September 5, 2013

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

inside

JOU RNAL otmj.com

th

ursd ay, September 5, 2013

V ol . 23 #17 Crestline rocks out for reading program

about town page 6

On the Right Track

All in the family: Like his dad, Jack Royer feels at home on the air

people page 12

Decathlete Comes Home to Inspire Students, Help Cancer Support Groups Olympic medalist Trey Hardee returned to his alma mater recently to speak to students at Vestavia Hills High School about the importance of hard work. Hardee is hosting a golf tournament to help the Cancer Support Groups of St. Vincent’s Foundation Birmingham on Sept. 30. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

J

ust six months before he won the silver medal in the decathlon at the London 2012 Olympics, Trey Hardee learned that his stepfather, Frank DiCesare, had leukemia.

That devastating news led the Vestavia Hills native to organize the inaugural Trey Hardee Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Flatwater

Foundation and the Cancer Support Groups of St. Vincent’s Foundation Birmingham. The tournament is set for Sept. 30.

Hardee was fresh off defeating Ashton Eaton to retain his world decathlon title at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics and training for the 2012 Olympics when he learned about his stepfather’s diagnosis.

“At the time I was living in a bubble (where I thought) cancer affected everybody else,” he

said. “It was like a two-by-four to the head-something that snaps you back to life and back to reality.”

Hardee said he quickly learned that a cancer diagnosis not only affects the reality of the patient but also touches the lives of everyone around him or her.

“It’s not only the individual diagnosed with cancer but his or her entire family that must cope

Revamped Art on the Rocks welcomes thousands

social page 22

Celebrating the Arts

See hardee, page 9

Remembering 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony in Mountain Brook Includes Monument Dedication

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

The Sept. 11 memorial sits outside the new Mountain Brook Fire Department.

From left: Battalion Chief Chris Mullins, Firefighter Lee Currie and Fire Chief Robert Ezekiel. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

Three Over the Mountain cities are joining forces again this year to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The Patriot Day ceremony, hosted

by the cities of Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills, will be held at the new Mountain Brook Municipal Complex this year and will include the dedication of the city’s 9/11 memorial.

Mountain Brook Fire Chief Robert Ezekiel said the department applied for the 7-foot piece of steel from the site of the World Trade Center back in 2010.

“The port authorities in New York

See Patriot day, page 10

Meet OTM artists, including violinist Viktor Dulguerov, and check out close-to-home creative opportunities

life page 16

sue murphy on Grandparent Duty p. 2 • Ladies, start your engines P. 4 • Vestavia Eyes New City HAll p. 10 • high school football kicks off p. 36

2 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

Opinion/Contents

murphy’s law Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

M Hooray for Homewood Band Reunion

To honor the Homewood High School Patriot Band for its invitation to perform in the annual Rose Bowl Parade, former band members are inviting all instrumentalists, Star Spangled Girls, majorettes and Patriot Color Guard members who graduated between 1972-2013 to participate in the Alumni Pregame Show at Waldrop Stadium at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27.

In addition to recognizing current band members, the show will honor Annie Laura Burton, who refurbished the band’s uniforms for 42 years.

Registration for alumni band members is $25 and includes a

T-shirt, parking at the field and a tailgate meal before the show.

Organizer Chris Morrow will find instruments for those who need them; email Morrow at hhspatriotbandreunion@gmail.com.

To register, visit hhspatriotbandreunion.eventbrite.com. The deadline to register is Sept. 11.

Participating alumni will rehearse at the school on Sept. 27 at 3:30 p.m.

Alumni will gather at the West Homewood Park pavilion for a picnic Sept. 28 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Those attending should bring sack lunches and drinks will be sold at the picnic.❖

On otmj.com

Browse through more stories and photos online and follow us on Facebook for the latest Over the Mountain news and events.

Coming Sept. 19

We’ll introduce you to this year’s tastemakers for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ annual Antiques at The Gardens.

in this issue About Town 4 NEWS 10 People 12 Life 16

Social 22 Weddings 28 Schools 30 Sports 36

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

September 5, 2013

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Keysha Drexel Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Intern: Jessica Jones Vol. 23, No. 17

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

Copyright 2013 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

GP Duty

meals and educational activities. I made y husband Harold and I sure my girls played by the rules and, were on GP duty for two over many, many years, worked at the days last week–two days, idea that, when required, one must be a two bags of tater tots, two trips to gracious loser. preschool carrying a Batman lunchNow I’ve passed that torch on to my box and a beach towel and three daughter. My job is to make my grandbananas for Luau Day. My daughson laugh. ter was busy with OB duty, giving As far as I’m concerned, laughing birth to our second grandchild, so is central to the grandparent/grandchild big brother was left in our care. construct. My grandson and I have Happy us! Round-the-clock life laughed at the playground. We’ve with a 4-year-old is wonderful–exhaustlaughed at Chuck E. Cheese. (Side ing–but wonderful. On the first day, note: The litmus test of grandparenting we checked off all of our usual visit is whether you’re willing to spend $20 activities–swimming, slides at the on tokens trying to win enough game playground, a heaping helping of cornSue Murphy tickets to obtain a 5-cent set of vampire on-the-dog (sweet corn with dachshund teeth.) We’ve laughed in discount stores holders). As our tenure progressed, and hotel lobbies. Yes, even when a there was more fun: a DisneyThe litmus test of 642-piece Lego construction came approved dance party, spatula balgrandparenting is crashing down on the coffee table loon tennis and endless rounds of a game Jackson invented where you whether you’re willing after many painstaking man-hours of sweat and toil, we laughed. Your throw a stuffed cartoon Perry up to spend $20 on tokens general population reaction might the stairs and watch it clunk back been to swear and grind all 642 down, which does not sound all trying to win enough have pieces up in the food processor, but that entertaining, but trust me, it’s game tickets to obtain with a grandchild, you laugh. (Atta 4-year-old hilarious.

During low energy periods (his, a 5-cent set of vampire boy, Harold.)

Toward the end of our tour of duty, not ours), Jackson taught us how to teeth.

Harold and I were running on grandplay Wii games–or at least he tried. parent adrenalin alone, but we made The poor boy patiently explained it. And now we have a second little the rules, showed us how to maneubundle to spoil, Madison Anne, 6 pounds, 12 ounces, a ver the controllers and watched as we miserably failed. cutie patootie with a head full of dark hair.

Wii bowling, Wii tennis, Wii archery. Harold and I lost Jackson will have some adjusting to do, his status every time. having been quickly shifted from center of the universe But, losing is part of our job description. Since I’ve to orbiting with a sister planet, but he’ll do just fine. become a grandparent, I’ve learned how to skillfully Madison will look up to him. He’ll teach her how to lose at Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders. I’ve lost at swing and slide, how to select only unbroken cookies.

Go Fish and Cootie and a game called Don’t Break the He’ll show her how to open the baby gate, splash in the Ice that involves five minutes of grandparent assembly dog water and jump from the living room couch, stickand five seconds of delirious grandchild destruction. We ing the landing on the ottoman. He may even be able to played it 27 times.

That’s the difference between parenting and the grand teach her how to play Wii games.

And me? I’ll be listening to them laugh. ❖ variety. As a parent, I concerned myself with nutritious

over the Mountain Views

What’s your favorite part about being a grandparent?

“It’s the unconditional love that a grandchild brings to your life. It’s being able to play with them, enjoy your time with them and then be able to send them back home with their parents.”

Skip Deupree Homewood

“I think that it is just being able to watch them grow up and having them all together and watching them interact with each other. And the things that come out of their mouths make me laugh. There’s nothing else like it.”

Neila Brantley Crestwood

“I see my grandchildren every day, and that makes me so happy. The best part is just interacting with them and building memories by spending time with them.”

Pat Boone Vestavia Hills

“It’s hard to pick just one part of being a grandparent that is my favorite. You just appreciate every minute you have with them, and it reminds you of when your own children were young.”

Nancy Campbell Hoover

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

About Town

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 3

4 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

About Town

Mary West Campbell of Vestavia Hills will ride her motorcycle in the fifth annual Revvin’ for Research charity ride on Sept. 7. Campbell is a new member of the Dixie Divas Riding Club, a motorcycle club for women. Journal photo by Maury Wald

Ladies, Start Your Engines Dixie Divas’ Charity Ride Supports Breast Cancer Research

By Keysha Drexel

M

Journal editor

ary West Campbell may have participated in charity rides before, but this year, she’ll hit the road on her own motorcycle for the Dixie Divas’ fifth annual Revvin’ for Research fundraiser.

Last year, the Vestavia Hills woman rode on the back of her husband’s motorcycle in the event to help raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. At this year’s event on Sept. 7 at Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson, she’ll be the one driving 400 pounds of steel and horsepower.

And she’ll likely be wearing pink.

“Listen, I’m a girly-girl. I like clothes and makeup and getting dressed up and everything pink,” said the cosmetologist, hairstylist and makeup artist who helps her clients get their beauty fix at Hair Spray Salon on Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills. “I have pink tools at work and pink tools for my bike.”

Campbell is a member of the Dixie Divas Riding Club, a motorcycle riding club made up of women from all walks of life who ride any kind of motorcycle.

The mission of the club, said its vice president, Kay Meachum, is to mentor new riders and inspire women to take control and move to the front seat in the ride that is their lives.

“You can always ride on the back of someone else’s bike, but when you have your own, it’s a whole different feeling,” she said. “Riding a motorcycle is good for your soul.”

The club has partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation since 2008, the same year Meachum

got her first motorcycle.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to do something you love to do and at the same time do something that can help people,” she said. “It’s a fundraiser that is near and dear to my heart for several reasons.”

One of those reasons is Meachum’s mother’s battle with cancer.

“My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and now it has metastasized. They discontinued her treatment, and my mom is dying. It may be too late for research to help my mother, but it’s not too late for my daughter or my granddaughter.”

Campbell said breast cancer has also touched her family.

“I have aunts who died of breast cancer and really, I don’t know anyone who has not been affected by breast cancer in one way or another, and that’s why I am so happy to be a part of this charity ride,” she said.

Last year, Campbell helped Revvin’ 4 Research riders get dolled up before the ride.

“I brought pink hair extensions and did the riders’ hair last year. I think I’ll bring more extensions and some pink feathers this year,” she said.

And after every pink hair is in place, Campbell said she’ll be thrilled to put up the kickstand of her own bike for the charity ride.

“It’s going to be pretty exciting.

It’s a very empowering thing to know how to handle a 400-pound bike,” she said.

While she’s been cutting hair since she was 12 years old, Campbell, who grew up in Fayette County, only recently took up motorcycle riding.

“I grew up riding on minibikes

and on the back of my older brothers’ bikes. I’ve ridden tractors and horses, but I never really mastered the motorcycle,” she said.

Her interest in motorcycles was piqued when she met her husband of a little more than two years, Buzz, who is a sales manager at Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson.

“I started riding on the back of his bike, and I thought it was pretty cool,” she said.

The more she rode with her husband, the more hooked she became on the freedom of the open road, Campbell said.

“It’s something about how free you feel when you’re riding--the wind on your face and the smell of the bike and the sound of the gears shifting.

It’s pretty exhilarating,” she said.

Campbell enjoyed being a passenger on her husband’s motorcycle rides but grew increasingly interested in being in the driver’s seat.

“It came to the point where I wanted to beside him instead of behind him,” she said.

Campbell decided to take a motorcycle riding instruction and safety course at Heart of Dixie HarleyDavidson as she worked up the courage to buy her own bike.

“It takes a lot of courage to get on something that big and take it out on the road yourself, but it was something I was determined to do, and my husband really wanted me to do it to so that we could ride together,” she said.

The course, which is taught by motorcycle police officers, taught her a lot, Campbell said, so she decided to test her skills on her husband’s 750-pound Harley. In hindsight, she said, it wasn’t the best way to try out

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

what she’d recently learned.

“We have this really steep driveway, and one of the first times I tried to take his bike out by myself, I really worried about getting the bike down the driveway,” she said.

As it turns out, the steep driveway was the least of Campbell’s worries.

“I made it down the driveway and was at the end of our road at the stop sign when I lost it, and the bike fell over and went down the hill,” she said. “My husband was out of town working and the kids were still asleep.

Luckily, a guy stopped and helped me get the bike back up the hill. I knew then that I needed a smaller bike.”

So Campbell’s husband got a good deal on a black Yamaha V Star, and she set her sights on getting ready to ride it in the Revvin’ 4 Research charity ride on Sept. 7.

“It’s only been a few weeks since I’ve had my own bike, so I’m a little nervous about the ride, but I’m excited about it at the same time,” she said.

She’s also excited about being a new member of the Dixie Divas, Campbell said.

“I knew about the Dixie Divas from having done the charity ride before, and when I got my own bike, I thought it would be a good way to meet other women and to encourage each other. I also knew they give back to the community, and that was important to me,” she said.

Owning her own motorcycle has given Campbell a confidence boost, she said, and it’s something she thinks more women should try.

“When you’re out there riding, it’s just you and the road, and you forget about all the stress for a little while,” she said.

Campbell said she’ll be happy to be among the experienced and notso-experienced riders who rev up their engines to fight breast cancer on Sept. 7.

“I may not have a lot of miles under my belt yet, but I’ll feel like I’m doing something good to help others and accomplishing a personal goal at the same time,” she said.

Riders in the Revvin’ 4 Research charity event will meet at Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson at 333 Cahaba Valley Parkway North for breakfast at 9 a.m.

At 11 a.m., the riders will leave the dealership and travel to Big Number 1 Motorsports in Homewood, taking Shades Crest Road back to Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson. The riders will have a police escort during the ride.

The ride should be over by 1:45 p.m. and will be followed by a party with live entertainment by disc jockey Rory Kent, a catered lunch from Habaneros, beverages from CocaCola Bottling Co. and live and silent auctions. Prizes will also be given away to registered riders all afternoon.

To register, visit www.revvin4research.com.

The Dixie Divas meet every second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Heart of Dixie HOG Room. For a membership application or more information, contact Sherri Simmers at 503-2145 or sherri@ heartofdixiiehd.com or visit www. dixiedivasrc.com. ❖

Save the Date North Shelby

Alabama State Fair Sept. 5-8 Oak Mountain Amphitheatre The Alabama State Fair returns to the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre Aug. 30-Sept. 8. The event will feature rides, fair food and shows. All shows are included in the price of admission, and wrist bands are available for $20 to ride all day. Tickets are $9 for adults, $6 for ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and younger. Current and retired military personnel receive discount tickets for $6 with ID. Parking is $5. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre is at 1000 Amphitheatre Drive, Pelham. Fair times are 4 p.m.midnight Sept. 6, noon-midnight on Sept. 7 and from noon-11 p.m. on Sept.

8.

Mountain Brook

Western Film Series Sept. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Emmet O’Neal Library The Emmet O’Neal Library will host its Western Film Series from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 5. The featured film stars John Wayne, James Stewart, Lee Marvin and Vera Miles. This is a free event. The library is at 50 Oak Street.

For film titles or more information, contact Matt Layne at 445-1121 or mlayne@bham.lib.al.us.

North Shelby

Children’s Consignment Sale Sept. 6-7 Asbury United Methodist Church The Giggles & Grace Fall 2013 Children’s Consignment Sale will be Sept. 6-7 at Asbury United Methodist Church. The sale will include clothing, baby items, furniture, books, toys and more. The sale runs from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sept. 6 and from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 7. Select items will be half price on Sept. 7. The church is at 6690 Cahaba Valley Road. For more information, visit asburyonline.org, www.facebook.com/ asburygigglesandgrace or call 3290064.

Homewood

Monkey C Monkey Run 5K Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Homewood Central Park The Monkey C Monkey Run 5K and one-mile fun run will be Sept. 7 at Homewood Central Park. The event benefits Camp Smile-A-Mile, Alabama’s program for children with cancer. Preregistration and packet pickup will be Sept. 5-6 at Trak Shak in Homewood.

On race day, registration and packet pickup is from 6:30-7:45 a.m. with the 5K starting at 8 a.m. The fun run begins at 9 a.m. An awards ceremony for the 5K is at 10 a.m. Registration for the 5K is $25 through Aug. 24 and $30 after that. Registration for the fun run is $15 through Aug. 24 and $18 after that.

Chip timing will also be available for an additional $3. Homewood Central Park is at 1604 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit www.campsam.org or call 323-8427.

Birmingham

AAUW Membership Coffee Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-noon Independent Presbyterian Church The Birmingham branch of the American Association of University Women will have its annual membership

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 5

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

something for the little ones

Homewood

From left: Laura Stansell, Ana Moore and Courtney Heath are the chairmen of this year’s Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood. Photo special to the Journal

Lil’ Lambs Consignment Sale Sept. 6-7 Trinity United Methodist Church Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood will hold its fall Lil’ Lambs consignment sale Sept. 6-7 in the church’s gym. Friday hours are 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Saturday’s hours are 9 a.m.-noon. Most of the items will be half price on Saturday. The event will feature gently-used infant and children’s clothing, accessories, toys and nursery items. Sellers receive 70 percent of the proceeds; the remaining 30 percent will help support the church’s ministries. The church is at 1400 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit trinitybirmingham.com or call 879-1737.

To: From: Date:

Chickadee Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Aug. 2013 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Septmeber 5th, 2013 issue. Please email or fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

LET OUR FAMILY CARE FOR YOURS.

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

DR. COLLEEN DONOHUE fAMILY MEDICINE

Brookwood Primary Care is an extension of our physician family, with convenient locations all over town, backed by all the resources of Brookwood Medical Center.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS SAME DAY & EARLY MORNING APPOINTMENTS ROUTINE & SICK VISITS

Conveniently located just off Hwy 31, behind Walgreens | fOR AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 205.871.7 746 | BROOKWOODPRIMARYCARE.COM

6 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

About Town

crestline rocks out for reading

will be held in the large auditorium at the library, 1721 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary. org or call 332-6620.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

go for the glow

North Shelby

LifeSouth Blood Drive Sept. 9, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen LifeSouth will hold a blood drive from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 9 at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen in North Shelby. No registration is required. To learn more about how to donate blood at the event, visit www.onenineteen.com.

Homewood

Mountain Brook

Will Haver, left, and Allene Neighbors are getting ready to bring live music to Crestline Village on Sept. 6-7with Crestline Rocks. The event will benefit PreSchool Partners. Photo special to the Journal

Crestline Rocks Sept. 6-7, 1 p.m.

Crestline Village Crestline Rocks 2013 will bring live music and more to Crestline Village on Sept. 6-7. The event, which features live music from local bands and special deals from Crestline vendors, will benefit PreSchool Partners, a nonprofit organization that prepares 3 and 4-year-old at-risk children and their families for kindergarten in Birmingham City Schools. Family Fun Night in the Village will be Sept. 6 from 4-9 p.m. and will include the Villager Scavenger Hunt.

The fun begins at 11 a.m. on Sept. 7 with the Touch-A-Truck event hosted by PreSchool Partners. Fire trucks, police cars, tractors, ambulances and other vehicles will be on Dan Watkins Drive behind the Zoe’s/Pant Store shopping center to give children an opportunity to sit in the drivers’ seats. Tickets for the Touch-A-Truck event are $5. From 4-6 p.m., there will be a street party with Mountain Brook bands playing a variety of music. From 8-10 p.m., Big Head Todd and The Monsters, the headliner band for the event, will perform on a stage on Church Street. Tickets are $35 in advance at crestlinerocks.com or $40 at the gate. coffee on Sept. 7 from 10 a.m.-noon at Independent Presbyterian Church, 3100 Highland Ave. South. The event is free. At 11 a.m., those attending will talk about the focus topics for the coming year. AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. For more information about the coffee or the Birmingham branch, visit http://birmingham-al.aauw.net. For reservations, call Aubrey Ross at 3231039.

Homewood

Smart@Investing Kickoff Sept. 8, 3-4 p.m.

