June 12, 2014

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, June 12, 2014

V ol . 23 #12

Greek Revival Wedding Incorporates Family Traditions— and Fun, Too

Outdoor Extravaganza: Rick and Bubba will have anniversary expo

about town Page 7

Wedding special section page 23

The Nolin family on a recent trip to Disney World.

Photo special to the Journal

Night of Candlelight: Ballet Guild hosts 45th Ball of Roses

‘You Can Help One’ Family Wanted to Make a Difference—and Gained a New Daughter

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

For several years, Denver Nolin

would struggle with how he could make a real difference in the lives of the

social page 16

thousands of children he encountered around the world in need of stable, loving homes.

In his jobs as a pilot with the U.S. Air Force, the Air Force Reserves and FedEx, Denver said he always wanted to bring the children trapped in poverty and abuse back home to Inverness with him.

“I saw a lot of pain and suffering brought on children by the bad decisions of adults and I wanted to do something, I

See Nolin, page 13

Shaking Up Cocktails Journal photos from left by Lee Walls Jr,, Emil Wald and Lee Walls Jr.

Dad’s Favorite Drinks Get Contemporary Twists

Phillips named next Vestavia Hills Superintendent

schools page 32

Gift Guide

By Donna Cornelius

Journal features writer

Is your favorite dad still wedded to the same drink he loved at frat parties? Does his neighborhood bartender plop down the usual concoction every time he sees dad walk through the A new regular door? section devoted to If so, maybe it’s time food, drink and to shake things up this the people who

Food

See Cocktails, page 31

love both! P.29

Meal on a Grill: The Art of Backyard Barbecuing P. 29

Tea Party: Milo’s Introduces New Products P. 29

Father’s Day is Sunday.

Need some ideas?

Page 12

dynamic dads p. 4 • vestavia schools announce drug testing plan p. 10 • a dad’s day to remember 12 • 2014 all-otm baseball, softball p. 36

2 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

Opinion/Contents

Award-winning Team

Over the Mountain Journal has won five first place awards in the 2014 Alabama Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.

The Journal won first place for Best Human Interest Column with Sue Murphy’s “Father’s Day” and first place for Best Local Sports Column for Lee Davis’ “The Buddy System.”

Lee Walls Jr. won first place for Best Feature Photo for his “A Soldier’s Story” photo and Marvin Gentry won first place for Best Sports Photo for his “Anderson Soaks It In” photo, below.

The Journal also won first place for coverage of the Sept. 11 Patriot Day ceremonies, “A Day of Remembering,” in the Best Photo Essay category, with photography by Lee Walls Jr. William C. Singleton III won third place for Best News Feature Story Coverage for “Crestline Says Goodbye.”

The Journal’s football preview special section won second place in two categories.

CorrectionS: In our last issue, we misspelled the first name of Sheri Perry and incorrectly listed Charles Perry as the current president of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s board of directors. He is the past president. Also in our last issue, we omitted the last name of Lillie Grace Veazey’s parents in the story on the new Hoover Belles. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Randall Veazey.

We regret the errors and are happy to set the record straight.

Coming June 26

We’ll take a look at the Independence Day activities planned in the Over the Mountain area in our next issue.

in this issue About Town 4 People 8 news 10 life 12

social 16 Weddings 27 schools 32 Sports 36

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL

June 12, 2014

Publisher: Maury Wald Editor: Keysha Drexel Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Office Manager: Christy Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Lee Davis Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Vol. 23, No. 12

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

Copyright 2014 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

murphy’s law

O

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Father Time

is something new. “Can you believe it’s ur return flight was an early already 4:45?” Doesn’t surprise me at one. My husband Harold all. One minute ago, it was 4:44, and by said, “I’d like to leave the golly, here we are. “Is there anything I house by 7 a.m.” My daughter can do to help?” Yes, my love, you can turned to her husband and said, just keep watching “Diners, Drive-Ins “Let me translate…that means and Dives” and let me finish my work.

6:45.”

As the deadline gets closer, Harold It’s classic Dad-speak in our family. does, too. He starts to follow me When Harold sets a departure time of around. “How are you coming?” or X, his brain locks into X-15 minutes “My traffic app says there’s a wreck on and the rest of us plan accordingly.

280” or if he’s desperate, “You know, The man likes to be on time, a virif we leave a few minutes early we can tue, to be sure, but he tends to arrive stop at Starbucks.” The man is shameon the extra early side, which is not less. always appreciated by a dinner hostSo back to our flight…We arrive at ess. Harold remedies this by driving Sue Murphy LAX more than three hours early. The around the neighborhood, checking the rental car is returned, our bags are clock at one minute intervals. For a He desperately checked, we have been certified by 6 p.m. invitation, we generally pull into the driveway at 5:59 p.m., figurwants to get ahead airport security, although for some reason I set off the alarm and had ing the extra minute will be eaten up of the lady with the to have my hands swiped (must be unbuckling our seatbelts. my new hand lotion). Now Harold But, let’s go back to that 6 p.m. double-suiter carcan relax--for a while. When we get invitation. Harold’s verbal departure ryon toting the fam- to within a half hour of boarding, time is 5:30 p.m., transposed down goes into Twitchy Part Two. to 5:15 p.m. I’m okay with that. ily extra crispy meal Harold He’s thinking aisle seat. He’s thinkWhat I do not appreciate is the prodbucket from KFC. ing overhead bin space. He desperding that takes place beforehand. ately wants to get ahead of the lady An hour before liftoff, Harold gets with the double-suiter carryon toting dressed. Sometimes he waits to the family extra crispy meal bucket from KFC. And so, put on his shirt until the last minute so he doesn’t get he begins again. “Does your watch say 11:30?” or “It sweated up, but all in all, an hour ahead of time, he’s looks like they’re lining up the pre-boards.” ready to go. I am not. Why? Because if I have as little as I can’t really blame the man. I’m notorious for wait15 minutes left on the clock, I’m going to do 15 minutes ing until five minutes before the posted boarding time worth of activity. In 15 minutes, I can fold a load of and saying, “I’m going to make one last trip to the towels or unload the dishwasher. I can check my emails ladies’ room.” or sign, stamp and post a snail mail birthday card. I can Do I do it on purpose? Is it a passive-aggressive file important mail and shred the chaff. I can do a lot of attempt to send Father Time off the deep end? Goodness things. no. That would be Greenwich Mean Time. ❖ All this non-transport activity makes Harold crazy.

When he sees me running through the living room, he To read Sue Murphy’s Alabama Press Association starts saying things like, “You know, maybe we should award-winning Father’s Day column from last year, visit leave around 5:15.” Like he just thought of it. Like this www.otmj.com.

over the Mountain Views

What’s the best advice your father ever gave you?

“He always ended the prayer at the dinner table with ‘Be ever mindful of the needs of others,’ and that was his daily advice to me.”

Kathryn Norris Mountain Brook

“My father gave his best advice by example. All he did was work, and he taught me to work and the value of working.”

Jim Harris Unincorporated Jefferson County

“My father always taught me to treat others as you would have them treat you. I think that’s the best advice you can get.”

Richard Hydinger Mountain Brook

“My father used to say that any man who turned out worth anything had a chief hand in his own education.

You have to be a part of your education. That really made an impact on me.”

Jimmy Snow Birmingham

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 3

About Town

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4 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

About Town

Dynamic Dads

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Father’s Day Council Will Honor Five on June 12

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

F

ive exemplary Birmingham metro area dads have recently been named Alabama’s 2014 Fathers of the Year.

The prominent businessmen were selected by the local Father’s Day Council to be honored at the fourth annual Father of the Year awards dinner June 12 at The Club in Homewood.

The event will benefit the American Diabetes Association.

The honorees this year are Wayne Barefield of Vestavia Hills, Daniel Bolongaro of Homewood, Van Moody of Birmingham, Larry Schifer of Greystone and Sheffield Young of Vestavia Hills.

The men were selected as Fathers of the Year based on their outstanding commitment to their children and the values of fatherhood, said Melissa Kendall, a member of the Birmingham Father’s Day Council.

“We are proud to honor these exceptional fathers who have so admirably balanced fatherhood with such successful careers and community service, serving as a role model for their children while making a positive impact in their communities,” Kendall said. “They deserve recognition not only as fathers and community leaders but for their commitment to help change the future of diabetes.”

Established in 1931, the National Father’s Day Council is a group of volunteers from a variety of occupations and industries who annually honor fathers whose achievements and values enhance the meaning and stature of fatherhood. The National Father’s Day Council has raised more than $35 million in 24 years to search for a cure for diabetes.

Barefield is an emergency medicine physician at St. Vincent’s East and the VA Medical Center.

The youngest of 11 children, he grew up in Victoria, Texas, and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. He received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston.

Barefield served in the U.S. Air Force and is a veteran of the first Gulf War. In 2001, Barefield moved his family to Vestavia Hills. He and his wife, Laura, have been married for 24 years and have three daughters--17-year-old Alyssa, 15-year-old Jordan and 13-year-old Maya.

Bolongaro is senior vice president of Wells Fargo and has served the business banking community of central Alabama at Wells Fargo since 2005.

He is an active member of Iron Tribe Fitness and serves as a board member of the Alabama Ballet. Bolongaro is also chairman of the board for the Vulcan Park and Museum.

He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Mississippi.

Bolongaro and his wife, Jamie, live in Homewood with their four children--Fritz, Preston, Izzy and Tristan.

Moody is the founder and senior pastor at The Worship Center in Birmingham.

He has been heard on secular and gospel music radio stations, at the World Council of Churches, at the Black Women in Church and Society Think Tank and in the classrooms of Harvard and Oxford universities, where he has furthered his education.

Moody also participated in the 30th anniversary of the March on Washington.

Moody and his wife, Ty, live in Birmingham

Five exemplary dads from the Birmingham metro area have been named 2014 Fathers of the Year.

Top, from left: Wayne Barefield, Daniel Bolongaro Middle: Sheffield Young, Van Moody.

Bottom: Larry Schifer Photos special to the Journal

with their children, Eden Sydney and Ethan Isaiah.

Schifer is a pharmaceutical specialty district business manager for Publicis Touchpoint Solutions and leads sales for Type 2 diabetes products in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and parts of Florida.

A native of Bucyrus, Ohio, he earned a

bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in business from Xavier University. He has been in the pharmaceutical industry for 22 years and has held several senior leadership positions.

Schifer and his wife, Julie, moved in 2006 to Greystone, where they live with their two children, 11-year-old Alex and 9-year-old Grace.

Schifer is active at the Church of the Highlands, where he serves as an usher and has been a part of the men’s small groups for several years. He also coaches with Over the Mountain youth baseball, YMCA youth basketball and Hoover youth football.

Young, market manager of CignaHealthSpring, has been in the healthcare management field for more than 20 years.

He is vice president of operations for Cigna-HealthSpring and is regional director of operations for a urology practice management company responsible for nine urology practices in five states. Young is president of the Alabama Association of Health Plans and a board member of the Mississippi Association of Health Plans.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, where he met his wife, Amy. The couple has two children. Mary Jane will attend the University of Alabama this fall, and Sheffield Watterson will be a high school senior.

Young and his family are active members at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church.

Young has served on the church council and the Day School Advisory Board, has taught Sunday school and has served as a recreation soccer coach. He has also served as president of the Vestavia Soccer Club, volunteered with the Vestavia Youth Wrestling Club and was the Vestavia Youth Baseball League director and coach.

For more information on the Father of the Year Awards dinner or to purchase tickets, visit www.diabetes.org/birminghamfoty or call 8705172, extension 3079. ❖

Save the Date Hoover

Hydrangeas Under the Stars June 13, 6 p.m.

Aldridge Gardens Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey and Carolyn Ivey are the honorary host and hostess of this year’s Hydrangeas Under the Stars. The event featuring food, entertainment and a live auction will benefit Aldridge Gardens. A reception with music and cocktails begins at 6 p.m. June 13. Auction items will include a voyage for two down the Amazon River and original art by Amy Peterson, Frank Fleming and Robert Taylor. Brenda Ladun will be the event’s emcee, and Gene Hallman will be the auctioneer. Shaun Pezant will provide entertainment. Catering will be by the Jefferson State Culinary and Hospitality Institute. For more information, to purchase tickets or to sponsor a table, visit aldridgegardens.com or call 6828019.

North Shelby

Sacred Harp Singing Convention June 12-14, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

First Christian Church The 35th annual National Sacred Harp Singing Convention will be June 12-14 at First Christian Church, 4954 Valleydale Road in North Shelby. The event will feature three days of Southern hospitality, fellowship and shape-note singing from the Sacred Harp Hymnal, originally published in 1844 in Hamilton, Ga. The event will run from 9:30 a.m.-

2:30 p.m. each day and will include a covered dish luncheon. For more information, email pgwhite1901@gmail. com.

Hoover

Digging Up Antebellum Alabama June 12, 2-4 p.m.

Hoover Public Library Jim Phillips will present artifacts and stories about early Alabama history with “Digging Up Antebellum Alabama” at the Hoover Public Library June 12. The free event is from 2-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.org or call 444-7840.

Birmingham

Cutting Edge Concussion Summit June 13, 8 a.m.

Bradley Lecture Center Children’s of Alabama will host the inaugural Cutting Edge Concussion Summit--Maintaining the Competitive Edge at 8 a.m. June 13 in its Bradley Lecture Center, Children’s Harbor Building, 1600 Sixth Ave. South in Birmingham. The day-long conference is open to the public and hosted by UAB Sports Medicine at Children’s in conjunction with the Wise Up! Initiative. The conference will feature presentations geared to coaches, athletic trainers and parents. The cost is $25. For more information, visit www. childrensal.org/concussion or call 6387379.

Hoover

Glow in the Park June 14, 8:15-10:45 p.m.

Hoover Met Glow in the Park will be held from 8:15-10:45 p.m. June 14 at the Hoover Met. Billed as the “ultimate party fun run,” the event will feature foam pits, UV glow tunnels, color stations, dancing and backlights. Registration is $50 through June 12 and $55 on the day of the event. For more information, email rich@triviumracing.com or call 336-9788534.

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Party

Birmingham

Butterfly Education and Awareness June 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens In cooperation with Birmingham Zoo, Ruffner Mountain and McWane Science Center, Birmingham Botanical Gardens will present Birmingham’s Butterfly Education and Awareness Day June 14. The Birmingham Zoo and the McWane Science Center will host children’s activities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Butterfly releases will be at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fresh Air Family will hold Hikes for Tykes, a walk led by Verna Gates focusing on butterfly lore and legends.

The hike at 10 a.m. is designed for preschool children and their parents.

The event is free. For more information, visit www.bbgardens.org or call 4143950.

Birmingham

Art From the Heart June 15, 6 p.m.

B&A Warehouse The Art From the Heart fundraiser on June 15 at B&A Warehouse will also be a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Studio By the Tracks. The event will honor the studio’s students and 25 community residents for their contributions to its programs. The party starts at 6 p.m. and will include the works of 200 local artists up for bid at live and silent auctions. There will also be a student room featuring hundreds of pieces of students’ artwork for sale.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served along with beer and wine. Tickets are $60. Tickets are available at www. studiobythetracks.org or at the door.

Hoover

Birmingham

Art on The Rocks June 13, 7-11 p.m.

Birmingham Museum of Art The 10th year of Art on The Rocks will kick off at the Birmingham Museum of Art at 7 p.m. June 13. To mark the occasion, the museum is seeking the best local artists, dancers, performers and musicians. The event is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. For more information, visit www.artsbma.org or call 254-2565.

David Engel Presents Pirate School June 17-19 Hoover Public Library The Hoover Public Library will host David Engel June 17-19 as he presents Pirate School, a swashbuckling variety show with physical comedy and a blend of improvisational clown comedy and audience participation. Shows are at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. June 17 and 2 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. June 18-19. The event is free, but seating is limited and guests are encouraged to arrive early. For more information, visit www.hooverlibrary.org or call 444-7830.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

About Town

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 5

6 • Thursday, June 12, 2014 Birmingham

About Town

Fern Society Show and Sale June 18, 1-6 p.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Birmingham Fern Society will hold its annual show and sale at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 1-6 p.m. June 18. Those attending can

see prize-winning ferns and purchase some for their own gardens. The sale will feature a variety of ferns, some of which are not available locally. Experts will also be on hand to offer advice on selecting and growing ferns. For more information, visit www.bbgardens.org or call 988-0299.

Vestavia Hills

“The Reluctant Dragon” June 19, 10:30 a.m.

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Puppeteer David Stephens will present “The Reluctant Dragon” at 10:30 a.m. June 19 at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. The show is for children in grades 3-6. The event is free. A second performance will be held June 19 at 3 p.m. at the Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park gym.

Homewood

“James and the Giant Peach” June 19-22 Children’s Dance Foundation Children’s Dance Foundation’s StageDoor Youth Theatre Company will present Roald Dahl’s classic tale, “James and the Giant Peach,” June 19-22 at the CDF Studio Theatre in Homewood. The show is directed by Rebecca Yeager. Show times are 7:30 p.m. June 19-21 and 2:30 p.m. June 22.

Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.childrensdancefoundation.org or call 870-0073.

Hoover

2313 OVERLOOK CREST VESTAVIA HILLS

College Seminar June 19, noon-2 p.m.

Jeff State Hoover-Shelby Campus Jefferson State Community College is offering a free seminar for adults who are thinking about beginning college for the first time or re-entering college after an extended period of time. The seminar will be from noon-2 p.m. June 19 at the Hoover-Shelby campus on Valleydale Road. The seminar will be in Room 405 of the Health Sciences building. Those attending will receive information on applying for admission, scheduling classes and financial aid. For more information, call 856-7718.

Vestavia Hills

Outdoor Concert Series June 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest’s Outdoor Concert Series continues June 20 with a performance

by Sean Michael Ray. The Birmingham native and renowned bassist has

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

performed with Maxwell, John Waite, Sheila E., Eric Essix and other artists.

The performance is free. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

The show is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, visit vestavialibrary. org or call 978-0155.

Hoover

Art in the Garden June 21 and 22 Aldridge Gardens Stroll through Aldridge Gardens in Hoover June 21 and 22 to see and shop for local art. More than 50 artisans will compete for category and best of show awards in the juried open-air show that features only Alabama artists.

The event will include paintings, mixed media pieces, woodworking pieces and jewelry. For more information, visit aldridgegardens.com or call 682-8019.

Mountain Brook

Warblers’ 85th Anniversary Show June 21, 7 p.m.

Mountain Brook High School The Warblers Club, a men’s chorus, will present its 85th anniversary show, “Our Third Final Show,” at the Mountain Brook High School Fine Arts Center at 7 p.m. June 21. There will be a special guest performance by Three on a String.

For ticket information, call 591-6080. For more information about the Warblers Club, visit www.warblersclub.org.

Birmingham

Summer Solstice Concert June 22, 3-5 p.m.

Birmingham Museum of Art The Birmingham Museum of Art will host the Summer Solstice Concert featuring the Red Mountain Chamber Players from 3-5 p.m. June 22. The theme for the annual concert is English Tea Time, and the music will reflect the elegance and sophistication surrounding afternoon tea in 18th century England.

A tour of the museum’s English gallery and its recent acquisition of Chatsworth House by Peter Tillemans will precede the concert. The event is free. For more information, visit www.artsbma.org or call 254-2565.

Birmingham

Seasoned Performers Concert Reading June 22 and 29 ArtPlay The Seasoned Performers will hold a concert reading of “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde June 22 and 29 at ArtPlay at the Alys Stephens Center in Birmingham. The cast includes Birmingham actors Ron Dauphinee, Ward Haarbauer, Laura Wells, Sandra Lawler, Jim Ellington, Martha Haarbauer, Jim Anderson and Bob Penney. Show times are 2:304:30 p.m. June 22 and 29. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit www. seasonedperformers.org or call 9785095.

Homewood

Alzheimer’s Family Conference June 23, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama will hold a Alzheimer’s Family Conference and Research Symposium at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. June 23. The event will include presentations by staff from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurology, the Comprehensive Neuroscience Center and Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama and other professionals. The cost is $15 for caregivers. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit www.alzca.org or call 871-7970.

Mountain Brook

Hydock and Horton Performance June 24, 7-9 p.m.

