November 27, 2014

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

inside Finding Her Voice: Spain Park grad gains confidence on NBC reality show

JOU RNAL otmj.com

th

ursd ay, November 27, 2014

people page 14

Vol . 24 #23

Broom Vroom: Supporters dress up for Homewood Witches Ride

social page 20

Kelly Garner recently returned to the 40-foot ravine he fell into on the night of the “snowpocalypse” in January.

Coming in from the

Cold

Rescue from Snowy Ravine Motivates Vestavia’s Kelly Garner Story by Keysha Drexel • Photos by Lee Walls Jr.

Seasonal Greetings: Homeowners ready to welcome IPC, Legacy League tour-goers

home page 36

As he stood at the bottom of a 40-foot ravine off

Montgomery Highway and looked up at the gray November sky peeking through the forest canopy, Kelly Garner wondered aloud how he survived an ordeal in January that broke his back and left him with a serious head injury. See Garner, page 12

Crestline business owner’s new book shows how to be a ‘Localist’

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fith-grade students at Cherokee Bend Elementary School recently participated in the annual Colonial Fair – just in time for Thanksgiving. Pictured above, from left: Peyton Foy, Lilly Barksdale, Matthew Zitella, Margaret Nichols and Ann Woodke. See story and more photos on page 40.

Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

business page 42

Cool Toys for Christmas

gift guide II page 29

Sue Murphy Parties on p. 2 • otm communities plan holiday events p. 4 • opportunities to serve p. 13 • Poinsettia Ball Debs Named p. 18

2 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

Opinion/Contents

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

murphy’s law

I Kristin Staskowski, Kristi Tingle Higginbotham, Jan D. Hunter and Lee Ann “Sunny” Brown will present a fun-filled show of comedy sketches and songs at Virginia Samford Theatre. For details, see page 8.

Correction: In a story on the Gala in The Gardens in our last issue, we misidentified Tricia and Andrew Noble, right, in one of the photo captions. The Journal is happy to set the record straight.

On otmj.com

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

Coming Dec. 11

Up next, we’ll feature artwork from students in Over the Mountain schools in our annual Holiday Card issue.

in this issue About Town 4 life 12 news 16 Social 18 Gift Guide 29

weddings 35 home 36 Business 42 Schools 44 sports 48

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L November 27, 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 Interns: Milan Ballard, Jacob Fuqua, Mary Varnell, Emily Williams Vol. 24, No. 23

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.

’Twas the Night Between Christmases

t’s beginning to look a lot like toddlers and crystal an accident waiting Christmas, or in my case, two to happen. Open flames of any kind are Christmases. dangerous, and you’d have to be a fool Mid-December, I’ll be hosting my to use white tablecloths with red Jell-O. Bunco group’s Christmas party. We Now, my Bunco friends are good always have a great time. We don’t sports. They’d probably be happy coleven play Bunco, just skip to everyoring their own placemats, but every one’s favorite part – the eating and once in a while, I like to pretend that I drinking. The food portion is easy since am a functioning grownup. It’s a faneveryone brings an hors d’oeuvre, but tasy, I know, but it’s my fantasy. I want as hostess I’m in charge of the night’s to be Susie Homemaker one day and signature cocktail and dessert. I found Grandma the next. I want it all. a recipe for a limoncello cranberry fizz So, here’s the plan: I divide my that sounds terrific, and I’m working on decorations into two piles – grownup a gingerbread trifle idea that I’ll put in and G-rated. I decorate for my Bunco tiny little dessert cups and display on a group and hide the kid-friendly items in Sue Murphy tiered cake stand. Pretty good, huh? I’ll my bedroom closet. bet you didn’t think I had it in me.

After my Bunco group feasts and Peppermints will Semi-homemade Southern Living toasts and everyone has headed out done by a transplant from Wisconsin. become Goldfish the door with their exchanged gifts, Who knew? set Harold to washing up the crackers, crystal will I’ll I have my decorating plan all cake plates and martini glasses while worked out, too – doilies and white become plastic plates. I swap candles for stuffed snowmen. poinsettias, crystal serving pieces, pull chairs in front of the fireTony Bennett will give I’ll crisp white tablecloths. When my place (I’ll shut it off first) and cover friends come through the front door, way to Alvin and the the table with a red no-harm-no-foul I want the fireplace glowing and Chipmunks, and I’ll cloth. Peppermints will become candles flickering on the end tables.

Goldfish crackers, crystal will Tony Bennett will be crooning on the pull the chicken nug- become plastic plates. Tony Bennett stereo, and everything will be lovely.

At least that’s my plan. gets to the front of the will give way to Alvin and the Chipmunks, and I’ll pull the chicken I’m also excited because my freezer. nuggets to the front of the freezer. A daughter and her family are coming quick run of the sweeper, and I’ll be for Christmas! My grandson is 5 ready to celebrate all over again. now and my granddaughter just turned 1, so I’ve already It’ll be great, kind of like turning the page in a sent a letter to Santa telling him to leave their presents Christmas décor magazine. And I think it will work out under the Alabama tree. I’ve bought a stack of color-on just fine. I mean, if Santa can deliver presents to every placemats and plastic snowmen dishware, a plush snowchild all over the world in one night, I should be able to man family for the coffee table, and Goldfish crackers in pull this off, right? red and green. We’re going to have a ball.

Wait a minute…the poinsettia. Ah! I’ll make it a speThe kicker is that my family is due to arrive the day cial Bunco door prize. after the Bunco party. Really, within 24 hours, my house And then, I’ll lie down for a long winter’s nap until will be full twice – two different groups, two different sets of holiday expectations. Poinsettias are poison for the next round. Merry Christmas…again. ❖

over the Mountain Views

What’s your holiday party tradition?

“I have a Christmas Eve early gift-opening party with my daughter, complete with hot chocolate and treats.”

Crystal Hungerford Vestavia Hills

“My family always comes to town for Thanksgiving, and we get together the night before.”

Gabby McCloskey Homewood

“My parents and I have Dirty Santa each year for Christmas.”

“I always have a morning brunch with enchiladas on Christmas.”

Lily Dendy Homewood

Shannan Goward Mountain Brook

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 3

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

2014

2015

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$20,990

10,000

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4 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Holiday Happenings OTM Communities Plan Festive Events

By William C. Singleton III

T

Journal contributor

he Over the Mountain cities of Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills officially kick off this year’s holiday season with enough festivities to warm even the Grinch’s cold heart and spread enough good cheer to last throughout the Christmas season.

The City of Hoover will kick off the Over the Mountain festivities with its annual tree lighting ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 1.

The event will feature local students singing Christmas carols and an area where those attending can play in the snow created by a snow machine.

After the official city tree is all a-glow, Santa will make an entrance on a Hoover firetruck. He will greet guests and pose for pictures with Christmas wish list makers of all ages.

“We generally have a huge turnout. It’ll be a great night and fun for everybody,” said Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey.