Homewood Public Library The yearlong Smart@Investing financial series will kick off from 3-4 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Homewood Public Library. The event will feature a pair of stories about money matters by Birmingham storyteller Dolores Hydock.

The program is part of a partnership between the American Library Association and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. The free event

Fashions for the Foundation Sept. 10, 11:30 a.m.

The Club The Schaeffer Eye Center Fashions for the Foundation on Sept. 10 will give those attending a sneak peek at the latest fall trends while raising money for the Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation. Sponsored by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, the event will be held at The Club in Homewood and will feature fashions from several area retailers. Tickets are $50 each, and table sponsorships are $80. For more information, visit www. welcometomountainbrook.com.

Birmingham

Original Birmingham Oktoberfest Sept. 12-14 Das Haus: German Club The 33rd Original Birmingham Oktoberfest 2013 will be Sept. 12-14 at Das Haus: German Club, 2318 Second Ave. North, Birmingham. The event will feature traditional German meals, beer tastings, a dachshund parade, Kinderfest and live music. Festival times are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sept. 12 and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 14.

Admission is $10 during the live music times from 6:30-11:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 14. The Europa Band will perform.

For more information, visit www. dashausbham.com or call 999-3873.

Vestavia Hills

Booklovers, Bingo & Brews Fundraiser Sept. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest

Celebrate With Us

Birmingham

Glow for the Cure Golf Tournament Sept. 12, 4-10 p.m.

Highland Park Golf Course The second annual Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama Glow for a Cure Night Golf Tournament will tee off at 4 p.m. on Sept. 12 at Highland Park Golf Course. The event will benefit Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama’s research program. Golfers participating will play nine holes, have dinner and then play nine more holes with lighted balls, tees and greens. Foursome tickets are $800 and single player tickets are $200. Spectator tickets are $25, including dinner.

For more information or to buy tickets, contact Vance Holder at 871-7970 or visit www.alzca.org.

The Friends of the Library will host the Booklovers, Bingo & Brews fundraiser on Sept. 13 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. The event will include bingo, beer tastings and lots of prizes. The event is for those 21 and older and identification is required. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the library’s main desk or online through PayPal. The library is located at 1221 Montgomery Highway. For more information, visit www.vestavialibrary. org.

Teal 5K, one-mile fun run and Family Fun Day on Sept. 14 at The Preserve in Hoover. Proceeds benefit the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. The 5K starts at 8 a.m. immediately followed by the fun run. There will be an awards ceremony, children’s activities, food and live music. Chip timing and tech shirts will be available. To register, visit www. thinkoflaura.org/HeadOverTeal. For more information, call 873-0253.

Hoover

Magic City Ice Classic 2013 Sept. 13-15 Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena Cheer on future Olympians at the Magic City Ice Classic at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena Sept.

Head Over Teal 5K/Family Fun Day Sept. 14, 8 a.m.-noon Town Hall at The Preserve Brookwood Medical Center will present the fourth annual Head Over

300 Paul W. Bryant Drive • Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 • 1-866-772-BEAR (2327) • www.bryantmuseum.com

North Shelby

a run in the park

Hoover

9AM-4PM Daily • Closed Major Holidays

Golfers are getting ready to tee off for a good cause at the second annual Glow for a Cure Night Golf Tournament to benefit Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. From left: Jill Amburgery, Jay Jones and Katie Cochran. Photo special to the Journal

Organizers are getting ready for the R(un) for One 5K and Fun Run on Sept. 7. From left: Jessica Dixon, Amy Floyd and Garth Thorpe. Photo special to the Journal

R(un) For One 5K and Fun Run Sept. 7, 8 a.m.

Veterans Park Lifeline’s orphan care ministry, (un)adopted, will host a 5K and one-mile fun run at 8 a.m. on Sept. 7 at Veterans Park in Hoover. Runners will loop through the scenic cross-country course at the park, 4800 Valleydale Road next to Spain Park High School. The event will include live music and activities for all ages. For more information, visit http://unadopted.org.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

the big as a whale sale

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 7

About Town 13-15. The public is invited to observe for free the USFSA-sanctioned figure skating competition hosted by the Birmingham Figure Skate Club. The competition schedule will be posted at www.bhamfsc.com at least 10 days prior to the event. The Pelham Civic Complex is at 500 Amphitheatre Road in Pelham. For more information, visit www.bhamfsc.org or call 426-8461.

begins at 10 a.m. The annual luncheon benefits Oak Mountain Missions Ministries. This year’s keynote speaker will be Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry. Fox 6 News anchor Janet Hall will be the emcee. Rev. Al Lewis and Passion Lewis will provide musical

entertainment. To make reservations and for more information, contact Dianne Cesario at 685-5757 or email oakmtnmissions@yahoo.com.

Hoover

Hoover Historical Society Meeting

Birmingham

Members of the planning committee for the Whale of the Sale Children’s Consignment Sale at Vestavia Hills United Methodist are getting ready for shopping fun at the 10th annual event, scheduled for Sept. 19-20.

Photo special to the Journal

Vestavia Hills

Whale of a Sale Children’s Consignment Sale Sept. 19-20 Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church will host its 10th annual Whale of a Sale children’s consignment sale on Sept. 19-20 in the Lighthouse Gym. The event will run from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 19 and from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Sept. 20. From 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 20, most items will be half price. Admission is free. Sellers and volunteers get to shop first. For more information, visit www.thewhaleofasale.com. To register to volunteer, go to www. myconsignmentmanager.com/whaleofasale.

“Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963” Sept. 15, 3 p.m.

Alys Stephens Center The nation will join Birmingham on Sept. 15 for a staged reading of “Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963,” a play

by Christina M. Ham. The readings will commemorate the precise 50th anniversary of the bombing that took the lives of four young girls at Birmingham’s Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in 1963.

The staged reading is at 3 p.m. in the Alice Stephens Center’s Sirote Theatre, 1200 10th Ave. South, Birmingham.

Tickets are $15. ArtPlay’s teen Make It Happen Performing Ensemble and ArtPlay students will participate in the event along with a multigenerational cast of community actors and performers directed by Alicia JohnsonWilliams. For more information, visit www.alysstephens.org or call 975-2787.

vestavia Beauty!

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Birmingham

Harvest of Hope Luncheon Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m.

Cahaba Grand Conference Center This year’s Harvest of Hope Luncheon will be held on Sep. 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. A silent auction

2011 Sales Associate of the Year

Over the Mountain Office 1220 Alford Avenue • 205.281.4731

To: From: Date:

987-3516 Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax May 2013

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the may 30, 2013 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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8 • Thursday, September 5, 2013 Sept. 17, 1:30 p.m.

Artists on the Bluff The Hoover Historical Society will

About Town meet on Sept. 17 at 1:30 p.m. at Artists on the Bluff. The speaker will be Dr. Pamela S. King, associate professor of

Hand crafted By SeniorS of alaBama

history at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The meeting will focus on the Civil Rights era and how it helped shape Birmingham neighborhoods. The Hoover Historical Society will also meet at Artists on the Bluff at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 19, Jan. 21, March 18 and May 20.

870-5555 • 1755 Oxmoor Road • Homewood Open Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-4:30

Hollywood jungle

Over the Mountain

DAR Constitution Week Sept. 17-23 Various Locations Birmingham metro area chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold several different activities in the Over the Mountain area during the national celebration of U.S. Constitution Week, Sept. 17-23. For a list of chapters, visit www.alabamadar. org.

Mountain Brook

PrimeTime Treasures

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Medicare Education Program Sept. 18, 12:30 p.m.

Emmet O’Neal Library During National Medicare Education Week, the Emmet O’Neal Library in Mountain Brook will host an event as part of its brown bag lunch series. The event will give senior citizens a chance to hear information and ask questions about upcoming Medicare changes.

Refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. The library is at 50 Oak St. To make reservations, call 866-890-2242 or visit NMEW.com.

Birmingham

ZooGala 2013 Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m.

Photo special to the Journal Birmingham Zoo The Birmingham Zoo will host its largest fundraising event, ZooGala 2013, on Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, live music and animal walkabouts in an Old Hollywood atmosphere. All proceeds directly benefit the zoo’s operational efforts. The black-tie optional affair will be held in the zoo’s signature exhibit, Trails of Africa. Cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m. with a seated dinner at 8 p.m. ZooGala will feature live entertainment by the John Williams Quintet and The American Flyers Show Band, a menu by Iz Catering, decor by Christopher Joseph Design and Walker Design Studio and featured jewelry by Empire Diamonds. The zoo’s African bull elephants will make special appearances throughout the evening. For more information, visit www. birminghamzoo.com. To buy tickets, visit the website or contact Kathy Vaughn at kvaughn@birminghamzoo.com or at 397-3861.

Vestavia Hills

Put Birmingham’s best real estate team to work for you.

Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646 24-1246 3

his is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnAl for the June 13, 2013 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Plans are being made for the ZooGala 2013 on Sept. 21. From left: Wally Nall, Greg King, Emily Dunn, Tzena Gauldin, Charles Mayer and Jesse Voglte with Victor, a Victorian Crown pigeon.

Southern States Dahlia Show Sept. 21, 1-4 p.m.

Vestavia Hills Baptist Church The Southern States Dahlia Show will bring a feast of color to Vestavia Hills Baptist Church on Sept. 21. Dahlia growers from around the Southeast will enter their prize blooms in the

competition. Members of the Dahlia Society of Alabama will be on hand to welcome visitors, answer questions and provide advice on growing showquality dahlias. The event runs from 1-4 p.m. at 2600 Vestavia Drive.

For more information, visit www. dahliasocietyofalabama.org or call 9794755.

a taste of the middle east

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Saint George Melkite Catholic Church will bring the taste of the Middle East back to Birmingham Sept. 19-21 with its annual Middle Eastern Food Festival. From left: Olla Jaraysi, Maha Awad, Naela Jaraysi and Janan Jaraysi. Photo special to the Journal

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St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival Sept. 19-21 Saint George Melkite Catholic Church will bring the taste of the Middle East back to Birmingham Sept. 19-21 with its annual Middle Eastern Food Festival.

The event will be held at the church, 425 16th Ave. South, Birmingham.

Kibbee, falafel sandwiches, meat and spinach pies, rolled grape leaves and more will be served from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. each day. Lunch delivery is available in the downtown area with a $75 minimum order. A drive-through service will operate through 7 p.m. each night of the festival. For takeout or delivery, call 492-9621. Visitors will be entertained by Amin and the Sultans Band from New York and the parish’s own folk dancers on Friday and Saturday. Tours of the church will also be available. For more information, visit www.saintgeorgeonline.org.

Hardee, From page 1

with the disease together,” he said.

Hardee said while there are a lot of programs to help cancer patients with the medical aspects of fighting the disease, he didn’t find a lot of resources to help families and their mental wellness as they coped.

“Then I found out about the Flatwater Foundation and the programs they have for people diagnosed with cancer as well as their families and loved ones that give them access to therapy and physical activities to improve their health,” he said.

The Flatwater Foundation is an Austin, Texas-based nonprofit that combines access to traditional methods of psychological counseling with physical activities like yoga, meditation, group exercise and personal training.

While he makes a living from having a strong and healthy body, Hardee said he’s always known that having a strong and healthy mind is just as important.

“To me, mental wellness is the difference between first place and last place and all the places in between,” he said. “You can have all the talent and all the right tools in the world and you can have all the motivation (and) everything, but if you’re not happy, if you’re not in the right state of mind, it’s all for naught and you’re your own worst enemy.”

Hardee said he’s had to learn a lot about mental toughness as he worked to become a two-time indoor world champion and member of both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic teams.

“The decathlon is a brutal, humbling event, and it parallels life in what it asks of you. You learn by working hard, by working your way through the adversity, and it makes you stronger,” he said.

Overcoming adversity through hard work was the main message Hardee brought to the students at Vestavia Hills High School when he spoke at his alma mater on Aug. 22.

“I (talked) to them about what real work is and how real work is something you can’t fake. You can’t fake the hours you need to put in to reach your goal,” he said. “I want to tell them how real work only has positive outcomes.”

Hardee said he talked to the students about making sacrifices to reach their goals.

“Almost anyone can work hard for a few days and then sit around the house eating chips and drinking Cokes, but you’re not really sacrificing anything if you’re not truly focused on being the best you can be, no matter what it takes,” he said.

What it takes, Hardee said, is a training that schedule that often leaves him too sore to climb the stairs to bed.

“When I’m training, there are probably only about two nights a week where I can climb the stairs to bed painlessly,” he said. “I usually work myself to the point of exhaustion at least five days a week. If I’m not eating or sleeping, I’m training.”

While Hardee’s season is winding down for this year, it doesn’t mean he’s giving himself a break.

He’s already preparing for the International Association of

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 9

cover story

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Athletics Federations World Indoor Championships in Poland in March 2014.

Hardee said he’s also already preparing for more charity golf tournaments to help the Flatwater Foundation and other cancer support groups.

“I hope this is the first of many events that will allow me to help people and their families dealing with cancer,” he said.

Hardee said he didn’t play golf until he finished college. He started college at Mississippi State University in 2002 and transferred to the University of Texas in 2004.

“I didn’t really have a lot of time to learn golf but when I took it up, I found that it is kind of like a decathlon because no one ever plays the perfect golf game,” he said. “I found that it’s a little addicting.”

Hardee said he’s looking forward to challenging Ashton Eaton, who won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 2012 London Olympics.

“I don’t think he’s very good at golf, so I’m just going to keep inviting him to play sports he’s not familiar with so I can whip him,” he said, laughing.

Hardee said he feels fortunate to have grown up in the Over the Mountain area and to have been a student at Vestavia Hills High School.

“I hope people understand how much I love this place and how lucky and blessed I feel to have grown up here,” he said.

Hardee, who as a high school junior was famously cut from the school’s basketball team by Coach George Hackett, said he might have never discovered his track and field skills if he had attended school elsewhere.

While he was devastated at the time, looking back, Hardee said it was a blessing in disguise.

“If I had made the basketball team, I would have never had time to try track, and I wouldn’t be leading the life I have now,” he said.

Hatchett said people still ask him about his decision to cut Hardee from the basketball team that fateful year, and the coach said he still stands behind his decision.

“It just goes to show you that kids need to try out different sports. If they get cut from one team, they need to try another sport,” he said. “That’s what schools are supposed to do--we’re supposed to give the kids access to the

programs and the tools they need to discover their talents.”

Hatchett said it was great to have Hardee back in the halls of Vestavia Hills High School when Hardee visited the campus late last month.

“Any time you have an internationally recognized athlete that came from your school and can come back and talk to the kids about the value of hard work makes you really proud,” he said.

Assistant Principal Kevin Butler said out of all of Hardee’s accomplishments, the fact that he came back to his alma mater and his hometown is what impresses him the most.

“Not many communities have an Olympian who wants to come back and help the students and give back to the community, and it says a lot about Trey’s integrity and the caliber of students we have here in Vestavia,” Butler said.

Hardee said he feels like he is in the prime of his career. And with his recent engagement to Chelsea Johnson, a former pole vaulter from Texas, he’s more optimistic than ever about the future.

“I feel like the best is yet to come,” he said. ❖ For more information about the Trey Hardee Charity Golf Tournament or to register, visit flatwaterfoundation.org/events.

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Stepback & Corner To: Megan Cupboards, From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: Farm Tables, Aug. This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnAl for the Industrial Items Aug. 22, 2013 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. and please make sure all information is correct, Unique Gifts

OUR 116TH YEAR

To: From:

A Children's Consignment Sale

including address and phone number! please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

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Vulcan® Park and Museum

EVENT FACILITY OPEN HOUSE September 20, 2013 11 AM TO 1 PM

Get a first-hand look at our modern, yet classic event space.

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

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News

10 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

u Vestavia Hills

City Acquiring Property for New Complex

By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

By next month, the city of Vestavia Hills should own two pieces of property where it plans to build a new municipal complex.

City officials confirmed recently they’re in the final process of acquiring the old Food World building at 1052 Montgomery Highway in the Vestavia Plaza Shopping Center and the Joe’s Ranch House property at 1105 Mayland Lane, adjacent to the former Food World property.

The city is purchasing the former Food World building for about $1.15 million and Joe’s Ranch House for about $825,000, officials said.

Vestavia Hills officials plan to

Steve Ammons. “Once we have that done, we’re set on go to immediately sell. We just want to make sure we have a place to go before we sell this property.”

City Manager Jeff Downes said the city should close on both properties within the next 30 days.

He said it should take 18 to 24 months for a new municipal complex to be built.

The current city hall at 513 Montgomery Highway, also on U.S. 31, was built in the 1950s. It wasn’t initially designed as a municipal building. It currently doesn’t meet the needs of the police or fire administration, city officials say.

The current city hall has about 35,000 square feet. ❖

Hoover officials said they plan to add another left turn lane at Alabama 150 and Interstate 459 and upgrade traffic lights at major roads in the city.

The additional turn lane will come at the expense of developers of The Grove shopping center.

The city had agreed to rebate 50 percent of sales tax revenue for six years to The Grove’s developers.

That money was to be used for road improvements near the shopping center. But The Grove developers never finished road improvements, city officials said.

“It’s rebate money that has been

Patriot Day, From page 1

and New Jersey were placing all these artifacts from the World Trade Center in this huge hangar and decided to make those materials available for memorials,” Ezekiel said. “We heard about it in trade magazines and Chris Mullins researched the criteria, and we took the idea to the city manager.”

From there, the fire department worked with City Manager Sam Gaston and other city officials to send a letter formally requesting a piece of the Twin Towers to use as a 9/11 memorial in Mountain Brook.

“Everyone in the city was very supportive of the idea. A few months after we formally submitted the request, we got word that we would be receiving this huge, 7-foot-long steel H-beam. It weighs 1,305 pounds,” he said.

After the logistics of shipping the huge piece of steel to Mountain Brook were worked out, it was stored at the city’s Public Works Department

Work Begins on Sidewalks

held in escrow that the developer was entitled to if he built the roads,” Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey said. “He hasn’t built them, so we’re going to build them using the escrow.”

About $2.8 million is in that escrow account, Ivey said.

The Alabama Department of Transportation is in charge of improving the roads, although Hoover will fund the project. The project includes adding another left turn lane on Alabama 150, also called John Hawkins Parkway, and widening the entrance ramp onto I-459 North.

When the project is finished, Alabama 150 will have two left turn lanes funneling traffic onto the interstate. The Grove sits off Alabama 150.

The project is expected to cost

about $4 million. Ivey said the city expects additional rebate funds to make up the difference.

Tim Westhoven, assistant executive director for Hoover, said groundbreaking should begin the first of the year. No completion date has been set, he added.

The city also plans to upgrade 62 traffic lights on U.S. 31, Alabama 150 and Lorna Road.

“The signal lights are obsolete, and parts are hard to get for them,” the mayor said.

The design work for the signals is expected to cost $62,500, Ivey said.

The city will pay $12,500 with federal funds paying for the rest.

City officials say the total cost to install the lights is about $750,000. ❖

while the city’s new $15.3 million municipal complex was completed.

“As the new building was being developed, we were thinking about how to integrate the 9/11 memorial into the design, and we talked a lot about how to display it,” Ezekiel said. “We’re firefighters and most of us don’t know a lot about art, so we went to Ellen Elsas and the village design review committee for help.”

Ezekiel said Elsas helped come up with a simple but brilliant way to display the steel beam.

“We decided that we should place the beam vertically so that it stands there, just like a tower. It was such a simple idea that has a lot of impact,” he said.

Once they decided how to use the steel beam, officials needed guidance on where to put it so that it would fit in with the new municipal complex.

“The architect, Bill Williams, suggested a local artist named Shea Scully who does great work with steel and iron,” he said. “So we chartered him to complete the project.”

The bronze base Scully designed

for the memorial mimics the structure of the beam and looks almost like an original part of it. The H-beam now sits in a vertical position just outside of the fire department.

Ezekiel said the memorial wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of the city and the generosity of Arthur Henley of the Linn-Henley Charitable Trust.

