eliminate the Jags from postseason play. The talented Spain Park team that many saw as a strong bet to reach the Final Four turned in its uniforms the next day.

It’s true that the Jaguars were playing without star Austin Wiley, who reportedly was sidelined with an illness. But that doesn’t diminish what the Rebels accomplished.

In reality, Vestavia defeating the Jaguars was not as much of an upset See Tourney, page 31