Parking will be available at the Hoover Public Library and shuttles will be available to take guests to the event site in the main parking lot of Hoover City Hall.

For more information on holiday events in Hoover, visit www.hooveral. org.

Homewood plans to ring in the Christmas season with the fourth annual Lighting of the Star ceremony the day after the Hoover holiday event.

The Homewood event will be held Dec. 2 at the top of 18th St. S. and Oxmoor Road. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. with the Edgewood Elementary School Choir leading the audience in singing Christmas carols.

Then Mayor Scott McBrayer will light the star at 6 p.m.

After the lighting of the star, several Homewood merchants will host special events, including a musical performance by students from the Exceptional Foundational at WallaceBurke Fine Jewelry and Collectibles at 1811 29th Ave. S. Although the star has been hung and suspended on wire every Christmas season for decades, city and chamber of commerce leaders officially rededicated the star in 2011 as the official symbol of the Christmas season in Homewood.

“Nobody else has a star, and Homewood being a patriotic community, you see stars in everything we do,” said Tricia Ford, executive director of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce.

Santa will be making his traditional pre-Christmas appearance at the Homewood event.

The city also will sponsor its yearly Christmas parade and tree lighting Dec. 9. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Homewood Library. The parade will travel east on Oxmoor Road to 18th St. S. and then to 29th Ave.

Members of the championship Lady Spartans volleyball team will serve as the grand marshals of the Mountain Brook Christmas parade. Photos special to the Journal

Mrs. Claus and Santa will be on hand for the Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 1.

From there, the parade route will go to 19th Street and on to Homewood City Hall where the lighting of the Christmas tree will take place. The tree lighting ceremony will feature the Homewood High band, vocal and dance performances, the reading of the Christmas story and an appearance by Santa.

Berkley Squires, director of the Homewood Parks and Recreation Department, which sponsors the parade, said the event has grown a lot over the years.

“We’re pushing 60 parade entries.

We had about 30 to 35 in 2008,” he said. “I think moving it from the day to the night also helped. This is a huge event for our community and brings us closer together as a community.”

For more information on the Homewood parade, visit www.homewoodparks.com.

Mountain Brook’s annual Christmas parade is scheduled for Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.

Members of the Mountain Brook High School Lady Spartans Volleyball team will be the grand marshals of this year’s Mountain Brook parade.

The parade is being sponsored by Swoop’s children’s store.

The parade will move through the heart of Mountain Brook Village on Cahaba Road and will include floats, a marching band and Mayor Terry Oden riding in a fire truck.

“The Christmas parade has been a tradition here for as long as I can remember,” Oden said. “It’s gotten bigger every year.”

For more information visit, www. welcometomountainbrook.com.

Vestavia Hills has a series of

The annual lighting of the Homewood Star will be on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

The Vestavia Hills Christmas parade will be on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. in Liberty Park.

celsebrations tied to its Holiday in the Hills festivities, which started earlier this month and cater to all age groups.

The city’s Christmas Tree Lighting is set for Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Vestavia Hills City Center Plaza by Panera Bread.

The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Breakfast with Santa Dec. 12 from 7:30 a.m.

– 10 a.m. at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center. The cost is $1 and will include a breakfast of pancakes and bacon.

After breakfast, children will be able to pose for pictures with Santa and whisper what they want for Christmas.

The city’s celebration of the Christmas season also will include a parade in Liberty Park Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. The parade route will move from the Liberty Park Sports Complex to the Alston Meadows community and will feature floats, classic and antique cars and Rob & Dana from Magic 96.5 as the grand marshals.

For details, visit www.vestaviahills.org.❖

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal Birmingham

Sam Lapidus Montclair Run Nov. 27, 8:30 a.m.

LJCC The Levite Jewish Community Center will host the annual Sam Lapidus Montclair Run Nov. 27 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The 37th annual run celebrates the life of Sam Lapidus and his love of fitness, family and the LJCC. The 10K and one-mile fun run will benefit the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama and the LJCC Fitness Program. The cost for the 10K is $30. The fun run is $18. Registration should be completed in advance at www.bhamjcc.org. For more information, call 879-0411 or e-mail dt@bhamjcc.org.

Garden club greenery

The Red Mountain Garden Club will host its annual Greenery Sale Dec. 3 at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

From left: Beverly McNeil, Frances Blount and Bebe Barnard.

Birmingham

World AIDS Day Concert Nov. 30, 5-6 p.m.

Southside Baptist Church Birmingham AIDS Outreach is teaming up with Emmanuele Reese to present Season of Love – A World AIDS Day Concert at Southside Baptist Church from 5-6 p.m. on Nov. 30.

The free community event will feature performances by the Birmingham Metro Choir, the Canaan Baptist Church Choir, the Covenant Community Church Choir, the Magic City Choral Society, Macedonia 17th Baptist Church Choir and several solo performances. Guests are encouraged to bring canned food items to donate to the Southside Baptist Church food bank. There will be an after-dinner concert at Silvertron Cafe in Forest Park. For more information, visit birminghamaidsoutreach.org.

Birmingham

Photo special to the Journal

Annual Greenery Sale Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host the Red Mountain Garden Club’s annual Greenery Sale Dec. 3 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be fresh-cut greenery and wreaths for sale. Shoppers will also be able to buy handmade kissing balls, topiary trees and table arrangements. All proceeds will benefit the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Museum of Art and other civic endeavors in Birmingham. For more information, visit redmountaingardenclub. com. ❖ Homewood

Hanging of the Green Nov. 30, 6 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood will observe the beginning of the Advent season with the Hanging of the Green worship service at 6 p.m.

Nov. 30. The free event will include a program of sacred music of the season led by the church’s choir and orchestra.

A nursery will be provided, and free valet parking is available. The church is at 1400 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit www.trinitybirmingham. com or call 879-1737.

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 5

6 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

About Town Hoover

Attic Antiques • Antiques • Vintage • Industrial

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991-6887

OLLI Holiday Open House Dec. 1, 3-5 p.m.

Aldridge Gardens The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a network of 119 Osher Institute and U.S. university partnerships dedicated to the concept of learning throughout life, is expanding to the greater Birmingham area. There will be a Holiday Open House and information session about the organization from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 1 at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover. Information about OLLI and spring courses will be shared with guests.

Homewood

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Christmas Concert Dec. 2 Trinity United Methodist Church The University of Alabama at Birmingham Symphony Band and Wind Symphony Band will present a free concert of Christmas music in the gym at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood Dec. 2. The bands will be directed by Dr. Sue Samuels and Dr. Cara Mortantz. The church is at 1400 Oxmoor Road. For more information, visit www.trinitybirmingham.com or call 879-1737.

Mountain Brook

Christmas Concert Dec. 2, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Canterbury United Methodist Church The Birmingham Boys Choir will Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 present its 37th annual Christmas Concert from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook. The concert is free and This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN for theThe church is at 350 open JOurNAl to the public.