“The Trust contributed $25,000 toward the memorial display. That allowed it to happen. The city’s support was also tremendous, and it wouldn’t have been possible without that,” he said.

Ezekiel said as a firefighter, he knew the memorial would mean a lot to the department.

“It’s meaningful to me personally because I’m a firefighter, and it reminds me of the 343 people from my profession that died in the line of duty that day,” he said. “But when it was first brought over here from storage, work on the buildings here was still being done, and you would have contractors and sub-contractors and all these workers taking their breaks

and crowding around this steel beam.

It was amazing to me to see how it is personal to everybody.”

Ezekiel said he watches those passing by the fire department stop and read the marker at the monument.

“They all stop and read the marker that has a great quote that really sums up why this memorial is important.

It says ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,’ and the memorial gives people a chance to pause and reflect back on that day,” he said.

And that’s what Patriot Day is really all about, Ezekiel said, stopping to remember those who lost their lives on that day in 2001.

“We’re so glad to be able to come together with Homewood and Vestavia Hills to continue this important ceremony,” he said.

Last year’s Patriot Day ceremony was held in Homewood.

At this year’s event, Allan Rice will be the keynote speaker. Rice has been the executive director at the Alabama Fire College since August 2007 and before that was a captain

build a new municipal complex to straddle both sites. The old Food World building is about 28,000 square feet, but city officials say they need a minimum of 40,000 square feet.

City officials have also said they plan to sell the current city hall.

Chick-fil-A has been mentioned as a potential buyer.

“We’re not going to do anything until we’ve actually purchased Joe’s Ranch House and the old Food World building,” said Council President

City Takes on Road Improvement Projects Journal contributor

u Mountain Brook

Work on Mountain Brook’s Safe Routes to School sidewalk projects were scheduled to start after Labor Day, according to city officials.

In November, the city was the recipient of one of the state’s first Safe Routes to School sidewalk grant and was awarded $834,475 to pay for construction of sidewalks along streets in the vicinity of both Crestline and Mountain Brook Elementary schools.

The Alabama Department of Transportation selected Walker Patton Company, Inc., based in Birmingham, to build the sidewalks.

According to ALDOT, the Safe Routes to School program is aimed at encouraging and enabling children in grades K-8 to safely walk and bicycle to school in their community and helps communities by promoting the health benefits associated with walking, biking and exercising by providing funding to improve pedestrian conditions around schools.

The city first applied for the Safe Routes to School grant in 2008, according to Sam Gaston, city manager. The city applied for grants for sidewalks at all four Mountain Brook elementary schools but only received grant awards for sidewalks at tow. Gaston said the city might apply for more grants in the future.

Near Mountain Brook Elementary School, sidewalks will be added on Canterbury Road from Canterbury Park to Mountain Brook Village and on Overhill Road from Montevallo Road to Watkins Road.

New sidewalks will also be added on Watkins Road from Overhill Road to Cahaba Road.

Pedestrian crossing signals will also be installed at Montevallo Road

The city is purchasing the former Food World building for about $1.15 million and Joe’s Ranch House for about $825,000.

u Hoover

By William C. Singleton III

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

and Overhill Road.

The project will include new sidewalks along Vine Street from the Crestline playing field to Dexter Avenue and along West Montcrest from Euclid Avenue to 20 West Montcrest.

The two sidewalk sections in the Crestline area are expected to be the last phases constructed during the project, city officials said.

The entire project is expected to be completed in 130 working days.

City officials said they do not anticipate any traffic problems or delays due to the sidewalk construction work as plans are to complete work on one side of the road at a time.

The Safe Routes to School sidewalk project is part of the Mountain Brook Village Walkway System, a master plan aimed at making the city more walkable.

A sidewalk project in the Cherokee Bend area was scheduled to be completed by August.

The next phase of the walkway system plan will run sidewalks from Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church to Mountain Brook High School.

The city has secured federal funding to pay for 80 percent of that project and is awaiting ALDOT approval for preliminary engineering work to be done.

The city also has plans to connect Mountain Brook’s sidewalks to Homewood’s sidewalks with a project that will link the Jemison Trail to the Lakeshore Greenway on Lakeshore Drive and Mountain Brook Village to the Hollywood neighborhood on Hollywood Boulevard. ❖ with the Hoover Fire Department.

The Patriot Day ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. with “America the Beautiful” to be performed by Jacquelin Barnwell and the Mountain Brook High School Choir.

Mayor Terry Oden will give the welcome and recognize special guests. Boy Scout Troop 63 from Canterbury United Methodist Church will present the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance, and Abrielle Mullins will perform the national anthem.

Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer will recognize those serving in the military.

Ezekiel will lead the World Trade Center memorial dedication, which will be followed by the laying of a wreath by civilians and police, fire and military personnel.

Mountain Brook Fire Department Battalion Chief Stacey Cole will lead the bell ceremony.

After Rice’s keynote address, Oden will give closing comments followed by a prayer by Rev. Stephen W. DeGweck of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. ❖

u Homewood

Mayor Presents New $40 Million Budget to Council

By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer’s proposed 2013-2014 general fund budget anticipates about $40 million in expenses and revenues but doesn’t include cost of living raises, longevity pay or annual bonuses for employees.

McBrayer presented his proposed budget for the new fiscal year to the Homewood City Council on Aug. 26.

However, McBrayer asked the council to reconsider those employee payment enhancements in January or during the mid-year review in March if revenue exceeds projections.

The mayor’s budget includes a contingency fund of $134,315 that could possibly be used to fund cost of living increases if expenses stay in check. A cost of living adjustment cost the city about $330,000 last year, the mayor said.

“Some of the decisions I’ve had to make this year I wasn’t all that excited about,” McBrayer told council members at the Aug. 26 meeting.

“But I felt like it was my responsibility to make those decisions, and if you see fit to change some of those, I certainly welcome the opportunity to sit down and work through it together.”

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 11

news

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

This time of the year, the mayor usually unveils his proposed budget to the council, giving the council time to review, revise and vote on it by Sept.

30. The city’s budget runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 of each year.

A summary of the proposed budget can be viewed at www.homewoodal.net under “Mayor’s Budget.”

McBrayer said he wanted to present an “honest and accurate” budget, especially since the majority of the 11-member council is work-

‘Some of the decisions I’ve had to make this year I wasn’t all that excited about.’

Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer

ing through the budget process for the first time. The most recent city council elections were held in August 2012, and the new council took office in November.

“I believe it’s an honest and accurate budget which for me is the most important thing,” the mayor said.

“It may be more important this year that you understand the process and the honesty of what I think the numbers are more so than any other year

because it’s your first year.”

The mayor’s budget includes merit raises for employees. Merit raises are given to Homewood employees who are also Jefferson County Personnel employees with up to 10 years on the job. It does not include longevity pay.

Longevity pay is Homewood’s way of rewarding employees with more than six years employment with the city.

The mayor’s budget includes a 2.5 percent increase in the amount city employees must contribute to the Retirement Systems of Alabama. A state mandated 5 percent increase in health premiums is being absorbed by the city because employees met wellness screening goals. That 5 percent increase amounts to about $112,000 over 12 months, said Melody Salter, the city’s finance director.

McBrayer also recommended the city establish a public service department, which should save Homewood about $80,000 next year.

The mayor also proposed a $4.28 million capital budget, which sets aside money for the expansion of the Shades Creek Greenway Trail, improvements to West Oxmoor Road and the acquisition of vehicles for the police, parks and recreation and sanitation departments.

Council President Bruce Limbaugh commended the mayor and department heads for the work they put into the budget and said they should expect the same from the council.

“The council will be putting in a lot of extra hours in the next 30 to 60 days,“ Limbaugh said. ❖

TURN UP LIFE, not the volume.

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Tom Sartain Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 August 2013

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12 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

People

Jack Royer is giving Mountain Brook High School football fans play-by-play coverage of this season’s games on the radio and online. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

All in the Family

Like His Dad, Jack Royer Feels at Home on the Air

By Keysha Drexel

T

Journal editor

his season Spartan football fans are getting play-byplay coverage on the radio and online from a student who is happy to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Jack Royer, a senior at Mountain Brook High School and the son of Mike Royer, the co-anchor of Alabama’s 13 newscasts and producer of “The Spirit of Alabama,” is broadcasting the school’s football games on 107.3 and streaming them at SpartanRadioNetwork.com.

And while Royer’s father is the one with almost 40 years of experience in broadcasting, Royer Productions’ coverage of the Spartan football games was the brainchild of his mother, Amy. “I covered the football games as a freshman and as a sophomore, but

I didn’t do it last year,” Jack Royer said. “A lot of people missed it and so I started talking to my parents about it, and my mom came up with the idea of Royer Productions.”

Royer calls himself a carbon copy of his familiar-faced father and said it’s only natural that he feels most at home behind the mic or in front of the camera.

‘I inherited his looks and his voice and I basically grew up in a newsroom.

I love everything about it, and a career in broadcasting is something I really want to do.’

“I inherited his looks and his voice and I basically grew up in a newsroom,” he said. “I love everything about it, and a career in broadcasting is something I really want to do.”

While this season’s play-by-play coverage isn’t Royer’s first foray into sports broadcasting, he’s hoping it will go a lot more smoothly than the first few times he tried his hand at it.

“It was pretty rough the first time I tried it as a freshman. I remember a couple of times that my dad would be texting me during commercial breaks, and I know people could probably tell that when I came back on the air and read the information he gave me that it wasn’t from me,” he said, laughing.

Royer said he spent the summer studying statistics and preparing to cover the upcoming Spartan football season.

“There’s a lot of prep work involved when it comes to stats, but you want to be as prepared as possible so you don’t sound like an idiot,” he said.

And just in case he needs some last-minute advice, Royer said he always knows his father is there to give him pointers on broadcasting.

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“But really, he’s not involved with this project other than just being my dad and supporting me,” he said.

“He’s willing to let me learn, and sometimes that means I’ll make mistakes.”

Royer said he also rests easy knowing that his mother has all of the technical, marketing and other aspects of the football broadcasts under control.

“I can’t stress enough how much my mom has really gotten this project off the ground,” Royer said. “It may be my voice people hear on Friday nights, but everything else is all her.”

Royer said it’s fun to cover the feats of his classmates on Friday nights.

“I’ve grown up with most of the people on the team, and it’s fun to be a part of the excitement of the games,” he said.

Royer said having grown up watching his father on television and seeing him work to get stories behind the scenes has inspired him to make his own mark on the broadcast world.

“My ultimate goal is to be the guy that everyone tunes in to when they want to know what’s going on,” he said.

Royer is an anchor with the school’s morning broadcast team and said he feels comfortable in front of the camera.

“I started shooting stories when I was probably 10 years old, so the whole thing feels natural to me,” he said. “I really can’t imagine doing anything else for a career.”

Royer said he’s considering going to the University of Alabama to study journalism after he graduates from Mountain Brook High School in May. “It’s not too far away and I have a very close-knit family, so that will be a good fit, and UA has a great journalism department,” he said.

In an age where the Internet is changing the way most people get their news, Royer said he thinks it is more important than ever that there are good journalists providing good journalism.

“You can’t get a full news story in 149 characters on Twitter, but I think there is a way to still get good journalism in the Internet age,” he said.

Royer said the importance of an informed citizenry really hit home for him when he registered to vote recently.

“It really hit me when I registered to vote that I have to be informed and know what’s going on in the world so that I can carry on this small but important role in our society,” he said.

Royer said being informed is part of being a good leader, which is also one of his goals.

He is involved with Leadership Mountain Brook, a program of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce and the city’s school system. Leadership Mountain Brook selects a group of Mountain Brook High School seniors to undergo a year’s worth of training in civic government and business. The program was created to help foster leadership in graduating students.

Under the program, students get to meet with city and business leaders and present projects around town to the Mountain Brook City Council. ❖

People Notes North Shelby Resident Leading State Association The Alabama Association of Nonprofits has announced that its board of directors has unanimously selected Billy Baxter of North Shelby as its chief executive officer.

Baxter assumed his new role with the organization on Aug. 6.

The Alabama Association of Nonprofits was formally introduced in December of 2009 as a statewide association that created a unified voice for Alabama’s nonprofit sector. The Samford University Board of Trustees and Samford President Andrew Westmoreland formed a partnership with the association because its mission aligns closely that of with the university.

The association offices are housed in Samford’s Brock School of Business.

“The search committee worked hard to identify the right individual to help the board achieve the mission of AAN. We had good representation from the nonprofit sector on the committee and attracted a number of solid candidates,” said Gigi Armbrecht, board Billy Baxter chairman.

“Billy’s experience in supporting 23 Red Cross chapters in Alabama should serve well the AAN mission to support nonprofits in the state.”

Baxter has served as the Red Cross executive in Jackson, Miss., Winston-Salem, N.C., Montgomery and Birmingham and most recently as the executive for the Alabama Red Cross Region.

“As a native Alabamian, I am excited about the opportunity to partner with nonprofits, the AAN board and others in continuing to elicit support for and awareness of the huge contribution the nonprofit sector makes to Alabama’s economy and the people our members serve,” Baxter said. “Nonprofit leaders and their coworkers work hard to serve citizens in our state, often with very limited resources.”

Baxter said during the past few years, he’s seen the value of diverse organizations and funders working together in staff development, technology improvements, consolidated purchasing and access and in pursuing common goals.

“These organizations--and those they serve--deserve the best level of support available. I’m honored to be able to work with the AAN and its members in supporting that mission,” he said.

The Alabama Association of Nonprofits is a membership-based organization formed to serve the needs of Alabama’s growing nonprofit sector through professional development programming and advocacy.

Membership is open to any emerging, new or existing nonprofit organization, including volunteers, board members and students interested in the nonprofit sector.

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 13

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

MBHS Alum Graduates From West Point

Hoover Service Club Awards Scholarships

A Mountain Brook resident recently graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Cadet William Cox Tucker III graduated on May 25.

He is the son of retired Col. and Mrs. William Tucker of Mountain Brook.

Tucker is a 2009 graduate of Mountain Brook High School.

While at West Point, he concentrated his studies on human geography and French.

He was commissioned William Cox Tucker III as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Army Aviation branch and will report to Fort Rucker for his first assignment.

The Hoover Service Club recently presented $14,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors at Hoover and Spain Park high schools.

Those receiving scholarships were Haven Eddy, Cailyn Flynn, Hunter Gibson, Kyle Griffin, Ben Holcomb, Mizna Kanafani, Kiara Lewis, Madison Luther, Keondria Moon and Abby Morris.

The Hoover Service Club also presented recognition awards to students at Berry, Bumpus and Simmons middle schools.

Receiving awards were Hope Dawson, Hannah Farnlarcher, Grace Friedman, Caroline Hart, Rachel Hendricks and Amelia Grace Hill.

Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey, far left, and Schools Superintendent Andy Craig, far right, presented the scholarship awards to the Hoover and Spain Park graduating seniors. Photo special to the Journal

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Homewood Grad Selected For Beautillion Program Anthony Broach, a 2013 graduate of Homewood High School, was selected for and successfully completed the Beta Kappa Beautillion program.

Broach was one of 10 students selected for the program from Jefferson and Shelby counties.

Those selected participated in workshops on etiquette, financial literacy, community service, entrepreneurship, educational excellence, healthy lifestyles, career exploration, public speaking and networking.

The young men competed for first, second and third place scholarship awards. Broach placed third and was awarded a $2,5000 scholarship.

Broach was congratulated by last year’s overall winner, Jonathan Smith, a 2012 graduate of Homewood High School. Both Broach and Smith attend Howard University.

Broach is the son of Anthony and Sharon Broach.

Knowledge creates breakthroughs where there have been no treatments, no hope before.

When the time comes to heal, it’s knowledge that separates those with answers from those with opinions. Knowledge brings comfort. Peace. Second chances. And if there is one undeniable truth in this world…it’s that those with the greatest knowledge give us the greatest medicine.

From left: Anthony Broach, Homewood High School Senior Counselor Kenya Bledsoe and Jonathan Smith celebrate Broach’s completion of the Beta Kappa Beautillion program.

Photo special to the Journal

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14 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

People

Dr. Susan Salter was awarded the Life Saver Award by the ACS at the 2013 Life Inspiration Awards. Photo special to the Journal

Shades Cahaba Elementary teacher Rebecca Smith, left and U.K. teacher Kelly Glass traded places for an entire school year through the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program. After Smith returned home from England, she and Glass made time for some fun at the lake. Photos special to the Journal

Teacher Trade

Salter Named Life Saver actions.

A Mountain Brook resident has “She is an excellent caregiver, been honored by the American Cancer always recognizing the patient’s feelSociety. ings,” said one of Salter’s patients.

Dr. Susan Salter was awarded the Salter has been on the mediLife Saver Award by the ACS at the cal staff at St. Vincent’s Bruno 2013 Life Inspiration Awards held Cancer Center since 1995. She June 18 at The Club in Homewood.

The Life Inspiration Awards began received a bachelor’s degree from in 1997 to recognize special efforts of Emory University and earned a medical degree those fighting cancer from the University and those special of Alabama at caregivers who help The Life Inspiration Birmingham School those with a cancer Awards began in of Medicine. She also diagnosis. Cancer 1997 to recognize completed her radiasurvivors, caregivers tion oncology resiand medical professpecial efforts of at UAB. sionals in North those fighting can- dency Salter has Central Alabama who cer and those spe- strong ties in the have made their lives sources of inspiration cial caregivers who Birmingham area medical community. to others dealing with help those with a Her mother and father cancer were honored cancer diagnosis. are retired physicians. at the event.

Her brother and sister Salter, a radiaare surgeons. tion oncologist at St. Salter said she was not pressured Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center, was to attend medical school but that it nominated by her staff, peers and was a natural fit for her. patients.

“I really enjoy the daily interaction One nomination stated, “Dr. Salter is more than just an outstanding radia- with my patients. I am very involved in all aspects of their care and try to tion oncologist and physician, she is provide the best treatment options an outstanding person.” available,” she said.

Other nominations said Salter is Salter is married to Steven compassionate and caring and motiHydinger and has two children. vates and inspires others through her

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Shades Cahaba’s Rebecca Smith Spends a School Year Abroad

By Donna Cornelius

A

Journal features writer

Homewood fourth-grade teacher who spent a year teaching abroad got a lighthearted tutorial thanks to her British students.

The lesson? Words can have very different meanings in the U.S. and the U.K. “My students wore uniforms, but for a fundraiser they called ‘Mufti Day,’ they could pay a small fee and wear what they wanted,” Smith said.

“I asked them to come up to my desk so I could see their ‘shirts and pants.’

“They all started laughing, because to them, ‘pants’ means ‘underwear,’” she said.

Smith, a 30-year-old who’s now in her eighth year of teaching at Shades Cahaba Elementary School in Homewood, recently returned from a year of teaching at a school in England. She swapped places with British counterpart Kelly Glass through the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program, a direct one-on-one exchange of some 120 primary and secondary school teachers between the United States and seven other countries.

Glass took Smith’s teaching spot at Shades Cahaba, while Smith replaced Glass at a school in Woburn Sands, a village about 45 minutes north of London. But the two traded more than jobs.

“Kelly and I swapped houses, cars and even our cellphones,” Smith said.

Smith, who grew up in Pell City, first experienced teaching abroad when she was a student at Auburn University.

“I did my student teaching in New Zealand,” she said. “I wanted to visit Australia and New Zealand, and that was a great way to do it.”

Smith enjoyed the experience so much that she wanted to repeat it, she said. But she didn’t want to give up what she called her “great job” at Shades Cahaba.

“I was talking to Mary Jane Coker,

Kelly Glass and her Shades Cahaba students braved bad weather during a fire drill at the school.

a friend and fellow teacher, and she told me about the Fulbright program,” Smith said. “This was on Oct. 14. I went home and checked out the website, and the deadline to apply was Oct. 15.