Emmet O’Neal Library Dolores Hydock and Bobby Horton will present “A Strange Sweetness Thrills My Heart: The Journal of Sallie Independence Foster” from 7-9 p.m.

June 24 at the Emmet O’Neal Library in Mountain Brook. Foster was 12 years old and living in Florence in 1861 when the Civil War began. The performance will be based on Foster’s diaries and the letters she exchanged with her brothers during the war. Tickets are $10 and available only at the library. For more information, visit www.eolib.org. ❖

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Outdoor Extravaganza Rick and Bubba Will Have Anniversary Expo

By Keysha Drexel

Rick and Bubba Outdoor Expo

Journal Editor

Outdoorsy dads are in for a treat this Father’s Day weekend when Summit Media hosts a three-day fishing and outdoor enthusiast event June 13-15 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

The inaugural Rick and Bubba Outdoor Expo will celebrate the great outdoors and the 20th anniversary of the Rick and Bubba Show on Father’s Day weekend.

The event will feature outdoor retailers, exhibitions and organizations from across the country and is being produced by Summit Media and Dan Moultrie, founder of Moultrie Feeders and chairman of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources advisory board.

“The Rick and Bubba Outdoor Expo will provide the ultimate Father’s Day weekend experience by featuring all areas of outdoor recreation,” Moultrie said. “The entire family will be entertained and will be able to do everything from learning about the outdoors to winning a pickup truck. We invite everyone to come and enjoy this fantastic threeday event.”

In addition to hunting, fishing and outdoor exhibits, the expo will also feature a number of celebrity

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 7

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

When: June 13-15. Where: BJCC What: The event will feature outdoor retailers, exhibitions and organizations from across the country. Ted Nugent will perform, and there will be special appearances by Michael Waddell, Amy and Ron Shirley and Chuck Wicks. For more information: Visit www.rickandbubbaoutdoorexpo. com.

Rick Burgess, left, and Bill “Bubba” Bussey will host the first Rick and Bubba Outdoor Expo on Father’s Day weekend at the BJCC. Photo special to the Journal

guests, including Rick Burgess, Bill “Bubba” Bussey and the entire Rick and Bubba cast.

Renowned guitarist and hunting enthusiast Ted Nugent will be on hand for the expo, along with fisherman Jimmy Houston, Ronnie and Amy Shirley of “Lizard Lick Towing,” Michael Waddell of “Bone Collector” and Chuck Wicks, country music performer and former

“Dancing with the Stars” contestant.

“Bubba and I love the outdoors and spending time hunting and fishing with our children,” Burgess said.

“As we celebrate 20 years on the radio, we thought it was a great time to team up with the biggest names in the outdoor industry and host an outdoor expo, Rick and Bubba style.”

Expo hours are from 4-9 p.m.

June 13, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. June 14 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 15.

Tickets are $10 for those 13 and older. Children 12 and younger get in free. No weekend passes are available; tickets must be purchased separately each day.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at ticketmaster.com or at the event.❖

Congratulations Tim Bembry for recently achieving the 2014 Premier Advisor designation It is with great pleasure that I announce that Tim Bembry, Financial Advisor, has once again earned the distinction of Premier Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors.

Tim is among a select group of Financial Advisors who meet or exceed Wells Fargo Advisors’ high standards as measured by one or more of the firms’ criteria for revenue generation, educational attainment and client-service best practices.

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48 Church Street, Crestline Village in Mountain Brook, Birmingham, Alabama 35213

8 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

People

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Cub Scouts Donate Fountain to Crestline Cub Scout Pack 63 recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new water fountain the group donated to Crestline Elementary School in Mountain Brook.

The students officially opened the new handicapped and pet-accessible water fountain on the school’s playground May 12.

Pack 63 leaders Scott Barringer and Tye Warren with Paul DeMarco and Cub Scout Pack 63.

Photo special to the Journal

Jebeles Earns Eagle Scout Award with Troop 78 John Jebeles, the son of John and Laura Jebeles of Vestavia Hills, has earned the Boy Scouts Eagle Scout Award.

Jebeles, 17, was recognized at a ceremony April 26 at the Charles T. Clayton Scout Service Center.

A member of Troop 76, John Jebeles sponsored

by Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church, Jebeles is one of approximately four percent of all Boy Scouts who attain the rank of Eagle.

The scoutmaster of Troop 76 is Chris Morhard.

Jebeles’ Eagle Scout project involved

building and installing wood duck boxes in the Cahaba Wildlife Management Area. The nesting boxes will improve the habitat for wood ducks displaced by deforestation.

Jebeles has served in a wide variety of leadership roles in the troop including senior patrol leader. He attended Philmont High Adventure Camp in New Mexico during the summer of 2012.

Jebeles is active in the Vestavia Hills High School Band and Wind Ensemble as an alto saxophone player. He is a member of Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church.

His late grandfather, Robert L. Garrett Jr., also attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Williams Earns Eye Bank’s Leonard Heise Award A Vestavia Hills resident will receive the highest honor given to those in the eye care profession later this month.

Doyce Williams, president and

Connecting Homes + Families

chief executive officer of the Alabama Eye Bank, will receive the 2014 Leonard Heise Award at the Eye Bank Association of America’s annual meeting in Oregon June 25-28.

The Heise is awarded each year to an eye banker for outstanding devotion to the EBAA’s development and for exemplifying the precepts of Leonard Heise, an EBAA founder and major contributor to the fight against blindness.

Williams became AEB’s executive director in 1980 when the eye bank was in its infancy. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding the organization from a staff of two to some 40 personnel today, officials said.

“The mission of the eye bank is a worthy and noble one, and working for such an important human need has been a privilege,” Williams said. “My core motivation for remaining in eye banking has been the joy and fulfillment of helping others to see again. To receive an award for something that

Dylan and Ashley Teague have used the real estate team of Amy Stump and Marc Scholl for four transactions. “We had a very positive experience,” says Ashley.

“They go above and beyond what we’ve experienced from other agents. They made us feel like we were their only customers. After working with them, we can honestly call them our friends. We recommend them to anyone we know looking for an agent.”

has brought me such satisfaction is an honor indeed.”

Hoover’s Pence Receives Wofford Awards A Hoover resident was recently recognized for her achievements at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. Lindy Joy Pence, the daughter of Paul and Robin Pence of Hoover, received the Lindy Joy Pence American Legion Award and the W. Ray Leonard Award, the departmental award for biology, at the college’s Honors Day ceremonies May 6.

Pence graduated from Wofford College May 18 with a bachelor’s degree in science. Her major was biology, and her minor was business.

While a student at Wofford College, Pence held leadership positions with Campus Union, Twin Towers, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and the Facility Affairs Committee.

In the Spartanburg community, Pence taught Sunday school to preschoolers and volunteered weekly at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen.

She has been accepted to several medical/doctoral programs throughout the country. She said she plans to practice medicine as a pediatric hematologist oncologist while conducting research on pediatric cancers.

Lavette Named to Honor Society at W&L

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A Mountain Brook resident was recently inducted into an honor society at Washington and Lee University in Virginia.

Laura E. Lavette, a member of the class of 2017 at Washington and Lee, was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, which is limited to students who complete the first term of their first year with superior academic records.

To be eligible for Phi Eta Sigma, a student must be in the top 20 percent of the class at the end of his or her first term.

The university had 81 students initiated into the honor society at a ceremony held the first night of W&L’s 2014 Reunion Weekend in May.

The Cub Scouts sold popcorn and raised money through donations to purchase and install the new fountain.

The group also received donations from Paul DeMarco and Slade Blackwell for the project.

Peter Ray sold the most popcorn of any of the scouts in Pack 63 and was honored by Crestline Elementary School Principal Laurie King at the ribboncutting ceremony.

Pack Leader Scott Barringer spoke on the joy of giving to others at the ceremony and reminded the young scouts to remember what it feels like to help others.

Hontzas Is Eagle Scout Friends and family members of Phil Hontzas joined together May 4 as Troop 97, sponsored

by Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, celebrated and recognized his achievement of the Eagle Scout rank.

Hontzas earned 34 merit badges, served Phil Hontzas in various leadership positions and received several prestigious scouting awards.

His Eagle Scout project benefited the Greater Birmingham Humane Society in Homewood.

A 2014 graduate of Homewood High School, Hontzas plans to attend Auburn University’s Honors College this fall to major in psychology.

Caskey Earns Eagle Rank Andrew Caskey, the son of Al and Rebecca Caskey of Vestavia Hills, has earned the Boy Scouts Eagle Scout Award.

He was recognized at a ceremony April 26 at the Charles T. Clayton Scout Service Center.

He is a member of Troop 76, Andrew Caskey sponsored

by Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church.

Scoutmaster of Troop 76 is Chris Morhard.

Caskey’s Eagle Scout project was to construct a brick patio, flower bed, picnic tables and benches at the Firehouse Shelter, an outreach program for homeless men in Birmingham.

He has served in a variety of leadership roles in the troop and attended the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in Big Munson Island, Fla. Caskey, 17, is active in the Vestavia Hills High School Marching Band and Wind Ensemble and is a member of the National Honor Society, Music Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and the German Honor Society. He is a member of the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra and Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

Hoover Resident Featured in Gospel Music Video A Hoover resident is being featured in a video by a Grammy Award-winning Christian and gospel singer.

Ashley DeRamus, founder and namesake of the Ashley DeRamus Foundation, plays the daughter of a soldier in Jason Crabb’s music video “Love is Stronger.”

Ashley DeRamus A behindthe-scenes look at the video featuring DeRamus will be aired on UPTV’s morning show over the next few months.

The Ashley DeRamus Foundation is dedicated to the education, advancement and quality lifestyle of children and adults with Down syndrome. DeRamus, 31, has Down syndrome and will promote Down syndrome awareness in the eightminute segments on UPTV. Filmed in Birmingham, the video tells the story of a soldier and father who says goodbye to his daughter, played

by DeRamus, as he goes off to war.

The father is severely wounded in an improvised explosive device attack but fights to recover from his injuries so he can return home to his family.

The patriotic aspect of the video will play a special role as the UPTV feature airs on national holidays, including the

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 9

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. DeRamus can now add “television star” to her resume along with her other accomplishments. She recently launched Ashley by Design, a clothing line tailored to fit women of many body types, including those with Down syndrome, which she debuted at the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in Denver last July.

DeRamus recently spoke at the United Nations about living with Down syndrome. She was named one of the “Six Entrepreneurs with Down Syndrome Who Are Inspiring the World”

by Disney’s Babble in August 2013.

“I’ve always said, ‘Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do, show them what you can do,’” DeRamus said. “That is why I am so happy to have been given the opportunity to act in Jason’s ‘Love is Stronger’ video and to star in UPTV’s feature on my foundation. I hope this brings much more awareness to Down syndrome.”

leadership lessons from all 12 of the minor prophets.

Attaway said the book explores six of the so-called minor prophets and offers leadership lessons that leaders can use, no matter the size of their churches or organizations.

“My purpose is to explain the history, culture and context of these books while mining some of the timeless leadership principles in them that can help us lead better,” Attaway said.

Dance for Downs Director Earns Honor at Samford A Vestavia Hills resident was recently honored by Samford University for her

service to others.

Lindy Williamson was presented with the Service Award at Samford in May. Williamson was honored for her many hours of service as the founder and director of Dance for Downs, an event created Lindy Williamson to raise money and provide education and awareness through the support of Down Syndrome Alabama.

Williamson graduated from Samford in May with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family life education.

Prewitt Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society A Vestavia Hills resident was recently selected to be a member of the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Patrick Prewitt was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi at Tennessee Technical University, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise sciences.

Membership is by invitation only. ❖

Bluff Park Native Writes Leadership Book A Bluff Park native has written a new book on leadership lessons that can be learned in the Bible.

William Attaway’s “LEAD: Leadership Lessons from the (Not So) Minor Prophets” was released April 8 on amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle eBook formats.

The 270-page work is the first from Attaway, senior pastor of Southview Community Church in Herndon, Va. Written over four years, the book is the first of two volumes that will explore

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News

10 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

u Over the Mountain

Candidates Headed for July 15 Runoff

By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

State Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, and conservative think-tank founder Gary Palmer are headed for a July 15 runoff to represent the Sixth Congressional District, and several other candidates are also in runoffs in their races to represent Over the Mountain residents.

In the June 3 primary election, DeMarco received 16,467 votes or 37 percent with Palmer getting 8,115 or 18 percent to outpace the other four candidates, which included Rep. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale, Will Brooke of Redmont, Chad Mathis of Indian Springs Village, Robert Shattuck of Mountain Brook and Tom Vigneulle of Wilsonville.

Beason received 6,580 votes or 15 percent, Brooke received 6,846 votes or 15 percent and Mathis received 5,601 votes or 13 percent.

Robert Shattuck received 1 percent of the votes cast, with 253 ballots cast in his favor. Tom Vigneulle captured 2 percent of the votes with 770.

The winner of the Republican runoff next month will face Democratic nominee Avery Vise and Libertarian Aimee Love in the November general election.

The Sixth Congressional District includes suburban areas outside of Birmingham, the southwestern portions of Jefferson County and all of Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Coosa and Shelby counties.

In state legislative races, Republican Arnold Mooney will face off against conservative commentator Amie Beth Shaver of Inverness in a runoff f to replace Mary Sue McClurkin, R-Indian Springs Village, to represent Alabama House District 43.

Mooney, a commercial real estate broker from Meadow Brook, received 2,327 votes or 30 percent to Shaver’s 1,746 or 23 percent.

They led a field of candidates that included John Bahakel of Hoover, Cheryl Ciamarra of unincorporated Shelby County, Doug Clark of Hoover, Gina McDonald of Hoover and Don Murphy of Pelham.

Clark won 1,500 votes or 19 percent, and Ciamarra captured 885 votes or 11 percent. Bahakel finished with 525 votes or 7 percent, Murphy had 536 votes or 7 percent and McDonald won 3 percent of the votes with 213 ballots cast in her favor.

House District 43 covers portions of Jefferson and Shelby counties, including parts of Birmingham, Hoover, Helena, Indian Springs, Inverness and Pelham.

In the legislative District 46 race, Republicans David Faulkner and Steve French, a former state legislator and senior vice president of business development at Sterne Agee, are headed for a runoff.

Faulkner, an attorney from Mountain Brook, received 3,582 votes or 45 percent while French, also of Mountain Brook, received

u Mountain Brook

Crestline Shell Could Close

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

This week Jack King will meet with supporters from the Mountain Brook community to find a way to save the only full-service gas station in Crestline.

Since King announced that his u Hoover

Humphrey Joins Board

A former Crimson Tide running back is the newest member of the Hoover Parks and Recreation Board.

The Hoover City Council appointed Bobby Humphrey to the recreation board to serve the unexpired term of Craig Kelley.

Kelley resigned his five-year term in April to accept an appointment to the city’s school board.

Council President Jack Wright said the city had been pursuing Humphrey for some time and finally got him.

“We’ve been asking him to serve for a while, and he’s finally found time in his

lease on the Crestline Shell Station property on Church Street could end in September and result in the gas station closing, he said he’s received an outpouring of support from his customers.

“The response from the community has been fantastic and just overwhelming,” King said. “I have

schedule,” Wright said. “We’re flattered to have Bobby Humphrey. He’s all about athletics and has a constant eye on parks and recreation.”

Humphrey was an All-American running back for the University of Alabama from 1985-1988 and was selected in the first round of the 1989 supplemental draft by the Denver Broncos. After his playing days ended, he became the head football coach for the Birmingham Steeldogs, an Arena Football team.

He has also been inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

Humphrey now serves as vice president for business development for Bryant Bank.

Sixth Congressional District

Paul DeMarco

Gary Palmer

house distrcit 43

Arnold Mooney

Amie Beth Shaver

house distrcit 46

David Faulkner

Steve French

2,081 votes or 26 percent.

They outlasted Justin Barkley and Pamela Blackmore-Jenkins. Barkley, an attorney from Homewood, received 23 percent of the votes with 1,853 ballots cast in his favor.

Blackmore-Jenkins, a Hoover resident, received 5 percent of the votes with 389.

The winner of the runoff between Faulkner and French will face Libertarian Steven Tucker in the November general election.

In the District 47 race, incumbent Rep. Jack Williams, R-Vestavia Hills, beat back a challenge from David Wheeler, a retired Alabama Power executive from Vestavia Hills.

Williams received 2,623 votes or 60 percent of the vote to Wheeler’s 1,731 or 40 percent.

In the November general election, Williams will make a run his third full four-year term against Democrat Salvatore Bambinelli.

Williams was first elected to the District 47 seat in 2004 to fill an unexpired term.

In the District 52 race, veteran Democrat John Rogers Jr. of Birmingham defeated Patrick Sellers of Birmingham, a pastor and board member of the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority who was making his first bid for public office.

Rogers has served in the legislature since 1981.

All vote totals are the unofficial results available at press time. ❖

customers that are trying to help out financially so we can keep the station open.”

King and his family have leased the property at 80 Church Street for 36 years.

“We know our customers and they know us. This community really is like a big family,” he said.

And now that McPherson Oil Company, from whom King leases the property, has given him 90 days to either buy or vacate the premises,

the community has stepped up to help save the Crestline Shell Station.

King said while he’s not in a financial situation where he can buy the property, McPherson Oil has offered him the first right to buy it.

“Business is business and I completely understand that,” King said.

“We’ve always had a good relationship with McPherson Oil and I hope that with the help of our loyal customers, that can continue. That’s the ultimate goal for me.” ❖

u Hoover

Hoover City Council President Jack Wright said. “What it means is we have enough money to pay our bills, and we do it properly and (within our budget).”

Standard & Poor’s cited Hoover’s strong local economy, strong budgetary flexibility and strong reserve funds as reasons to raise its credit rating. But the rating service also noted that the city’s revenues are strongly tied to “economically sensitive, cyclical sales tax revenues” and that it could lower the rating if the city has to drain its reserves to supplement future budgets.

Mountain Brook and Huntsville are the only other Alabama cities with AAA ratings, Wright said.

–William C. Singleton III

City Gets AAA Rating The city of Hoover has achieved an AAA credit rating.

City officials said recently that Standard & Poor’s Rating Services has raised Hoover’s credit rating from AA to AAA based on its financial conditions in fiscal year 2013.

Standard & Poor’s grades general obligation warrants for individual municipalities. A higher rating means a city’s bonds and warrants will be more attractive and fetch better interest rates on the financial market.

“This doesn’t mean we have more money than we know what to do with,”

u Vestavia Hills

Schools Will Start DrugTesting Program

By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

The Vestavia Hills school system will begin a new voluntary drugtesting program for the 2014-2015 school year.

The program will include students in the seventh through 12th grades who volunteer to participate. Students and their parents must sign release forms to participate in the program, city and school officials said.

The program will cost $40 a year.

Vestavia Hills conducts random drug testing for students involved in sports and extracurricular activities.

This pilot program takes the current testing approach a step further, officials said.

“We have students in our extracurricular program who have never been tested, and others have been tested five or six times,” Councilman George Pierce said. “This is for the parents. We hope they take advantage of it.”

Jerry Dent, Vestavia Hills school board president, said the program is “just another tool that allows parents to help manage their children’s social lives.”

‘We’ve got a problem and we know it. We’ve had five or six heroin deaths (since) last year, and we need to start addressing that.’

Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza

The voluntary drug program was announced recently at a city council meeting. School leaders have also met with parents at Pizitz and Liberty Park middle schools and the high school to discuss the program.

“Anything we can do to get students to not participate in drugs and resist them, that’s what we want to do,” Vestavia Hills Schools Superintendent Jamie Blair said.

Safety First, a division of Birmingham-based Behavioral Health Systems, will administer the drug tests. Under the program, participating students will be tested at least twice a year–once in the fall and once in the spring. Test results will be given directly to parents.

A positive test will not mean a suspension or any disciplinary action by the school system, city and school officials say. Hopefully, parents will use the information to make the necessary decisions within their own See, testing, next page

Homewood Public Library Director Deborah Fout, left, is presented with the Gold Level Standard Award by Abby Carpenter. Photo special to the Journal

and is the only library to receive the award this year. The award was given for the first time this year.

“We got the blue ribbon award 10 years ago, which was the highest level a library could attain,” Fout said.