June 26, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Overbrook Road. For more information,

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

call 767-9219.

Holiday Greenery Workshop Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-noon Aldridge Gardens Aldridge Gardens will have a Holiday Greenery Workshop Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-noon. There will be tutorials on how to decorate your house for Christmas, and participants will receive a discount at Roots Garden and Gift Shop. Participants are asked to bring ribbons, gloves, scissors and cameras.

For more information, call 682-8019 or visit aldridgegardens.com.

Birmingham

Holiday Spectacular Dec. 4-21 RMTC Cabaret Theatre The Red Mountain Theatre Company will present its Holiday Spectacular Dec. 4-21 at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre.

RMTC Youth Programs participants will perform alongside professional actors during the holiday event. The familyfriendly show is rated G. Tickets start at $30. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 10-13 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. For more information, visit www.redmountaintheatre.org or call 324-2424.

Homewood

Behind the Scenes of “It’s a Wonderful Life” Dec. 4, 6 p.m.

Homewood Public Library The Homewood Public Library will host a behind-the-scenes look at “It’s a Wonderful Life” Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.

The free event will be presented by Dick Segreto, a longtime fan of classic movies. The movie will be shown after his presentation. For more information, visit www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org or call 332-6600.

statuary • furniture • urns • planters

Birmingham

“An Elf Tale” Dec. 6-7 and 13-14 Birmingham Children’s Theatre Birmingham Children’s Theatre will present “An Elf Tale” Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14. The performance is for ages 2-6 and will present the story of Gobo the elf at the North Pole during Christmas. Tickets are $9 for children and $11 for adults. Call 458-8181 or visit www.bct123.org for more information. ❖ Birmingham

Birmingham Audubon Annual Banquet Dec. 4, 6-10 p.m.

Protective Life Corp. Main Campus The 68th Birmingham Audubon Annual Banquet will be from 6-10 p.m.

Dec. 4 at the Protective Life Corp. Main Campus at 2801 U.S. 280 S. Gary Langham, chief scientist for the National Audubon Society, will be the featured speaker. A reception with a cash bar starts at 6 p.m. Dinner will begin at 7 p.m. The program will follow dinner.

Tickets are $42. For more information, visit www.birminghamaudubon.org or call 969-0249.

chandelier and sconces

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Antiques, Gardens & Giving

Christopher Glenn, Inc.

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Oct. 30, 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.

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.

WALLACE -BURKE

you for your prompt attention.

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The cast of “An Elf Tale” is ready to welcome guests to the Birmingham Children’s Theatre for performances in December. From left: Matthew Smith, Nydia Gambles, Brian Webber, Kaylee Ramey and Terry Alan Evans. Photo special to the Journal

furniture • urns • planters • fountains

Date:

Mike Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Oct. 2014

elf on a stage

Hoover

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Hoover

Tickled Teal Dec. 4, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Comedy Club Stardome The Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation and CanSurvive GYN Cancer Support Group will host the Tickled Teal event from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Comedy Club Stardome in Hoover. The third annual event will feature comedians Karen Mills and the “Ragin’ Cajun” John Morgan.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $42.50. For more information, call 444-0008.

Mountain Brook

BSC Carol Service Dec. 5 and 7 Canterbury United Methodist Church The 79th annual BirminghamSouthern Service of Lessons and Carols will help ring in the Christmas Season on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. The free community event will feature a 90-minute service with performances by the BSC Concert Choir, Southern Chorale and the BSC Alumni Choir. Childcare is available by advance reservation for the Dec. 7 service by calling 874-1546 by noon on Dec. 5. For more information, contact Professor Lester Seigel at 226-4957.

Vestavia Hills

Christmas Open House Dec. 5-6 Vestavia Hills Baptist Church Vestavia Hills Baptist Church will present “In a Manger Lowly: A Christmas Open House” Dec. 5-6. The inspiring exhibit of nativity displays will be open to visitors from 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 5 and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 6 in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The church is at 2600 Vestavia Drive. For more information, visit www.vhbc.com or call 979-5920.

Birmingham

Zoolight Safari Dec. 5-31, 5-9 p.m.

Birmingham Zoo The Birmingham Zoo will host Zoolight Safari Dec. 5-31. The event will run from 5-9 p.m. each night and will include sights of the zoo covered

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

holiday faire

are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7. For more information, visit www.arovacontemporaryballet.org.

Birmingham

Photo special to the Journal

Christmas at Arlington Dec. 5-7 Arlington Antebellum Home Christmas at Arlington will open with a candlelight Christmas program at 6 p.m. Dec. 5. The home will also be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7 and from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 8. Visitors can step back in time as local decorators adorn rooms with period holiday décor.

Light refreshments will be served at a reception in the Garden Room. The Arlington Home is at 331 Cotton Ave. S.W. Admission is free on Dec. 6 and 7.

Tickets for the Dec. 5 reception are $20.

For more information, call 780-5656.

Birmingham

North Shelby

Lynda Powell, left, and Lisa Grupe are ready to welcome guests to the 27th annual Holiday Faire at Alabama Waldorf School on Dec. 6.

Holiday Faire Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Alabama Waldorf School Alabama Waldorf School will host its 27th annual Holiday Faire from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6 at 1220 50th St. S. in Birmingham. The international lunch and bake sale will also feature Waldorf-inspired gifts and crafts from local vendors, live performances, the Little Elves’ Store and the Fairy Cake Walk. There will also be a climbing wall, games and a drum circle with John Scalici. For more information, visit www.alabamawaldorf.org. in lights along with holiday music and activities. Admission is $8 for nonmembers and free for members. Call 879-0409 or visit www.birminghamzoo. com for more information.

Vestavia Hills

Holiday Pinterest Party Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest will host a Holiday Pinterest Party Dec. 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The free event will include gift shopping, decorating and wine. Call 978-4678 or visit www. vestavialibrary.org for more information.

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 6, 9-10:30 a.m.

North Shelby Library The North Shelby Library will host Breakfast with Santa from 9-10:30 a.m. on Dec. 6. The event will feature food, fun and pictures with Santa.

Breakfast will be served from 9-9:30 a.m. and pictures with Santa and a Christmas craft will be offered from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Registration is required and there is a $5 fee. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit northshelbylibrary.org.

Hoover

“Frozen” Fun Dec. 6, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Hoover Public Library The Hoover Public Library will host “Frozen” Fun from 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Dec. 6. There will be movie-themed crafts, games and more. The free event is open to all ages. Call 444-7826 or visit www.hooverlibrary.org for more information.

Hoover

Holiday Greenery Sale Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Aldridge Gardens Aldridge Gardens will host a holiday greenery sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dec. 6. Shoppers can find bundled greenery for their holiday trimmings and a limited selection of Christmas trees from the Mountain Scouts Christmas Tree Sales Association. The Roots gift shop will also be open and stocked with holiday gifts, including plants, pots, containers, books and home and garden accessories. The event will be held on the patio of the garden and gift shop. In case of rain, the sale will be moved to the pavilion. For more information, visit aldridgegardens.com.