“So I thought about it for a year before applying. The first time, there was no match for me.”

The Fulbright program, she said, matches participants who are from similar school settings and school sizes and by personality.

Smith persevered through the involved application process, which also required approval from her principal and the Homewood City Schools superintendent of education plus a long phone interview with Fulbright officials.

Her efforts paid off. After she was accepted into the program, Smith attended a conference in Washington, D.C., with “everybody who was exchanging,” she said. “I was with Kelly there, and then she spent a week with me here.”

Smith left for her adventure abroad in August 2012.

“Kelly’s sister picked me up at the airport and showed me around,” she said.

About 20 American teachers were in the U.K. while Smith was there, she said.

Often, the U.S. educators would get together to travel to different spots in Europe.

One of Smith’s favorite side trips was to Highclere Castle, the setting for the popular “Downton Abbey” TV series. She even put off her departure date for a day in order to get tickets to tour the castle, she said.

“I’m also a big Harry Potter fan, so I went to the Harry Potter studios, where the movies were filmed, twice,” she said.

In Edinburgh, she sat in the café where J.K. Rowling sat and wrote much of the early Harry Potter books.

She spent St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland, and was in Edinburgh with her parents for Hogmanay, a raucous New Year’s celebration.

“That was pretty wild,” she said.

“It’s probably better to do that with a group.”

She also visited Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, Rome—even Croatia.

“My school randomly won a day trip to Dubrovnik, and I got to go,” she said.

The hardest thing about her overseas experience was that her U.K. students rotated classes, unlike her fourthgrade Shades Cahaba class.

“That was a huge change,” Smith said. “I’m used to having my kids all day long.”

While Smith happily adjusting to living and working in the U.K., Glass was settling into her new life in Homewood.

“My family were a little concerned about gun crime or racial tensions, but I was thrilled to be placed in the

South,” Glass said via email. “I was excited about being in Birmingham but concerned about the actual placement itself. I knew it was going to be difficult to transition to a job in a country where I had not trained.”

Her favorite experiences while she was in the U.S. were “too many to count,” she said.

“Southern hospitality is alive and well, and the people themselves welcomed me into their hearts so readily,” she said. “The friends I made, both in school and out, were far and away the best thing to come out of my year.

“That being said, my top moments were probably driving from Birmingham to upstate New York in October and watching the seasons change in the course of a day. Or spending my birthday in Gip’s Juke Joint in Bessemer, listening to great music with my newfound friends. Or maybe finally fulfilling my mama’s dreams of seeing an Indy race and dancing on a New Orleans street. Or walking where Laura Ingalls Wilder had walked before me. Or getting an after-hours tour of the Museum of Natural History in New York.

“Honestly, it was the best year of my life. Hands down. “ Glass said shopping for groceries in American supermarkets was an adjustment.

“Everything is named differently, labeled differently or just placed with different things,” she said. “Certain things were lost in translation, and that made life hard sometimes, too.”

Glass said she left with a good impression of Shades Cahaba.

“It is a truly wonderful school,”

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 15

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

she said. “It has excellent leadership and management that manages to ensure that children make good progress whilst still seeing them as a child, and not a grade. Pupil and staff health and well-being is a big priority there, and the family atmosphere within the school is palpable.

“I loved every minute there and will miss it greatly.”

Both Glass and Smith said they plan to keep in touch.

While Smith made the most of her time in the U.K. to soak in experiences, she also shared her own. She taught America-related subjects during the school’s weekly enrichment classes, she said.

“I told them about Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Day, sports and music,” Smith said. “The kids wanted

to hear about American food, too, although it really isn’t that different.”

Smith said she loved the town’s grocery delivery service—particularly since the flat where she stayed was on the third floor—and “village life in general.”

“They have a High Street, which is much like our Main Street,” she said. “There were shops, a library, churches, the bank, pubs—everything is close by. I could walk almost everywhere.”

During her time in England, Smith managed to recruit a few new Auburn fans.

“One little boy now has an Auburn room at his house,” she said. “And on my last day, the kids answered roll call with, ‘War Eagle, Miss Smith!’” ❖

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Jonathan and Kim Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Aug. 2013 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Septmeber 5th, 2013 issue. Please email or fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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16 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

Theatrical Tales

Life Celebrating the Arts

Universal Language

Birmingham Actress Loves Telling a Story Onstage

By Keysha Drexel

Bulgarian-born Musician Feels at Home with Alabama Symphony

Sandley adapted the script to feature two actresses playing the Fitzgerald role. The middle-aged Fitzgerald was played by Ashley Bishop, who shares more than just For Elizabeth-Anne Ronk, good “The Last Flapper” credits with Ronk. theater tells a story in a compelling and “Ashley graduated from the Alabama interesting way that transports the audiSchool of Fine Arts about 18 years before ence away from its everyday reality for a I was a student there,” Ronk said. “She’s couple of hours. like me in that she grew up here and And the Mountain Brook thespian’s wanted to live here again but also wanted most recent role as Zelda Fitzgerald certo be involved in great theater.” tainly gave her a chance to test her chops While Ronk and Bishop were both stuin the storytelling department.

Ronk, 23, played the role of the young dents at ASFA, Ronk never graduated.

In 2008 when she was 17, Ronk Fitzgerald in the Birmingham Festival dropped out of school, packed up her car Theatre’s production of “The Last and drove by herself all the way to Maine Flapper” over the summer. to attend the College of the Atlantic.

The College of the Atlantic was founded in 1969 as an alternative to a traditional liberal arts college. There are no departments, and all students design their own majors from among the areas of art and design, environmental science and human studies. Students interview to get into the school, which prides itself on small classes of about 12 students.

“I didn’t know a single soul above the Mason-Dixon Line, but it was a very unique school and a great opportunity, so I went for it,” she said.

The redhead said she’s always had an inclination to dive into a good opportunity.

“I started doing theater in the summer between the fourth and fifth grade,” she said. “My first role was Tatiana in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and I jumped into it head first and loved it instantly.”

Elizabeth-Anne Ronk of Mountain Brook Ronk said all the stories she gets to is an actress who most recently starred tell when she takes on a character is what in “The Last Flapper” at Birmingham initially drew her to theater and what Festival Theatre. Photo special to The Journal keeps her treading the boards.

“Some people like the stardom aspect “Zelda was an intense character to play, but I don’t think she was any crazier or becoming other people through acting, but I like telling than the rest of us, and I hope that story came stories, and it’s an Birmingham Festival through in the play,” amazing feeling to be Theatre she said. able to do that as an Birmingham Festival The William actor,” she said.

Theatre was started in 1972 by Luce play covers Ronk said she Birmingham actors Carl Stewart, the last few hours of thinks she loves Randy Marsh and Vic Fichtner and Fitzgerald’s life in words and stories so moved to its current location at 1948 and is based much because of her 1905 ½ 11th Ave. South in 1973. almost entirely on her childhood. During Birmingham Festival Theatre has own words. The story most summers, she staged more than 250 productions of a woman who lived works as a camp involving more than 50 directors, in the shadow of her counselor in North nearly 1,000 actors and 500 crew husband, literary giant Carolina, where she people. The F. Scott Fitzgerald, will entertain her productions unfolds as she speaks young charges with have been to her parents, her psystories around the seen by chiatrist and even her campfire. She also almost younger self, played by attends the Selma 100,000 audience members. Its Ronk.

Tall-Tellin’ Festival next show will be “Clybourne Park” The play was origievery year.

Sept. 12-28. For more information, nally a one-woman “I started reading visit www.bftonline.org.

See RONK, page 17 show. Director Don Journal editor

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

By Keysha Drexel

remember being attracted to how beautiful the violin looked and sounded,” he said.

Music education was taken seriously Viktor Dulguerov is the son of professional pianists, so it’s no real surprise that in his house, Dulguerov said, and so from the ages of 5-18, he trained and practiced he grew up to be a professional musician. and worked toward being the best violinBut the 32-year-old violinist never ist he could be. guessed he would someday be a member “My parents were serious about my of an orchestra in the Deep South. musical education, and I’m so thankful Dulguerov was born in Sofia, of them for providing that opportunity to Bulgaria, and started playing the violin me,” he said. at the age of 5. He’s been a member of Dulguerov said he, too, put a premium the first violin section in the Alabama on quality music eduSymphony Orchestra cation, and so he set for five years and now Alabama Symphony his sights on going to calls Hoover his home.

Orchestra college in the U.S. “Growing up, I The ASO began with a group of “I was drawn to always knew I wanted volunteer musicians in 1921 and the quality of the eduto be a musician, but has evolved into the state’s only cation offered here I never thought that I full-time professional orchestra. in the States and had would be a musician The ASO employs 54 salaried heard from friends here,” he said. “I feel musicians who give more than 190 who had a great expevery fortunate and performances a year. The ASO rience here,” he said. lucky to be able to serves nearly 100,000 people a When he was 18, make music with such year through its concert series, Dulguerov met a wonderful colleagues.” youth programs, educational and visiting music proWhile Dulguerov community engagement efforts. fessor from the U.S. did continue in the For more information, visit www. and was offered a family business, very alabamasymphony.org. scholarship to come early on he decided and study music in that he didn’t want to Florida. follow in his parents’ “I jumped at the footsteps in one way. chance. I was a little “I started off with nervous, of course, piano lessons, but I but more excited than was introduced to other anything,” he said. instruments,” he said. “I didn’t like piano Dulguerov, who knew very little that much, and when the time came for English at the time, packed his bags and me to decide what instrument I wanted to moved thousands of miles away from his learn, I chose the violin.”

Bulgarian home to pursue a bachelor’s It’s hard to say what attracts a 5-yeardegree in music at the Harid Conservatory old to one instrument over another, School of Music at Lynn University in Dulguerov said.

Boca Raton, Fla. “When you’re that young, you really See Dulguerov, page 17 don’t understand much about music, but I Journal editor

also in this section

Viktor Dulguerov of Hoover is a violinist with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

Photo special to the Journal

Caroline Hubbard shares her love for her city and for the Arts Page 18 Young dancer prepares for prestigious competition Page 18 Birthday present led Libby Pantazis to painting Page 20 Plus Arts Directory and About Town arts Calendar

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Dulguerov, From page 16

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Dulguerov auditioned and was accepted into graduate school at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa. He lived there for five years while he earned his degree.

“I played in regional orchestras and got more into the teaching aspect of music. I taught violin lessons and enjoyed that. Then I started auditioning for jobs with different orchestras,” he said. “That’s when I learned about the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.”

Dulguerov auditioned for the ASO and was

RoNk,

From page 16

at a very early age, so I’ve had this fascination with words and characters and scenes and stories for a long time,” she said.

While she usually does a lot of research for the characters she plays, that wasn’t the case as she prepared to take on the role of the young Fitzgerald.

“Ashley did a lot of research and read nearly everything ever written on Zelda or by Zelda, but I only really looked into her childhood,” Ronk said.

That’s because she wanted her portrayal of Fitzgerald as a child to be uncluttered by the aspects of the Jazz Age symbol’s personality that Bishop was portraying, she said.

“I had to play Zelda in that moment when she didn’t know how her life was going to unfold,” she said.

“The Last Flapper” marked Ronk’s return to the stage after a brief hiatus during which she got married and moved back into the Mountain Brook house where she grew up.

Ronk and her husband, Zac, were married on New Year’s Eve last year.

“It’s kind of funny. My mom got married and moved out of the house, and I got married and moved back in,” she said.

When she’s not pursuing roles in the Birmingham metro area, Ronk works at Mason Music in Mountain Brook Village giving voice and music lessons.

“We have a lot of great young theater talent in this area, and I think this is a great place to be a young actor,” she said.

While she has girlfriends who are pursuing acting careers in New York and Los Angeles, Ronk said she feels blessed to be able to practice her craft in her hometown.

“I love to travel and we travel a lot, but I always love to come back home, too,” she said. “I wanted stability, and that’s why I’m not out in New York or Los Angeles thinking that if I land one in 1,000 auditions that I’m successful.”

Ronk said there are a couple of shows on the horizon locally that she might get involved with. But for now, she’s enjoying settling into married life.

“We’re learning how to settle into a joint life. We’re excited about the future, but we’re just feeling really blessed to be where we are right now,” she said. ❖

life accepted for the first violin section.

“I started doing research on Birmingham, the place that would be my new home, and I found it kind of interesting that Birmingham was once called the Pittsburgh of the South,” he said.

For the last five years, Dulguerov has been a member of the ASO and has been settling into life in the Over the Mountain area.

Dulguerov met his wife, a New Zealand native, while they were both graduate students at Carnegie Mellon University.

“We are a very musical family. My wife is a musician and music teacher. She teaches private lessons and music programs in this area. She teaches piano, viola and violin,” he said.

Seven months ago, the Dulguerov duet became a trio when daughter Natalie was born.

“We definitely can’t wait to see if she’s interested in music,” he said. “When I was a little

‘The Birmingham area is a great scene for music and for the arts. I’m excited about the great music we’re preparing for the new season.’ child, there was music all around me, and she will also be exposed to lots of music. It’s very exciting to see what the future holds for her.”

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 17

Dulguerov said he is also excited about the ASO’s new season, which kicks off with the Maestro’s Ball on Sept. 6 at the Alys Stephens Center.

“The Birmingham area is a great scene for music and for the arts. I’m excited about the great music we’re preparing for the new season,” he said.

The violinist said he feels blessed to be able to earn a living doing what he loves to do.

“When you have a passion for music, it is just something that you have to have in your life,” he said. “For me, it’s such an enjoyment to be able to perform music for a living. It’s not a job at all.” ❖

18 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

Community Creativity Caroline Hubbard Shares Her Love for Her City and for the Arts

By Donna Cornelius

Journal features writer

Caroline Hubbard has found a way to combine two passions.

The 31-year-old grew up in Montgomery but said she loves her adopted city, Homewood.

“It’s such a diverse and creative place to live,” she said.

Hubbard is also an artist in an unusual medium: glass blowing and design.

As chairman of the Homewood Arts Council, she’s able to support both her city and her fellow artists, whether they paint, sing or express themselves in other creative ways.

The council is “the voice of these people,” Hubbard said. “We want to make sure they’re recognized. And we want to create art experiences for the community.

“There’s so much talent in Homewood. It makes our job easy.”

Hubbard spent two years at Auburn University at Montgomery before deciding to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.

“I started out in woodworking and furniture design but then swapped over to glass blowing and design,” she said.

“I liked the fluid material used in glass blowing and the immediate results.”

While she loved her studies, she said, she missed Southern hospitality and warm weather. She eagerly returned to Alabama in 2003 to take a job at Bear Creek Glass, then located at Birmingham’s Pepper Place.

“We made glass sinks, pendant lights and chandeliers,” she said.

She also helped create major pieces to exhibit at KBIS, the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show--and discovered another talent.

“I had the opportunity to play around in all areas of the business,” she said. “I got into the marketing side.”

After pursuing other artistic jobs, including a stint with Eclectic Pottery, Hubbard joined the Homewood Chamber of Commerce as executive assistant.

“I fell in love with Homewood,” she said. “It’s one of the most accepting and Homewood Arts Council

The Homewood Arts Council plans, supports and encourages free community art experiences and provide outlets for local artists. Members, appointed by the Homewood City Council, are Caroline Hubbard, Emily Evans, Jeremie Kirkwood, Diane Litsey, Bob Tedrow and Jennifer Warren.

The council’s next event is Symphony under the Stars, a free concert by the Alabama Symphony, on Sept. 28 at Homewood’s Central Park. For more information about the group, check out its Facebook page or email HomewoodALArtsCouncil@gmail.com.

welcoming communities around. There’s an energy here.”

Hubbard said Homewood Arts Council members make a great team.

“We all put in our equal share of

Caroline Hubbard is chairman of the Homewood Arts Council and also has experience as an artist in glass blowing and design. Photo special to The Journal

work,” she said. “Everyone gets a say.”

The arts council actually had existed before but had become inactive, said Homewood City Councilwoman Jenifer Champ Wallis. She proposed reviving the council and asked to be appointed its city council liaison.

The new arts council “has been amazing from the get-go,” Wallis said.

“They’re so excited to be reinvigorating the arts in Homewood.”

Wallis said Hubbard is an “amazing leader We couldn’t have had a better person for the job.”

One of the council’s first projects is called “Live@.”

“It’s a series that focuses on certain areas of art at different locations,” Hubbard said. “We just finished a music series in August. We hosted musicians at local coffee shops. We’re hoping to have a spoken word series in November and also a Painting in the Park series.”

Red Dot Gallery owner Dori DeCamillis and daughter Annabelle have agreed to teach outdoor painting lessons, Hubbard said.

The arts council is partnering with the city of Homewood and the Homewood City Schools Board of Education to host Symphony under the Stars, a free outdoor concert by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 at Homewood’s Central Park.

“A music ensemble from Homewood schools will open the show at 6 p.m.,” Hubbard said.

Also in the works is a community art gallery at Homewood City Hall.

Although Hubbard has loved the creative process ever since she took art lessons as a 3-year-old, she’s happy to have found a new niche. She recently became assistant director of development at Mitchell’s Place, which serves children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

“I feel like I’m a better promoter than an artist,” Hubbard said. “In developing and marketing, you have to think outside the box—just like an artist does.” ❖

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

On Her Toes

Young Dancer Prepares for Prestigious Competition

By Keysha Drexel

in middle school. You work really hard when you’re preparing for a performance,” she said.

The payoff, Sisk said, comes the minEven though she is only 13 years old, Kathryn-Taylor Sisk has put a lot of miles ute the curtain is raised and she is in her place on stage. on her dance shoes.

“I love that moment. There are just The Oak Mountain Middle School so many people there and you’ve worked eighth-grader has been dancing since she really hard to get ready for the perforwas 2 years old and said she can’t imagine having grown up without dance in her mance, and then you have a chance to show everyone in the audience what life. you’ve been working so hard and for so “It’s a lot of work, but I love performlong to accomplish,” she said. ing. I love dancing in front of an audiSisk said she’s been logging extra ence, and I can’t imagine not doing it,” hours in the dance studio lately to prepare she said. not only for “The Nutcracker” auditions A member of the Alabama Youth but also for a prestigious competition for Ballet Company in Shelby County, Sisk young ballerinas. is already a veteran performer in the “I’m going to be in the studio a lot company’s annual holiday presentation of longer than the other girls because I’m “The Nutcracker” and is set to perform in preparing for the Youth America Grand the 2013 production.

Prix next year,” she said.

She has been a member of the The Youth America Grand Prix is one Alabama Youth Ballet Company, a nonof the world’s largest student ballet comprofit pre-professional youth ballet trainpetitions. The program ing program and perawards more than formance company of $250,000 each year in Alabama Youth Ballet dancers, since she was Company scholarships to leading in the sixth grade. dance schools worldThe Alabama Youth Ballet “I’ve been the wide. The competition Company is a nonprofit preDewdrop Fairy and is held annually in citprofessional youth the lead Candy Cane ies around the world ballet training program before, and I’m and is open to dance and performance excited to see what students between the company of dancers. part I get this year. We ages of 9-19.

Founded in 2004, just had auditions,” “The competition the AYBC presents she said. is not until March, but professionallySisk said although I’ve got to start prestyled classical she was just a todparing now. I’m going and contemporary dler when she started to the competition in ballet performances, dance classes, she Atlanta, and if I do including Shelby County’s instantly took to the well there, I get to go only civic performance of “The art form. on and compete in Nutcracker.” For more information, “I was too little New York,” Sisk said. visit alabamayouthballet.info. to realize what path “They award a lot of I was taking at scholarships for sumthat time, but I just mer intensives, and I would love to win remember loving it from the very beginone of those.” ning,” she said.

Sisk said her dream role is to be one At first, Sisk said, she enjoyed the tap of the principal dancers in “Swan Lake” and jazz dance classes more than she did someday. ballet classes.

“That would be a dream come true.