ALLA updated its standards a few years ago because the economic crisis of 2009 resulted in funding cuts that left many libraries cash-strapped and unable

u Homewood

Library Wins First Gold Level Award

By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

The Homewood Public Library recently received the 2014 Gold Level Standard Award from the Alabama Library Association.

The award was officially presented to Homewood Library Director Deborah Fout at ALLA’s annual convention in Huntsville in April.

testing,

from previos page

families, officials say.

“The testing bureau will be glad to help them in any counseling or assistance they might need,” Pierce said.

If a student stays in the program until graduation and stays clean, he or she will receive a certificate that indicates his or her drug-free status while in the program. Pierce said that could be a deciding factor for college admission.

“If a university is looking at a Vestavia student and another student with comparable grades, the Vestavia

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 11

news

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

“Public libraries that achieve Gold Level Standards serve as benchmarks of excellence for other libraries in the state,” wrote Jessica Ross, secretary of the Public Library Division for the ALLA, in a letter to the Homewood Library. “We extend our appreciation and congratulations to you and your library for a job well done.”

Homewood Public Library is the first to receive the Gold Standard Award student will be able to present a certificate stating he participated in a voluntary drug (testing) program and tested negative,” Pierce said. “The university may be more inclined to accept the Vestavia student because he’s been more responsible versus the other student.”

City leaders also said the time is right for such a program.

“We’ve got a problem and we know it,” Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza said. “We’ve had five or six heroin deaths (since) last year, and we need to start addressing that. And the volunteer area is the correct way to go.” ❖

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to meet certain association criteria, Fout said.

To receive the gold award, a library must grade high in its facility, administration, governance, planning, budget, hours of operation, staffing, staff training, promotion and partnering, collection, services and technology.

The evaluation process was very tedious, Homewood’s library director said.

“They came for a site visit, and we had one side of our boardroom lined with documentation that we had to

provide to prove we do what we’re supposed to do,” Fout said.

But the process was worth it, she added.

“This is a very high honor for the Homewood Library and the city of Homewood,” Fout said. “On behalf of the city of Homewood, the Homewood Library Board and the library staff, it was an honor for me to receive this award. I am proud to be a librarian.

I am proud to work for the city of Homewood, and I am proud to be the director of this great library.”❖

life

12 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

George Keller III, left, and his son, George Keller IV, will spend Father’s Day together at the opening ceremony of Alabama Governor’s School at Samford University. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

A Dad’s Day to Remember

Governor’s School Director Will Welcome Son to This Year’s Program

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

W

hen the opening ceremony for the 27th annual Alabama Governor’s School is held at Samford University this weekend, it will be a special day for the Keller family of Mountain Brook for many reasons.

This is the 14th year that George Keller III, a Samford biology professor and assistant dean of the Howard College of Arts and Sciences, has been director of the summer residential honors program for gifted high school students, which traditionally starts each year on Father’s Day. But it will be the first time Keller’s son will be among the rising high school seniors in the program.

“Usually on Father’s Day, Dad is at Samford for most of the day with the Governor’s School program, so the fact that I will be there with him this year and get to spend more time with him on Father’s Day makes this year very special,” George Keller IV, a rising senior at Mountain Brook High School, said.

While this will be the first time the father and son have been at AGS as director and student, it will not be the first time Keller IV has been exposed to the program.

“I would bring George with me to Governor’s School when he was just a little boy,” Keller III said. “I have this photo of him putting a puzzle together during one of the relay races the students do as part of AGS Olympics.

One year, a science class was collecting specimens in the Cahaba River and George was right out there with them, turning over rocks on the bank.”

This year, Keller IV will join 91 other academically gifted students staying on the Samford campus for the two-week honors program.

“I think it will be a great introduction to what college life is going to be about since we’ll be staying on campus and we’ll be responsible for getting ourselves to our classes on time,” Keller IV said.

And they will also be responsible for doing their own laundry, his father said.

“I knew George was ready to take on the academic challenges of Governor’s School, but we’re having some lessons on laundry to get him ready to take on that responsibility,” he said.

The students will stay in the residence halls on Samford’s campus and have their meals in the University Dining Hall.

“I’m pretty familiar with the campus, but it will still give me the experience of being away at college,” Keller IV said. “I’m really looking forward to meeting the other students from different parts of the state.”

More than 2,000 of Alabama’s best and brightest high school students have attended the AGS program since it began at Samford in 1987.

“It was patterned after similar programs in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi and Kentucky,” Keller III said. “But while a lot of those programs were specific to the arts or to certain areas of study, our program was designed to be more comprehensive.”

During the program, students choose areas of coursework for morning and afternoon sessions, including classes in the arts, law, healthcare, research, business, environmental studies, journalism and film.

The classes are taught by Birmingham area professionals and teachers, with attorney Ellis Bingham teaching the law class and Brock School of Business Dean Howard Finch teaching the business course.

Keller IV will be taking the business course and a field exploration science class called A Walk on the Wild Side taught by Tom Diggs of the University of Alabama at Birmingham “I’m looking into studying architecture in college, but I know that no matter what I go into, a business class will be helpful,” Keller IV said.

The students will also attend seminars related to college admission and scholarships during their time at AGS, Keller III said.

“It challenges these very bright students and gives them a chance to explore their options,” he said.

While most students at AGS take courses related to what they want to study in college, Keller III said the program has also been an eyeopener for many students over the years.

“We have a Governor’s School alum who teaches journalism here at Samford, and he took the healthcare course and it changed his college plans because he had the opportunity to explore a healthcare career and decide it wasn’t for him,” he said.

The students will also assist with a service project, visit the American Village in Montevallo and attend a Birmingham Barons baseball game.

“It’s not just about exposing them to these challenging courses, it’s also about giving them a chance to interact and be around other academically talented students from around the state,” Keller III said.

AGS participants come from all over Alabama. For many students, Keller III said, it represents the first time they have been among other gifted students.

“Many schools are unable to provide enrichment opportunities for their above-average students,” he said. “I remember one of the letters I received from a student that just broke my heart. She was a student from a rural area, and she said that being at Governor’s School was the only time she had felt validated in her academic success. She said at her school, all of the attention went to the athletes.”

Keller III said he has always been impressed with the caliber of students who attend AGS and hopes the program is something that helps them well into the future.

“By bringing the smartest students in the state together to learn and network, my hope would be that it gives them an opportunity to do great things in their careers and to do great things in Alabama,” he said.

AGS participants are nominated by their schools on the basis of academic ability, leadership qualities, creativity and community service.

Selection is also based on teacher and guidance counselor recommendations and written essays, which Keller III reads and evaluates.

Keller III said he thought it was important that his son gain entrance to the program on his own merits.

“I had to be completely objective when it came to the selection process. I told him if he wanted to go to Governor’s School, he had to be good enough to get in on his own merits, and I’m very proud that he did that,” Keller III said.

Keller IV said he didn’t want any special treatment in the selection process and wanted to earn the honor of attending AGS all on his own.

“I knew my dad was not going to play favorites and that I wanted to turn in my best work and for it to be something that I could really be proud of,” Keller IV said.

However, the younger Keller didn’t need any special treatment to be considered a standout student in the state.

Keller IV will be a member of Leadership Mountain Brook during his senior year at Mountain Brook High School, where he has run track and cross country. The rising senior will be honored at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony for achieving the highest rank in Boy Scouts a couple of weeks after Governor’s School ends.

Like his father, Keller IV is an active member of Independent Presbyterian Church. He is a youth elder in his church youth group and a member of the youth choir.

His love of music is something the younger Keller shares with his father, who has been a member of the IPC adult choir since 1991.

“We are a lot alike in many ways,” Keller IV said. “We both enjoy music, we both have a very calm demeanor and we both love sports.”

The pair can often be found on the golf course together or watching football games together in the fall.

“He is an only child, and we have always been very close,” Keller III said. “I’m very proud of him, and it will be a great Father’s Day present to look out at the students at the opening ceremony and see him there.” ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Father’s Day gift guide

For Grilling Gurus or Greenhorns

m

Cool Tools to Help Dad Heat Up His Barbecue

By Donna Cornelius

Journal features writer

The days when backyard chefs tackled grills armed only with spatulas and tongs are up in smoke.

“For the last five or six years, we’ve seen more and more grilling accessories hit the market,” said Mike Barnett, owner of Alabama Gaslight and Grill in Homewood, below.

While the Linden Street store stocks lots of grills, it also carries a wide variety of cool tools. There are metal claws for shredding meat, grill clips to keep veggies from falling into the grate and smoking platforms to use on the grill.

While you probably don’t want to make dad cook on Father’s Day (well, unless he volunteers), these items make great gifts—and will keep on giving to the whole family once dad puts them into action.

Learn Not to Burn

ThermoWorks Thermometers

Mike Barnett said ThermoWorks is best known for its commercial products. But the company’s accurate, instant-read thermometers are also must-haves for serious backyard chefs.

Using the thermometers means you don’t have to keep cutting into your chicken or steaks to test for doneness, which lets those tasty juices escape and also mutilates the meat. The thermometers come with booklets that give proper cooking temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about charred chicken or a raging case of salmonella—not exactly a great way to celebrate Father’s Day. $19.95-$129 Get Stuffed

Stuff-a-Burger

This handy little contraption lets you put cheese, bacon, onions or any other ingredients your hungry self desires inside your burger instead of on top of it. You put half the meat in and press down, then add your favorite extras.

Put in the rest of the meat and press again. The resulting burger is so hearty, Mike Barnett said, that his son Anderson, who was a center for the Vestavia High School football team, can eat only one. $9.95 Slider Sampler

Deluxe Mini Burger Set

If you haven’t yet made sliders, you are not yet part of the grilling glitterati. These miniburgers are easy to make with this set that includes a meat press and a basket that holds up to nine burgers. There’s also a bun cutter, but

gift guide continues on page 14

Simplify the Art of Backyard Barbecuing Food page 29

father’s day

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

nolin,

From page 1

just didn’t know what I could do, and it was a question that I asked myself over and over,” he said.

On a mission trip to Venezuela, Denver got an answer to that question that changed his life.

He and his wife, Susan, took their daughters, Katie and Sara, on a mission trip to the South American country about seven years ago.

“Katie at that time thought that she wanted to be a missionary, so I wanted to show her what she would be up against, so the whole family went down to Venezuela,” he said.

The family worked in povertystricken areas in Venezuela, including the city dump where children were searching through the garbage for food.

After they left the city dump and were talking about what they had just seen, and during a conversation with one of the orphanage officials, Denver said he had an epiphany.

“I said something to Susan to the effect that it breaks your heart that you can’t help all of the orphans, and she looked me in the eye and told me, ‘You can help one,’ and I thought there was no way I could argue with that,” Denver said.

Susan said the mission trip to Venezuela was a turning point for the whole family.

“It really changed our focus as a family, and we started talking about how we can make a difference in a child’s life through adoption,” she said.

“A lot of our friends thought we were crazy because the girls were older and we were on the verge of being emptynesters when we started talking about adoption.”

The Nolins first considered international adoption.

“We had friends who had adopted from the Ukraine so we starting pursuing that, but the door shut on that option pretty quickly, and emotionally, I felt like a pinball being bounced back and forth,” Susan said.

But one day Susan was reading an issue of the Over the Mountain Journal while waiting on Katie and Sara to get out of ballet class and saw an article on older children in the state’s foster care system.

“In that moment, I realized that if we were going to make a difference in a child’s life that we were going to have to be open to God’s plan and pay attention to where he was leading us as a family,” Susan said.

Susan shared the article with Denver, and he talked to an Air Force buddy in Montgomery about the process of adopting a child from the foster care system.

“He told me about all of the children here in Alabama that need a home and about the older kids who have nothing to hope for but to ‘age out’ of the system so they can take care of themselves,” Denver said.

The couple did some research and found out about the Children’s Aid Society, an organization that partners with the state Department of Human Resources to help find homes for older children.

“We took the GPS, (or Group Preparation and Selection) classes that you have to go through if you want to

adopt, and then we started the home study process,” Denver said.

The family visited Heart Gallery Alabama’s online gallery of the more than 500 children in the state’s foster care system available for adoption.

“Then one day, we saw this smiling little face on the computer screen, and we called to find out more about Heather,” Susan said.

Heather, who was 11 at the time, had been bounced around from one foster home to the next for most of her life.

“We were waiting on the call to tell us that we could come and meet Heather, but instead, we got a phone call that the foster family she was staying with wanted to adopt her,” Susan said. “That was a day that sent me into a fetal position because I thought I was getting ready to meet my new daughter.”

It was when they were faced with losing the daughter they had never met that the family said their attitude about adoption shifted.

“We realized that in adopting, we weren’t rescuing a child,” Denver said.

“We realized that it was God’s plan to show us that we needed Heather as much as she needed us.”

‘I had never really been in a family where there was a dad, where the dad was the leader of the family, and I had to get used to that.’

Heather Nolin

The family’s heartbreak over not being able to adopt Heather was suddenly lifted a few months later when they received another call from DHR officials.

“They said they were calling about a placement, and my heart kind of sank because I didn’t know if we were ready to go through those emotions again,” Susan said. “But then they told me they were calling about Heather and that her adoption by the foster family had fallen through and she needed an emergency placement.”

In order to be qualified for emergency foster care placement, Susan and Denver had to complete CPR classes.

“We took CPR classes that Saturday, and by Monday, Heather was walking through our door,” Susan said.

The couple enlisted help from Katie and Sara in order to get everything ready for Heather’s arrival.

“For Katie and I, the whole thing happened really fast. We spent the weekend rushing around trying to get Heather’s room ready. It was kind of crazy, but it was fun because we were excited about Heather joining our family,” Sara said.

The night before Heather’s arrival, Denver sat at the end of Sara’s bed and talked about the changes ahead for their family.

“It was a big deal, and I kind of had the same feeling I had when they handed me Katie in the hospital after she was born,” Denver said. “I was struck by that feeling again that I would be responsible for someone else’s life.”

Susan said she and Heather bonded pretty quickly as they spent time together getting her enrolled in school,

going to doctors’ appointments and getting ready for her first Christmas with the family.

While Heather immediately bonded with Susan, it took more time for Heather to feel out her relationship with Denver, she said.

“I had never really been in a family where there was a dad, where the dad was the leader of the family, and I had to get used to that,” she said. “It took a while for me to trust that he really loved me and wanted to be my father.”

Denver said parenting Heather offered him a challenge he hadn’t faced with Katie and Sara.

“With Heather, I was sitting there trying to teach values that my older children had already kind of absorbed, and it was hard to cram all that teaching into a short amount of time,” he said.

A turning point in the father-daughter relationship came when the family visited Disney World and went on an excursion to swim with manatees.

“Heather was really struggling in the water, and she was afraid to get in with the manatees. I was in the water trying to convince her that it was okay to jump, much like I had done with Katie and Sara when they first learned to jump into my arms at the pool, and it dawned on me that she had no point of reference for trust, that unlike Katie and Sara, she had no reason to trust me,” Denver said. “But I kept telling Heather it would be okay, and finally, she did it, she got in the water and started swimming with the manatees, and I knew it was a big moment for both of us.”

But just because they had bonded with Heather didn’t mean that the transition to an expanded family was without its growing pains, Denver said.

“It was a different family dynamic To: than we were used to, and we weren’t From: used to our daughters challenging us or acting out, and there were a lot of ‘Well, I haven’t seen that one before’ Date: parenting moments with Heather in the beginning,” he said. “She was still trying to figure out her place in the family, what a family really was, and so we went through some tough times.”

But those tough times ultimately made the family stronger, Susan said.

“It has made us stronger as a family and stronger in our faith,” she said.

“Some of these kids have been in the foster care system their whole lives and they don’t know anything about unconditional love, and their hearts are closed down from being stepped on so many times.”

The family went to counseling and consulted other experts but said the real difference came when they surrendered their problems to God, Susan said.

“Denver and I had to come to the realization that we couldn’t fix it, the experts couldn’t fix it, only God could fix it,” she said.

The result of their faith that God could help Heather has been nothing short of miraculous, Susan said.

“We have seen a changed heart, a broken soul bloom in the arms of a Holy God,” she said. “It has been an amazing privilege to be a part of this.”

Heather said this Father’s Day, like every Father’s Day since she became a Nolin, will be a time for celebration.

“I buy Dad gifts for every holiday and want to do something special for him at Father’s Day,” she said. “He’s my dad and I love him, and I want him to know that, always.” ❖

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 13

Let us help you have the best backyard bird feeding experience possible.

We'll show you how to turn your yard into a bird feeding habitat that not only brings song, color and life to your home, but also benefits wild birds and the environment.

Joe Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 June 14, 2012

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14 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

father’s day

Barnett said Sister Schubert and other ready-made rolls are just the right size and work just as well. Serving sliders at your next cookout allows guests to experiment with condiments, too.

You can spice up one slider with, say, pepper jack cheese and salsa and then Southern one up with fried green tomatoes and mayo. $29.95

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

t Dad will be enjoying the the good life sporting this Slim Fit Whale shirt in Pembroke Plaid in indigo, $98, Margarita and Lime tie in yellow, $85, Slim Fit Breaker pant in Terrapin, $98.50, and Picnic Boat canvas belt in navy, $49.50.

Vineyard Vines, 970-9758.

t The way to dad’s heart is definitely through his stomach!

We’ll provide the delicious strawberries and you decide how to use them. Strawberry cake, ice cream or jam comes to mind. Delicious, super sweet strawberries, $2.99 a pint or $12.99 a bucket.

Andy’s, Vestavia, 824-0300, Hoover, 402-2639.

There’s the Rub

Dizzy Pig Seasonings

Mike Barnett said he’d never heard of this line of rubs until Alabama Gaslight and Grill moved to Homewood from its former Birmingham location. “People started coming in and asking for them,” he said. Barnett likes the Raging River flavor for chicken and said the Cow Lick amps up steaks, but there are lots of other fun flavors to choose from. $8.95 ❖

It's Time To Grill!

t Give dad a gift as sweet and unique as he is with incredible, made-from-scratch themed treats from Savage’s Bakery.

Starting at $1.10.

Savage’s Bakery, 871-4901.

p Gourmet grill wear, $55, means outdoor cooking with style.

Grill and serve in the same piece.

It keeps food hot longer and is easy to clean up. Dad will love it!

The Cook Store, 879-5277.

t No more squirrels! No more nuisance birds!

The Eliminator Birdfeeder! The best squirrel-proof feeder on the market! Dad will love it! Exclusively at Wild Birds Unlimited on Montgomery Highway. Lifetime warranty $104.99!

Wild Birds Unlimited, 823-6500.

p A Montblanc wallet made of black European full-grain cowhide with unique Montblanc deep shine and jacquard lining will please the most discriminating Dad, $295.

Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060.

p A delicate balance between elegance and performance, the new Tudor collection is right for any Dad. Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue $4,425 includes steel bracelet and fabric strap.

Bromberg’s Mountain Brook, 871-3276.

t For the ultimate cooking experience, Dad will love the Big Green Egg Medium Egg, $629. It’s a blend of the best of ancient wisdom, modern technology and proprietary processes, resulting in a far superior product that is stronger, more durable and provides better heat insulation than any other outdoor cooker on the market.

AllSouth Appliance, 942-0408.

t With this cookbook, your dad can grill like a pro with expert recipes and tips. “Fire and Smoke” gives you 100 great reasons to fire up your grill or smoker. “Fire and Smoke Cookbook” by Chris Lilly from Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ, $24.99.

Table Matters, 879-0125.

It’s a truckload of stuff!

q Sure to become a treasured keepsake, “My Dad”, is a book to be cherished for years to come. It features questions to guide you through interviewing your dad about his life and space to record the answers. $9.95.

A Little Something, 970-2077.

p An elegant way to store dad’s valuables, this chocolate leather valet tray holds watches and rings under a glass lid and comes with a tray for money and change, $39.95. Free personalization.

Rosenberger’s Trunks, 870-0971.

p Dad will enjoy his favorite hobby even more when he carries along this dark brown, portable, rolling cooler. Great for the ball park, fishing or any outdoor adventure, $79.95.

Personalize it for $10.

The Blue Willow, 968-0909

p The ultimate Father’s Day gift, this iconic top grain leather chair with authentic hair on hide captures the raw beauty of natural materials and is perfect for dad’s study. $1,695.