Vestavia Hills

Christmas by Candlelight Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m.

Shades Mountain Baptist Church Shades Mountain Baptist Church will present “Christmas by Candlelight: Come and See” from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 7. Singers, dancers, artists and storytellers will recall the Christmas story at this free event. The church is at 2017 Columbiana Road in Vestavia Hills. For more information, visit www.shades.org or call 822-1670.

Birmingham

American Girl Festival of Trees Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host the American Girl Festival of Trees from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 7. Admission is $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Visit www.bbgardens.org for more information.

Birmingham

“Revive” Dec. 5-7 Dorothy Jemison Day Theater Arova Contemporary Ballet will present “Revive” Dec. 5-7 at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater in Birmingham.

The event will feature a collection of contemporary dance works. Tickets are $20 for adults online and $25 at the door and $10 for children. Show times

Saturday, December 6th Wreaths & Swags of Freshly Cut Greenery, Berries and Cones

Beautiful Poinsettias for Long-Lasting Color

Lush, Fragrant Garland by the Foot or Roll

Vestavia Hills

“Prince of Peace” Dec. 7, 10 a.m.

Vestavia Hills Baptist Church The Vestavia Hills Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir will have its Christmas To: of concert Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. The “Prince From: Peace” concert is free and will feature the Southeastern Chamber Orchestra.

Call 979-5920 or visit www.vhbc.com for Date: more information.

Collier Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Nov. 2014

This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOuNTaiN JOurNal for t Nov. 13, 2014 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

Birmingham

MBAA Holiday Art Show Dec. 5-19, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Brookwood Mall Mountain Brook Art Association artists will present their annual Holiday Art Show Dec. 5-19 at Brookwood Mall.

The event will be held inside the lower level in the former Gus Mayer space.

Proceeds will support the Hand in Paw Animal Assisted Therapy program.

Paintings of all sizes and price ranges will be for sale. Featured artists will be on site daily for painting demonstrations.

There will be an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Brookwood Mall with food catered by Brio Tuscan Grille. For more information, visit mountainbrookartassociation.com.

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 7

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

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8 • Thursday, November 27, 2014 Homewood

Graduating Senior Art Exhibit Dec. 8-13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Swearingen Hall Art Gallery Samford University will host an art exhibit featuring the work of graduating seniors Dec. 8-13. The free exhibit will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the

About Town Swearingen Hall Art Gallery. For more information, visit samford.edu or call 726-2011.

Hoover

Holiday Gift Workshop Dec. 9, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Hoover Public Library

The Hoover Public Library will host a Holiday Gift Workshop Dec. 9 from 4:305:30 p.m. The free event lets children in grades 1-3 make Christmas gifts for their friends and family. Registration is open at www.hooverlibrary.org. Call 4447830 for more information.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Holiday HiJinks

Hoover

Hoover Service Club Meeting Dec. 11, 11 a.m.

Hoover Country Club The Hoover Service Club will host the Seasoned Performers at its meeting at 11 a.m. Dec. 11 at the Hoover Country Club. The group will present “Letters to Santa” at the meeting. For more information, email boydrhonda@ bellsouth.net.

Birmingham

Holiday Music Concert Dec. 11-12, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Alabama School of Fine Arts The Alabama School of Fine Arts will host its holiday music concert Dec. 11 and 12 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The concert will feature the school’s orchestra, jazz ensemble, choir and Concerto delle Donne. The event will be held in the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Call 458-0360 or visit www.asfa.k12. al.us for more information.

Birmingham

Home for the Holidays Dec. 11 and 13, 7:30 p.m.

Samford University Samford University will host Opera Birmingham’s Home for the Holidays performance Dec. 11 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. The event for all ages will feature a special surprise artist with a variety of holiday songs. Tickets are available online at www.operabirmingham.org or by calling 322-6737.

Homewood

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Christmas Songs and Stories Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Homewood Public Library The Homewood Public Library will present Jingle All the Way Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The event will include favorite songs, stories and singa-longs with Dolores Hydock and Bobby Horton. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served starting at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25, and reservations are required. Call 332-6600 or visit www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org for more information.

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Christmas Traditions on Ice Dec. 12-14 Pelham Civic Center and Ice Arena The Pelham Civic Center and Ice Arena will present “Christmas Traditions: Holiday Wishes and Dreams Brought to Life on Ice” Dec. 12-14. Students enrolled in the Pelham Skating School will perform to holiday classics.

Birmingham native Tim Dolensky, a 2012 junior silver medalist, will also perform. More than 80 children and

Birmingham

Kristin Staskowski, Kristi Tingle Higginbotham, Jan D. Hunter and Lee Ann “Sunny” Brown will present “Holiday Hijinks” at Virginia Samford Theatre Dec. 11-21.

“Holiday Hijinks” Dec. 11-21 Photo special to the Journal by Billy Brown Virginia Samford Theatre Lee Ann Brown, Kristi Tingle Higginbotham, Jan D. Hunter and Kristin Staskowski are ready to celebrate the holidays with a fun-filled show of comedy sketches and songs. They will perform in “Holiday Hijinks” at the Virginia Samford Theatre Dec. 11-21. General admission tickets are $22. For more information, visit www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org or call 251-1206. ❖ adults will perform 38 group numbers and solos. Performances are at 7 p.m.

Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 13, and at 1 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets will be available at the door; reserved tickets are available by calling 6206448. For more information, visit pelhamciviccomplex.com.

Birmingham

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Dec. 13, 8 a.m.

Railroad Park The annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will be Dec. 13 at Railroad Park, 1600 First Ave. S., Birmingham.

Participants are encouraged to wear holiday-themed costumes and tie jingle bells to their shoelaces for the event that raises money to help find a cure for arthritis. Participants can run or walk the 5K route with team members or individually. Activities kick off at 8 a.m.

The run/walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Kayla Smeraglia at ksmeraglia@arthritis.org or at 314-8440.

Hoover

Alabama Wildlife Center’s Holiday Craft and Bake Sale Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Veterans Park The Alabama Wildlife Center will present a holiday craft and bake sale

run run santa

BIrmingham

“The Nutcracker” Dec. 13-14 BJCC The Birmingham Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” Dec. 13-14 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center Concert Hall. The innovative version of the classic features aerial ballet and magical surprises for all ages.

Show times are 2-4 p.m. Dec. 13-14 and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets are $33-$54.75 and are available through Ticketmaster or at the BJCC Central Ticket Office. For more information, visit www.birminghamballet.com or call 800745-3000 to order tickets.

BLUFF PARK WINDOW WORKS

• Wood window restoration and repair • Sash replacement, rot repair • Replace broken and fogged glass • Wood insulated, putty glazed, and composite vinyl replacement sashes • Locally owned and operated

Call 205-542-6094

Santa and his friend, Chris M., will have on their holiday best for the Decked Out Dash 5K on Dec. 13 to support the Arc of Jefferson County. Photo special to the Journal Shelby County

Decked Out Dash Dec. 13, 8-11 a.m.