“You get to be a little more loose in That’s my favorite ballet,” she said. jazz and have a little more leeway in the Sisk said even though she’s still in creativity department, and I really loved middle school, she has been thinking a lot jazz more than anything when I first lately about pursuing a career as a professtarted dancing,” she said. sional dancer.

But that all changed when she had “I think I have some time to decide for advanced enough in her ballet studies to sure, but I like the idea of being a professtart studying pointe. sional dancer,” she said. “Sometimes, “It’s kind of funny, but when I was I’m 100 percent sure that’s what I want younger, ballet wasn’t my favorite,” she to do, and other times I think about doing said. “But when I got my pointe shoes, something else. I think that being a nurse that was it. I was obsessed.” would be cool.”

Sisk said she can’t even estimate the Outside of her life as a dancer, Sisk hours she has spent in dance classes and is involved in the Student Government practicing on her own over the Association at Oak Mountain Middle years. and is one of the school’s ambassadors.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in See sisk, page 20 the studio even though I’m just Journal editor

Kathryn-Taylor Sisk is a dancer with the Alabama Youth Ballet Company. Photo special to the Journal

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

OTM Arts Directory

“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home,” said dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp.

That’s especially true for Over the Mountain-area artists and art lovers. Dance and music companies, galleries, museums and theaters abound, with plenty of opportunities to participate, to learn or just to appreciate.

Our directory is a partial list of organizations that keep the Over the Mountain arts scene vital—and a close-to-home way to express, enjoy and escape.

ALabama Ballet Established in 1981, Alabama Ballet’s conception was an extension of Birmingham Civic Ballet, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Ballet and Ballet Alabama. Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski, world-renowned dancers, were the company’s first artistic directors.

Through their direction and artistry, the company was able to achieve success among professional dance companies.

Alabama Ballet’s mission is to change and enhance lives through high-quality performances, dance education and community outreach. For more information, visit www.alabamaballet.org.

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Located in Birmingham’s Civil Rights District, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame allows its visitors to explore the history of jazz and the city of Birmingham. In 1993 the hall of fame opened a museum to support the community’s education on the art form. Members include Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Birmingham’s own Erskine Hawkins. For more information, visit www.jazzhall.com/index.htm.

ARtists on the Bluff Artists on the Bluff members use its facilities in the Bluff Park community of Hoover as studios or to teach art classes.

The space is home to the Soon-Bok Lee Sellers Gallery and the Artists on the Bluff Gallery. Several classes are also held there. For more information, visit www.

artistsonthebluff.com.

Artists Incorporated Artists Incorporated was opened in Vestavia Hills by a group of nine artists with the idea of giving Birmingham area artists a place to showcase their work on a daily basis. The gallery is housed in what was a working dairy barn in 1929 and now holds art representing 50 artists and craftsmen from across the state.

The gallery hosts an opening reception on the first Friday night of every month.

The receptions are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www. artistsincorporated.com.

ArtPlay ArtPlay, an outreach program started by the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, values and encourages selfexpression through art and creativity, which is an integral part of development and communication regardless of age. For more information, visit artplayasc.org.

Birmingham Art Association In 1908 artists Della Dryer, Willie McLaughlin, Alice Rumph and Mamie Holfield formed the BAA to promote local art and artists. The BAA has entertained guests such as the Italian-born artist Giuseppe Moretti, sculptor of Birmingham’s iconic Vulcan statue. For more information, visit www.birminghamartassociation.org.

Birmingham Boys Choir

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 19

life The Birmingham Boys Choir gives talented boys the opportunity to more fully develop their gifts in an area of concentrated study as it teaches them discipline, integrity, professionalism and teamwork. Each year, the choir performs two major concerts of sacred and secular music. The choir also performs regularly at churches, schools and other organizations and has traveled extensively, representing Birmingham throughout the world. For more information, visit www. birminghamboyschoir.com.

Birmingham Girls Choir Formerly the Birmingham Children’s Choir, the Birmingham Girls Choir allows girls to expand their vocal abilities through choral music. The choir performs at community events. Choir directors are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for choir members.

For more information, visit www. birminghamchildrenschoir.org.

Birmingham Museum of Art The museum’s current building was erected in 1951 and was the result of interest in establishing a museum for Birmingham. The museum houses more than 25,000 artifacts and has one of the most impressive collections of art in the Southeast. For more information, visit www.artsbma.org.

Children’s Dance Foundation CDF began in 1975 as a way to foster the abilities of children and those with disabilities. It now works weekly with more than 2,000 students of all ages and abilities. The organization’s mission is to provide the best services and programs to its students while offering opportunities for students to grow through creativity. For more information, visit www. childrensdancefoundation.org.

HOover Library Theatre With an intimate setting, Hoover Library

Theatre features professional artists in the heart of the city. Each year, the Hoover Library Theatre presents a slate of entertainers from around the world.

The Library Theatre is sponsored in part by the city of Hoover and the Friends of the Hoover Public Library. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.org.

Music Opportunity Program The Musical Opportunity Program offers instructional programs throughout the Birmingham metro area with the aim of involving young people with string instruments through meaningful educational experiences that will lead to a lifelong love of and involvement in the performing arts. The program has two divisions--one for instrument instruction and a youth orchestra division. The MOP students and orchestra students perform several times a year at metro Birmingham area schools and other venues. For more information, visit www.musicopprogram. org.

information, visit www.operabirmingham. org.

Red Mountain Theatre Company In 1970 James Hatcher of the University of Alabama in Birmingham Theatre Department and Birmingham Mayor David Vann established what was then called Summerfest. It began as a summer “stock” company and years later still provides year-round musical theater performances.

The company prides itself on its high quality productions and performances and educational outreach. For more information, visit www.redmountaintheatre. org.

Space One Eleven Since its debut in 1986, Space One Eleven’s mission is to support local artists, well-known and obscure, professionals and beginners in an effort to support and spark public dialogue among members of the community. For more information, visit spaceoneeleven.org.

Mountain Brook Art Association Founded in 1981, the Mountain Brook Art Association strives to stimulate two-dimensional painting and drawing by encouraging individual and group development and sponsoring two annual shows. Membership is open to those who live within a 25-mile radius of Mountain Brook City Hall. For more information, visit mountainbrookartassociation.com.

The Seasoned Performers The Seasoned Performers was founded in 1984 as a creative outlet for older individuals and today features professional and community actors interested in contributing to their communities. The performers are committed to bringing live theater to those in underserved areas. For more information, visit www. seasonedperformers.org.

Opera Birmingham Opera Birmingham, the only professional opera company in Northern and Central Alabama, has been entertaining audiences with world-class operatic productions and concerts since 1955. Founded as the Birmingham Civic Opera, the company merged with Southern Regional Opera in 1986. It became the Birmingham Opera Theater for its 1987 season and finally became known as Opera Birmingham in 1996. For more

Virginia Samford Theatre A Birmingham historical landmark, the Virginia Samford Theatre was founded in 1927 and served as a place for the community to gather and enjoy production-worthy performances of the classics. After two revivals, one after World War II and the other in 1999, the theater still serves as a means for creative individuals to showcase their talents. For more information, visit www. virginiasamfordtheatre.org. ❖

20 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

life

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

A birthday present from her husband five years ago led a Vestavia Hills attorney to hang up her briefcase and take up a paintbrush.

Libby Pantazis received painting lessons from her husband as a gift and loved it so much, she retired in 2010 from Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis, where she practiced civil rights law.

Now she is focused full time on a career as a visual artist.

At first glance, her former career as an attorney seems diametrically opposed to her new venture as an artist, but Pantazis insists they really are not all that different.

“I always thought creatively and wrote interesting briefs when I was a practicing attorney. I was the one that the other people in the firm would come to when they needed to think out of the box or when they needed a different perspective,” she said. “Now, I have just transferred my creative writing talent to oils on canvas.”

Pantazis’ oil paintings of bicycles and boats, pitchers and popsicles and pomegranates and people can be seen at Arceneaux Art Gallery in Homewood and as a part of the annual ArtWalk Sept. 6-7 in Birmingham. She’s affiliated with the Mountain Brook Art Association and the Birmingham Art Association and has had her paintings in shows at Indian Springs School, Littlehouse Gallery and the 2011 Decorators’ ShowHouse. She’s also participated in the Birmingham Art Association’s Village Art Festival and the Mountain Brook Art Association’s spring and holiday shows.

“It’s been a real whirlwind, but that’s typical for me,” she said. “I tend to jump into things feet first.”

Shortly after her first painting lessons, Pantazis said, she began immersing herself in studying painting.

“I took a two-week workshop in France and signed up for every opportunity to study, whether it was local or in California. I traveled to Spain and New York and just soaked up as much as I could,” she said. “It was a quick education, but I’ve been very serious about it.”

That mix of seriousness and creativity is

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The Gift of Art

Birmingham ARtWalk

ArtWalk is an arts festival that transforms Birmingham’s loft neighborhood into an arts district featuring the work of more than 100 visual artists plus live musicians, street performers, food and drink vendors and children’s activities. Over the last two years, the free event has attracted more than 10,000 people.

This year’s festival will be Sept. 6-7 in Birmingham’s historic loft district on Morris, 1st and 2nd Ave. N. between 22nd and 25th St.For more information, visit www. birminghamartwalk.org.

Husband’s Birthday Present Led Libby Pantazis to Painting

Libby Pantazis of Vestavia Hills is a visual artist affiliated with the Mountain Brook Art Association and the Birmingham Art Association. Her work can be found in Homewood’s Arceneaux Art Gallery and will be a part of ArtWalk on Sept. 6-7.

Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

something Pantazis said has always been her hallmark.

“Even as a child, I was the debater, but I was very creative at the same time. I knew I wanted to go to law school as early as the ninth grade, but as soon as I got home from school every day, I was off to tap or ballet classes,” she said.

Even with the hectic schedule of a law student, Pantazis said she didn’t let her need to be creative fall by the wayside.

“I was dancing in a ballet and I had my law books backstage so that I could study during rehearsal breaks,” she said.

While she was in law school in Mississippi, she met Dennis Pantazis, and the two were married in 1981.

“Dennis is from Birmingham, so we made this our home,” she said.

The couple raised three sons. One son practices law alongside his father at Wiggins,

Childs, Quinn & Pantazis, and another just graduated from law school.

But just because she was juggling a career as an attorney and raising a family doesn’t mean Pantazis ever let her creative spark die.

“It was quite the opposite, really. I found that having children opened up an entirely new way for me to be creative.

I had a blast painting with them when they were growing up and taking them to art museums and different art events,” she said. “I say that if you can check your child out of school and take them to the symphony, do it.”

Pantazis said she feels it is important to nurture creativity in all children whether they want to grow up to be engineers or actors.

“All of my boys are still creative in their own way, and I think they all have an appreciation for the arts,” she said. “It’s something I tried to instill in them as they were growing up and finding out what interested them.”

Her husband and her sons are her biggest fans, Pantazis said, and she trusts them to give their honest opinions of her artwork.

“They are very supportive and give me ideas all the time. They critique my work, and I trust their opinions,” she said.

Pantazis said she loves painting with oils because of the depth of the colors and light she is able to create in that medium.

At the moment, she’s painting lots of bicycles, boats and buildings.

“It’s really an obsession. Some of that is trying to get it right, and some of it is an appreciation of what you’re painting,” she said. “I love the curves of a boat and how the light reflects on the water when you’re in a boat. It takes me back to my childhood.”

Pantazis’ childhood was spent at military bases all over the country. She was born in Alaska and finished high school in Jackson, Miss.

“I say I’m from Jackson, Mississippi, knowing full well that I’m really an Army brat,” she said with a laugh.

Pantazis said she used to research the places she would live as a child and that those skills have served her well as both an attorney and an artist.

“Of course, with law, research is a huge part of it, but I’ve also found that I love to research the buildings that I paint. When I was practicing law, my research had to be pure with no shortcuts with everything documented, and I’m the same way when I’m doing research for a painting,” she said.

Pantazis said she tries to paint every day, and if she doesn’t, she will feel that pull toward the canvas.

“It’s like an itch that you just have to get.

You have this idea and you have to put it down on the canvas, and then you feel absolutely wonderful,” she said.

Pantazis is getting ready to exhibit her paintings at the 2013 ArtWalk in Birmingham Sept.

6-7.

She also has a new website where art patrons can browse through some of her work. For more information, visit libbypantazis.com. ❖

Arts Calendar

sisk,

From page 18

She said her favorite classes at school are history and English.

“I’m a fairly decent writer, and I like history because I feel like it’s like one big story that we get to learn,” she said.

Sisk said she approaches her schoolwork just like she does her work in the dance studio.

“I’m a perfectionist and I’m my own worst critic. I’m pretty hard on myself sometimes, but I want to get it just right,” she said.

Sisk said she thinks no matter what the future holds for her, dance will always be a part of her life.

“I can’t imagine not dancing in some way. It gets in your blood. You practice this really, really challenging performance or combination, and you do it over and over and over until finally, you get it 100 percent the way it should be, and that’s the best feeling ever,” she said. ❖

Hoover

North Shelby

Irish Bands Performance Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m.

Moonlight on the Mountain Moonlight on the Mountain will host two of Ireland’s hottest bands on Sept.

5. We Banjo Three and Banna de Dha will perform in a show starting at 7:30 p.m. and presented by Homewood Musical Instrument Company. Tickets are $15 at the door. Arrive early to get seats. Moonlight on the Mountain is at 585 Shades Crest Road in Hoover.

For more information, visit www. moonlightonthemtn.com or call 8794868.

Hoover

Dailey & Vincent Sept. 12-13 Hoover Library Theatre A bluegrass band that has won Vocal Group of the Year three times from the International Bluegrass Music Association will kick off the new season at the Hoover Library Theatre. Dailey & Vincent will perform at the library theatre at 8 p.m. on Sept. 12 and 13.

Tickets are $25. For more information, visit www.TheLibraryTheatre.com or call 444-7888.

Burn7 ArtMusicDance Fest Sept. 7, noon-midnight Oak Mountain State Park The Burn7 ArtMusicDance Fest will be from noon to midnight on Sept. 7 at Oak Mountain State Park. The festival is free for all ages. This is described as a do-it-yourself, bring-your-own festival, and those attending are encouraged to bring their own art supplies, music, food, drinks and tents. At sundown, a large wooden effigy will be burned. For more information, visit www.burningman.com, email anbrown@uab.edu or call 334868-9555.

The bluegrass band Dailey & Vincent will kick off the new season at the Hoover Public Library this month. Photo special to the Journal Birmingham

Robert Morgan Book Signing Sept. 6, 4 p.m.

Alabama Booksmith National bestselling author Robert Morgan will sign copies of his latest novel in Homewood on Sept. 6.

Morgan will sign copies of “A Road to Gap Creek” at 4 p.m. at Alabama Booksmith,

2626 19th Place South.

The book is the follow-up to Morgan’s 1999 “Gap Creek,” a pick for Oprah’s Book Club. Copies can be reserved at Alabama Booksmith for $29.95. For more information, visit www. alabamabooksmith.com or call 870-4242.

Robert Morgan

Birmingham

Photography Exhibit Opening Sept. 8 Birmingham Museum of Art Acclaimed photographer Dawoud Bey presents “The Birmingham Project,” an exhibition of portraits which symbolically commemorates the children who lost their lives in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham 50 years ago. Admission is free. For more information, visit artsbma.org.

Homewood

Faculty Art Show Reception

Sept. 10, 5-7 p.m.

Samford University Art Gallery The 2013-14 Samford University Arts season opens with a public reception in the art gallery from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 10. The reception is for a free exhibition of the recent artwork by the university’s visual arts faculty. The works, in various media, will be on display at the gallery through Sept. 30.

Exhibiting faculty artists include Mary Ann Culotta, Richard Dendy, Scott Fisk, Shannon Flynt, Don Rankin, Robin Snyder, Larry Thompson, Lowell Vann and Mary White. The art gallery is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www. samford.edu.

Homewood

Book Talk and Signing with Wendy Reed Sept. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Homewood Public Library Auburn-based author Wendy Reed will have a book talk and book signing at the Homewood Public Library from 6:307:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. Reed will discuss her book, “An Accidental Memoir: How I Killed Someone and Other Stories,” in the library’s large auditorium. The book is about a car wreck on Interstate 65 in which Reed was involved and which left a 34-year-old woman dead.

The event is free. The library is at 1721 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call 332-6620.

Homewood

The Exceptional Foundation Art Show and Auction Sept. 19, 6-9 pm.

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 21

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

The Exceptional Foundation The Alabama Society of CPAs Birmingham Young CPA chapter will present the Exceptional Foundation Art Show and Auction from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 19 at the Exceptional Foundation in Homewood. Special needs program participants create art to sell at the event. Proceeds enable the foundation to keep program fees affordable. Guests will be treated to music, wine, beer and a variety of food donated by local restaurants. Silent auction donations will include artwork by Exceptional Foundation participants, a local artists’ section and items donated by local businesses. Tickets are $35.

For more information, visit www. exceptionalfoundation.org.

commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Birmingham Civil Rights events. The performance will feature songs from the album as well as covers such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “This Little Light of Mine.” The performance will also feature Atlanta-based Five Men on a Stool and singer Tracy Hamlin. Tickets are $38. For more information, visit alysstephens.org or call 975-2787.

Homewood

An Evening with Rick Bragg Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m.

Rosewood Hall Rick Bragg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and author of the bestselling memoirs “All Over but the Shoutin’” and “Ava’s Man,” will be at Rosewood Hall in Homewood on Sept. 20 for a fundraiser for the Friends of the Homewood Public Library. An Evening with Rick Bragg kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with Bragg’s presentation followed by a book signing. Refreshments will be served. Advance tickets are required.

Tickets are $25. Call 332-6625 or come by the Adult Services Department at the library to purchase tickets. All proceeds will support Friends of the Homewood Public Library.

BIrmingham

Eric Essix Birmingham

Eric Essix Album Premiere Sept. 19, 7 p.m.

Alys Stephens Center The Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center will present Birmingham’s Eric Essix in concert Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. Essix will debut his 20th album, “Evolution,” in

Art On Stage Sept. 21, 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Birmingham Museum of Art The Birmingham Museum of Art and the Birmingham Art Association will present a second collaboration of Art On Stage from 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the museum. Hosted by interior designer Steve Holmes, the event will allow audience members to experience the art-making process

firsthand as artists including Doug Baulos, Eric Johnson, Tena Payne and Trent Jones put their skills to the test. Advance registration is required.

Tickets are $35. A continental breakfast and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, visit www. birminghamartassociation.org or www. artsbma.org.

Birmingham

Alabama Ballet at Home Sept. 27-29 Alabama Ballet School A lively performance will kick off the

2013-14 season of the Alabama Ballet at Home program on Sept. 27-29. The show will include performances of George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante, Roger Van Fleteme’s UnRaveled and a pas de deux from the Kingdom of the Shades scene of “La Bayadere,” which will be reprised on Ovation this spring.

Complimentary drinks will be served.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.alabamaballet.org or by calling the box office at 975-2787.

Alabama Ballet at Home is performed at the Alabama Ballet Center for Dance on First Avenue South in Birmingham. ❖

22 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Gallery Gathering Revamped Art on the Rocks Welcomes Thousands

N

early 6,000 guests streamed through the galleries and gardens of the Birmingham Museum of Art for the successful ninth season of Art on the Rocks.

For the third and final event on Aug. 9, the museum continued its theme of “performance art” and featured musical guest Man or Astro-Man? “This year, we worked hard to revamp Art on the Rocks to give our guests a really outstanding evening experience in which people could interact with the art in a new and different way. We partnered with Birmingham’s best cultural institutions to highlight the tremendous talent and creativity our city offers,” said Gail Andrew, R. Hugh Daniel director of the museum.

The museum debuted many art-inspired special performances, including opera, ballet, contemporary dance, drawing, photography and more. Guests participated in screen printing, time-lapse portraits, photo booths and visual wall art.