Granville Interiors, 224-5688.

nothing says "i love you dad!" like a fire pit from frontera MHP Gas Grills Buy it for Enjoyment Enjoy it for a Lifetime Made in the U.S.A Father's Day is Sunday, june 15th

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3022 3rd Ave. So. • 320-1900 Open Mon.- Sat. 10 - 5:30 • www.fronterairon.com COLORFUL POTTERY • CHIMINEAS CREATIVE GIFTS • DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES AWESOME IRON FURNITURE

p In recognition of Father’s Day, all fathers will get free admission to the Birmingham Zoo June 15 with the purchase of a fullprice child’s admission ticket.

Throughout the day, guests can check out wildlife shows, watch the Red Diamond Sea Lion Splash Show, experience the Predator Zone or attend a keeper meet and greet in the reptile building.

Birmingham Zoo, 879-0409.

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 15

father’s day

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

t Express your gratitude to dad with one of these beautiful hand-carved pocket knives from a local artist. Made with top quality Damascus steel, 24-karat yellow gold screws and precious stones. They come in a gorgeous sting ray skin pouch. Several styles to choose from, $350.

Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 251-3381.

u After a hard day’s work, dad will love relaxing by the fire pit in his garden oasis.

Fire pits available in a variety of sizes starting at $200.

Frontera, 320-1900.

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16 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

social

From left: Lindsey Druhan, Mary Bradley Anderson, Sarah Peinhardt and Mary Cox Brown.

A

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Jack, Caroline, Ginny, Cathy and Tommy Luckie.

Photos special to the Journal by Dee Moore

Night of Candlelight

candlelit oasis greeted those attending the 54th annual Ball of Roses at the Country Club of Birmingham.

The Ballet Guild of Birmingham hosted the event May 31.

Designed by Carole Sullivan of Lagniappe Designs, the decorations included large displays of cream roses, white hydrangeas and greenery illuminated by the soft glow of the candles. The ceiling of the East Room and 16 columns were draped with sheer and silver drapery installed by A.G. Lighting.

The evening began with a performance from “Raymonda” by a dancer from the Alabama Ballet. The performance was followed by the presentation of the 2014 Ball of Roses presentees to the Men’s Committee.

A seated dinner for the private patrons of the Ballet Guild of Birmingham was held after the presentation ceremony.

Mary Bradley Anderson was the 2014 Ball of Roses chairman. Sarah Norville Peinhardt co-chaired the event.

Those attending the 54th annual event included Kathy and Frank Anderson, Grace and Bob Bentley, Sue Ann and Cole Burt, Helen and Reeves Crabtree, Lindsey and Patrick Druhan, Ellen and Stephen Faust, Warner, Sue, Eugenia and Warner Watkins.

Mary and Victor Handson, Heyward C. Hosch III, Mary Margaret and Jeffrey Hendry, Katherine and John Kettig, Sheard and Thomas McCulley, Jane and Don Menendez, Garland and Lathrop Smith, Ashelynn and Andrew Smith, Pamela and Read Voigt and Rita and Drew Patricia Stutts and Caroline Drew.

Jim, Ali B., Allison and Mills Gorrie.

Wright. ❖

Ballet Guild Hosts 54th Ball of Roses

Bob and Grace Bentley with grandchildren Robert and Elizabeth Corey.

Jonathan and Grace Kipp and Mary Bradley and Frank Anderson.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

social

SPRING INTO STYLE

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 17

DECORATED SHOW HOME AND 20 EXCITING NEW PLANS NOW READY FOR YOU!

From the newest designs in comfortable, single-level living to the latest styles in spacious family homes, our Liberty Park 2014 Spring Showcase of Homes is now in full bloom. See the latest trends in classic architecture, innovative new floor plans, fresh ideas in interior design and a wide choice of luxurious features. All designed to give you beautiful homes built for easy elegance. Don’t miss this special spring showing. Come visit today and see what everyone will be talking about tomorrow.

• New Decorated Show Home – showcasing the best in single-level living • Four New Neighborhoods now opening for pre-sales • Great Location – just 15 miles from Birmingham’s Airport Beautiful New Neighborhoods are Now Open.

Welcome Center open daily. Homes from the high $300s to $600s plus.

Home to the highly-rated Vestavia Hills Elementary and Middle Schools at Liberty Park.

All information contained herein deemed accurate but not warranted. Liberty Park Joint Venture, LLP, Liberty Park Properties, and their respective builders and agents, are not responsible for errors or omissions.

(205) 945-6401

libertypark.com

18 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

BAYSHORE RETREAT

Real Help with Drug & Alcohol Addiction

Call 850-687-6831 www.bayshoreretreat.com

LEFT: From left: Carolyn Reed, Diane Weatherford, Becky Rollins and Leslie Puckett. below: Marianne Sharbel and Mary Cobb.

Listed as one of the BEST rehabs in the US for 2014.

Psychology Today Small . Private . Personal (Only 6 clients at a time)

Call anytime... All contact and consultations are confidential.

Photos special to the Journal

Officers Honored

Charades Club Introduces New Leaders

Archadeck of Birmingham

Archadeck of Birmingham is a family-owned custom design and build remodeling business started in 1993.

“We specialize in custom designed decks and screened porches creatively designed to look original to the home,” says John Crews, owner, pictured on the far right with Derek and Carissa Crews. “Quality construction standards and commitment to customer service ensures a functional outdoor living space that adds value to your home.”

Archadeck of Birmingham is a licensed residential builder and

general contractor with Workman’s Compensation and general liability insurance coverage.

The companys’ goal is to always concentrate on the needs of customers and to design around their vision of the project, John said.

“We invite you to call for a free design consultation and/or a free deck safety inspection if you happen to own an existing deck. At your consultation we will show you past projects, discuss your needs and tastes, explain your construction material options, including the lowmaintenance wood alternatives, talk about costs, and measure and photograph your home/lot.”

Archadeck of Birmingham 970-0121.

www.birmingham.archadeck.com

The Charades Dance Club recently recognized its current officers and introduced its new officers for the coming year.

The officers were honored at the club’s spring luncheon at the Country Club of Birmingham.

Party chairman and hostess Carolyn Reed, along with her committee, greeted members as they arrived for the luncheon. Guests were treated to a showing of jewelry by designer Sarah Hall Clemmer.

Luncheon committee members assisting with the event were Leslie Puckett, Becky Powell, Susan Reeves, Mary Putman, Helen Robin, Donna Rogers and Becky Rollins.

Sipping mimosas and lemonade while admiring the jewelry display were Carole Crabbe, Sara Lynn DeFuniak, Anne Carey, Mary Cobb, Nell Henderson, Carolyn Featheringill, Marianne Sharbel, Helen Robin, Janie Trammell,

Pat Miree, Enid Dean, Emily Scarbrough, Naomi Cunningham, Susan Strickland and Martha Cobb.

President Diane Weatherford thanked the current officers for their service and introduced the officers for the coming year.

New officers are president George Ann Parker, first vice president Carol Corvin and second vice president Susan Pitts. Continuing to serve are secretary Judy Daniel, treasurer Sallie Aman, publicity chairmen Mary Putman and Kathleen Watkins and yearbook chairman Katie Dunn.

Charades members adjourned to the terrace room for the buffet luncheon of baked fish, fried chicken, turnip greens, black-eyed peas, collard greens au gratin, green salad, fruit, corn sticks and assorted desserts.

Eiffel Tower vases with red and yellow French parrot tulips and

Reviving Occasion

News Anchor Headlines Highlands Luncheon The United Methodist Women at Highlands United Methodist Church recently celebrated with the Revive, Renew, Rejoice spring luncheon.

Pam Huff Simpson, right, ABC 33/40 news anchor and Highlands UMC member, was the guest speaker for the event.

Simpson gave an inspirational presentation that focused on the growth and renewal of the human spirit, organizers said.

“I’ve seen the aftermath of storms way too many times. The devastation, destruction, loss of life sometimes has been hard to bear. But then I see the renewal, and it has never ceased to amaze me how nature and people spring back,” she said.

asparagus ferns were centerpieces for round dining tables covered in pale green cloths.

At the luncheon were Barbara Cobb, Ellen Cunningham, Anne Dawson, Katy Sexton, Camille Butrus, Anne Finch, Diana Turnipseed, Dale Holditch, Rae Trimmier, Marsha Terrell, Pam Morad, Susan Bowman, Judy Bewley, Rita Spencer, Loretta Hood, Toni Hartley, Karen Watkins, Kathi Ash, Karen Sanders, Verna Lyons, Lynn Smith, Laurie Hayworth, Barclay Darden, Claire Goodhew, Nancy Stetler, Margaret Balch, Madelon Rushing, Barbara Mundy and Diane Gamble. ❖

Pam Huff Simpson

The UMW luncheon took place in the church’s Fellowship Hall, which will soon be revived and renewed to better serve the ministries of the church and the surrounding area.

The Fellowship Hall not only hosts the UMW and other church groups but is also where nearly 1,000 people receive free breakfast and coffee each week through Highlands’ Community Ministries. ❖

From left: Dartland Dunbar, Peggy Carey, Virginia Clark, Pat Quellhorst, Lee Brewer and Allison Fell. Photos special to the Journal

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Still Blooming

Edgewood Garden Club Marks 85th Year One of the first groups to organize after Homewood became a city celebrated its 85th anniversary with a festive birthday party at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens May 21.

The Edgewood Garden Club was founded in 1929, and its members and guests recently recognized the milestone occasion with an event built around the theme “Still Blooming After All These Years.”

The group started sprucing up the Edgewood community only three years after Homewood became a city in 1926. The club’s first president was Mrs. E. L. Moore. Current leaders are co-presidents Donna Burgess and Ann Damsgard.

Club members have completed many projects over the years to sustain the environment and make Homewood a more beautiful place to live. Their beautification project on Central Avenue still turns heads, and the project they did in conjunction with the city of Homewood at Woodland Park continues to enhance the area on Woodland Drive.

Each year, the club plants a tree in memory of Ida Burns, a selfless community naturalist and one of the club’s earliest members. These trees adorn Homewood in locations including Homewood Park, the Homewood

From left: Ann Damsgard, Jason Kirby and Donna Burgess.

Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

Senior Center and the Homewood Public Library.

At Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Burns founded the library that was named in her honor. The library is one the largest horticultural libraries in the country and serves the public as part of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative.

Speaker for the celebratory event was Jason Kirby, director of archives for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. During his talk, “Treasuring Our Heritage,” he commended the club for its work.

Club members are Norma Aldridge, Susan Baker, Lillian

Brunson, Donna Burgess, Barbara Burke, Cel Bailey, Suzanne Clisby, Jean Dickerson, Ann Damsgard, Alice Elliott, Billie Gray, Anlie Green, Elaine Hill, Nell Howell, Kate Jackson, Suzy Johnson, Joan Mezzell, Sandra Mezzell, Helen Person, Jean Reed, Margaret Rocks, Elizabeth Rogers, Kim Smith, Levene Smith, Mimmi Stanton, Thelma Stichweh, Carolyn Stricklin, Sydney Taylor, Chris Underwood, Mary Lynn Warren, Laura Williams, Barb Woychak, Rhetta Wright, Ethelwyn Langston, Desiree Maples, Nelldeane Price, Gail Youngblood and Henry Hughes. ❖

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 19

20 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

social

S

CI PE

ALIZING

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

IN

Convertible Tops Sunroofs Leather Interiors facebook.com/AlabamaAutoTop

1201 3RD AVENUE SOUTH . BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 PHONE: 205-251-0684 . WWW.ALABAMAAUTOTOP.COM

From left: Trotter Cobb, Jowane Patton, Mell Smith, Dotty Carley, Sally Beam, Anne Luckie Cobb and Lochrane Smith.

Photos special to the Journal

Community Shred Days

Accepting Paper Documents and Small Electronics

Fandango Fun

Dance Club Members Attend Spring Dinner

The Fandango Dance Club held its Spring Dinner at the home of David and Susan Silverstein.

The evening event was held in the Silversteins’ portico and garden area April (confidential documents, computers, keyboards, 11.

The party scene was set with lime green tablecloths accented by yellows and cell phones, stereos, fax machines) greens in the spring garden. Flower arrangements of pink and white French tulips rd accented with spring ferns adorned the area.

Guests dined on fare from Just Julia’s, including appetizers of spicy red pepper on mini croissants and chicken salad with grapes and toasted pecans. The entrée

was pork tenderloins, garlic red-skin mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and super SECURE•CONFIDENTIAL salad with sautéed Brussels sprouts and white truffle oil. Dessert was white chocoAAA NAID CERTIFED late bread pudding with dark chocolate bourbon ganache.

After dinner, guests mingled on the veranda porch, where they enjoyed chatting Serving commercial businesses in by the fireplace.

Central and North Alabama Those attending included President Laura Bryant and David Bryant,

Vice President Dotty Carley, Secretary Virginia Tucker and Thomas Tucker, Treasurer Elise Warren, Yearbook/Membership Chairman Rebecca Mason and 205.943.5252 / www.ucpgoneforgood.com Ross Mason, Hospitality Chairman Lochrane Smith and Mel Smith, Publicity

Chairman Mary Rooney and Michael Rooney and Parliamentarian Mindy Boggs.

Also attending were Jowane Patton, who helped with the beverages; Anne Hicks, who was in charge of the club’s photography, and Barret Hicks; Becky Keyes, who was in charge of publicity, and Greg Keyes; and Sally Beam, who was in charge of flowers.

Others who helped the club but could not attend the dinner were Decorations To: Jennifer Chairman Fran Robertson and Mary Jean Archer, who was in charge of flowers.

From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Others spotted at the spring event included Betsy Cooper, Kathy Hoar and 205-824-1246, fax Wayne Hoar, Candace Wason, Gordon Connor, Debby Tanner and David Date: March 2014 Tanner, Gwen Mizzell and Ed Mizzell, Jan Posey and Robert Posey, Babs This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the Quinn and Ralph Quinn, Carla Roberson and Lloyd Roberson, Anne Cobb and824-1246.

Trotter Cobb, Sandy Eichelberger, Sidney Hoover and Russell Hoover, Pat april 3, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to Houseal and Bill Houseal, Nancy Lloyd and Jim Lloyd, Brenda Ross and Alan Ross, Ann Thomas, Tucker, and Ron Flowers and 3rd Vivian Friday ofAntoinette EveryFlowers Month please make sure all information isLaurie correct, Yearout and Gusty Yearout. ❖

3 Friday of Every Month Nominal Fee

Community Shred Days

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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secure • confidential aaa naid certified Serving commercial businesses in Central and North Alabama Contact us: 205.943.5252 www.ucpgoneforgood.com

Members of the winning team of the Vestavia Hills Country Club Ladies Golf Association’s Member-Guest Tournament were, from left: Brenda Dailey, Kathy Vann, Bok Stamper and Linda Woods. Photo special to the Journal

Greg and Becky Keyes.

Susan and David Silverstein.

Tee Time

Vestavia Ladies Golf Group Hosts Tourney The Vestavia Hills Country Club Ladies Golf Association hosted its 64th annual Member-Guest Tournament May 13.

The winning team included the group’s president, Brenda Dailey, and Kathy Vann, Bok Stamper and Linda Woods.

Second-place winners were Peggy Kelley, Helen Walker, Jean Archibald and Sharon Kellum.

The third-place winners in the tournament were Joy Clark, Mandie Cooper, Jamelle Shaw and Anne Cullough.

The closest to the pin winners were Jere Madonia on Hole 14 and Lynn Hill on Hole 7. ❖

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 21

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Committee members were Carol and Lewis Steward, Paige and John Daniel, Mimi and Charles Bittick, Carey and Dan Thomasson, Mary and Ed Finch, Cathy and D. Paul Jones, Margot and Gates Shaw, Mallie Ireland, Susie and John McCullough, Sherry and Lloyd Wilson, Elizabeth and Tom Broughton, Margaret and Will Brooke Jr., Mary Katherine and Gerry Cabaniss, Ginger and Chandler Busby and Patricia and Jim Holbrook.❖

Harrison Walker and Carol Stewart at The Taste for the Cure fundraiser hosted by the Parkinson Association of Alabama in April at the Avon Theater in Lakeview.

Photo special to the Journal

Thank you for 15 years of support!

-Fondly Rilla Foley Owner

Chefs Draw a Crowd

First Taste for the Cure Is a Sell-out An inaugural event to raise money for the Parkinson Association of Alabama was a sell-out, and organizers said it succeeded their expectations.

The Taste for the Cure fundraiser was hosted by the Parkinson Association of Alabama in April at the Avon Theater in Lakeview. The event featured food and wine pairings from local chefs.

Chefs Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club, Chris Harrigan of Stones Throw Bar and Grill, Rob McDaniel of SpringHouse Restaurant, George McMillan III of FoodBar, David Bancroft of Acre and Mauricio Papapietro of Brick

and Tin created dishes for guests at the event.

The fundraiser also included a live auction hosted by Ken Jackson and featuring items such as a quail hunt on a private farm in Brierfield, a week’s stay in San Miguel, Mexico, and a private wine dinner prepared by Chef Carey Thomasson.

All proceeds from the event will be used to continue funding for Parkinson disease research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Neurology.

Chris and Indie Hastings were the chairmen of the event.

Retirement Sale!

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To: From: Date:

Harmony Landing Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax June 2014 This is your aD prOOF from the Over THe MOunTain JOurnaL for the June 12, 2014 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.

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Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. You’ll find these at Trinity Medical Center. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once you do, you won’t want to go anywhere else. For more information, visit TrinityMedicalOnline.com.

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22 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Hope Gala Happenings

Luncheon Kicks Off Plans for ACS Event A May 6 luncheon at the home of Carrie McMahon kicked off the planning for the 34th annual Hope Gala.

Event chairmen Lois Bradford and Pratt Austin-Trucks greeted guests as they arrived to prepare for the American Cancer Society’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The Hope Gala will be held at a private club Aug. 23 and will honor the Tully family, longtime American Cancer Society supporters.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction followed by dinner and a live auction. Emcees will be Lenora Pate and Janice Rogers. Guin Robinson will be the auctioneer.

Young supporters are invited to keep the festivities going when dancing begins at 9 p.m.

All of the money raised at the Hope Gala will benefit the American Cancer Society in Birmingham and the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge.

Tickets are $500 per couple for the Hope Gala and $150 per couple for the late party. For tickets, sponsorship information or to volunteer, contact Libba Hardwich at libba.hardwich@cancer.org or 930-8883. ❖

Springtime Luncheon

Antiquarian Society Installs New Officers

To: From: Date:

The Antiquarian Society of Birmingham held its annual installation of officers and spring luncheon May 14 at the Country Club of Birmingham in the Terrace Room.

Diane Gay chaired the event, which was preceded by a reception in the livNow Open in Birmingham ing room. Erin Dickson, Gay’s granddaughter, played the piano during the 3009 3rd ave so (across from frontera) • 224.5688 reception.

Anne Hollans and Bitty Mason greeted guests, while Tobie Hand and Dawn Higgenbotham registered the members.

Annie Green and Nancy Jones, hostess co-chairmen, arranged spring pink roses, hydrangeas and Queen Craig Anne’s lace in silver teapots on the Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 tables.

Rebecca Mason gave the invocaFAX: 205-824-1246 tion.

June 2014 Following the luncheon, outgoing president This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for theRebekah Taylor presented June 12 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.gifts to executive board members Elaine Clark, Carolyn Drennen,

Shades Mountain Christian School

sure all information is correct, ▪K3 -Please 12thmake Grades including address and phone number!

Rebecca Tully Fulmer and Amy Tully. The Hope Gala will honor the Tully family, longtime American Cancer Society supporters.

Photo special to the Journal

Marsha Duell, Jane Ellis, Judy Haise, Sandra Holley, Lena Knight, Louise Pinkerton, Nan Skier, Rhetta Tatum, Leila Welch, Elouise Williams and Janis Zeanah.

Retiring board members unable to attend the event included Joan Hull, Sara Jackson, Kathryn Porter, Margie Preston and Barbara Wall.

Anne Gibbons, executive board member and a past president, installed the incoming officers with personal stories about the interests and collections

Rebekah Taylor and Nan Teninbaum.

of each person.

Nan Teninbaum received the gavel from Rebekah Taylor to become the new president. Carolyn Satterfield is program vice president, and the year-

book vice president Lucy Richardson.