Oak Mountain State Park Oak Mountain State Park will host the fifth annual Decked Out Dash 5K and one-mile fun run Dec. 13 at 8 a.m. The race is presented by the Arc of Jefferson County and is holiday themed. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their best holiday costumes. Santa suits, jingle bells and tacky holiday sweaters are encouraged. Registration begins at 7 a.m. on the day of the event.

There will be prize giveaways, race T-shirts and other goodies. All proceeds benefit children and adults with intellectual disabilities. For more information or to register, visit www. arcofjeff.org or call 705-1809. ❖

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 9

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Galleria in Hoover. This is a free event. For more information, visit www. alabamasymphony.org.

a dancer’s best friend

Birmingham

3407 Polo Downs, Hoover

“The Wonders of His Love” Dec. 14, 6 p.m.

Briarwood Presbyterian Church Briarwood Presbyterian Church will host “The Wonders of His Love” Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. The concert will feature the Ballet Exaltation and will include dancing and traditional and contemporary carols directed by Kenneth Tolle. The free event is for all ages. Visit briarwood.org for more information.

Vestavia Hills

Jingle Jam Dec. 14, 5 p.m.

Shades Mountain Baptist Church Shades Mountain Baptist Church will host Jingle Jam Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.

The family event is aimed at helping those attending rediscover what matters most about Christmas, organizers said.

Childcare will be provided for children up to 3 years old. The Jingle Jam will be held in the church’s worship center. Visit www.shades.org for more information. ❖

The Birmingham Ballet will present “The MuttCracker” at the BJCC at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 12.

Birmingham

“The MuttCracker” Photo special to the Journal Dec. 12, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

BJCC Concert Hall The BJCC will host “The MuttCracker” Dec. 12 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. The performance includes Birmingham Ballet dancers with special appearances by four-legged performers. This canine version of “The Nutcracker” benefits the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Tickets range from $33-$55 and are available through Ticketmaster or the BJCC Central Ticket Office. Call 800745-3000 or visit www.birminghamballet.com for more information. ❖ Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Veterans Park off Valleydale Road in Hoover. The event will feature holiday-themed crafts, ornaments, jewelry, blankets and other gifts. The bake sale will have a variety of foods and baked goods including casseroles, hams, turkey breasts, jams and candies. Santa Claus will be on hand for pictures from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Free refreshments will be served. The event will benefit the Alabama Wildlife Center. Visit www.awrc.org or call 6637930 for more information.

Leeds

Blue Light Special Art Show Dec. 13-14 Earthborn Studios Cahaba ClayWorks and Earthborn Studios will host the Blue Light Special Art Show Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 50 artists will sell their pieces at a discount at the event. Admission is $2, and lunch will be provided for $20 from Birmingham area chefs. Proceeds

will benefit First Light Women’s Shelter.

For more information, visit www. earthbornpottery.net or call 563-3052

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Hoover

Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert Dec. 14, 2-4 p.m.

Riverchase Galleria Mall The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra will present its holiday concert Dec. 14 from 2-4 p.m. at the Riverchase

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Travel Gift Certificates NOW AVAILABLE!

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

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal Sept. 5, 2013 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-124

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

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Thank you for your prompt attention.

10 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

About Town

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

holiday shopping

In the Villages of Mountain Brook!

Mountain Brook Village Holiday Open House Dec. 4th

EnglishVillage

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Holiday Open House Dec. 3rd

Holiday Open House Dec. 9th

Holiday Parade Dec. 7th

Parade Grand Marshals: 7A State Volleyball Champs Mountain Brook High School Special ThankS To The 2014 holiday parade SponSor

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

About Town

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 11

life

12 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

A Helping Hand for the Holidays Opportunities to Serve This Season Are Plentiful

By Mary Varnell

through Dec. 31. Volunteers must be at least 14. For more information, call Bree Garrett at 879-0409, ext. 278.

The holiday season offers plenty of chances for feasting on food and shopping the sales, but it can also be a time to focus on those who do not have easy access to either. For those looking to donate their time and talents to people in need, here’s a list of just a few of the opportunities to give back this year:

Community Grief Support Services Volunteer bereavement training will take place from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Edgewood Presbyterian Church in Homewood. To register, call 870-8667 or e-mail Erin Slaughter at communitygriefsu@bellsouth.net.

Journal intern

Alabama Rescue Relay Volunteers are needed to drive dogs to different animal shelters in Alabama.

Most driving takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays but can occur any day of the week. Call 979-2690 for more

trying to get home to their families.”

Garner said he remembers that he started to feel really tired and lightheaded after hours helping stranded motorists.

“The last clear memory I have is sitting down on a truck to try and catch my breath,” he said.

He speculates that because his insulin pump was running low, he became disoriented and slipped on the icy sidewalk in front of the library.

Garner was last seen around 7 p.m. that Tuesday and wasn’t discovered in the ravine until around 8:30 a.m. the following day by a neighbor, Mike Shofner, during a search organized by volunteers.

“I can’t imagine how horrible it was for my family during those hours when I was missing,” he said.

Garner said his mother, who lives in Florence, later told him that she

found comfort during those long hours by reading Psalm 40:1-3.

“Those verses say, ‘I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit; out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God,’” Garner said.

“And those words mean so much to me now. They pretty much sum up my experience.”

Garner said he doesn’t remember anything at all about the fall into the ravine, the night he spent in the bitter cold or even his rescue by the Vestavia Hills Fire Department.

“My next really clear memory is being in the hospital about three days after I was admitted,” he said. “The doctors say it’s probably a blessing that I don’t remember such a trau-

information.

Garner,

Journal photos by Lee Walls Jr.

From page one

Garner answered his own question almost as soon as he asked it.

“Looking at it from down here, I wonder, how in the world did I survive,” he said. “It was a miracle.”

Garner, 49, of Vestavia Hills, is now known by most people as the Good Samaritan who went missing while helping stranded motorists near the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest during the “snowpocalypse” of Jan. 28.

Garner, who has had type 1 diabetes since he was a child, spent 12 hours down in the ravine by the library in the snow. The fall broke his back and his ribs, injured his shoulder and resulted in a head injury that still affects his memory.

“When I got up that morning, on Jan. 28, I would have never have guessed it would turn out the way it did,” Garner said.

Garner was scheduled to have carpal tunnel surgery on the morning of Jan. 28, so he didn’t eat breakfast.

“My blood sugar was already not in a good place, and then as we’re driving to the surgery center, we got caught in the snowstorm along with everyone else,” he said.

Garner and his wife, Melissa, were stranded with other motorists on U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills near the Walmart Neighborhood Market.

The couple abandoned their car and made their way home, where Garner put on another layer of warm clothing and headed back out to see if he could get the car.