While Art on the Rocks has come to an end until next summer, the museum plans to continue to entertain downtown year round with Junior Patron events geared towards young professionals. The museum also stays open late for tapas, drinks and free activities during its monthly First Thursday programs. ❖

From left: Jenni Beard, Stephanie Vaught, Morgan Murphy, Emily Baergen and Tommy Kitsmiller Jr.

Photos special to the Journal

more photos at

OTMJ.COM Angela King Layman, Paige Gilliland and Devon Watson.

Katherine Herring and Drew Coleman.

Jim Cavale, Yazmin Reyes Cavale and Frank D. Adair.

Alan Dobbs, Marcie Corser, Dallas Baker and Troy Maloney.

Margaret Kloess and Nelle Douglas.

Matt Hooper and Heather VacLav.

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 23

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Poinsettia Men’s Club President John D. Cade with the 2013 Poinsettia Debutantes who were announced recently at an afternoon party in Vestavia Hills. Photo special to the Journal

Deb Season Opener

Grand openinG october 12!!!

Poinsettia Debutantes Announced at Party The Poinsettia Men’s Club announced the 2013 Poinsettia Debutantes at a recent afternoon party.

The event was held on June 23 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Douglas Guest of Vestavia Hills and officially kicked off the debutante season.

It was one of several parties that will be held for the young women this year before they are presented at the 47th annual Poinsettia Debutante Ball on Dec. 28 at Vestavia Country Club.

President John D. Cade introduced each debutante to the group while giving the names of their parents and information on where the debutantes attend school.

The debutantes were presented with a scrapbook as a gift by Nancy K. Kennedy, president of the Ballet Women’s Committee.

The 2013 Poinsettia Debutantes are Brantley Peddy, Cate Cullen, Margaret Murphy, Emily Carlton, Hannah Kahn, Lauren Marino, Stephanie Burrus, Elizabeth McDaniel, Skye McCammon, Megan Early, Allyson Jennings, Evelyn Lewis, Britney Oliver, Katie Gould, Emily Burleson, Hannah Vawter, Kendall Schilling, Anwhitney Glisson, Mary Kathryn Fletcher, Meredith Botes, Leah Beard, Rebecca Bell, Danielle DuBose, Laura Freeman, Caitlin Hudson, Kirsten Julian, Laura Krannich, Michelle Pierce, Ariel Reynolds, Abby Rose, Anne Grace Schmidtke, Jessie Walls and Mary Kathryn Woods.

The Poinsettia Debutante Ball was

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established in 1968 at the proposal of Mrs. John W. Gustafson. The Birmingham Ballet board of trustees gave its enthusiastic approval.

In 1981, the Alabama Ballet was established as an outgrowth of the Birmingham Civic Ballet, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Ballet and the Ballet Alabama.

Gustafson and Mrs. Louis A. Prosch Jr. served as the first ball chairmen. Since that time, all proceeds from the ball have gone to support the Alabama Ballet.

In keeping with tradition, each white-gowned debutante makes her debut on the arm of her presenter, usually her father, in a setting of red poinsettias and winter greenery. The presentation and a father-daughter waltz are followed by an evening of dancing with friends and relatives attending. ❖

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To: From: Date:

Jeremy Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Aug. 2013 This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnAl for the Sept. 5, 2013 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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

24 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

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From left: Jan Hunter, Alton Parker, John Beard, Louise Beard, Ann McMillan, John English and George McMillan. Photos special to the Journal

Post-performance Party Beards Welcome ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ Cast

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John and Louise Beard’s new home on Stratford Road in the Redmont area was the setting for the cast party of “Annie Get Your Gun,” presented by the Virginia Samford Theatre in July.

Party guests, who were members of the five-star production, included Jan D. Hunter, who played Annie Oakley.

Other Virginia Samford Theatre performers on hand for the cast party were Kristi Tingle Higginbotham, Kyle Holman, Bill Bugg and Ben Burford.

Also attending were members of the theater’s executive board of directors, including Cathy and Victor Gilmore, Alton and George Ann Parker, John and Kathy English, Ann and George McMillan and Jack Mann, who directed the production. ❖

Jan Hunter, Cathy Gilmore, Louise Beard and Kristi Tingle Higginbotham.

Contact us: 205.943.5252 / www.ucpbham.com To: From: Date:

Jennifer Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Oct.. 2012 This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the nov.1 , 2012 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

From left: Wendy Morris, Francie Deaton, Deb Schneider and Lelie Macleod.

Photo special to the Journal

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

KD Alum Chapter Makes Donation to CHIPS The Mountain Brook alumnae chapter of Kappa Delta recently made a donation to Children’s Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services.

The CHIPS program promotes health and healing for abused and neglected children.

The KD alum chapter regularly makes donations and holds fundraisers for CHIPS. This year, the Kappa Delta association presented a check for $1,250 to Deb Schneider, director of the CHIPS program at Children’s of Alabama.

The money was donated for the KD Kids Grant Fund and will be used to purchase coloring books and other items for children in the CHIPS program.

Those on hand for the donation included Francie Deaton, Lelie Macleod and Wendy Morris. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Meredith Spencer, Morgan Cook, Diane Litsey, Elena Leonard, Richelle Simmons and Elizabeth Yeilding. Photo special to the Journal

Dance Foundation Fundraiser

Plans Underway for Children’s Art Guild Fashion Show Children’s Art Guild volunteers are gearing up for the group’s largest annual fundraiser.

The guild will hold its annual fashion show next spring to benefit the Children’s Dance Foundation, which is based in Homewood.

The nonprofit Children’s Dance Foundation offers opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to learn through dance and the arts.

Through grants and contributions, the foundation provides several

outreach programs for free or for small fees.

In addition to donations from individuals and businesses, Children’s Dance Foundation relies heavily on the support of the Children’s Art Guild.

The Children’s Art Guild was founded in 1979 to generate funding for the special programs of the Children’s Dance Foundation.

Children’s Dance Foundation President Diane Litsey said sup-

port of the Children’s Art Guild is crucial to the mission of the organization.

“The members are extremely generous with their time and talents,” she said. “This group is essential to ensuring that our students who are the most fragile will dance and learn with us each week.”

For more information, visit www.childrensdancefoundation.org or www.childrensartguild.org. ❖

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 25

26 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

Book Buddies

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Rotaract Members Help Ready 2 Read

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To: From: Date:

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

recently presented a check to a non-

Please make sure all information is correct,profit literacy organization that aims Birmingham students improve including address and phone number! totheirhelpreading skills.

The Rotaract Club of Birmingham presented the $35,000 check to Better If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Basics on Aug. 15 to support the your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. club’s award-winning service project, Ready 2 Read.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

The presentation was made at the club’s bi-monthly meeting.

“The Rotaract Club of Birmingham is proud to continue our tradition of service by supporting local education and literacy in the Birmingham area through our

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

annual school supplies giveaway and signature service project, Ready 2 Read.

Through these initiatives, our members have given thousands of students in the Birmingham City School system an opportunity to improve the quality of their readAbove: Bains ing skills,” Fleming, left, with Rotaract the Rotaract Club President of Birmingham presents a check Henry Long to Karen Kapp, said. executive director of Long said Better Basics. left: each August Rotaract member Mike Mahon enjoys during the school supa book with a second-grader. plies givePhotos special to the Journal away, Rotaract members package hundreds of bags of school supplies and distribute them free of charge to Birmingham area families.

The Ready 2 Read program is Rotaract’s signature service project.

The program places a full reading library and “reading buddy” in every second-grade classroom in Birmingham City Schools.

Ready 2 Read also gives young professionals in the Birmingham metro area opportunities to inspire more than 3,000 kids each year to establish a daily habit of reading.

Under Ready 2 Read, Rotaract members volunteer twice a month in second-grade classrooms. They read to the students and keep track of how many books the students have read.

The students are awarded prizes based on the number of books they success-

fully complete.

Since the program started in 2007, Ready 2 Read has helped more than 18,000 students and added an estimated 9,800 collaborative reading hours.

Karen Kapp, executive director of Better Basics, accepted the check on behalf of the nonprofit literacy organization.

“This generous donation helps offset the costs of the Ready 2 Read program, and we are extremely grateful for Rotaract Club of Birmingham’s partnership,” Kapp said.

The Rotaract Club of Birmingham is made up of young professionals committed to playing key roles in serving communities locally, nationally and globally. The club’s signature service project, Ready 2 Read, was recognized

by Rotary International as the Service Project of the Year in 2009. ❖

Boys Choir Benefit Bistro V Chef Wins Taste of B’ham Award

A Vestavia Hills restaurant won the 2013 Taster’s Choice Award at the third annual Taste of Birmingham event.

The award, voted on by guests, was given to Chef Jeremy Downey and his restaurant, Bistro V in Vestavia Hills. Bistro V is owned

by Downey and Emily Tuttle.

The annual event celebrating Birmingham’s diverse food scene benefited the Birmingham Boys Choir, supporting its work in educating boys in the art of music and professional performance. The choir travels throughout the country and overseas serving as ambassadors for the city and its culture.

Those attending Taste of Birmingham sampled appetizers, desserts, locally produced wine, locally brewed beer and other offerings from many of the city’s finest food establishments.

Guests enjoyed The Club’s city views and listened to musical selections from the Birmingham Boys Choir and the Shaun Pezant and Charlie Giambrone jazz ensembles.

The Taster’s Choice Award was presented at the end of the event.

The grand finale was a fireworks show accompanied by music from the Birmingham Boys Choir.

The guest of honor, Patty McDonald, announced the launch of a series of collaborative concerts that the Birmingham Boys Choir is about to undertake. The first will be on Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. at Samford University’s Brock Recital Hall.

The event will feature the BBC and Notinee Indian Dance Troupe, mixing music and dance. ❖

Chef Kenyon Steele, left, and Head Chef Jeremy Downey of Bistro V. Photo special to the Journal

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 27

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Kay Campbell, Judy Jackson, Barbara Randle, Margaret Rogers and Olivia Wells. Photo special to the Journal Sean “Rockstar” Heniger provided musical entertainment at the 2013 Boiling N’ Bragging event on Aug. 17.

Football, Food and Fun Fundraiser Benefits Critical Care Transport

Football fans and seafood lovers gathered for a football season kickoff party at the 2013 Boiling N’ Bragging event on Aug. 17.

About 800 people came out for the fundraiser for the Critical Care Transport unit at Children’s of Alabama.

The event at Otey’s Tavern in Mountain Brook included drink specials, kids’ activities and sports trivia.

Emcee was Lance Taylor of WJOX. Sean “Rockstar” Heniger provided musical entertainment.

Those attending showed their team spirit by dressing in their favorite teams’ colors. College teams represented included Alabama, Auburn, Georgia Tech, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee, Southern Miss, Florida State, Kentucky, UAB and Georgia.

This was the fifth year the Rotary District 6860 has hosted the preseason

Garland and Ann Stansell.

Photos special to the Journal

transport the patients. The team transports about 1,000 patients a year, said Jason Peterson, director of the Critical Care Transport program. ❖

Belvedere Study Club Begins 66th Year The Belvedere Study Club kicked off its 66th year with a luncheon meeting on Sept. 4.

The meeting was held at the Mountain Brook home of Ginger Brown with Margie Curry as the co-hostess.

The program presenter was Betty Bell, who spoke on the programs and services offered at the Bell Center.

President Barbara Randle headed up the meeting. Other club officers are Margie Curry, vice president; Ginger Brown, secretary; Olivia Wells, corresponding secretary; Susie Elliott, treasurer, and Dale Miller, parliamentarian.

The Oct. 2 meeting’s program will be presented by Jerry Desmond, executive director of the Birmingham History Center. His topic will be “Eccentricities of U.S. Presidents.”

Barbara Randle and Janis Zeanah will be the co-hostesses for the Oct. 2 meeting, which will be held at Brookdale Place.

“Wonders of Honey Bees” will be presented by Brenda Belcher at the

Nov. 6 meeting. The meeting will be held at the home of Judy Jackson with Margaret Rogers as co-hostess.

On April 2 Olivia Wells will review “The Aviator’s Wife” at her Liberty Park home with Margie Curry as co-hostess.

Judy Harvey, Kay Davidson and Florinne Campbell will co-host the May 7 luncheon meeting, when Dr. Janice Cotton will discuss “Giving China’s Children a Second Chance.”

Other hostesses for the club year will include Dale Miller, Bobbie Jean Tucker, Susie Elliott and Mary Harris.

The December and March programs will be announced at a later date. ❖

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28 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

Appleton-Rollins

Melissa Bains Appleton and Douglas Lee Rollins III were married March 16, 2013 at the Vue on 30a in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. The Rev. Andrew Ray Clayton officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mrs. William Bains Appleton and the late Mr. William Bains Appleton of Augusta, Ga. She is the granddaughter of the late Mrs. Irma Stone Morse and the late Mr. Joseph Hilburn Stone, both of Marianna, Fla., and of Ms. Madeleine Bains Appleton of Albertville, the late Mr. Jack Gower Appleton Sr. of Atlanta and Mrs. Ann Appleton Winegardner of Memphis, Tenn.

The groom is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Douglas Lee Rollins Jr. of

Baren-Morris

Drs. Peter and Isabel Baren of Mountain Brook announce the engagement of their daughter, Natalie Marie Baren, to Andrew Scott Morris, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morris of Roanoke, Va. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. Luz Barrenechea of Miami and the late Mr. Pedro Barrenechea of Miami and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joaquin Rodriguez of Leeds.

Weddings & Engagements Birmingham. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cary Logan Sr. of Birmingham and the late Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Lee Rollins Sr. of Enterprise.

The bride was given in marriage by her uncle, Jack Gower Appleton Jr. of Atlanta.

She chose Caroline Green Williams of Atlanta as her matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Mary Catherine Rollins Ferguson, sister of the groom; Elizabeth Smith Bolen, Maury Fontaine Donovan, Sara Geisking McAlister and Whitney Wilberger Voltz, all of Birmingham; Elizabeth Pilgreen Mazyck of Montgomery and Katelin Walker McCrory of Washington, D.C. The flower girl was Ann Fulton Ferguson, niece of the groom, of Birmingham.

The groom chose his father as best man. Groomsmen were William Scott Appleton, brother of the bride, of Augusta; Frederick Gilbert Ferguson, brother-in-law of the groom, of Birmingham; Robert Isaac Cannon, cousin of the groom, of Enterprise; Rufus Edward Elliott IV and Robert Morris Sher of Birmingham and Branham McGraw Moore of Tuscaloosa.

Program attendants were Catherine Lee McClimans, Sarah Gibson McClimans, Nanne Caroline McClimans, Alan James McDonald Jr., Elizabeth Ann McDonald and Lucy Rollins McDonald, all of Dothan.

The couple live in Birmingham.

Miss Baren is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and the University of Alabama, where she graduated magna cum laude from the honors program with a bachelor’s degree in communicative disorders and a minor in Spanish. She received a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Alabama in 2012. Miss Baren is employed with Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Paul McDaniel of Catawba, Va., Mr. and Mrs. Bill Nichols of Roanoke and Ms. Patricia G. Nichols of Stewartsville, Va. Mr. Morris is a graduate of Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville, Va., and the College of William and Mary, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude with honors in biology and a minor in history.

He is an ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve and will receive his doctor of medicine degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and a lieutenant commission in May 2014.

The wedding will be in May 2014.

Recently engaged, married or celebrating an anniversary?

Let us help spread the word of your good news.

Send your announcement to editorial@otmj.com or visit www.otmj.com for forms and info.

Smith-Vitale

Julia Smith and Michael Vitale

Litchfield-Smith

Sarah Kathleen Litchfield and Gregory Nolan Smith were married April 27 at South Highland

Terry-Adams

Angel Nicole Terry and David

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

were married July 6 at Reid Chapel on the campus of Samford University.

Rev. Frank Blackwell officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl B. Smith of Vestavia Hills. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mario Vitale of Southlake, Texas.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride chose a formal gown of ivory silk dupioni.

The gown was fashioned with a modified sweetheart neckline, delicately edged with Alencon lace that was enhanced with hand-sewn pearls.

The gown was rouched through the natural waistline and fell to soft tufted fullness. The elegant gown carried a chapel-length train. The bride’s waist-

length veil of imported French tulle was edged with pearls and faceted crystals.

Whitney Schenk attended the bride as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Allyson Bretch, Stephanie Jackson, Katie Johnson, sister of the groom, and Meagan Kerlin.

Finnley George, cousin of the bride, was the flower girl.

Chris Starke was best man.

Groomsmen were Tyler Carlton, Jason Fanning, David Johnson, brother-in-law of the groom, and Austin Smith, brother of the bride. Zander Dakis was the ring bearer.

After a honeymoon trip to St. Lucia, the couple live in Carrollton, Texas.

Presbyterian Church. Dr. Ed Hurley officiated the ceremony. A reception followed at B&A Warehouse.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melville Dorman York III of Homewood and Mr. Wallis Glover Litchfield of Montgomery.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Berset Smith of Charleston, S.C., formerly of Birmingham.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory silk organza gown by designer Victoria Nicole of ivory French re-embroidered Alencon lace covering the bodice and trickling down the fit and flared skirt. Delicate lace straps framed the neckline and plunged to a low neckline in the back.

Her train swept to a chapel length.

Completing her ensemble was an

ivory illusion fingertip veil with Alencon lace along the center back.

The maid of honor was Whitney Walker. Bridesmaids were Kalyn Chapman, cousin of the bride; Kelly Culpepper; Jessica Johnson; Tiffany Rozier; Mary Miller Smith and Grace Ann Sooter.

Program attendants were Abbey Chapman, Allie Chapman, Hollan Chapman and Neeley Chapman, cousins of the bride.

Zachary Schultz served as best man. Groomsmen were Will Casey; Chris Cravey; Tyson Hall; John Michael Roehm Jr.; Adam Shew; Ray Smith, brother of the groom; Thomas Walsh, brother-in-law of the groom, and Christian Wilson.

After a honeymoon trip to Sea Island, Ga., the couple live in Birmingham.

Boyd Adams Jr. were married May 4 at Cates House in Alabaster. The Rev. Mark Lutz, uncle of the bride, officiated the 6:30 p.m. ceremony. A reception followed.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Terry of McCalla. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Ingrid Lutz and the late Mr. Claude D. Lutz and the late Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Terry.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David B. Adams Sr. of Homewood. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Chester D. Forman and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ollie F. Adams Jr. Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a white A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline, fitted

bodice adorned with tulle, sequin appliques, pearls and a lace train.

Completing the ensemble was a white illusion veil accented with pearls.

The bride carried a hand-tied bouquet of white mini calla lilies and purple hydrangeas.

The bride was attended by Michael Terry as matron of honor.

Bridesmaids were Kristen Green, Janiece Gaines and Evie Terry. The flower girls were Skylar Whigham and Jayden Whigham.

Chase Hain served as the best man. Groomsmen were Evan Levy, Benjamin Cain and Michael Terry.

Zackery Terry was the usher. The ring bearer was John Michael Terry.

After a honeymoon trip the couple live in Birmingham.

Segrest-White

class graduate of Spain Park High School and a 2008 graduate of Samford University with a bachelor’s degree in English. She is a member of Phi Mu sorority. Miss Segrest is employed by Wells Fargo in Birmingham as a mortgage loan underwriter.

The prospective groom is a graduate of Navarre High School. Mr. White attended and received certifications from the University of West Florida, Pensacola State College and Columbia Southern University. He is employed by Brasfield and Gorrie as senior safety manager.

The wedding will be Oct. 12 at Riverchase Baptist Church in Hoover.

Mr. and Mrs. John Lewis Segrest of Hoover announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Elise Segrest, to Joshua Robert White, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Evan White of Navarre, Fla. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Adams of Pleasant Grove and the late Mr. Walter Lee Smith of Pleasant Grove and Mrs. Carol Knight Segrest of Huntsville and the late Mr. John Rogers Segrest II. The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gene White of Sparta, Mo. Miss Segrest is a 2004 charter

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 29

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Snow Business

Introducing

The

CollegIaTe Collection

Ski Club Hosts Summer Party

With the weather still hot enough to melt any snowman, the Birmingham Ski Club gathered recently for its annual summer party.