Corresponding secretary is Kirke Cater, and the recording secretary is Nancy Mason. Treasurer is Shirley Evans. Historian is Judith Hand.

Teninbaum presented a gift to Taylor on behalf of the Society.

Other members at the luncheon were Martha Bartlett, Patricia Clark, Florence Cole, Margie Denton, Marjorie Forney, Joann Fox, Claire Goodhue, Bernice Hill, Rosemary Jager, Grace Key, Rose Loftin, Judy Long, Harriet Maloof, Betty Northen, Nelda Osment, Sue Patrick, Helen Pittman, Gail Pugh, Kathie Ramsey, Julia Alice Rice, Lynda Robertson, Pat Scofield, Babs Simpson, Linda Stewart, Carole Thomas, Jean Vaughan, Celeste Waller, Liz Warren, Doris Weyman and Margie Williams.

Caroline Sparrow and David Dickson, Erin Dickson’s father, were guests.

At the March meeting, Dr. Carter C. Hudgins, director of preservation and education at Drayton Hall in Charleston, S.C., spoke on “Drayton Hall: Rediscovering a Masterpiece of the Southern Colonies.”

In April, Erin Andrews presented a slide lecture on “Mistress of Contradictions: Sarah Yorke Jackson at Rachel Jackson’s Hermitage, Nashville, Tenn.” ❖

Please initial and faxRatio back within12:1 24 hours.

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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.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

▪AHSAA Sports

▪Band, Theatre, Choir & Art

smcs.org Call to arrange a tour

205-978-6001

for more information please Call mike wedgworth: 205.365.4344

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 23

weddings & engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Greek Revival Wedding Incorporates Family Traditions—and Fun, Too

Making Moms Feel Special

Designer Creates Gowns for Mothers of the Bride and Groom

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Nicole and Brad Hardekopf share their first dance as husband and wife.

Photos courtesy David Boyd Photograpy

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

A

Vestavia Hills couple’s betrothal and wedding last summer was a perfectly planned affair from start to finish and was heavy on the “something old, something new” theme.

From the proposal to the reception, the engagement and wedding of Nicole Alexandra Thomason and Bradley Paul Hardekopf honored the couple’s families in a thoughtful way that was uniquely theirs.

“We found a way to incorporate things that were important to both of us,” Nicole said. “We wanted to honor our families, but at the same time, we wanted to make it our own.”

Nicole and Brad were married June 8, 2013 at Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church in Vestavia Hills. Thirty-three years earlier on June 8, 1980, Nicole’s parents Mike and Kathy Thomason were married.

The idea of getting married on the Thomasons’ 33rd anniversary was something Brad said he thought about even before he popped the question to Nicole in October 2012.

“Before I proposed, I saw that June 8 fell on a Saturday in 2013, and I thought Nicole might be open to the idea,” he said.

Nicole said June 8 seemed like the perfect date to get married.

“I love the month of June and all things summer. That date also worked out because it meant that our engagement wasn’t too short or too long,” she said. “It was one of those things that was meant to be.”

And while the timing of the couple’s wedding date was spot-on, when they first met, it looked as if their relationship could be doomed by bad timing.

Nicole, a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, and Brad, a graduate of Hoover High School, both grew up in the Over the Mountain area but didn’t meet until one fateful night in Birmingham.

“We met at a wedding reception at the Matt Jones Gallery in April 2011,” Nicole, 25, said. “It was right before I graduated (from Auburn University) and was about to move up to Nashville for a summer internship.”

But Brad, who is also an Auburn grad, said he was undeterred by the prospect of a long-distance relationship with Nicole.

“We instantly hit it off at the wedding reception, and I knew that it didn’t matter how far away she was, I wanted to see her again,” he said.

Brad made arrangements to visit Nicole in Nashville one weekend for their first official date.

“We had planned on going to a nice place but traffic was really bad when I was driving into Nashville, so by the time I got there, the only thing that was open was the Waffle House,” he said. “It wasn’t a

See greek revival, page 28

Clockwise from top: The couple’s reception at Avon Theater included traditional Greek dances.

Nicole’s bridal bouquet was wrapped in a blue embroidered handkerchief Brad gave her before the wedding and secured with her grandmother’s antique pin. Brittany Benton Massey adjusts Nicole’s veil before the wedding ceremony.

Nicole and Brad head to the reception at Avon Theater.

Wedding days usually put the spotlight on the brides, but one designer in Mountain Brook is working to give the mothers in the wedding party a little attention of their own.

Catherine Ryals recently launched Catherine Ryals Couture in Mountain Brook Village to give mothers of the bride and mothers of the groom their own special wedding day dresses.

“For years while I was altering wedding gowns, I would repeatedly hear mothers of the bride and groom say how difficult it was for them to find their own dresses, so I decided to expand on my alterations business and start designing and making custom gowns just for the moms,” she said.

Ryals opened her new venture in a second-story studio space on Culver Road in Mountain Brook in April, but the idea

Catherine Ryals creates custom dresses for mothers of the groom and mothers of the bride at her studio in Mountain Brook Village. Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

for the new business actually came to her about two years ago, she said.

“I had one client that I just adored and that I had worked with when her daughter was getting married about two years ago,” she said. “Her name is Cholett Still and she lives in Mountain Brook, and she contacted me again because her son was getting married and she just could not find a dress that she liked,” Ryals said.

That’s when Ryals said she realized she could help fill the void in the market of mothers of the bride and groom dresses.

See Ryals, page 26

24 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

The Clothes Tree

by Deborah Deborah Wiggins, above right with Ruth Edgeworth and Tori Chappell are ready to celebrate 50 years in the business in 2015.

The Clothes Tree by Deborah specializes in after-five, long formals, mother of the wedding party, bridesmaids, sorority rush, homecoming, prom, pageant gowns, sportswear, and unique accessories from all over the world, Deborah said.

Deborah’s grandmother started the business almost 50 years ago and it is still a family-run shop.

“Being raised in the business gave me a chance to learn everything I could from an early age and I took over when my grandmother retired more than 25 years ago,” Deborah said.

Deborah’s mother, Ruth, works in the store to help give ladies of her generation the latest looks. After graduating from the University of

Weddings & Engagements

Alabama a few years ago, Deborah’s 25-year-old daughter Tori is using her passion for fashion as the face of the next generation at The Clothes Tree by Deborah.

Deborah’s daughter-in-law, Mandy Sisson also works in the shop and Chloe, her 3-yearold granddaughter is already poised to lend her sense of flare to the business.

Next year will be a milestone year for ‘Being raised in the business gave me a chance to learn everything I could from an early age and I took over when my grandmother retired more than 25 years ago.’

Deborah, who will turn 50, and her grandmother, who will celebrate her 100th birthday. It will also mark the 20th year the store has been in the French-style building on Old Rocky Ridge Road off Interstate 459 at the Acton Road exit.

The Clothes Tree by Deborah, 2880 Old Rocky Ridge Road, 822-1902.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Levy’s Fine Jewelry “Levy’s Fine Jewelry is the largest estate and antique jewelry dealer in the Southeast. We specialize in estate, antique and modern jewelry,” said Jared Nadler, above left, with his mother Rhoda Link and cousin Todd Denaburg, members of the family that has owned the business since 1922.

“Our bridal selection is extensive. We have rings dating back to the Victorian era. The older rings are so beautifully made with such intricate detailing done by hand. Made with filigree detailing or engraving, each is a one-of-a-kind piece.

The rings from the Art Deco era are edgy and bold, have sharp lines and use different color combinations such as onyx, sapphire or emerald.

We also have gorgeous estate wedding bands with beautiful engraving. Some of these still have wedding dates or names of the couple engraved on the inside, which makes them so special. With these pieces you get to imagine what the women who had them before were like and make up your own story,” Nadler said.

“We also have a large modern bridal area.

There are so many different styles such as classic Tiffany settings, halo settings, vintage reproductions and many others. We have rings set with a diamond already or you can choose from one of the many semi mountings that allows you to choose the size diamond you want for the center.

If we don’t have exactly what you are looking for or you would like to alter one of the designs you have seen, one of our four award- winning jewelers can help you design whatever may be the perfect ring for you. We guarantee that you will leave feeling ecstatic in your choice and that once you propose, she will be the envy of all her friends,” Denaburg said.

“Our motto has always been ‘It’s Like Having a Relative in the Jewelry Business’ and the reason is, because we like to think all of our customers are an extension of our family. Our trained GIA staff works to give you the information you need to find what works best for her lifestyle and your wallet.”

Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 2116 Second Ave N., Birmingham, 251-3381.

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

822.1902

2880 OLd rOcky ridge rOad Birmingham, aL 35243 www.theclothestreebydeborah.com

2116 2nd Avenue North • (205) 251-3381

www.levysfinejewelry.com

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 25

Weddings & Engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Little Something

The White Room Bridal Salon Co-owners of The White Room Bridal Salon, Carolyn Kelley and Cathy Kelley, above, are a dynamic mother and daughter team in the bridal industry.

Customer service and satisfaction is their number one goal and the pair provides a high-end salon feel with top designers while being fun, relaxed and upbeat.

What is a bridal appointment like at The White Room Bridal Salon?

“Most importantly, we have fun!” Carolyn said.

“Our consultants will start by listening carefully to you and asking you all the right questions. We will talk about your vision for your wedding day and will take into account your likes and dislikes. Selecting your wedding gown at The White Room will be an experience that you will cherish forever.”

After they get to know their clients, Carolyn and Cathy then take them on a tour of the showroom, which features the company’s large collection of wedding dresses.

“At the White Room Bridal Salon, there are always laughs and at times teary eyes–and that’s when you know you’ve found THE DRESS! Our

caring and knowledgeable staff will attend to you every step of the way,” Cathy said.

Carolyn, the company’s seamstress extraordinaire, will then fit the gown so that it is perfect for the brides’ special day.

The company’s team travels to New York twice a year to hand-select exclusive gowns created by the worlds finest bridal and evening wear designers.

“Beginning at around $2,000 up to $15,000 The White Room Bridal Salon has gowns for every girl’s budget and style,” Carolyn said.

Designers featured at The White Room Bridal Salon include Anna Maier, Anne Barge, Carolina Herrera, Jim Hjelm, Judd Waddell, Lea Ann Belter, Paloma Blanca, Reem Acra, Rivini, Tara Keely and Watters Bride.

“We also have an extensive selection of mother of the bride and groom evening wear and special occasion gowns and dresses. We give just as much attention to our special occasion customers as we do our brides, so please rest assured that you will be well cared for while shopping in our salon,” Cathy said.

The special occasion gowns and dresses range in price from $500 up to $4,000. These designers include Alex Teih, Badgley Mischka, Carmen Marc Valvo, Damianou, Daymor, Elana, Elon Michelle, Frascara, Marisa Baratelli, Misook, Monique Lhuillier, Rose Taft and Watters - Collection 20.

A Little Something is a gift boutique located in the Cahaba Heights neighborhood of Vestavia Hills.

“We offer a variety of unique wedding and bridal party gifts for every taste and budget,” says Carole Cain, owner, right.

As a small boutique, A Little Something is able to provide the personal and custom assistance every bride deserves while selecting items for her registry and preparing for her special day, Cain said.

“We offer ‘We offer many many gifts that gifts that are are unique in unique in the the Birmingham Birmingham area, including area, includhandmade items, ing handmade stemware, serving items, stemware, pieces and pottery. serving pieces Monogramming is and pottery. also available,” she Monogramming said.

The store is is also available.’ open Monday Carole Cain through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

A Little Something, 3168 Heights Village, Cahaba Heights, 970-2077.

The Blue Willow

The Blue Willow is the ultimate one-stop shop for those who want to add a touch of Southern charm to their life and home, said Anna Barnes, owner, below.

From home décor and gifts to jewelry and unique baby items, The Blue Willow has some of the area’s most fabulous finds and wellknown product lines, she said.

“It’s the perfect place to find a heartfelt gift for any wedding, birthday, baby shower, hostess gift or when you might just want a little something special for yourself,” she said.

The Blue Willow offers monogramming, etching, engraving and personalization to transform a gift into something extraordinary.

“Knowing that a bride’s wedding day is one of the most important days in her life, The Blue Willow strives to make it even more memorable,” she said. “Our bridal consultants are there every step of the way.”

The Blue Willow makes registering a piece of cake and offers brides a wide selection of dinnerware and pottery, unique accessories to coordinate with place settings and one-of-a-kind home decor pieces to personalize the couple’s new home, Barnes said.

“We also offer 10 percent off all hostess/bridesmaids’ gifts and items left on a registry after the wedding, free gift wrapping for purchased gifts and a $25 Blue Willow gift card for bride referrals.”

The Blue Willow, 3930 Crosshaven Drive, 968-0909.

Come Visit Our Beautiful New Location

wedding & wedding party gifts • registry available PAK21 APPROVAL REQUEST Tel: (877) 725-2150 Fax: (718) 837-7217 CHANGES MADE: _____________________________ APPROVED BY: _______________________________ Please review all the information carefully: size, art, spelling, general layout etc. Proof will not reflect color shown as proof is always displayed in black & white. Job will not be put into production without a signed approval and any delay in returning signed approval may affect the status of your order.

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Carole 3930 Crosshaven Drive 968-0909 Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 www.thebluewillow.com FAX: 205-824-1246 Find us on facebook June 2014 This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the June 12, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

26 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

weddings & engagements

We deliver locally Bridal registry available

ryals,

From page 23

“That’s when I decided to do what I could to give the moms the dresses they can’t find anywhere else--the dresses that express their individuality,” she said.

For the last three decades or so, Ryals said, dresses for mothers in wedding parties have basically had the same design.

“The moms are tired of the awful dress with the jacket that we’ve seen in weddings for the last 30 years,” she said. “I think they’re tired of seeing someone else wear the same dress they wore.”

With a dress from Catherine Ryals 2841 Cahaba Road • Mtn. Brook Village • 879-5277 • M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-4 Couture, a mother of the bride or groom www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com will never have to worry about seeing her dress on someone else at a wedding.

“I really get to know my clients and their personalities, and we work To: thecookstore@msn.com together to create a custom, one-of-aFrom: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 kind design that is as unique as they FAX: 205-824-1246 are,” she said.

Date: June 2014 Ryals said she works to make sure the gowns she creates are “marked by This is your ad proof from the over The mounTain Journal for the impeccable craftsmanship, attention to June 12, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to and 824-1246. detail high-quality materials and laces imported from around the world.” please make sure all information is correct, Ryals said while she loves the work Custom dresses she does with bride’s gowns, she is including address and phone number! always happy to switch gears and work 2839 Culver Road on a custom design for a mother of the Suite 204 Please initial and fax back within 24 hours. bride or groom.

Mountain Brook Village If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, “It’s refreshing because when you’re 205-329-0024 your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. working with white wedding dresses all of the time, you really miss working By appointment only with color, and the mother’s dresses give me a chance to do that,” she said.

Ryals, a Montgomery native, learned to sew when she was about 6

Catherine Ryals Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 June 2014

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Catherine Ryals designed this custom dress for Chollet Still of Mountain Brook, right, for the wedding of her son, Perry Still, left.

Photo special to the Journal by Mandy Busby

years old.

“My mom helped me make some seersucker pajamas for my Snoopy doll, and I still have those,” she said.

But Ryals said she didn’t inherit her love of creating things out of fabric and thread from her mother.

“My mother didn’t really like to sew, but her mother, my grandmother, could make anything. My grandmother died when I was about 10 years old so we never really got to sew together,” she said. “But I really do think it’s a genetic thing and that I inherited the interest in sewing from my grandmother.”

While she has always had a talent and an affinity for a needle and thread, Ryals’ first ambition as a young girl was to do sewing of a completely dif-

ferent kind.

“I wanted to be a doctor, or thought I wanted to be a doctor, but after about two years at BirminghamSouthern, I realized the medical field was not for me and decided to switch over to interior design and study at Auburn University,” she said.

After earning a degree in interior design at Auburn, Ryals moved to Atlanta for a few years to work in the business.

“I moved back to Birmingham after that to pursue interior design here and did that for a little bit, but little by little, I started sewing and started to do less and less design work,” she said.

Ryals started making wedding gowns and doing alterations for wedding gowns in her basement in Crestwood about 10 years ago.

She chose her niece’s name, Stella Reese, as the name of her company.

Over a decade, she built a long list of loyal clients.

“It is kind of scary to change your business, but I knew it was time that I started doing business under my own name,” she said.

Ryals said the best part of her job is being involved in her clients’ happy days.

“Weddings are not just about the bride and groom,” she said. “I really think they are a family affair where the mom is the kind of hostess of the event. That means she needs to feel special and beautiful and enjoy the day feeling good about what she’s wearing.”

For more information about Catherine Ryals Couture, call 3290024 or email catherine.ryals@gmail. com. ❖

The Collection

The Collection is the newest and most exciting bridal, prom and tuxedo shop in Birmingham, said manager Lexie Watkins, above in the front with Sharon Albritton, Sarah Kate Edmonds and Allison Stockton in the back, from left.

This is your ad pRoof from the oveR The mounTain JouRnal for the “The Collection is a one-stop shop for all your wedding, prom and June 12, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. formal events,” Watkins said. “Our experienced and knowledgeable staff’s goal is to create a down to earth, calm and relaxed environment Please make sure all information is correct, where every customer can feel right at home, as they make the perfect decision. including address and phone number!

Watkins said the company’s staff invites prospective clients to visit the shop to see its cutting-edge collection of designer gowns at a price point which fits every bride’s budget.

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

“The Collection is the perfect place for every bride to find her breathIf 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. taking wedding gown, as well as a complete line of accessories to polish off her look from head to toe,” Watkins said.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

The Collection also offers fashion-forward attire for the entire bridal party, she said.

“Once all the lovely ladies are complete, let us make your future hubby look almost as good as you in one of the many tuxedos and suits we have to offer,” Watkins said.

The Collection offers a top line of designer tuxedos and suits, starting at $89.99, which includes the price of the shoes, she said.

The Collection, 784 Brookwood Village Mall, 803-2112.

784 Brookwood Village Mall Birmingham, AL 35209

205-803-2112

Arias-Sturdivant

Mr. and Mrs. David Peter Arias of Vestavia Hills announce the engagement of their daughter, Brittany Lee

Howard-Crabb

Carroll-Gray

Mr. and Mrs. David Lynn Carroll of Tuscaloosa announce the engage-

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 27

weddings & engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Arias, to Robert Aubrey Sturdivant, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Robert Sturdivant, also of Vestavia Hills.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Raymond Hays of Birmingham and Mrs. Gail Arias Jordan of Springhill, Fla., and the late Mr. Hector Arias of Monroe, Conn.

Miss Arias is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, where she was Student Government Association president, an active member of Chi Omega sorority and completed her bachelor’s degree in business with minors in art and dance. She is the outreach and small group coordinator at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey

Epes Robertson Jr. of Montgomery and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lee Sturdivant of Birmingham.

Mr. Sturdivant is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and Birmingham-Southern College, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in religious studies and was an active member of Theta Chi fraternity. He is the high school youth pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church and is working on his master’s degree in youth ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary in conjunction with the Center For Youth Ministry Training.

The wedding is planned for June 14 at Trinity United Methodist Church.

After a honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the couple will live in Homewood.

Mr. and Mrs. Carey Elton Howard announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Bentley Howard, to William Brent Crabb, son of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Odell Crabb of Montgomery.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Boykin Patton of Eutaw and Mrs. Aubrey Elton Howard and the late Mr. Howard of Birmingham.

Miss Howard is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and a 2011 graduate of the University of Alabama, where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She was presented at

the Ball of Roses. Miss Howard is a fourth-grade teacher at McElwain Christian Academy.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Joseph Bailey Jordan Jr. and the late Mr. Jordan of Montgomery and Mr. and Mrs. William Odell Crabb of Montgomery.

Mr. Crabb is a graduate of the Montgomery Academy and a 2011 graduate of the University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance and was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He is employed as an equity trader at ProEquities.

The wedding will be July 26.

ment of their daughter, Ginger Lynn Carroll, to Mr. John (Jack) Merrill Gray III, son of Ms. Mary Rose Gray of Birmingham and the late Mr. John Merrill Gray II. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Theo Carroll of Athens and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pugh Pelham of Monroeville.

Miss Carroll is a graduate of Central High School, a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama and a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law. She was a member of Phi Mu sorority and was presented at the Tuscaloosa Holiday Cotillion.