“On the way back to the car, I saw several people who needed help, so I stopped and helped push cars out of the roadway and went and got supplies from the Walmart for people who were stranded,” he said. “I remember thinking how lucky I was that it was close enough for me to walk back to my house, and I remember feeling bad for the moms and dads and grandparents who were just

Birmingham Zoo ZooLight Safari Volunteers are needed for assistance with the hayride, holiday crafts, games, story time, train rides and other activities at Zoolight Safari. The event runs

Firehouse Shelter Volunteers are needed to cook and serve meals, complete general cleaning and maintenance work, and to do receptionist and clerical work.

There also are opportunities to serve as a speaker, tutor or driver. For more information, call 252-9571 or visit www.

‘On the way back to the car, I saw several people who needed help, so I stopped and helped push cars out of the roadway and went and got supplies from the Walmart for people who were stranded.

I remember thinking how lucky I was that it was close enough for me to walk back to my house, and I remember feeling bad for the moms and dads and grandparents who were just trying to get home to their families.’ Kelly Garner

firehouseshelter.com.

First Light Shelter First Light Shelter needs volunteers to serve breakfast and dinner, stay overnight to assist in nightly routines and for fun activities such as games, movies and parties. To volunteer or for more information, visit www. firstlightshelter.org or call 323-4277.

www.habitatbirmingham.org for more information.

Hands On Birmingham Hands On Birmingham is an organization that works to connect volunteers to volunteer opportunities in the Birmingham metro area. The organization holds several Days of Service events throughout the community each year. An affiliate of the national Hands On Network, Hands On Birmingham serves in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties.

For more information, visit www. handsonbirmingham.org.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham This December, volunteers are needed to complete a 10-day house building tradition, enabling a deserving family to purchase a “Home for the Holidays.” Volunteers are needed for house construction and organization. Call 780-1234 or visit

Jimmie Hale Mission Volunteers are needed for serving and delivering meals on Thanksgiving

matic event.”

Garner said he also feels lucky that his company-paid health insurance remained intact and helped pay some of the almost $100,000 in hospital bills.

“And I also got a replacement for my favorite jacket. I was wearing my Eddie Bauer jacket when the accident happened, and it ended up in tatters after the accident. The folks at Eddie Bauer heard about it and sent me a replacement jacket.”

Garner said those aren’t the only blessings to come out of the events of Jan. 28.

“I was lucky in so many ways.

My vertebrae were shattered, and I was just inches away from being paralyzed for the rest of my life. I did not get frostbite or have any lasting problems from being out in the frigid temperatures so long. It’s all just incredible,” he said. “But probably the biggest blessing to come out of all this is that it has given me a platform to help inspire others who are dealing with setbacks.”

Garner said he admits his attitude today is much different than how he felt at the beginning of the year.

“I had just been laid off after 13 years at the same company as a pharmaceutical sales representative, and so I was pretty down in the dumps and trying to figure out what I was going to do next and how I was going to support my family,” he said. “And more than that, I think I was looking for something spiritually, too.”

Garner said he feels like the accident was a wakeup call for him to take advantage of all the opportunities he has been given in life.

“I’ve heard from so many people since that accident that God saved me for a purpose and that He has a bigger plan for me,” Garner said. “And I think part of that plan is telling my story to people and letting them know that they can also overcome any obstacles they encounter.”

The injuries Garner sustained in the fall into the ravine meant he had to spend two weeks at the University

of Alabama Hospital, where he had back surgery to insert rods and screws to fuse his spine back together.

He spent about nine days at Spain Rehabilitation Center at UAB. “I had to learn to walk again, to tie my shoes again,” he said. “It was a very humbling experience. I just tried to focus on the positive – the fact that I was able to walk, that I was still here to see my sons – and I didn’t let any negative thoughts distract me.”

Garner’s story gained worldwide attention, and he said he remembers an endless stream of visitors at the hospital and later, when he went home.

“The outpouring from everyone was just amazing, just wonderful,” he said. “I’ve heard from people who had stopped going to church but then heard my story and got back in church. Those kinds of stories mean the world to me.”

And now Garner is hoping his story can reach an even larger audience and inspire even more people.

“I’m working on a book and also using running as a forum to connect with people and help motivate them to face any obstacles they encounter head-on,” he said.

Garner was training to run in the Mercedes Marathon about 10 years ago when he was in a serious car accident that sidelined his running goals.

“It’s something I wanted to do and then just gave up on, and now I’ve decided that I really have to cross that finish line in the half marathon in February,” he said.

Garner is being coached by Danny Harrelson and on Nov. 8, he completed the Vulcan 10K Run. “I want my kids to see that their dad is not down and out, sitting on the couch eating Twinkies,” he said. “I want to show my sons – and everyone – that no matter what happens, you pick yourself up and you keep going.

You don’t let obstacles, no matter how big or impossible they seem, get in your way. You go around them or fight your way through them.” ❖

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 13

life

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

the pantry. Individuals and groups can volunteer. Visit www.rmhca.org/volunteer or call the volunteer coordinator at 6387372.

Santa Helpers Jefferson County Department of Human Resources Child Welfare needs volunteers for Santa Helpers to assist with foster children, unload and sort gifts, work the checkout table and help with other holiday needs. Volunteers will meet Dec. 1-5 and Dec. 8-10 from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. at Central Park

Baptist Church. For more information, contact Robin King at robin.king@dhr. alabama.gov or call 423-4566.

Salvation Army Angel Tree Angel Tree adoptions will take place through Dec. 7 at Brookwood Village.

Donors can pull an angel wish list from the tree, shop for the child and drop the gift back at the same location as the tree. For more information, call the Birmingham Salvation Army at 328-2420 or visit www.birminghamsalvationarmy. org.

Toys for Tots Toys for Tots is a mission of the U.S. Marine Corps that distributes toys to underprivileged children. Volunteers are needed at the YMCA of Greater Birmingham as helping hands to select and bag toys, to assist handing out Santa bags and for a variety of other tasks. Contact David Hill at dhill@ YMCABHAM.org for more information on volunteering. ❖

This group of volunteers found out about a clean up day at a Birmingham elementary school through Hands On Birmingham, an organization that works to connect volunteers to volunteer opportunities in the Birmingham metro area.

Photo special to the Journal

and Christmas Day. Volunteers are also needed to package the meals before delivery. Project Placemat also needs volunteers this holiday season. Placemats will be decorated and distributed to the Shepura Center, Jessie’s Place and Royal Pines. For more information, call 323-5878 or email terry@jimmiehalemission.com.

Neighborhood Housing Services Volunteers are needed at the Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham to answer phones Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Lawrence Connoway at 281-2997.

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes and other gifts can be dropped off at several locations in the Birmingham metro area. Locations can

be found at www.samaritanspurse. org. For more information about how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 770-777-9342.