The event was held in August at Grayson Valley Country Club.

The theme for the party was “A Night in Hollywood.” Guests came dressed as glamorous Hollywood stars, cartoon characters and red carpet regulars.

The event was the first opportunity for members to sign up for 2014 snow skiing trips to Snowmass, Breckinridge, Telluride and Beaver Creek, Colo., and Banff, Canada.

Donna Walker, Debra Gilbreath, Sharon Tatum and Joyce Wise hosted the party.

The Birmingham Ski Club sponsors other events such as lake parties, pool parties, cruises and hiking trips.

For more information, contact the club’s president, Russell Casterlin, at rcasterlin@yahoo.com, or visit www. birminghamskiclub.com. ❖

Above: The party’s hostesses, from left: Donna Walker, Debra Gilbreath, Sharon Tatum and Joyce Wise. left: Wayne Newsom and Denis Devane.

Photos special to the Journal

To: Alison From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: Aug. 2013

This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOur Sept. 5, 2013 issue. please fax approval or changes to 82

please make sure all information is co including address and phone numb The Greystone Ladies Tennis group reunited after 14 years. From left: Jean Friday, Eleanor Hall, Susan Holden, Shirl Ward, Mary Beck, Jeannie Johnson, Linda Whitehead, Gail Smith, Debby Fleming, Merle Howard, Susan Sutherlin, Julia Harrison, Mary Lynn Bruno, Kim Billing and Kay Moore. Photo special to the Journal

Friendship Follow-through Greystone Tennis Pals Reunite at Brunch

A Greystone woman recently hosted a brunch to reunite her former tennis teammates after 14 years.

Merle Howard hosted the Greystone Ladies Tennis Reunion Brunch at her Greystone Parc home.

Fourteen years ago, Howard had a stroke on the tennis court and has not been able to play tennis since. She said she wanted to host the event to thank her tennis friends for their support over the years.

While Howard hasn’t been able to play tennis again, she’s been busy with her interior decorating and antiques business. Guests at the brunch were able to see her gift for decorating as they were welcomed to her home.

The menu included chicken salad, burgundy congealed salad and spinach salad with mandarin

oranges, all prepared by Sue Vaughn Hicks.

The brunch was a ladies-only event, but Howard’s husband of 53 years, Doug, prepared a sweet prayer of admiration and thanks for his wife, her health and her supportive friends. Debby Fleming read the prayer before the meal was served.

Howard said the brunch was a special time for her because she got to reunite with her loyal friends and celebrate how blessed she is to have them.

Those attending the reunion brunch included Jean Friday, Eleanor Hall, Susan Holden, Shirl Ward, Mary Beck, Jeannie Johnson, Linda Whitehead, Gail Smith, Debby Fleming, Susan Sutherlin, Julia Harrison, Mary Lynn Bruno, Kim Billing and Kay Moore. ❖

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

30 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

Teacher Takes Over Robbins is New Principal at Berry Middle

A

longtime teacher at Berry Middle School became its new principal last month.

Chris Robbins, who has been a teacher at Berry Middle since 1998, was named the school’s new principal in August.

Robbins succeeds Dr. Kathleen Wheaton, now principal at nearby Greystone Elementary School.

“It’s a humbling and exciting feeling. Since I started teaching at Berry in 1998, it’s always felt like home.

The opportunity to lead in a community in which I feel so comfortable is thrilling,” Robbins said.

As principal of Berry, Dr. Robbins will oversee the day-to-day operations of the school. Robbins said he is taking over the reins at a pivotal time in education. More advanced curriculum and technology have made their ways into classrooms, and approaches to student and parent engagement continue to evolve, he said.

“This is both an exciting time and challenging time to be a middle school educator. It’s exciting because today’s middle schooler is an active learner. Middle school instruction needs to be engaging, appropriately challenging and ‘minds-on,’” he said.

However, a middle school educator’s job can be challenging because of the pace at which technology is currently developing, Robbins said.

“Sometimes as educators, we struggle to keep up,” Robbins said.

“Integration of technology into the classroom doesn’t necessarily equate to meaningful learning. At its very core, though, quality middle school instruction is about knowing our students well and providing the instruction they need to be successful.”

Robbins said he enjoys the pace that is unique to middle school. He described each day as different and the students as a “fun mix of teenage independence, youthful independence and just general quirkiness.”

“By far, the most gratifying part of my job is working directly with

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Chris Robbins is the new principal at Berry Middle School in Hoover. Photo special to the Journal

students. Seeing a middle school child experience growth and success makes it all worth it,” Robbins said.

He has served as associate principal of Berry Middle School for the past year after making several other notable stops at Hoover City Schools, including administrative positions at both R.F. Bumpus Middle School and Brock’s Gap Intermediate School and a teaching position at Berry Middle School in the 1990s.

“My greatest professional influence continues to be Kathy Wheaton.

She has been a mentor of mine for 15 years, starting in 1998 when she hired me as a teacher at Berry and continuing as a fellow administrator in Hoover. Even when I moved to serve on the ‘Bucs side of town,’ she continued to mentor me and support me. Kathy is the cornerstone of Berry and has set them on a continued course of success for many years,” Robbins said.

Robbins also gives strong nods to Dr. Joy Brown, longtime Bumpus principal; Dr. Tamala Maddox, current Bumpus principal, and Scott Mitchell, the Brock’s Gap Intermediate principal, saying he “owes them much for the lessons they taught me.”

As the new school year gets underway, Robbins said he is ready to take on any and all challenges, and he couldn’t imagine a better fit than Berry Middle School.

“This is a community that values education in a big way,” he said. “We go through good times, challenging times, funny times and hard changes together, as a family does. That’s what it means to be a part of Berry Middle School, and that’s what makes Berry Middle School so special.” ❖

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

OTM Students Attend Governor’s School

By Jessica Jones

S

Journal intern

everal students from the Over the Mountain area were selected to attend the 2013 session of the Alabama Governor’s School at Samford University June 16-28.

The honors program is for rising high school seniors.

Students are nominated for AGS by their schools, guidance counselors and teachers based on academic performance, leadership qualities, community service and creativity. Each student must also submit a written essay.

Participants studied topics including the arts, law, healthcare and entrepreneurship, all at the college level.

They also took part in a service project in Woodlawn, visited American Village in Montevallo and attended a Birmingham Barons baseball game.

Those attending included Doug Battle, a student at Evangel Christian School and the son of Stephanie and Don Battle; Andrew Coats Jr., a student at Briarwood Christian School and the son of Kathy and Andy Coats; Ellie Thomson, a student at Indian Springs School and the daughter of Dr. Tommy Thomson and Kathy Thomson; Margaret Hayes, a student at Oak Mountain High School and the daughter of Bart Hayes and Claire Hayes; Carolee Grace Collier, a student at Briarwood Christian School and the daughter of Kelley R. Collier; and Nicole Estrada, a student at Vestavia Hills High School and the daughter of Carlos Estrada and Jennie Andresen.

Also selected for the 2013 session were Justin Blount, a student at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School and the son of Jeffrey Blount and Karen Blount; Andrew Forsyth, a student at Spain Park High School and the son of Stephen Forsyth and Peggy Forsyth; Catherine Milling, a student at Spain Park High School and the daughter of Kimberly and Kyle Milling; and Stefanie Schoeneman, a student at Spain Park High School and the daughter of Debbie and Steve Schoeneman.

Other students attending the program were Kane Agan, a student a Pelham High School and the son of Mary Blake and Jason Agan;

From left, front: Andrew Coats Jr., Margaret Hayes and Madison Shore.

Back: Doug Battle, Carolee Grace Collier, John Denton, Ellie Thomson and Nicole Estrada. Photos special to the Journal

From left: Margaret Blackerby, Hill Balliet and Hallie Tarpley.

Front, from left: Stefanie Schoeneman, Andrew Forsyth and Gerardo Hernandez-Moreno. Back: Justin Blount, Shannon Myers, Catherine Milling and Kane Agan.

Gerardo Hernandez-Moreno, a student at Pelham High School and the son of Efren Hernandez and Silvia Hernandez; and Shannon Myers, a student at John Carroll Catholic High School and the son of Victoria Myers and David Myers.

Also participating in AGS were Madison Shore, a student at Spain Park High School and the daughter of Alison Hoover, Gregg Shore and Jim Hoover; John Denton, a student at the Altamont School and the

son of Dr. Tim Denton and Angela Denton; Margaret Blackerby, a student at Indian Springs School and the daughter of Bill Blackerby and Anne Blackerby; Hallie Tarpley, a student at Homewood High School and the daughter of Sherrie and Phillip Tarpley; and Hill Balliet, a student at Indian Springs School and the son of Karen and Michael Balliet.

This year’s Alabama Governor’s School participants represented 53 high schools in 29 counties. ❖

School Notes Edgewood Elementary Student Completes Ambassador Program Eliza Angelo, a student at Edgewood Elementary, attended a People to People Student Ambassador program over the summer.

Angelo traveled to eastern Canada along with 41 other students from Alabama in the Canadian Cultures Program.

The program was created as a way for youth to promote peace and a unified world.

Angelo has also been selected as a new member of Homewood Middle School’s Junior United Nations Assembly for the 2013-14 school year.

JUNA Eliza Angelo members are selected based on their submitted applications, teacher references,

interviews and a presentation.

For her presentation, Angelo researched water deprivation in South Sudan.

Mountain Brook Student Attends Space Camp David Watts, a seventh-grader at Mountain Brook Junior High School, attended Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville over the summer.

The weeklong educational program aims to foster interest in

science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and decision-making.

Watts was part of the Space Academy, designed for trainees with particular interests in science and aerospace.

During his stay at Space Camp, Watts trained with a team that flew a simulated Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station and completed a spacewalk.

Watts graduated from the program with honors.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 31

Schools

Vestavia Concert Helps Perry County Schools “While there are many Students going back to ongoing projects in the school in Perry County this department of education that month will have new books to support student learning in read thanks to a fundraiser held Perry County schools, this in the Over the Mountain area. was a unique opportunity A benefit concert in and a noteworthy event,” Vestavia Hills in May raised McCorquodale said. “Our more than $7,000 for the chilteacher candidates will apply dren of Perry County. the knowledge and skills “I was simply overgained in their literacy studwhelmed,” said Gwen ies and add to their expertise McCorquodale, who heads through collaboration with the Judson College education teachers and administrators as department. “I didn’t know they plan lessons, select matewhat to expect. I thought it was rials and deliver instruction.” like a seed we’d plant, but we A concert held in Vestavia Hills raised money for to Dulin, a native of received such a great harvest.” buy books for libraries in Perry County schools.From left: Robin and Gwen McCorquodale, Michael Dulin Brookside, attended the The concert at Vestavia Alabama School of Fine Hills Baptist Church featured and Bart McCorquodale. Photos special to the Journal Arts, Birmingham-Southern Birmingham pianist Michael Dulin. The church included the conbusy bees, and we couldn’t have done College and the Julliard School in New York. He was a finalist in the cert as part of its annual Arts on the this without their help.”

Carnegie Hall Piano Competition, Mountain concert series.

McCorquodale said the money was awarded the silver medal in the More than 400 attended, includwill be used to purchase books for Second Annual International Audioing administrators from the Alabama local school libraries and classrooms Video Competition in New York and State Department of Education; leadand also as “take home” gifts for the has performed both solo and with ers from the Perry County School sys- children. orchestras, including a stint as keytem; Judson faculty, staff and students “Many of the children in this boardist with the Temptations. and members of the church. school system haven’t known the “Mr. Dulin’s recital was an McCorquodale said the idea began joy of owning books,” she said. “It’s extraordinarily beautiful experience earlier this spring when her Sunday important for them to appreciate for which we are ever grateful,” school class gave her $500 to use books and value the gift of reading.” said Judson President Dr. David in Perry County to support literacy The Judson education department Potts. “Judson College is exceedingly learning. Then Dulin, a member of has sponsored a number of events in grateful for him, the McCorquodales, the class, volunteered to do the conthe past several years to benefit local the Joyful Noise Sunday school class cert as a benefit. public schools, including a history and the Vestavia Hills Baptist Church “My class, the Joyful Noise conference for fourth graders and a for caring and giving to promote class, did a great job cooking, cleantechnology conference for teachers. reading among the children of Perry ing and shuttling guests that day,” The benefit concert was one more County.” ❖ McCorquodale said. “They were the way to lend a hand.

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32 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Traci Knight Ingleright, a teacher at Gwin Elementary School, was awarded the Conservation Educator of the Year Award. From left: Horace Horn, Ingleright, Gov. Robert Bentley and Matt Bowden. Photo special to the Journal

Gwin Teacher Wins State Conservation Award

Gwin Elementary School teacher Traci Knight Ingleright was awarded the Conservation Educator of the Year Award at the 2013 Alabama Wildlife Federation Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards Banquet on Aug. 2.

The prestigious award is presented to those who make contributions to conserve Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources.

Ingleright served on the Alabama Environmental Literacy Plan Task Force and as a board member for the Environmental Education Association of Alabama. She has also served on the Governor’s Task Force for Environmental Literacy in Alabama and is a Life Member of the Alabama Wildlife Federation.

She is a member of the Ben Knight Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The chapter is named in honor of her father.

Ingleright said her passion for the conservation of Alabama’s wildlife fuels her dedication to encouraging her students to become champions for conservation.

Ingleright is an enrichment teacher at Gwin Elementary School, which this year received the Project Learning Tree Green School Award, the National Wildlife Federation Green Flag Award and the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Award.

The Hoover school was the first in the U.S. to receive all three awards. ❖

The Oak Mountain Middle School Robotics Team ranked among the top 10 twice at a competition in Florida. From left: Kaylie Beard, Garrett Tautkus, Ryan Cruce, Omar Zuaiter, James Salvant , Adam Salem and Mohammad Zuaiter. Photo special to the Journal

Oak Mountain Robotic Team Ranks in Top 10 The Oak Mountain Middle School Robotics Team ranked among the top 10 twice at the Technology Student Association National VEX Robotics Competition in Orlando, Fla. The team earned an invitation to the national competition by winning the state competition with an undefeated record, the only team at the middle or high school level to do so.

Participating schools were required to design, program and build semiautonomous robotic machines that could navigate obstacles as well execute the challenge game VEX Sack Attack. The competition required the

application of science, technology, engineering and math skills.

The OMMS Robotics Team earned a fourth-place national ranking in Middle School Programming Skills and an eighth-place national ranking overall for the Middle School Tournament Champion Award.

The team’s teacher sponsor is James Salvant. Team members include Kaylie Beard, Garrett Tautkus, Ryan Cruce, Omar Zuaiter, Adam Salem and Mohammad Zuaiter.

Vestavia Hills Student Named National Finalist A Vestavia Hills High School student has been selected as a national finalist

The Mountain Brook High School Dorians won several awards at the Universal Dance Association dance camp over the summer, including surperior ribbons in the home routine competition. The team also won the Spirit Stick for its enthusiam and positive attitude during the camp, which was held on the campus of the University of Alabama in June. Photo special to the Journal

Dorians Win Title at UDA Summer Camp The Mountain Brook High School Dorians won several awards at a Universal Dance Association summer dance camp.

The camp was held in June at the University of Alabama.

The camp helped the girls polish their technical skills while learning different dance routines.

The team was awarded a superior ribbon in the home routine competition, performing a jazz, kick dance to a compilation of Journey songs.

The Dorians also performed all of the choreography learned over the course of the camp. Every team member earned a superior ribbon for all of the team’s performances during the evaluation portion of camp on the last day. This earned the team the Superior Trophy.

for a $20,000 college scholarship.

Austin Owen is a Samsung American Legion Scholarship National Finalist. He was selected by the staff of Alabama Boys State, held at the University of Alabama June 9-15.

Chosen for his academic performance and involvement in his school and community, Owen is one of 98 national finalists from the around the country.

At Vestavia Hills High, Owen is on the debate team and helped the International Public Policy Forum team earn an international top 32 ranking.

Austin Owen He also participated in a weeklong program at the nation’s capital as the state winner of the 2012 U.S. Institute of Peace National Peace Essay Contest.

Owen plays the trumpet in the high school’s wind ensemble and sings in the Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Chapel Choir ensemble. Recently, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

He plans to study international relations and political science in college.

The Samsung American Legion Scholarship funds come from the earnings of a $5 million endowment given by Samsung to show appreciation

The team also won the Spirit Stick for its enthusiasm and positive attitude during camp.

Seniors Dana Kahn, Laura Stagno and Holly Struthers were selected as UDA All Americans, qualifying them to dance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade as well as the New Year’s parade in London.

Other team members are Claudia Rose Keating, Callie Anderson, Annie Sommerville, Sally Kale Bussman, Katherine Harris, Walton Stivendor, Erin Rector, Findley Shelfer, Evalyn Bargeron, Mary Rives Drake, Eleanor Baddley, Anne Compton, Emily Howell, Meghan Beck, Virginia Poynor, Bradford Moore, Anna Jackson Cooper, Kate Dorsten, Anna Howell, Austin Trammell, Emily Owen Mendelsohn and Sidnie Adair.

---Jessica Jones

for U.S. veterans who came to Korea’s aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War. Samsung joined with the American Legion to offer educational opportunities to the descendants of wartime veterans who have served honorably. Owen’s grandfather, Charles Burchfield of Kosciusko, Miss., served in the Army from 1950-52 and was a tank commander in Korea.

Members of the Alabama Boys State selection committee said the selection process was difficult because the applicants were some of the state’s most well-qualified students.

OMHS Student Wins Leadership Prize An Oak Mountain High School student already has her choice of colleges after being awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships to Auburn University, the University of Alabama and Troy University.

Brooklyn Holt also won a $1,500 cash prize for being an exceptional teenage leader in Alabama.

She was named third runner-up in the Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen competition after winning the title of Miss Leeds Area Outstanding Teen.

She received the Advertisement Award for making the most money by selling ads for the scholarship program for exceptional teenagers.

Holt is also a longtime dancer, vocalist and majorette. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Brooklyn Holt Studies Honor Society, ConBrio Mixed Competitive Show Choir and a three-year selected Master for Oak Mountain.

Holt’s platform is “Raise Your Voice for Children.” She raises funds for children in need, including providing them with Christmas presents. She also recorded the single “Raise Your Voice” in May 2012. She now travels and gives concerts, singing and performing to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

“Having the very best teachers in the Oak Mountain school system, as well as being introduced to Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen, has truly changed my life forever,” Holt said. “My education has empowered me to reach goals that otherwise would be unattainable, and the wonderful Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen program has opened doors for me to walk through that I had ever dreamed imaginable.”

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 33

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

St. Francis Xavier School Announces New Theme St. Francis Xavier School introduced its new theme for the 2013-14 school year when students returned to class on Aug. 9.

This year’s theme, “Made for More,” is a continuation of the school’s celebration of “The Year of Faith” and encourages those in the school community to live more generously and ask what more they can do for others, school officials said.

St. Francis Xavier School faculty members gather at the beginning of the new school year to announce the theme for 2013-14. Photo special to the Journal Students from Bumpus Middle School got together over the summer to do their part to help mission work.The rising seventhgraders made tie-dyed T-shirts to sell to fund mission work.

Those participating included, from left: Katie Cohen, Madison Blair, Haley Stallworth, Chloe Moore, Emma Hines, Lauren Hines, Anna Camille Self, Emily Baker, Noel Rengering, Grace Stevenson, Taylor Edwards, Bayley Thornton, Madi Ellis and Celia Simpson.

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Mountain Brook Student Attends College Program

classes ranging from astronomy to creative writing.

Mountain Brook’s Jacob Butcher attended a program for gifted students at Michigan State University July 14-27.