After law school, she clerked for the Hon. L. Scott Coogler, U.S. District Court Northern District

of Alabama, and she is currently employed at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP in Birmingham.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Gray of Jasper, the late Mr. Jackie Lawrence Jovings and Ms. Josephine Culotta Jovings of Birmingham.

Mr. Gray is a graduate of the Altamont School, a cum laude graduate of Washington and Lee University and a cum laude graduate of Cumberland School of Law. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

After college, he was a high school teacher in the Atlanta Public School System through Teach for America.

He is currently an associate at Smith, Spires & Peddy, P.C. in Birmingham.

The wedding will be Aug. 2.

Entrekin-Solito

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Entrekin of North Shelby County announce the engagement of their daughter, Amy Ruth Entrekin, to Franklin Balmore Solito, son of Pastor and Mrs. Alex Solito of Pelham.

Miss Entrekin is a graduate of Evangel Christian School and Highlands College in Birmingham.

Mr. Solito is a graduate of Pelham High School and Highlands College.

The couple are employed locally.

The wedding will be June 13.

To have our engagement wedding and anniversary forms sent to you, call 823-9646

A Silver Sixpence for the Bride’s Shoe charlottewoodson.com mountain brook village

To: From: Date:

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

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

Please make sure all informat including address and phon To: From: Date:

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Dinah 871-4985 If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Frida Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 your ad will run as is. We print the pap FAX: 205-824-1246 Thank you for your prompt June 2011

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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.

28 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

weddings & engagements

Greek revival, From page 23

very glamorous first date, but we had fun. After talking over some hash browns--scattered, smothered and covered--and some really bad coffee, I was committed. I knew she was the one.”

Nicole said she felt a strong connection to Brad after their first date but was unsure about taking the relationship any further because they were living in different states.

“I was smitten with him after Waffle House, but I still wasn’t sure how it would work with us living so far apart at the time,” she said.

But Brad kept asking to come up to Nashville to take her on dates, and she happily kept accepting his invitations.

It was during a date at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville when Nicole said she knew she couldn’t fight her feelings for Brad anymore, no matter how far apart they lived.

“He really lured me in with that date at the Bluebird Cafe,” she said.

“It was a special night that I’ll always remember.”

And that’s exactly what Brad was hoping for when he planned the couple’s visit to the iconic listening room in Nashville.

“It’s one of the more famous holein-the-wall places and I knew she had done a lot of the trendy things since she’d been in Nashville, but I thought going to the Bluebird would make for a thoughtful date,” Brad said. “I wanted to put together a date that really grabbed her attention.”

The date certainly did that, Nicole

said.

“It was a great atmosphere where we got to listen to these incredible live performances and have deep conversations about the music,” she said.

Nicole said by the end of their evening at the Bluebird Cafe, she knew she was ready to gamble on a serious long-distance relationship.

“I was ready to take that risk with Brad because I knew we could make it work,” she said.

After her internship in Nashville ended, Nicole moved back to the Birmingham area to take a job at Walls Media.

Although Brad and Nicole were in the same state again, they didn’t spend every waking moment together, Brad said.

“Unlike my hash browns from our first date at the Waffle House, I did not smother Nicole when she moved back to Birmingham,” he said. “She had a lot of change going on in her life at that time, so I just wanted to be the steady rock in her life.”

After dating Nicole for a year and a half, Brad had learned that Lake Martin held a special place in her heart.

“Lake Martin has always been her getaway spot, a place where she can just go and unwind and relax, and although she had never said she’d like to get engaged there, I kind of picked up on it and starting planning the proposal there,” he said.

But before he scoped out the perfect spot to pop the question, Brad approached Nicole’s father to ask for her hand in marriage.

“I guess it seems a little oldfashioned, but it was something that

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Nicole’s 18 bridesmaids included childhood, high school and college friends and family members. Front, from left: Jessica Thomason Davis, Katie Parrish, Whitney Chambers, Kendall Lettow, Erika Moncrief, Tatum Henley, Nicole Hardekopf, Paige Osborne, Rachel Reeder, Jessica Jones, Blaire Thrift and Mary Angelo. Back: Lauren Thomason, Liz Kindred, Elizabeth Ann Watterson, Katie Hardekopf, Sarah Hefner, Caley Miller and Kinzey Walden.

was important to me,” Brad said. “Two weeks before I proposed, I asked her father’s permission, and he helped me put together the perfect proposal plan.”

After Nicole’s father gave Brad permission to ask for her hand in marriage, the men went into the Thomasons’ attic and uncovered a coffee table that had belonged to Nicole’s grandparents.

“I got wood from my grandparents’ barn in Fayette and used that and the coffee table that had belonged to Nicole’s grandparents to make a bench,” Brad said. “It symbolized our two families coming together, and I knew it would be great for the proposal I had in mind.”

Nicole thought Brad was working in Birmingham on the day of Oct. 5, 2012, but what he was really doing was setting up the bench he made at Crowne Pointe, a spot overlooking Lake Martin.

“I knew it was her favorite view of the lake, so my sister’s husband helped me lug it up this remote trail, chase off a fox and get everything set up with flowers,” Brad said.

And while he had worked hard to keep his proposal plans a secret, Nicole said as soon as Brad knocked on the door of the lake house, she knew what he was up to.

“I knew he was going to propose as soon as he came to the door and asked me if I wanted to go for a walk,” she said.

But just because Nicole anticipated what the evening would hold didn’t mean she was any less nervous about the whole thing, she said.

“I felt like I was going to faint. I was so nervous all of a sudden that I was asking him the most ridiculous things, like whether or not I should bring my purse with us to go for a walk,” Nicole said.

The couple made their way to Crowne Pointe and arrived just as the sun was setting.

Nicole said her breath was taken away by the scene that awaited her there.

“He got down on one knee, and he called me by my full name and he asked me to marry him, and it was the sweetest thing ever,” she said.

When Nicole said yes to his proposal, Brad slipped a cushion-cut diamond ring in an antique setting onto her finger.

After Nicole and Brad returned from their walk around the lake as an engaged couple, they gathered with their family members to celebrate at

SpringHouse Restaurant.

“It was just a perfect night,” Nicole said. “From beginning to end, it just couldn’t have been any better.”

After they settled on a wedding date of June 8, 2013, the couple started planning their big day and soon realized the bridal party would have to be pretty big.

“I knew I just had to have these 18 best friends by my side on my wedding day,” Nicole said. “The bridesmaids were a mix of my friends from childhood, high school and college.”

Next, they started thinking of venues that would allow them to incorporate wedding traditions from both of their churches.

“I’m half Greek, and it was important to me that a Greek priest be involved in the ceremony,” Nicole said.

The Rev. Father Paul Costopoulos of Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Birmingham gave the blessing to start the wedding ceremony. The Rev. David M. Devane of Hunter Street Baptist, Brad’s home church, officiated.

Tatum M’Lea Henley of Birmingham attended as maid of honor, and Erika Strother Moncrief of Troy was the matron of honor.

Brad chose his father, William Gary Hardekopf of Hoover, to be his best man. There were 11 groomsmen, two ring bearers and two flower girls.

“We wanted to include as many of our family members and our friends as possible in our wedding,” Brad said. “These are the people who have walked through life with us, and it was important that they be a part of it.”

The bridesmaids wore sage green dresses in different styles and pearl earrings that Nicole gave them. The groomsmen wore black tuxedos with champagne vests.

When it came to choosing her wedding gown, Nicole saw another opportunity to incorporate the “something old, something new” theme.

Nicole wore a custom gown designed by Project Runway alum Heidi Lenora. The fit-to-flare gown was embellished using the pearls and lace from the dress Nicole’s mother wore on her own wedding day more than three decades earlier.

“My grandmother was a seamstress and owned a dress shop in English Village, and she had helped my mother pick out her dress,” Nicole said. “Even

though she has passed away, it was like she was with me on my wedding day because she helped choose that dress.”

Nicole carried a bouquet of white peonies, antique roses, white ranunculus, lysianthus and white stock by the Pink Pear Florists. The bottom of the bouquet was wrapped in a blue embroidered handkerchief Brad gave Nicole on the night he proposed. The handkerchief was adorned with an antique pin that belonged to Nicole’s great-grandmother.

The couple also honored their grandparents by dedicating the flowers at the altar in their memory.

The couple’s friends, Anna English and Shannon Stewart, read scriptures during the wedding ceremony, and their friends Stetson and Cia Adkisson sang “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” after Nicole and Brad exchanged vows and rings.

After the ceremony, the couple hopped into a vintage Rolls-Royce to be whisked off to their Greek-themed reception at the Avon Theater in Birmingham.

“We wanted a classic reception site, and I love the brick and the look of the Avon,” Nicole said. “We wanted a big dance floor and a lot of room for seating because we had about 350-400 guests at the reception. People knew it was going to be a good time, so we had some crashers.”

The couple danced their first dance to “At Last,” and Nicole danced with her father to “Brown-eyed Girl.”

Then, the couple said, the real dancing began.

“I’ve danced all my life, and so it was important to me to incorporate the traditional Greek wedding dances into our reception,” Nicole said. “We got everyone in the wedding party together a few weeks before the wedding to learn the dances, and it turned out so well. At the reception, we had like 200 people, people of all ages, out there dancing the Greek dances. It was so much fun for everyone.”

The Greek theme continued with traditional fare catered by Yellow Bicycle. In another nod to their families, the couple’s wedding cake topper was the same one that adorned the wedding cake of Nicole’s parents on June 8, 1980.

The couple and their guests danced the night away to the Motown sounds of The Connection Band.

The wedding guests illuminated the couple’s departure from the reception with sparklers, and they made their way to the Tutwiler Hotel in a vintage Rolls-Royce.

On the Monday following their wedding, Nicole and Brad left for their honeymoon in St. Lucia, where they stayed at an all-inclusive resort for six nights.

“It was so nice to just be able to relax together after all that planning and activity,” Nicole said. “It’s amazing how much planning goes into your wedding day.”

But the couple said all of the planning was well worth it.

“I think our wedding showed respect for what the Christian marriage means, and it was very personal.

I had grown men come up to me and say they were very moved by it,” Brad said. “It was a good mix of seriousness and fun--just like us.” ❖

food

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 29

Hungry Happenings

Meal Meal on a on a Grill Grill

Pit master Joshua Bailey’s presentation focused on chicken and vegetables.

Culinary Community News and Events Foodie Events

Dining for Dads

Journal photos by Emil Wald

By Donna Cornelius

Cooking-out Demos Simplify the Art of Backyard Barbecuing

Journal features writer

On an unseasonably chilly night in May, a group of would-be Bobby Flays gathered for a hot presentation in Homewood.

The event was an outdoor cooking demonstration at Alabama Gaslight and Grill. The store hosts the demos on a regular basis, said owner Mike Barnett.

“We try to get people beyond just grilling steaks and chicken and show them they can do their whole meal on the grill,” Barnett said. “You don’t have to turn on the oven or mess up the kitchen.”

His wife, Linda, said she often loads up a tray with meat, corn on the cob, potatoes and other veggies—plus bread—and heads outside.

“Corn in its husks cooks in about 15 minutes,” Linda said. “And you can wrap big asparagus spears in bacon and grill them. Served with horseradish sauce, they make great appetizers.”

The group that gathered May 15 for a demo by pit master Joshua Bailey included men and women.

“Ladies want to learn,” Linda said. “We plan to have some ladies-only cooking classes.”

The next demo at Alabama Gaslight and Grill is June 26 at 6 p.m. This event will have a sweet theme: Dessert Night.

Bailey’s presentation focused on chicken and vegetables. He used Kamado Joe ceramic grills, similar to the popular Big Green Eggs.

To cook a Boston butt or any meat that needs to be cooked slowly, start the grill at 200 degrees, Barnett said.

“You use lump hardwood charcoal, not briquettes,” he said. “You want a good mound of charcoal. You don’t use lighter fluid. You use fire starters. You put the fire starter under the charcoal.

If you’re not getting your hands dirty, you’re not doing it right.”

Bailey started by showing how to make chicken breasts stuffed with sausage and wrapped in bacon.

Next he combined two kinds of squash for an easy side dish. Finally, he let his students sample his dishes, probably a wise move to prevent the group from taking the delicious-smelling stuff by force.

Bailey had some handy tips for those who attended the demo: When you’re stuffing the chicken, you can use a turkey baster to widen the holes.

Don’t cut into the chicken to check the temperature. “People will do that five or six times, and it dries it out the chicken,” he said. Use a thermometer instead.

Cut veggies the same size for even cooking.

Cut veggies in half first to give more surface area so seasonings will stick.

Due to their high sugar content, molasses-based sauces will burn more quickly than vinegar-based versions. Bailey used Dreamland sauce in his demo.

Tea Party

Milo’s Introduces New Products for First Time in Nine Years

By Donna Cornelius

Journal features writer

Instant tea? Phooey. Southerners know it takes time to make tasty tea.

The folks at Milo’s Tea Company have the same philosophy, especially when coming up with fresh flavors to add to their product line. After all, the company’s original Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea is a hard act to follow.

“The last time we introduced a new product was nine years ago with our tea with Splenda,” said Tricia Wallwork, Milo’s chief executive officer and the granddaughter of company founders Milo and Bea Carlton. “We do a lot of research before we bring new products to the market.”

In April Milo’s introduced three new beverages. One of them, Milo’s Decaf Sweet Tea, was customers’ “most widely-requested addition,” Wallwork said.

“It took us a long time to get that right,” she said.

Also debuting in April were Milo’s Lemonade and Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea and Lemonade.

“I knew we had the lemonade right when it tasted like Mama Bea’s,” Wallwork said, referring to her grandmother’s version of the sweet and tangy drink.

Milo’s Tea products are all natural, she said.

“It’s fresh-brewed tea with pure cane sugar and water, brewed from leaves,” Wallwork said. “The lemonade is made from fresh lemons. We don’t use preservatives; they change the flavor.”

Milo’s beverages have to be kept in the refrigerator, she said.

“That’s why we put them in milk jug-like containers and why they’re in the dairy section,” Wallwork said. “It’s

Tricia Wallwork is Milo’s chief executive officer and the granddaughter of company founders Milo and Bea Carlton. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

not like a cola that you can leave out on the counter.”

Wallwork is a member of the third generation of her family to work in the business. Her grandparents founded the company in 1946.

“My grandfather was a chef in the Army during World War II, and he wanted nothing more than to come home and open his own restaurant,”

For recipes turn to page 30

Wallwork said. “There weren’t many fast-food restaurants then—no McDonald’s. He decided to open in north Birmingham near the U.S. Steel plant to be near working folks.”

Milo Carlton developed the hamburger sauce and the tea, and Bea Carlton made pies, kept the books and worked at the order window, Wallwork said.

“Franchising became available in the early 1980s, so my grandparents opened more restaurants,” she said. “In 2002, we sold the restaurants to focus on one thing—tea.”

Wallwork said she and her sister, Leslie Aven, worked at the plant as teenagers.

“Everything was done by hand,” she said. “Milo still brewed the tea and made the sauce.”

The company, which has a large plant in Bessemer, has grown quite a bit since then but still promotes a familylike atmosphere among its employees, she said.

“We don’t stop the production line to have birthday cakes anymore, but we do have a really special culture here,” Wallwork said.

See tea party, page 30

Eateries in the Over the Mountain area will take part in the fifth annual Dining for Dads fundraiser to benefit the Firehouse Shelter. Participating restaurants will donate 10-20 percent of their sales on June 12 to the shelter, which provides meals, emergency shelter and clothing for homeless men. Participating restaurants in the OTM area include Beef O Brady’s in Hoover, Chris Z’s on University Boulevard, Cosmo’s Pizza on Magnolia Avenue, DeVinci’s Italian Restaurant in Homewood, Giuseppe’s Cafe on Eighth Street South, Hamburger Heaven in Homewood, Salem’s Diner in Homewood, Sweet Tea on Third Avenue South and Ted’s Restaurant on 12th Street South. Mention the Dining with Dads fundraiser when you order. For more information, visit www. firehouseshelter.com.

Documentaries After Dark: Food in Alabama

The Emmet O’Neal Library in Crestline will host a free screening of “Eating Alabama” at 6:30 p.m.

June 17. The film is about a young couple returning home to Alabama, where they set out to eat the way their grandparents did–locally and seasonally. Light refreshments will be served. For more information about the film, visit www.eatingalabama.com.

No-Snobbery Wine Dinner

Jones Is Thirsty will present a No-Snobbery Wine Dinner from 7-9 p.m. June 17 at Avo Restaurant, 2721 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook. Scott Jones will pair wines with each course of Chef Ben Kirk’s special menu, which includes Charred Peach Caprese Salad, Fritto Misto, grilled pork tenderloin with faro, wild rice and tangerines plus black walnut chocolate torte. The dinner is $50. For reservations, call Avo at 8718212 or email Bret Bright at bright@ greenapplerestaurants.com.

Chefs for the Cure

Chefs for the Cure returns to The Club for the third year on June 19. The exclusive tasting event will feature an array of gourmet foods from some of the Birmingham area’s finest chefs. While tasting dishes from Jeremy Downs, Carol Griffin, Patrick Horn, Alex Castro, Tasos Touloupis, Jared Danks, George Reis, Joe Resha, Becky Rabiee, Shannon Gober, Chris Kennedy, Matt Lagace and Clif Holt, guests can peruse silent auction items ranging from vacations to packages from local merchants. The event benefits the North Central Alabama Susan G. Komen for the Cure programs. The event is from 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and two for $175. For more information, visit www.komenncalabama.org or call 263-1700.

Cocktails on the Farm

The Jones Valley Teaching Farm and Iberia Bank will present the second

See happenings, page 30

30 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

food

Happenings, From page 29

annual Cocktails on the Farm fundraiser from 1-5 p.m. June 21 at the Jones Valley Urban Farm Gardens of Park Place, 701 25th St. North, Birmingham. The event will feature local food, drink and music. Chefs from Hot and Hot Fish Club, Paramont, Carrigan’s, Little Donkey, Octane and Knife Party will be serving small summer plates.

Eight bartenders will craft summertime cocktails. Tickets are $35 and include food and two drinks. All proceeds will help the JVTF expand the Good School Food Program to three additional schools. For more information, call 439-7213.

Cookie Craze Day

Full Moon BBQ’s Half Moon Cookies were featured in the May issue of Taste of the South as one of the top five handmade cookies that can be delivered to your door.

To celebrate, all nine Birmingham area Full Moon stores are hosting Cookie Craze Day. On June 24 from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., each customer will get one free Half Moon cookie with any purchase.

The cookies are made from scratch with Southern pecans and chocolate chips and then hand-dipped in milk chocolate.

They’re available for delivery across the U.S. as well as at Full Moon restaurants.

Foodie News

Restaurants Make Mediterranean Cuisine List Several Birmingham area restaurants that serve classic Mediterranean cuisine were featured in Oldways’ recent 5 in 50+ list.

Oldways, a Boston-based nonprofit organization that introduced the gold-

tea party, From page 29

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

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Healthcare as amazing as their potential

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Both Wallwork and her father, Ronnie Carlton, tried other careers before joining Milo’s.

“My dad had the experience of having his dad come in smelling like onions, so my dad decided to get an accounting degree. He did that for two years, and then he joined the company,” Wallwork said.

Ronnie Carlton is now chairman of the board, and his wife, Sheila Carlton, is the board’s vice chairman. Leslie Aven is treasurer. All live in Vestavia Hills’ Liberty Park neighborhood.

After graduating from Briarwood Christian School, Auburn University and the University of Alabama School of Law, Wallwork worked as an attorney at Burr & Forman in Birmingham.

“I was going to go out and save the Smoked Sausage Stuffed Chicken Breasts Wrapped in Bacon 4 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless 2 smoked sausage links 1 package of bacon 1 bottle of your favorite barbecue rub Sauce (recipe follows) Heat a grill to 300 degrees.

Insert a sharp knife with a very long, straight blade through the center of each breast. Be careful not to cut out the sides of the chicken.

Cut smoked sausage links in half

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal standard Mediterranean diet to the U.S. two decades ago, said it handpicked restaurants in each state and Washington, D.C. To qualify for the award, restaurants must serve at least one of five different classic Mediterranean foods or dishes.