Pecans for Autism Purchase an order of pecans or coffee to support Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Center. A variety of pecans is available, including chocolate-covered, glazed, caramel clusters and more.

Custom gift packaging is available. For more information or to place an order, visit www.glenwood.org or call 7292189.

Ronald McDonald House The Ronald McDonald House relies on volunteers to keep the house open for families with children in the hospital. Volunteers are needed in guest services, meal service and to organize

HooverAutoMall.com | 855-Hey-Hoover 1624 Montgomery Hwy. Hoover, AL 35216

14 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Finding Her Voice

Spain Park Grad Gains Confidence on NBC Reality Show

Red Mountain Theatre Company

PRESENTS

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Holiday

SPECTACULAR

Dec. 04–Dec. 21, 2014 at the Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Purchase tickets at RedMountainTheatre.org or by calling 205-324-2424.

RMTC-114 HolidaySpec-OMJ.indd 1

11/14/14

Earlier this year, Jessie Pitts had pretty much decided that her dream of being a successful singer and songwriter would never happen.

But since being told by Gwen Stefani that she has the voice of an angel, the Hoover native has changed her tune.

Pitts, a 2013 graduate of Spain Park High School, recently competed on “The Voice,” a reality TV singing competition on NBC that features a panel of judges made up of music royalty.

Pitts was eliminated from the show last week after making it through a nerve-wracking knock-out round in late October.

But Pitts was really close to never even auditioning for the show where she received advice from the likes of Stefani, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift.

“I auditioned for the show two years ago in Atlanta, and although I got a call-back, I didn’t make it to the next level,” Pitts said. “So when my friend from high school begged me to audition back in February, I didn’t want to – at first.”

Pitts said that’s because back in February, she had decided to throw all of her energy into completing a degree in music business at Belmont University.

2:15 PM “I didn’t make it the first time I auditioned for ‘The Voice’ and at Belmont, I auditioned to be a performance voice major and I didn’t get that, so I was thinking that careerwise, singing wasn’t meant to be for me,” Pitts said. “But now, I think otherwise.”

As a part of season seven of “The Voice,” Pitts, 19, battled against other teenage contestants, received advice from Swift and from both Stefani and her musician husband, Gavin Rossdale, and was saved from being sent home by Shelton.

Pitts started out on Stefani’s team at the beginning of the season. In an episode in October, she battled against Ryan Sill and lost. But Shelton used his last “steal” to make Pitts a member of his team and keep

‘I was thinking that career-wise, singing wasn’t meant to be for me but now I think otherwise.’ her in the competition.

“The whole thing has been very humbling, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “I know that if it wasn’t for God and for my family, I would have never have made it this far.”

Pitts is one of six children and said her parents have always been her biggest supporters. In fact, it was her father who first inspired her to learn

ABOVE: Hoover native Jessie Pitts belted out a cover of “Your Song” to win one of the knockout rounds on season 7 of “The Voice” on NBC. BELOW: Judges Taylor Swift and Blake Shelton listen as Pitts sings on “The Voice” on NBC. Photos special to the Journal by Tyler Golden and Trae Patton/NBC

to sing, she said.

The family lived on a farm in Tennessee until they moved to Hoover when Pitts was about 11 years old.

“My dad inspired me to start singing when I was really young. He’s a musician, and he raised us on great music. He even built a stage in our barn in Tennessee for me,” she said.

“And my mom is my biggest fan, and it’s so wonderful to see her so excited about everything that’s happening with the show.”

After the family moved to Hoover, Pitts got involved with choirs at school.

“I just fell in love with performing, with being up on the stage and connecting with the crowd, so I think I was a member of every choir in middle and in high school,” she said.

“I remember the first solo I had when I was 15 changed my life. I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life.”

But after that first disappointing audition with “The Voice,”

Pitts said she had her doubts that she was on the right path.

“I never stopped wanting to sing, but I thought that maybe I should have another plan, so I moved to Nashville to work at a record label and to study music business at Belmont,” she said. “In my heart of hearts, my dream was to be the person whose music is being promoted by a record label, but I thought that if I couldn’t do that, at least I could help promote other people’s music.”

But now, Pitts said, she is more focused than ever on achieving her dream to bring her music to as many people as possible.

“I’m just so grateful for the confidence this whole experience has given me in my voice and in my dream to be a singer,” Pitts said. “And the support I’ve received from everyone back home just blows me away and totally makes me feel like I’m on the right path.” ❖

Members of Girl Scout Troop 30117 learned canoeing and water safety skills at Kamp Kiwanis recently. From left: Ariel Johnson, Jane Bae, Mimi Batten, Jamese Melton, Ingrainne Hill, Cecilia Daigle and Allie Stafford. Emily Marron and Erin Simmons are not pictured. Photo special to the Journal

Junior Girl Scouts Learn Water Safety Skills Junior Girl Scouts from the Hoover Valley Service Unit and the Riverchase area recently took another step toward earning the Girl Scout Bronze Award.

The Girl Scouts traveled to Kamp Kiwanis on Lake Martin to learn about canoeing and to participate in the American Red Cross basic water safety skills program.

Troop members are trying to earn the Bronze Award, the highest award given to Junior Girl Scouts.

Troop 30117 Girl Scouts participating included Ariel Johnson, Jane Bae, Mimi Batten, Jamese Melton, Ingrainne Hill, Cecilia Daigle, Allie Stafford, Emily Marron and Erin Simmons.

Swinson Becomes Eagle Scout with Troop 76 A member of Boy Scout Troop 76 recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jake Swinson, 17, was recognized at a Court of Honor ceremony in June at the Charles T. Clayton Scout Service Center.

Troop 76 Jake Swinson is sponsored

by Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church and is led by Scoutmaster Chris Morhard.

On his way to earning the Eagle Scout rank, Swinson earned 21 merit badges and completed a community service project. He was also elected to the Order of the Arrow.

For his Eagle Scout project, Swinson installed a section of brick sidewalk at the Alabama Veterans Memorial to make it more accessible to those with disabilities and to improve aesthetics and reduce maintenance costs at the park. He also wanted to honor Alabama’s military veterans.

Swinson is a senior at Vestavia Hills High School and is a member of the varsity football team.

He is the son of Jennifer and Mike Swinson of Vestavia Hills.

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 15

people

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Johnson, Jaime Schnader, Allie Simmons, Juniper Sosa and Maya Touchstone were honored with the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn.

The girls are all students at Bluff Park Elementary.

For their Bronze Award project, the Girl Scouts created edible gardens at their homes.

OTM Residents Start Pharmacy School Several Over the Mountain residents were among the 119 members of Samford University’s Class of 2018 to receive symbolic white coats during the traditional ceremony that marks the beginning of their pharmacy studies.

The ceremony was held Oct. 30 at the university in Homewood.