Butcher participated in the Mathematics, Science and Technology program designed for students with unusually high academic ability who are Jacob Butcher about to enter the eighth, ninth or 10th grade.

Participants must have taken a college entrance exam while in the seventh, eighth or ninth grade and scored the same level as the average college-bound junior or senior.

The academic focus of the program is to provide challenging coursework to match the academic and intellectual performance of talented adolescents.

Several professors, secondary teachers and college students taught

Douthit Appointed to Homewood School Board

Open their world to the Arts!

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fifth-grader.

The Homewood City Council appointed Charlie Douthit to the Homewood Board of Education position for Ward 4.

Douthit is the owner of Alabama Weatherization Services in Birmingham.

He is also business partners with AWS Properties and Utility Power, Inc. and served as president of the American Heart Association Metro Board of Directors for the American Red Cross.

Douthit’s term began June 1.

He is married to Beverly Douthit Charlie Douthit and has four children: Bailey, a Homewood High School graduate; Elton, a sophomore; Joshua, an eighth-grader, and Cooper, a

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Principal Nathan Wright said the theme is a reminder that faith means giving more to God. Students were introduced to the theme through pictures, signs and activities that encouraged them to think about what their faith means and seeking the will of God. Students were also treated to ice cream and received T-shirts with the message “Made for More,” designed by school parent Jamie Sransky. The shirts will be used throughout the year to help share the theme’s message.

7/18/2011 1:26:22 PM

Send school notes to: kdrexel@otmj.com

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34 • Thursday, September 5, 2013

rebels,

From back cover

last Friday night, and Homewood paid dearly for the lesson.

Pounding out more than 300 yards on the ground, the Rebels defeated the Patriots 34-14 before a large opening night crowd at Waldrop Stadium.

Even more impressive was the way Vestavia spread the joy. No less than five Rebel backs gained at least 50 yards on the ground; none gained more than 72.

“I had the easiest job in the history of football,” said Rebel quarterback Landon Crowder, surely not giving himself enough credit. “Anybody could have played quarterback for Vestavia tonight. All I had to do was hand off the ball to a running back.”

Christian Palmer led the Rebel running game with 72 yards on only 12 carries but never reached the end zone. Carter Jacobs gained 57 yards with three scores, and Jordan Johnson picked up 57 yards and a single touchdown. Johnson sprained his ankle on his scoring run.

Crowder picked up 56 yards, and Daniel Gosdin gained 50.

“If we can run the ball and score 34 points, that’s okay by me,” the quarterback said. “I’ll hand off all night if we win.”

Crowder did complete two of seven passes for 56 yards, but this night was about the ground, not the air.

Johnson’s touchdown–from 11 yards out–came with 1:16 left in the

sports first quarter, giving the Rebels a 7-0 lead.

The onslaught continued early in the second period, when Jacobs hit pay dirt from six yards away. The successful conversion gave Vestavia a 14-0 advantage with 10:48 to play in the first half.

Jacobs scored again, also from six yards away, with 4:22 left in the half, raising the Rebels’ advantage to 21-0.

Homewood rallied late in the period. Quarterback Carson Griffis’ 22-yard strike to Devonte Wallace cut the margin to 21-7 at the half.

Vestavia didn’t let up in the third quarter. Jacobs ran eight yards for his final touchdown, and the Rebels were in full command 28-7.

“No matter who we play, it’s the same game plan,” Jacobs said. “We try to shove the ball down the other team’s throat. I had the opportunities tonight, and I’m thankful.”

In the final stanza, the Rebels twice moved the ball deep into Homewood territory before settling for field goal attempts. Wesley Hatchett’s successful kicks of 18 and 34 yards, respectively, topped Vestavia’s lead at 34-7.

Griffis broke loose for a 45-yard touchdown dash with less than two minutes to play to end the night’s scoring.

Homewood’s quarterback completed eight of 12 passes for 86 yards.

Wallace caught five passes for 50 yards, but those statistics were scant consolation to Patriot coach Doug Goodwin.

“We had just about everything go wrong,” Goodwin said. “They ran

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Homewood running back Walter Rutledge works to break away from Vestavia’s Daniel Burton. More photos at otmj.com.

Vestavia runningback Conner Estes picks up tough yardage as Patriot defenders Walter Rutledge, #3, and Tripp Moss, #27, close in. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

right at us, and we couldn’t stop them.

They whipped us up front. What can you do about that?”

Homewood’s offensive effort was also hampered by three turnovers.

Perhaps the real heroes of the night were the members of Vestavia’s offensive line, which repeatedly created large holes for the Rebel backs to dash through for big yardage. For those

who complain that linemen don’t get enough ink, here is the Vestavia offensive line corps: Ryan Childers, Hayes Lucas, Connor Koch, Clay Kerby, McNeil Gardner, Austin Chandler, Perry Sims, Ben Cage, Garrett Grenier, David McLean and Whitt Watts.

“We’ve got a lot of new guys on the offensive line, and they work hard and will hit whatever is in front of them,”

Hoover,

From back cover

to inspire his Packer team.

“Be like Vestavia (Hills),” Propst told his players. “Be businesslike. That’s why they whipped me so much. Treat it like a business.”

Propst was referring to the fact that, in his era at Hoover, no team in Alabama had as much success against the Bucs as Buddy Anderson’s

‘We saw a lot of growth in our team tonight. Everybody talks about our defense, but we’ve got some guys in key spots that didn’t get much playing time last year.’

Hoover coach Josh Niblett

Rebels. And it was clear Propst’s players had heard it previously. To understand the depth of Propst’s continued fixation with football in Alabama, think of this: How many other high school football players in Georgia know anything about the Hoover-Vestavia rivalry?

But the former Hoover coach’s nostalgia came in direct contact with the present reality the next evening. And at the end, the program Propst built just may be bigger and better than ever.

The Bucs rallied from a 10-3 halftime deficit to control the final two quarters and send Propst and his Packers back to the Peach State on the losing end of a 24-10 count as 12,000 fans watched. An ESPNU audience viewed the contest on a tape-delayed basis.

“We teach that football is often a game of inconvenience,” Hoover coach Josh Niblett said.

Hoover’s John Weaver, #39, Kristopher Parker, #38, and Trey Davis, #51, gang tackle a Colquitt County ball carrier. More photos at otmj.com Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

“There is always going to be some inconvenience when things don’t go your way. The way our kids reacted when things weren’t going our way made the difference in the game.”

The Bucs got a big break from their defense to set up their first points of the 2013 season. Darrell Williams intercepted a pass from Packer quarterback Daniel Mobley at the Colquitt County 19-yard line. Hunter Schmith booted a 30-yard field goal to give the hosts a 3-0 lead with 3:24 remaining in the first period.

Undaunted, the Packers rallied quickly. Sihiem

King’s three-yard scoring run gave Colquitt County a 7-3 lead as the opening quarter ended.

With first-time starting quarterback Jack Hutcheson still trying to find his game, Hoover’s offense struggled in the second period. The Packers’ Luis Martinez kicked a 32-yard field goal late to give the visitors a 10-3 halftime advantage, and for a short time it seemed that Propst might be working his old Hoover Met Magic.

But not for long.

In the second half, the Bucs took command.

Crowder said. “I love those guys.”

Love seems to be everywhere at Vestavia these days. The victory pushed Anderson’s career total to 298.

If the Rebel train continues on track, the venerable coach will earn his magic 300th win against Huffman at Lawson Field on Sept. 12. Of course, with region opponent Hewitt-Trussville up next, nobody at Vestavia is willing to talk about that–yet.

If Friday night is any indication, Anderson’s simple and devastating philosophy will keep Rebel fans talking–maybe all the way to December.

Niblett substituted liberally in his offensive line to keep his players fresh. On Hoover’s first drive of the third quarter, Bradrick Shaw scored on a one-yard plunge.

Schmith’s extra point tied the game 10-10 with 6:26 remaining in the period.

Hutcheson, a junior, found his rhythm, and that was bad news for Colquitt County. He connected with Leonard Wood on a 49-yard scoring bomb to put the Bucs ahead 17-10 with only 2:41 to play in the quarter.

Hoover’s final touchdown came in the last two minutes of the game. Hutcheson, passing on a fourth and two situation, drilled a 20-yard strike to Kris Parker for the score.

Despite the slow start, Hutcheson emerged as a star of the game. He completed his final five passes for 100 yards and two scores and rushed for 28 yards on five carries.

Shaw gained 57 yards on 14 carries, while Wood caught two passes for 60 yards.

The big story, however, may have been the play of the Bucs’ defense, which held the Packers to only 76 yards in 43 attempts.

“We saw a lot of growth in our team tonight,” Niblett said. “Everybody talks about our defense, but we’ve got some guys in key spots that didn’t get much playing time last year.”

Hoover’s performance was far from spectacular. But it was plenty good enough to get the job done. Nothing came out of the night to give anything less than the impression that the Bucs are ready for another state title bid.

Propst invented a new word when describing the difference in the game.

“We got Hooverized,” he said. “They did what they do best. They just had too much of everything that was good.”

Call it Hooverizing. Call it winning. Rush Propst may have laid the foundation, but Josh Niblett has taken it to the next level.

Thursday, September 5, 2013 • 35

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Week one, From back cover

Mullens no longer the team’s quarterback. The first look of the new era was impressive. Mickey Forrest did well at quarterback, and Otis Harris lived up to his reputation as a runner. There’s no reason to think Spain Park won’t make the playoffs in 2013.

Tuscaloosa County 13, Mountain Brook 6. There is never any embarrassment in losing to Tuscaloosa County in Northport. The problem for the Spartans is that their schedule won’t get easier.

They host a rising Shades Valley squad this Friday and will need a terrific effort to avoid beginning the year with two consecutive losses.

Shades Valley 38, Oak Mountain 15. Those rising Mounties had little trouble with the Eagles on opening night. What seems clear is that last year’s success means Oak Mountain won’t be able to sneak up on opponents as it did a year ago. The Eagles can console themselves with the fact that a lot of teams are likely to fall to Shades Valley this season.

Eagles Landing 27, Briarwood 7. The Lions had an unpleasant trip to Georgia in losing to Eagles Landing, but their fans should take heart: Briarwood started slowly last season before making a serious run in the Class 5A playoffs. The inauspicious beginning doesn’t mean it can’t happen again.

Chelsea 62, John Carroll Catholic 14. The Cavs have depth problems even in their own Class 5A region, so when they face a Class 6A opponent, the disadvantage becomes even more pronounced. The lopsided loss to the Hornets was a classic example. New coach Tim Sanders can build a competitive team at John Carroll, but it won’t be overnight.

Sumiton Christian 40, Shades Mountain Christian 13. Coach Dickey Wright had a winning pedigree when he came to the Eagles and knows what it takes to be successful. Shades Mountain still has a way to go before becoming a region contender.

Bear Facts…

In case you missed it, Sept. 11, 2013 will be the 100th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. The University of Alabama has planned a string of events to commemorate Bryant’s birthday, including new exhibits in the Paul W. Bryant Museum.

It’s interesting that just a cursory look at Bryant’s career finds countless connections to Over the Mountain residents and schools. For example, Ken Roberts and Charlie Tom Gray both played on Bryant’s first Alabama team in 1958. Roberts’ son Rob went on to star at Homewood and played for the Crimson Tide under Coach Ray Perkins. Gray’s son Vester played basketball for Alabama under Coach C.M. Newton.

John Carroll graduate Alan Pizzitola, walked-on in 1972 to play for Coach Bryant and the Tide. Pizzitola was voted All-SEC strong safety his senior season and Academic All-SEC for two seasons.

Numerous former area standouts helped Bryant’s Crimson Tide teams to national championships. Mountain

From left, front: Pierce Dutton, Luke Henry Swanzy, Jackson Harris, Houston Owen and Jake Murphree. Back: Jackson Glasgow, Aiden Black, Will Cox, Hudson Walburn, Grant Downey, Payne Bryan and Win Miller. Head coach is Doug Dutton Assistant coaches are Matt Bryan, Jayson Cox, Jamie Harris, Bud Miller and Henry Walburn. Photo special to the Journal

Vestavia 8-year-old National All Stars Win Metro Title

The 2013 8-year-old Nationals Metro All Star Tournament was held in June at West Homewood Park. The Vestavia Nationals took the crown, beating Oak Mountain in the final game 21-10.

Team members are from left, front: Andrick Rashke, Mason Berg, Blaine Crook, Daniel Fuller, Logan Bradley and Kevin Valentino. Back: Coach Jeff Brannon, Bryant Segars, Greyson Wilkins, Matthew Gonzalez, Owen Wenning, Lane Gilchrist, Constantine Hontzas and Zach Bowen.

Hoover Phantoms 02 White Claim Liberty Cup Title

The Hoover Soccer Club’s Phantoms 02 White team took first place in the 2013 Liberty Cup U12 8v8 soccer tournament, silver division, held the weekend of Aug. 10-11 in Vestavia.

Brook wide receiver Pete Pappas and Berry linebacker Dick Turpin were part of the 1973 UPI national champs.

Three former Over the Mountain players were part of the 1978 championship squad: Mountain Brook running back Major Ogilvie, Homewood defensive back Murray Legg and Berry linebacker Rickey Gilliland were key ingredients in the team that nailed down the Associated Press title with a thrilling 14-7 win over Penn State in the Sugar Bowl.

Ogilvie and Legg had particularly high-profile roles in that epic clash with Coach Joe Paterno’s squad. Ogilvie scored what proved to be the game’s winning touchdown on an eight-yard run in the third quarter. Legg was a safety on the legendary goal line stand later that day, when linebacker Barry Krauss stopped Nittany Lion running back Mike Guman on a fourth and goal play. Legg, wearing jersey #19, is right behind Krauss on the play.

The stop near the goal line has been immortalized in portraits that are still seen regularly in homes and sports bars throughout Alabama.

Ogilvie and his younger brother, Ry, who played at Mountain Brook and later Vestavia Hills, were members of the 1979 national champs as well. The elder Ogilvie was named Most Valuable Player in Alabama’s 24-9 triumph over Arkansas in the 1980 Sugar Bowl.

Berry’s Bart Krout was an ace tight end on Alabama national title teams in 1978-79. Krout might have earned AllAmerican honors if he hadn’t been constantly plagued with injuries throughout his years in Tuscaloosa.

John Carroll’s Lou Green didn’t collect a national title ring in his years as an offensive lineman for the Crimson Tide, but he came as close as anyone could. His 1977 Bama team went 11-1, crushed Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl and finished second in both polls behind Notre Dame, which jumped five places after defeating top-ranked Texas in the Cotton Bowl to claim the title.

Former Bryant players have also had key roles as Over the Mountain head coaches. Robert Higginbotham lettered at Alabama in 1967-68. He coached Mountain Brook to its first state championship in 1975 and embarked on a long and successful career at Shades Valley when the school drew most of its students from Cahaba Heights and Altadena. Joey Jones played on Bryant’s final three teams in Tuscaloosa and coached the Spartans to the state Class 6A finals in 1996.

There are doubtless more connections to Bryant that I haven’t listed, but when you’re talking about a career that continues to resonate 31 years after he coached his last game, it’s easy to leave someone out.

From left: Duke Stogner, table tennis; Randall Dean, Mike Madden and Joe Allbritton, basketball and Gary Murton, high jump. Photo special to the Journal

Birmingham Teams Medal at Senior Games Two Birmingham area teams won medals at the National Senior Games, held July 23-31 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Some 10,000 senior athletes competed in the event. They qualified by winning gold, silver or bronze medals at the state level.

The games are for men and women ages 50 and older.

Duke Stogner of Hoover and Ken Riggs won gold medals in the men’s table tennis division for ages 70-74.

After Stogner’s original partner canceled, he teamed up with Riggs, whom he had met during the Alabama Senior Olympics at Bumper Nets in the Galleria. The pair played together for the first time

in Cleveland.

They were seeded 10th among 40 teams, won their pool and won the gold by tiebreaker in a round robin among the top four teams. .

Code Blue, a 3-on-3 basketball team from Birmingham, won bronze medals in the men’s division for ages 65-69. Code Blue team members are Joe Allbritton of Hoover; Mike Madden of Mountain Brook, Randall Dean of Birmingham and Leo Kowalyk of Highland, Mich.

The team competed against 25 teams in its age division.

Ribbons are awarded for fourtheighth place finishes. Gary Murton of Hoover won fifth place in the men’s high jump for ages 50-54.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Sports

Birmingham Teams Medal at Senior Games P. 35 Hoover Phantoms Claim Liberty Cup P. 35

Lee Davis

Issues and Answers

Opening Week Tells a Lot But Also Raises Questions

Above, Hoover’s Chandler Coskery, #25, and Jason McCay, #41, pressure Colquitt County quarterback Daniel Mobley. Below, Hoover coach Josh Niblett and Colquitt County coach Rush Propst talk before the game at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium Friday night. Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

‘We Got Hooverized’ Propst Can’t Work Old Magic against Former Team

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

Rush Propst had spent many hours at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, a place where he led his former team–the Hoover Bucs–to five state 6A football championships.

But last Thursday as his current team, the Colquitt County, Ga., Packers, went through its pre-game walk-through for its upcoming battle with the Bucs, Propst faced a minor dilemma: He didn’t know where the visiting team’s locker

Pound Attack Rebel Ground Game Too Much for Patriots

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

Occasionally you might see a new wrinkle or two, but for 35 seasons the offensive philosophy at Vestavia Hills under Coach Buddy Anderson has been the same: Run the football until they stop us.

And with nearly 300 wins to their credit, that point of view has worked pretty well for the Rebels.

Vestavia demonstrated its philosophy in textbook perfection See rebels, page 34

room was located.

“First door on the left,” a stadium worker had to tell him.

Perhaps Propst’s blissful ignorance was understandable. For nearly 10 years, there was no reason for him to know where the team he was likely to defeat put on its uniforms and headgear.

And while Propst hadn’t coached in Alabama for six years, the state he once dominated is still a basic part of his makeup. So much, in fact, that he used the example of his greatest rival at Hoover See hoover, page 34

Pounding out more than 300 yards on the ground, the Rebels defeated the Patriots 34-14 before a large opening night crowd at Waldrop Stadium.Rebel running back Daniel Gosdin tries to break away from Homewood’s Orlando Swann, #9, and Jake Burdeshaw, #17.

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

There’s nothing quite like opening gifts on Christmas morning. Everyone looks forward to it for weeks. When the big event finally arrives, it’s all over in a couple of hours. Then everyone spends the rest of the day trying to remember who gave them which gift.

Opening night for the high school football season is very similar. Fans start talking about it in June. Then when the big night comes, the games are generally completed in a couple of hours. Then everyone tries to analyze how their favorite team performed– and usually it raises more questions than answers.

And that’s exactly what we saw last Friday night. Hoover and Vestavia Hills clearly look like powerhouses.

Spain Park seems to be off to a solid start under new coach Shawn Raney.

The other area schools have lots of questions to answer–quickly.

Here’s a brief recap of what happened.

Hoover 24, Colquitt County (Ga.) 10. All the world wanted to see how former Hoover coach Rush Propst, now the boss at Colquitt County, would do against the Bucs-and it found out. Propst’s Packers gave a good battle. At the end they couldn’t compete with Hoover’s superior depth and talent. This wasn’t the Bucs’ best performance since Josh Niblett took over the program–and it didn’t need to be. Only a special team playing a near-perfect game will be able to knock Hoover off its lofty perch. Even Propst couldn’t produce that effort.

Vestavia Hills 34, Homewood 14.

If there is a special team out there, it might just be the Rebels. Their total domination of the Patriots caught almost everyone by surprise. Nobody plays physical, possession-oriented football better than Vestavia. The good news for Homewood is that few teams it faces in Class 5A will have the strength of the Rebels.

Spain Park 23, Austin 14.

Friday night opened a new era for the Jaguars, with Raney moving in as head coach and the great Nick See week one, page 35