Making the cut were Bongiorno and Vino in Mountain Brook, Naji’s Pita Gourmet in Homewood, the Olive Branch in Vestavia Hills and Makarios Kabob and Grill in Birmingham.

Only one other Alabama restaurant, Brix in Huntsville, made the list.

Huntsville Chef Plans Birmingham Venture

Chef James Boyce and his wife and partner, Suzan, are bringing their familyrun Boyce Restaurant Concepts to Birmingham.

The couple owns and operates three restaurants in Huntsville: Cotton Row, Commerce Kitchen and Pane e Vino Pizzeria.

The Boyces said they will develop a new concept featuring modern AmericanFrench cuisine with Southern influences.

Ed Hardin owns Veranda Restaurant on Highland Avenue, and in partnership with Boyce Restaurant Concepts, will rebrand the space as a new dining destination set to open later this year.

Jimmy Boyce launched his culinary career at New York’s Le Cirque, where he worked for six years under the tutelage of Daniel Boulud. While working in New York, Boyce studied at the Culinary Institute of America.

In the 1990s, Boyce worked at Mary Elaine’s at The Phoenician Resort & Spa, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and Loews Coronado Bay Resort. While heading culinary operations for Loews, he earned a James Beard Foundation Best Chef

Southwest nomination in 2002.

In 2008, Jimmy and Suzan Boyce started Boyce Restaurant Concepts in Huntsville.

Jimmy Boyce has appeared on NBC’s “The Today Show” and was featured

on the Travel Channel’s “Epicurious TV,” the PBS television series “How To Cook Everything: Bittman Takes on America’s Chefs” and PBS’s “At the Chef’s Table.”

He has also been featured in Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Wine Spectator, Cooking Light, Garden and Gun, House Beautiful, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times and other publications.

Satterfield’s Has New Executive Chef

Patrick Horn is the new executive chef at Satterfield’s.

Horn, who has been a sous chef at the Cahaba Heights restaurant for the past eight years, is a Birmingham native and 2004 Culinard graduate.

“We are excited to promote the extraordinarily talented Patrick Horn. He is known for taking a unique team approach to his cooking and management style, which made him the top candidate to take on the role of executive chef,” said Becky Satterfield, the restaurant’s owner and pastry chef.

Joon Reid, a member of the restaurant’s staff since 2011, has been promoted to sous chef.

“At Satterfield’s, we are very proud of Patrick and Joon and everything they’ve accomplished. They exemplify our commitment to excellent, creative and contemporary fine dining,” Satterfield said.

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

world,” she said, smiling. “But I wanted to get involved in the family business.”

She’s been with Milo’s for 10 years, she said.

Wallwork, her husband and their two children live in Mountain Brook.

Her husband, Troy Wallwork, owns DataPerk, a Birmingham-based computer consulting firm. Carlton is 8 years old and will be in the fourth grade this fall, and 6-year-old Kathryn will start the second grade in August.

While both children have a while before they have to decide on their careers, their mother said she’d support their choices.

“Joining Milo’s will be up to them,” she said. “I want them to have the opportunity to do what they want to do.”

Her son got a taste of the family business recently when he sat in on one of the meetings with the development team to discuss the new products.

“He said, ‘Can you make a kid size?’ And we do offer singles,” Wallwork said.

Milo Carlton died in 1994. Bea Carlton, now 92, lives in Liberty Park.

“When Bea walks into a room, everybody knows she’s there,” Wallwork said. “She’s a strong, sweet lady and a great example for her granddaughters.”

Before the three new beverages were introduced, Milo’s products were in 18 states, she said.

“We were a regional company,” Wallwork said. “Now, as of April, we’re in 38 states.”

Wallwork said her grandparents discovered some customers would visit their stores just to get Milo’s tea. The popularity of the original drink boosts marketing efforts, she said.

“It’s gratifying when people say they’ll try our new products because of the Milo’s name,” Wallwork said. ❖

and then trim them to the exact length of the breasts. Stuff into openings.

Wrap each breast with bacon. It takes about three slices per breast.

Apply rub thoroughly, coating the outsides of the breasts.

Place breasts in medium-sized aluminum pan. Place pan on grill. Cook until temperature of chicken reaches 170 degrees, about one hour. Baste chicken with sauce toward the end of the cooking time.

Mix and cook until jelly melts. Cool and then refrigerate overnight.

Sauce: 2 cups vinegar-based barbecue sauce 1 jar of apple jelly

Grilled Squash Medley Special equipment: Grill wok 2 yellow squash 2 zucchini Olive oil Vegetable seasoning Preheat grill to 350 degrees.

Cut squash and zucchini into rounds and put into Zip-lock bag. Pour ¼ cup of olive oil and 1-2 tablespoons of seasoning in bag and mix.

Pour veggies into grill wok and grill until tender, about 10 minutes. ❖

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 31

food

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

cocktails,

plate of sea salt. Add ice to the saltrimmed glass. Pour in tequila and lime juice. Top with grapefruit soda. Stir. Add lime wedge.

From page 1

Father’s Day. Do it literally, by giving dad’s go-to drink a fresh remix.

LeNell Camacho Santa Ana and her husband, Demián Camacho Santa Ana, created these contemporary takes on old favorites such as the Old Fashioned and Salty Dog. The couple also came up with a beer cocktail— what’s not to love there?

The husband and wife team met in Mexico during a master distiller’s wedding, LeNell said. They’ve taught cocktail classes together, co-authored articles on wines and spirits and coowned a reservation-only bar called Casa Coctel in La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur. Demián is bar manager at Little Savannah. LeNell bartends private events through the cocktail catering company The Bar Hops.

Right now, they’re finishing up a children’s book called “Mommy and Daddy Are Bartenders.”

“The book is inspired by our beautiful girl, Damiana,” LeNell said.

“She is named after an herb used in Mexican liqueurs.”

LeNell’s Beverage Boutique, an award-winning liquor store that first opened in New York City, should be open in Birmingham’s historic Norwood neighborhood by early fall, LeNell said.

The Houndstooth

LeNell said the Houndstooth is inspired by the history of the classic cocktail known as the Old Fashioned.

Hoptail

Demián Camacho Santa Ana amps up old standbys with intriguing ingredients such as fresh blood oranges, agave blanco tequila and maraschino liqueur. His ready-to-sip creations are, bottom right, a Paloma, Houndstooth and Hoptail. Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

“People drank a mixture of spirits, bitter, water and sugar over 100 years ago. Once bartenders starting mixing in liqueurs and other flavors, customers referred to the old recipes as the Old Fashioned without the liqueurs,” she said.

The Houndstooth was created to honor the University of Alabama football team for winning the BCS Championship against LSU in 2012. .25 ounce rich simple syrup (recipe follows) .25 ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur 4 dashes Fee Brothers whiskey barrel aged bitters 1 2-inch long by 1-inch wide grape-

fruit peel, pith removed 2 ounces bourbon Add syrup and maraschino liqueur, bitters and grapefruit peel skin side up into heavy bottomed rocks glass. Gently press the peel with a muddler to release the skin oils. Add the whiskey and 2-3 large ice cubes. Stir.

Rich Simple Syrup

1 cup raw sugar 1 cup warm water Add ingredients to an empty bottle.

Cap. Shake to dissolve sugar. Let sit for a few minutes. Shake again.

Paloma

“Growing up, I remember my dad drinking salty dogs, a vodka

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and grapefruit highball with a salted rim,” LeNell said. “My husband and I owned a bar in Mexico for two years where I fell in love with the flavors of grapefruit with tequila. This makes even a great brunch drink.”

LeNell said Demián loves using San Pellegrino grapefruit soda and that she’s “wild about” all-natural Q grapefruit soda.

1 ½ ounces 100 percent agave blanco tequila ¼ ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice Grapefruit soda Sea salt Lime wedge Moisten the rim of a glass with the lime wedge and then dip the rim in a

“When folks traveled by stagecoach and horse and stopped at a tavern on their journey to rest, they might very well drink a mixed concoction of beer and other ingredients,” LeNell said. “Beer cocktails have become quite trendy lately as folks have discovered how much fun it is to use in mixed drinks.”

Demián created this drink when he had a slew of blood oranges on hand in the winter, LeNell said.

Although it can sometimes be a challenge to find blood oranges locally—try Whole Foods or Fresh Market—regular OJ is just not as good, LeNell said.

Demián uses the blond ale from Cahaba Brewing Company in Birmingham.

“Aperol is an Italian bitter aperitif liqueur a tad lighter than Campari,” LeNell said. ¾ ounce fresh blood orange juice ¼ ounce lime juice ½ ounce simple syrup ½ ounce Aperol 1 ½ ounces 100 percent agave blanco tequila ½ ounce blond ale Lime wedge and orange twist Pour juices, syrup, Aperol and tequila in glass with large ice cubes. Top with ale and stir. Garnish with lime wedge and orange twist. ❖

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32 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Phillips Named Next Vestavia Hills Superintendent

By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

T

he Vestavia Hills school system has named a new superintendent to replace Jamie Blair when he retires next year.

The board unanimously recommended Sheila Phillips as the district’s next superintendent.

She won’t assume her new role until Blair officially retires on Oct. 1, 2015.

Phillips, 48, has served as the system’s assistant superintendent since May 2012. Earlier this year, she led the school system through district accreditation.

Prior to becoming assistant superintendent, Phillips served as the principal of Vestavia Hills High School for the 2011-2012 school year.

Phillips has also been an assistant

principal and principal at Cullman High School and has more than 15 years of experience working with students in special education programs at Cullman, Homewood and Childersburg schools.

Phillips was chosen over three other candidates the school board interviewed for the position.

“The board is confident that our thorough and fair process has resulted in the best decision for our district,” said Kym Prewitt, Vestavia Hills school board president. “Mrs. Phillips has already established positive and meaningful relations with many stakeholders, and she has a deep understanding of our culture and our needs as a system. We welcome her to this new position and look forward to improving our standard of excellence in every area for our students.”

Phillips said she couldn’t have asked for a better community to serve as superintendent.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity just to be able to serve this community and the district in this new role,” she said. “I have grown very passionate for the work that is being done here and for the people and students of Vestavia Hills.”

Phillips said she expects her transition into the school district’s top position to be a seamless one.

“Because I am currently the assistant superintendent, I think the transition will be much smoother,” she said.

“We (she and Blair) have worked very closely on all major projects. And even though we both have different responsibilities, he’s allowed me to be very involved in big projects and initiatives in our district for the two years I’ve been his assistant.”

Phillips and the school board are still in the process of negotiating her contract. The board is expected to vote on that contract at its June 18 meeting.

Sheila Phillips will replace Jamie Blair as the superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools in October.

Photo special to the Journal

The meeting is scheduled to start 8:30 a.m. at the school system’s central office at 1204 Montgomery

Highway.

Blair, who has served the Vestavia Hills school system as superintendent since March 2000, submitted his letter of resignation at a school board meeting earlier this year.

“I’ve served 38 years in education, and I think it’s somebody else’s turn,” Blair said.

Under Blair’s leadership, the Vestavia Hills school system continued its rise as one of the state’s best and one of the nation’s top education districts. Its high school has consistently ranked among the nation’s best, according to a U.S. News and World Report study on America’s top high schools.

The school system not only sees 98 percent of its seniors go on to college but sees its seniors receive millions of dollars in scholarships each year. Vestavia Hills was one of the first area systems to integrate technology in its classrooms, and Blair was named Alabama Superintendent of the Year in 2010. ❖

School Notes

First-graders at Shades Cahaba Elementary School in Homewood wore ties to school on Music Ties Us Together Day. Photo special to the Journal

Shades Cahaba Students Celebrate Music Month Students and teachers at Homewood’s Shades Cahaba Elementary School celebrated Music in Our Schools Month with scavenger hunts, dress-up days and bulletin board projects.

Teacher Hailey Pepper asked students to document their experiences on the Music in Our Schools Month bulletin board outside her room.

Students wore their pajamas to school one day and participated in a music-themed scavenger hunt.

Emma Brooke Levering was the overall winner in the scavenger hunt.

Other winners included Eno Amponsaa, Alexis Tita, Miley Champagne and Michael Chavar.

Spain Park Competes in Mock Trial Championship Spain Park High School’s National Mock Trial team returned from the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Wisconsin with a big win.

Team member Christina McLaughlin was honored as the national

competition’s Most Outstanding Witness.

The prestigious competition features top-notch mock trial teams from across the United States.

“The entire team represented both our school and our state well,” Libby Day, Law Academy co-director, said.

Day, who coordinates the Law Academy and mock trial activities with Craig Thompson, said this year’s showing is the third time in four years that Spain Park High School’s National Mock Trial Team has been selected to participate in the national competition.

Other team members were Noah Crawford, Jacob Kimes, Tommy Kulkis, Ellie Lapinski, Matt Schoeneman, Bailey Whetter and Taylor Wood.

members in dressing up as their favorite book characters.

Each student who donated a book got a star with on the bulletin board in the cafeteria. The students entered two drawings to win Scholastic Gift Cards.

One drawing was from the reading logs and the other drawing was from the donated book stars.

The school also welcomed several guest readers throughout the week.

The visitors shared a book with the students and talked about the role reading played in their lives.

The guest readers included Mountain Brook Schools Superintendent Dicky Barlow, Mountain Brook High School Principal Amanda Hood, Rich Webster, Alison Scott, Karin Ballstadt, Stephen Russell, Courtney Shea and Caroline Shea.

The students also collected books to donated to the Birmingham Reads Book Drive during their celebration of reading.

The sixth-grade ambassadors helped with the book collection each morning and the PTO Mighty Men loaded all of the books and delivered them to Colonial Brookwood Mall at the end of

Cherokee Bend Students Welcome Guest Readers Cherokee Bend Elementary School students celebrated their love of reading with a special week of activities this spring.

The students and staff members participated in Cherokee Bend Reads Week April 14-17.

Throughout the week, students kept daily reading logs and joined faculty

Mountain Brook Schools Superintendent Dicky Barlow reads to students at Cherokee Bend Elementary School. Photo special to the Journal

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Homewood had 25 seventh and eighth-grade students selected for the National Junior Honor Society.

Photo special to the Journal

the week.

The students donated 2,104 books to the Birmingham Reads Book Drive to help support the programs of Better Basics, a nonprofit literacy organization.

Vestavia Grad Wins Art Achievement Award Wendi Lu, a 2014 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, was this year’s recipient of the Vestavia Hills Art Association’s Art Achievement Award.

She is the daughter of Minqing Lu and Mingyan Hu of Vestavia Hills.

Lu was selected by professional artists and art educators of the Vestavia Hills Art Association’s scholarship committee.

Committee members said they were especially impressed by Lu’s unique drawing ability and exceptional creativity.

Her work was viewed during Vestavia Hills High School’s Student Art Show.

The VHAA Art Achievement Award is an annual award of $300 presented on the merits of the student’s apparent artistic talent, academic standing and how the award will be applied.

The award is given to a graduating senior who is continuing his or her education in the visual arts, art education or a related field.

This year’s award included an additional $100 gift certificate from Alabama Art Supply, Inc. Lu plans to attend Columbia University to major in architecture this fall.

OLS Students Named to Junior Honor Society Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Homewood recently had 25 students selected for the National Junior Honor Society.

OLS Principal Mary Jane Dorn, teachers, parents and fellow students were on hand for the induction ceremony.

The students joined 19 other OLS eighth-graders inducted in 2013.

The total membership of 44 students represents more than 53 percent of the school’s seventh and eighth-grade students.

The students were chosen for the honor society based on their grade point averages, leadership, service, character, citizenship and recommendations of their teachers.

The seventh-graders inducted into the National Junior Honor Society at OLS were Kate Nhissa Agena, Alyssa Barnes, Christian Duggar Burkhalter, Jordan Evans, Katie Foster, Lauren Griffin, Elissa Harika, Michael Hunt, Andrew Huynh, Austin Huynh, Taylor Ladu, Anthony Marino, Jackson McCoy, Jake McGwin, Jacob Pugh, Annie Tighe, Grace Turner and Lexi Turner.

The eighth-grade OLS students selected for the honor society were Marie Ghossein, Natalie Harris, Kathryne High, David Huner, Lilly Montenegro, Erin McMahon and Mary Ellis Thornton.

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 33

Schools

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Oak Mountain’s Dixon Is Top Notch Teacher

The Vestavia Hills High School We the People team recently placed in the top five in the nation at the We the People finals in Washington, D.C. Front, from left: Aditi Prasad, Emmy Ye, Kelly Chen, Andrea Lin, Nicole Estrada and Claire Chen. Back: Emma Jackson, Paul Joseph Spina, Mitchell Eitzen, Mary Catherine Cook, Siyin Han, Jaxon Thomley, Wendi Lu, Stacy Reimann, Patricia Howard, Silin Li, John Woodal and Austin Owen. Photo special to the Journal

VHHS We the People Team Is in Top Five After three days of simulated congressional hearings on the U.S. Constitution, Vestavia Hills High School placed in the top five in the nation at the We the People finals in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of teams participated in regional and state level competitions in the fall. Fifty-six teams were invited to compete in the first two days of constitutional debate at George Mason University. Only 10 teams advanced to the final day of competition.

On the final day, competitors debated in congressional hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. Vestavia Hills High School’s team competed in the judiciary committee room in the Rayburn House Office Building, the same room used for the Watergate hearings.

The We the People competition, sponsored by the Center for Civic Education, is in its 27th year. Students research and study the U.S. Constitution and compete in simulated congressional hearings that assess their knowledge and interpretation of government foundations. The subjects discussed range from pre-Constitution America to the modern era.

We the People team member Jaxon Thomley said he was “beyond proud” of his teammates.

“They are the definition of what it means to be an American, and I am honored to call them some of the best people I have ever worked with,” Thomley said.

Other VHHS team members were Stacey Reimann, Jon Woodall, Silin Li, Mary Catherine Cook, PJ Spina, Austin Owen, Patricia Howard, Wendi Lu, Siyin Han, Mitchell Eitzen, Emma Jackson, Claire Chen, Nicole Estrada, Andrea Lin, Kelly Chen, Emmy Ye and Aditi Prasad.

The team was led by teachers Amy Maddox and Jane Schaefer.

Highlands School Teachers Headed to Japan Two Highlands School teachers are spending two weeks in Japan this summer thanks to the Highlands School Parent Auxiliary.

Tynley Baker and Brittany O’Brien received grants from the auxiliary’s Country of Study Fund, which provides money for international travel opportunities for faculty members.

Each summer, two faculty members will receive grants from the fund to travel to a country chosen by the Country of Study Committee. When the educators return, they will work in conjunction with school administrators and other faculty members to integrate the chosen country throughout the curriculum.

The program is designed to significantly touch every grade level, 4K-8, and every discipline of the school, including a study of customs, culture, economy, language, history, political systems and geography.

Baker and O’Brien are working to fully immerse themselves into the Japanese culture. They are staying with Japanese families, riding bikes throughout towns and visiting schools and landmarks.

The teachers have already visited Hitachi, Ibaraki, Birmingham’s sister city in Japan, where they saw a statue of Vulcan donated to Hitachi by former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington.

The large Japanese lanterns at the entrance to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens were given to the city by officials in Hitachi.

Bachus Hosts Students at Wildlife Program in D.C. In his final year as a co-chairman of the House Zoo and Aquarium Caucus, U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Vestavia Hills, decided to get a little wild with local students visiting Washington, D.C. For a group of fifth-graders from the Southminster Day School in Vestavia Hills, Bachus arranged a special showing of wildlife brought to Capitol Hill for the annual reception of the Zoo and Aquarium Caucus.

A baby cheetah, wallaby, lionhead rabbit and North American porcupine were among the animals brought to the courtyard of the Rayburn House Office Building for the students to see.

“This was a memorable opportunity for these students from the Southminster Day School to get ‘up close and wild’ with some amazing animals and their caretakers,” Bachus said. “The purpose of the Zoo and Aquarium Caucus has always been to promote interest in wildlife and conservation education. Events like this remind all of us about our obligation to be responsible stewards of nature.”

The Southminster Day School group included about 30 students and 30 parents along with school representatives.

An Oak Mountain Elementary School teacher was recently recognized by the Riverchase Galleria.

Rosalyn Dixon was named a Top Notch Teacher in the Riverchase Galleria’s Celebrate Teachers contest.

The goal of the contest was to recognize local teachers who show extra effort and caring in the classroom and affect their students’ lives in positive and unique ways.

Dixon was nominated for the honor by the parent of one of her students.

Others in the community cast their votes online to support Dixon.

Dixon has been a second-grade teacher at OMES for seven and a half years.

After a field trip to the Birmingham Zoo with her students, Dixon arrived back at school to a surprise announcement and presentation of the Top Notch Teacher title by Riverchase Galleria representatives. She was also awarded a $500 gift card.

Dixon said she was excited that her students were able to be a part of the celebration as they were provided with an ice cream party by Häagen-Dazs.

Spain Park Theatre Wins Best in Show Award Spain Park High School Theatre has

Oak Mountain Elementary School’s Rosalyn Dixon was recently named a Top Notch Teacher by the Riverchase Galleria. Photo special to the Journal wrapped up its season, but the students will be busy this summer.

Last fall, advanced theater class students wrote, scored, designed and produced their own one-act play for the statewide Trumbauer Theatre Festival.

For the seventh year in the school’s history, SPHS Theatre was named Best in Show at the state’s high school theater competition.

Spain Park student Megan Pecot was named Best Actress in a One Act at the contest.

Instead of taking their show, “Amelia the Brave,” to the Southeastern Theatre Conference--the next step after the state

competition--the students opted to look for alternate venues in which to perform.

In January, they submitted the play for consideration to the Atlanta Fringe Festival, which features alternative and new theater.

The Spain Park entry was selected as one of 20 acts from across the United States and Canada to perform at the festival June 5-8 in the Little Five Points area of Atlanta.

Several students from SPHS Theatre will also travel to Scotland in August to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Send School News to: kdrexel@otmj.com

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34 • Thursday, June 12, 2014

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Vestavia Attack Black Wins Spring State Cup

The Vestavia Hills Soccer Club Attack Black 01 won the U13 Girls Division One 2014 Alabama Spring State Cup Championship on May 11 in Decatur.

From left: Christian Anderson, Hunter Branch, Will Brewster, Austin Chapman and Buddy Pell. Photo special to the Journal

Record Signing Day for Spartan Football

Mountain Brook’s play-off rich football program had five of its studentathletes lined up on Signing Day. It was a record number of Spartan recruits signing to play college football at the school.

One of the leading tacklers in the history of Mountain Brook high school football, Buddy Pell chose the University of Alabama over Jacksonville State and South Alabama. Pell who was a two time All-OTM and Birmingham AllMetro selection stated, “The opportunity to play for Coach Smart and Coach Saban was something I could not pass up.”

Austin Chapman, a two-year starter at linebacker and a key member of the Spartans stingy defense selected Samford University over Amherst. “The chance to play high level football and receive a great education in my home town is a true blessing,” he said.

Spartan quarterback Will Brewster, who completed over 72 percent of his passes during his three years at Mountain Brook chose Washington & Lee University over Georgetown. “I loved the academics at W&L and the coaching staff stayed with me even after I was injured,” said Brewster.

Hunter Branch a member of the All-OTM and All-Metro team and led the state with more than 1,100 yards in receiving during his senior year at Mountain Brook. Branch signed with Furman University. “Furman was the first to offer and I jumped at the opportunity to play FCS football and receive a phenomenal education” said Branch.

Christian Anderson, an All-OTM and All-Metro selection and key member of an offensive line that helped the Spartans put up impressive numbers selected the University of Chicago over Claremont-McKenna and USC. “I am very excited. Chicago is a top academic university with a rich football history,” he said.

all-otm baseball, From page 36

championship.

As is the case with all great teams, however, Spain Park saved its best baseball for last. It utilized old standbys–pitching, defense and clutch hitting–to bring home the school’s firstever Class 6A baseball blue trophy, clinching the title with a 9-4 victory over Sparkman in Montgomery.

After such a season, it’s no surprise that the Jaguars have a strong presence on the 2014 All-Over the Mountain baseball team. Six Spain Park players earned positions on the squad, which is chosen by an exclu-

all-otm softball, From page 36

produces all-stars and contends for state championships.

And that’s exactly what Spain Park did in 2014.

The Lady Jaguars went 49-17, reached the semifinals of the Class 6A Championship Tournament in Montgomery and put five players on the latest edition of the All-Over the Mountain softball team. The team was selected by an exclusive poll of the eight head coaches of area schools in Classes 6A and 5A. Additionally, Spain Park third baseman-pitcher MaryKathryn Bonamy was named by the coaches as the 2014

Members of the team include, from left, front: Jhamaya Cooper, Lizzie Hill, Caroline Causey, Catherine Yeilding, Kelly Dunn and Pierce Pruett. Back: Gabriel Bernal, Jada Repp, Whitney Logan, Megan Swanzy, Abbey Gaiser, Emory Swafford, Georgia Kamburis, Katherine Savage and Lilly Costa.

Head coach is AJ Adcock.

Photo special to the Journal

Hoover Lady Phantoms Win State Championship in Overtime

Hoover Soccer Club’s Lady Phantoms ’00 won the 2014 Open Cup Tournament in Decatur on April 13 in the under 14 division.

Competing against teams from Nashville, Tenn., Oxford, Miss., and Gonzales, La., Hoover won the title in dramatic fashion.

After 70 minutes of a scoreless tie plus another 10 minutes in overtime, the championship game against Gonzales Soccer Club ’00 was decided in a penalty kick shootout.

Each team scored its first five shots and the Lady Phantoms ’00 had to save three PKs in the sudden death to continue to have a chance to win the game.

On the 10th round of PKs, the

sive poll of the eight head coaches of area schools in Classes 6A and 5A. Additionally, Jaguar coach Will Smith shared 2014 Coach of the Year honors with Mountain Brook coach Lee Gann.

Gann, a Homewood graduate who has earned All-Over the Mountain honors as a player and coach, guided the Spartans to a 31-15 season that ended in the state Class 6A semifinals.

Under Smith, Spain Park compiled a 39-19 worksheet on the way to the state crown.

“This honor is really a tribute to our players, who worked so incredibly hard all year,” Smith said. “They set a goal and achieved it. I can’t express how proud I am of them.”

Cole Chiselko, a hard-hitting out-

fielder from Hoover, was named 2014 Player of the Year. Chiselko–known as Chico to his teammates–hit a robust .418 against some of Alabama’s best pitching. He clubbed five home runs, 18 doubles and 53 RBIs. Chiselko, a senior, produced an on-base percentage of .484 and a slugging percentage

Player of the Year.

First-year Hoover coach Erin Wright and Oak Mountain coach Kellie Eubanks shared Coach of the Year honors.

Bonamy, a junior who has already committed to the University of North Carolina, sparked her team’s strong playoff run with four home runs and 12 RBIs. “I really had no idea I could be chosen Player of the Year, so this is a great surprise,” Bonamy said. “It’s an honor when you stop to think about all the great players that come out of this part of the state. This is something special.”

Bonamy–popularly known as M.K.-batted .425 with a whopping 19 home runs and 65 RBIs in 2014. She also swatted 13 doubles and scored 42

runs. Her eye was as good as her bat, as she drew 40 walks from opposing pitchers.

“M.K. is a pure joy to coach,” Hawkins said. “She’s a true game changer. Her leadership on and off the field makes her an amazing teammate.

The work ethic she shows every day makes the entire team better. M.K. is a true champion in every sense of the word.”

Wright, who came to Hoover after a successful stint at Mountain Brook, led a youthful Lady Bucs team to a 36-21 mark and a berth in the state playoffs at Montgomery’s Lagoon Park. Eubanks piloted a Lady Eagle team with little preseason hype to a winning record.

The four Spain Park players joining

Team members are, from left, front: Hannah Peebles, Jarea Parker, Haley Montgomery, Gaby Walker, Sydney Steely, Kailian Davis and Maris Laney.

Back: Abby Goddard, Kajsa Gedlitschka, Laura Spence, Jasmine Greene, Erin Butler, Elena Register, Urmi Roy, Amanda Gawlowicz and Coach Mateo Peral. Photo special to the Journal

Lady Phantoms converted their chance and the Lady Phantoms’

goalkeeper, Elena Register, made a save to win the final.

Members of the 2014 All Over the Mountain baseball team from Briarwood Christian are Ethan Simmons, left, and Jake Bracewell.

of .679 and was a key factor as Hoover spent much of the season at the top of the Class 6A rankings.

“Chiselko was a threat with his bat anytime he came to the plate,” said former Hoover coach Rick Davis, who stepped down after the season concluded. “He was a very important part of our offense and gave us excellent production all year.”

It’s a tribute to the overall strength of area baseball that Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills also had six entries on the team.

Members of the team include Jake Bracewell and Ethan Simmons, Briarwood; Matthew Cerfolio, John Carroll Catholic; Devin McCary, Cade Mullins, Griffin Rivers and Adam Stewart, Homewood; Chiselko, Cooper Carden, Brooks Haley, Ian Kirk and Billy Reed, Hoover; Andrew Autrey, Alan Hale, Hunter Holcomb, Davis McDougal, Jack McPherson and Drew Odum, Mountain Brook; Logan Gibbs, Oak Mountain; Matt Berler, Mason Duke, Austin Haight, Josh Rich, Jon Sumner and Tristan Widra, Spain Park; and Davis Bragg, Chris Cusimano, Bobby Morgan, Sonny Potter, Tyler Queen and Price Visintainer, Vestavia Hills.

Bonamy on the All-Over the Mountain squad are Julianna Cross, Julie Knight, Haleigh Sisson and Mary Katherine Tedder. Other members of the team include Ashlyn Boyd, Madison Chambers, Morgan Reed, Linley Splawn and Rachel Walz, Briarwood; D.G. Boyd and Suzie Sarcone, John Carroll Catholic; Morgan Williams

and Venice Sanders, Homewood; Mary Catherine Nichols, Carly Sewell and Kynadi Tipler, Hoover; Rebecca Blitz, Grace Morrissette and Courtney Shea, Mountain Brook; Carmyn Greenwood, Madeline Porter and Ashlee Sanders, Oak Mountain; and Kristin Chapman, Taylor Coe, Olivia Cooper and Caroline Hardy, Vestavia Hills.

Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

Members of the 2014 All Over the Mountain softball team from Briarwood Christian include, from left: Ashlyn Boyd, Rachel Walz, Morgan Reed, Madison Chambers and Linley Splawn.

Journal photo by Keysha Drexel

Thursday, June 12, 2014 • 35

sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Tee for Two

Anthony Faraino, right, a recent graduate of Vestavia Hills High School, was selected as an All-American by US Lacrosse, the national governing body for lacrosse. He was a four year starter on the varsity lacrosse team at Vestavia, and lead the team in scoring this season with 46 goals and 20 assists.

He will be attending the University of Richmond on a lacrosse scholarship this fall.

Lovelady Helps Tide Claim Second Title

Photo special to the Journal

Faraino Named to LAX All-American Team

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

Tom Lovelady had been close to a championship situation before, but in his case the second time around was much more fun.

Last season, the Mountain Brook graduate had been part of the University of Alabama men’s golf team that won the NCAA championship. Since Lovelady wasn’t one of the final five to play, he admitted to feeling a bit like a spectator.

Fast-forward to 2014, and the picture was much different. The Crimson Tide golfers were once again playing for a national championship, and Lovelady was one of the competitors in the top five.

And once again, Alabama came home as a champion. The Tide defeated Oklahoma State 4-1 in the match play finals at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kan., to claim its second straight NCAA trophy.

While Lovelady lost his final match to OSU’s Wyndham Clark, he said this championship was special.

“It meant a lot to be able to play in it,” he said when contacted last week. “All five of us gelled at just the right time and did what we had to do to win.”

Lovelady found the Prairie Dunes course much to his liking.

“It was really beautiful, although if you were shaky off the tee or on the

smylie,

From page 36

Kaufman has never played Pinehurst No. 2 but had already done his research days before heading north.

“It’s clearly going to be an advantage to stay in the fairways,” he said.

“And the greens are hard to hit. Just like any U.S. Open course, it will be a great test of golf.”

Kaufman, who left for Pinehurst last Sunday, feels like his game is at its peak.

“I’ve been playing pretty well for a while,” he said. “I have to keep working to make sure all facets of my game remain sharp. I’ve played well.

Playing in the NCAA and SEC tournaments were pretty big stages, but of course this is a whole new challenge.”

As always, this year’s Open will be a Who’s Who of golf, as almost all of the world’s top professionals will be competing. While Kaufman has followed many of their careers since his childhood, he said he couldn’t allow himself to get overly starstruck.

“Sure, it’s going to be pretty cool to be out there with guys that I’ve

Tom Lovelady and his Bama teammates defeated Oklahoma State to win the schools second consecutive golf title.

Photo special to the Journal

green it could get tricky,” he said. “It had some fairly long par fours, but it was manageable. I didn’t know much about it before we played there.”

The national championship capped an overall successful season for Lovelady. He played in eight tournaments with nine rounds of par or under.

Lovelady’s best finish was seventh in the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate Tournament at Old Overton Golf Course in October. His finest round of the year was a five-under-par 67.

Lovelady credited Crimson Tide coach Jay Seawell for much of the team’s impressive run.

“Coach Seawell is an awesome guy to play for,” he said. “Coach is very easygoing. He doesn’t try to change you. He gives advice to try to make you better, without changing your basic game. Coach Seawell is great at keeping everyone energized.

“At the same time, he understands you can’t play well if you are con-

stantly going on emotional highs and lows. You’ve got to keep an even keel at all times.”

Lovelady will spend much of this summer playing in tournaments across the country. Friends are already asking him if Alabama can win a third consecutive title in 2014-2015.

“I think they are half-joking, at least I hope they are,” he said, laughing. “We lose three great players in Trey Mullinax, Cory Whitsett and Bobby Wyatt. It’s hard enough to win one national championship, much less two or three. We just have to keep working hard to be the best team possible.”

Among next year’s returnees is Spain Park’s Robby Prater.

“It’s fun to be a national champion, and that makes you hungry to do it again,” Lovelady said.

If the Crimson Tide wins a third trophy, Tom Lovelady will almost certainly be a big part of it.

watched on television almost my entire life,” he said. “But I have to concentrate on my own game. It’s important not to get caught up in playing against the other guys. I have to play my best, and the rest will take care of itself.”

Kaufman admitted he might get a case of the butterflies in his stomach before his first tee-off.

“There might be a little of that,” he said. “But once I get on the tee, I’ll be too busy thinking about what needs to be done to worry about anything else.”

A lack of supportive fans won’t be a problem for Kaufman as he plays in his first major championship. He comes from a golfing family. His grandfather Alan is a former golf coach at UAB, and his father Jeff was

a standout golfer at Vestavia and LSU in the 1980s. Additionally, Kaufman’s brother Luckie will serve as his caddy at Pinehurst.

“My family and friends are all scrambling for tickets and ways to get up there (to Pinehurst),” he said.

“They’ve always been supportive of me, but this is an even bigger deal than in the past.”

Kaufman earned his degree in marketing from LSU last month, so for the moment at least golf can have his full focus.

“I was always thinking I would remain an amateur,” he said. “But since I qualified for the Open it might change some things.”

That decision can come later. For now, Smylie Kaufman has the opportunity of a lifetime.

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Ian Ennis, seated, center, celebrated with his Mountain Brook High School soccer teammates at his signing April 17. Photo special to the Journal

MBHS Soccer Player Signs with Centre College Ian David Arthur Ennis has signed with Centre College in Danville, Ky., to play soccer.

The recent Mountain Brook High School graduate is the son of Elizabeth and David Ennis. He played varsity soccer for the Spartans for four years and was a four-year varsity letterman.

Ennis, a center back, played eight years of club soccer.

He played on the Alabama Olympic Development team from 2007-2013. He made the ODP Region III pool in 2012 and was a Region III Tournament Guest Player.

Ennis made the National French Honor Society in the 11th and 12th grades. He was also a member of the National Honor Society.

Ennis said he plans to study neuroscience or psychology at Centre.

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Sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Lovelady Helps Tide Claim Second Golf Title, P. 35 Faraino Named to LAX All-American Team, P. 35

Smith and Chiselko Lead All-OTM Baseball

Lee Davis

Open Season Former Rebel Heads for Golf’s Biggest Prize

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

A generation from now, Spain Park supporters will remember the 2014 baseball season as special.

The Jaguars put together a solid regular season, but as the playoffs began they were on virtually nobody’s short list to claim a state See all-Otm baseball, page 34

Members of the 2014 All Over the Mountain baseball team are, from left, first row: Alan Hale, Mountain Brook; Drew Odum, Mountain Brook; Logan Gibbs, Oak Mountain; Cade Mullins, Homewood; Adam Stewart, Homewood; Austin Haight, Spain Park; Jon Sumner, Spain Park, Matt Berler, Spain Park. Second row, from left: Hunter Holcomb, Mountain Brook; Brooks Haley, Hoover; Billy Reed, Hoover; Davis Bragg, Vestavia Hills; Price Visintainer, Vestavia Hills; Griffin Rivers, Homewood; Mason Duke, Spain Park; Josh Rich, Spain Park; Tristan Widra, Spain Park. Third row, from left: Jack McPherson, Mountain Brook; Cole (Chico) Chiselko, Hoover; Matthew Cerfolio, John Carroll Catholic; Chris Cusimano, Vestavia Hills; Devin McCary, Homewood; Coach Will Smith, Spain Park. Fourth row, from left: Cooper Carden, Hoover, Tyler Queen, Vestavia Hills; Sonny Potter, Vestavia Hills; Bobby Morgan, Vestavia Hills; Davis McDougal, Mountain Brook, and Coach Lee Gann, Mountain Brook. Not pictured: Ian Kirk, Hoover, and Andrew Autrey, Mountain Brook.

Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

Bonamy Leads AllOTM Team

Eubanks, Wright Share Coaching Honors

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

Once upon a time, Spain Park softball was so weak that players actually got an award just for diving for a ball in the outfield.

All of that changed when C.J. Hawkins took over the program nine years ago. Now, the Lady Jaguar program regularly posts winning seasons, See all-Otm softball, page 34

Members of the 2014 All Over the Mountain softball team are, from left, first row: Julianna Cross, Spain Park; Ashlee Sanders, Oak Mountain; Suzie Sarcone, John Carroll Catholic; Madeline Porter, Oak Mountain; Morgan Williams, Homewood. Second row, from left: Mary Catherine Nichols, Hoover; Olivia Cooper, Vestavia Hills; D.G. Boyd, John Carroll Catholic; Rebecca Blitz, Mountain Brook; Carmyn Greenwood, Oak Mountain; Julie Knight, Spain Park; Venice Sanders, Homewood. Third row, from left: Kristen Chapman, Vestavia Hills; Mary Katherine Tedder, Spain Park; MaryKathryn Bonamy, Spain Park; Haleigh Sisson, Spain Park; Kynadi Malaine Tipler, Hoover. Fourth row, from left: Coach Kellie Eubanks, Oak Mountain; Caroline Hardy, Vestavia Hills; Grace Morrissette, Mountain Brook; Taylor Coe, Vestavia Hills; Courtney Shea, Mountain Brook; Carly Sewell, Hoover, and Coach Erin Wright, Hoover.

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E

ven if Smylie Kaufman had stopped playing competitive golf at the end of May, he would have had a memorable season.

After all, the Vestavia Hills graduate led his Louisiana State University Tigers to the NCAA’s golf Final Four, giving his school’s program its finest finish since 1967. On top of that, Kaufman posted a second-place individual finish in the Southeastern Conference Championship before tying for sixth place as the top Bengal Tiger in the NCAA Regionals.

But instead of resting on his considerable laurels, Kaufman went after one more lofty goal: qualifying for a place in the United States Open field.

Kaufman went to the Settindown Creek Golf Course in Roswell, Ga., to be among 31 golfers competing for two spots in the U.S. Open to be played June 12-15 at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina.

Overcoming a slow start, Kaufman calmly put together a first round total of 67, thanks to seven birdies. He followed that with a second round 75 to finish runner-up in the event and qualify for a shot at America’s greatest golf prize.

“It’s all sunk in,” said Kaufman in answer to an obvious question when contacted last week. “The excitement of qualifying has settled down, and now I’m focused on playing my best golf.”

See smylie, page 35