Those receiving their white coats included Jennifer Chu of Vestavia Hills, Priya Anil Patel of Hoover, Alex Norton of Mountain Brook, and Richelle Byrd Chambliss, Amelia Rebecca Billingsley, Doug Lyons, Regina Denise Smith, Anders Allen, Clay Nolen, Josh Banbury, Lucy Mukuha, Angela Nitaya Bradt, Julia Drummond, Stephanie Brooke BrennanMurray, Christopher G. Sullen, Rebecca Crenshaw Tindle and Stetson Pevear, all of Birmingham.

the Eagle Scout rank as a member of Troop 76 during a ceremony at Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church Nov. 23.

Chris Morhard is the Troop 76 scoutmaster.

Sitarz earned 22 merit badges, attended the Florida Sea Base high adventure camp and served in several leadership positions, including assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, troop Robert Alec Sitarz chaplain and troop guide. He was elected to the Boy Scouts National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow, by his peers.

For his Eagle Scout project, he constructed a prayer labyrinth at Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church.

A senior at Vestavia Hills High School, Sitarz is involved with the We the People team and the mock trial team and plays lacrosse.

He is the son of Gloria and Hans Sitarz of Vestavia Hills.

Cub Scouts Win Supernova Awards Members of Cub Scout Pack 376, Den 3 in Hoover recently won Charles H. Townes Supernova awards.

The awards are given to boys who complete the requirements for the

Supernova program. The program’s rigorous requirements and activities were designed to motivate students and recognize in-depth, advanced achievement in activities related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Out of the seven Supernova awards presented, six of them went to Cub Scouts with Pack 367. The winners were Riley Dinsmore, Benton Turnbull, Harrison Wilson, Eli Burchell, Riley Luthin and Brayden Maddox.

Rodgers Is Kiwanis State District Governor A North Shelby resident has been named the new governor of the Alabama District of Kiwanis International.

Brian S. Rodgers began his new term as the state district’s governor Oct. 1. He is the Brian S. Rodgers youngest chief executive in the organization’s 100-year history.

Rodgers is the dean of counseling and residential life at Indian Springs School in North Shelby.

He has been a Kiwanis member since 2001.

Alabama has 96 Kiwanis clubs throughout the state and two of the largest clubs in the world.

Sitarz Achieves Eagle Rank with Boy Scouts Robert Alec Sitarz, 18, recently earned the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

He was recognized for achieving

Members of Cub Scout Pack 367 in Hoover recently won Charles H. Townes Supernova awards. From left: Riley Dinsmore, Benton Turnbull, Harrison Wilson, Eli Burchell, Riley Luthin and Brayden Maddox. Photo special to the Journal

Rehab Reality

by Jeff (Bonzo)

When is it time for Rehab?

It’s when the time is right for the individual.

For instance, we’ve had clients as young as 18 (which is the youngest we’re allowed by our license with the Florida Department of Children and Families) and as old as 80.

No, that’s not a misprint.

We’ve had a client 80 years young.

What does this say about Bayshore Retreat? This shows that we really do develop a treatment plan for each client.

For instance, we’ve helped a few of our youngest clients obtain their GEDs. They’ve since gone on to college and are doing great.

Obviously, our octogenarian didn’t need life or career path training. He chose to change his life-style in order to enjoy his twilight years healthier and of clear mind. We helped him do just that.

What do these numbers say about Bayshore Retreat? They say that people, regardless of the age, recognize the difference between Bayshore and other drug and alcohol treatment centers. They realized that things were beyond their control and took action to seek help to change.

We consider it an honor when someone chooses us and don’t take that decision lightly.

There are thousands of options from outpatient to inpatient. This is why we go beyond the norm in everything we do. Being small, personal and providing the real help each individual needs is the best chance those individuals have of being successful.

It’s never too late to get help... unless it’s literally too late because addiction has taken that life, that chance of a better life.

Girl Scouts Earn Award for Edible Gardens Members of Girl Scout Troop 206 recently earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award.

Hoover residents Haley Adams, Celeste Clark, Abigail Collins, Anna Lane Elmore, Blakely Glover, Allison

850-687-6831

www.bayshoreretreat.com Destin, FL Healing water front setting Licensed & court approved

News

16 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

u hoover

City Won’t Increase Money for School System

By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

The Hoover City Council this month approved a $146 million 2014-2015 fiscal budget that includes a 2 percent cost of living raise for city employees and about $23 million to improve roads, sidewalks and parks within the city.

But the city’s decision not to increase its annual contribution to the city school system drew criticism from one council member and

‘In my opinion, there is room in this budget to increase funding for the schools and still maintain quality services now provided to the citizens as well as fund the employees’ cost of living raise.’

City Councilman John Greene

from Hoover residents.

Councilman John Greene, whose wife is a Hoover school assistant superintendent, said he regrets the budget didn’t include more money for schools.

“In my opinion, there is room in this budget to increase funding for the schools and still maintain quality services now provided to the citizens as well as fund the employees’ cost of living raise,” he said.

The budget includes $2 million for city schools, the amount city officials contributed last year. Greene voted against the budget, which

passed 6-1.

Hoover resident Dennis Quirk also questioned why city officials didn’t give the school system more money. Quirk started an online petition calling on the city to increase this year’s contribution to the school system to $8 million in light of the school district’s financial struggles.

He asked how the council arrived at the $2 million contribution to city schools.

Council President Jack Wright said the city school system received about $85.6 million from a one-cent sales tax the Jefferson County Commission passed in 2007. Funds from the penny tax raised the school system’s reserves to more than $150 million.

“The city reduced its share to $2 million since all the money would be doing is adding to the surplus,” Wright said.

Wright said that even with the school system drawing on its reserve account, it has more money ($90 million) than the city does in its reserve account ($32 million).

Quirk responded by saying the school system is running a deficit each year, experiencing funding cuts on the federal and state level but steadily increasing enrollment.

“We can’t control what the federal and state governments do,” he said. “But we as the city leaders and the city of Hoover can control what we do to support (city schools). At some point in time, that deficit is going to catch up to us.”

Wright said School Superintendent Andy Craig never asked for more money.

“Mr. Craig expressed that the school system is in wonderful financial shape and made no request for additional funds,” he said. “And since Mr. Craig runs the school system as we speak and there’s been no request for additional funding, it’s a moot point to ask the council for additional

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Hoover City Schools Superintendent Resigns Hoover City School Superintendent Andy Craig is leaving for Montgomery.

Craig has accepted a position as the Alabama Department of Education’s new deputy superintendent for administrative and financial services. He will step into a position vacated

by Craig Pouncey.

Craig is expected to start his new position in January.

Craig has been Hoover’s superintendent for eight years.

Before becoming superintendent, Craig was the system’s chief Andy Craig financial officer and then assistant superintendent for finance and business. He was named interim superintendent in June 2006 after then

funding.”

Craig has since announced he’s resigning as superintendent and taking a position with the State Department of Education.

Quirk then asked if the city would increase the amount to schools if Craig or a future superintendent asks.

Wright said city officials would if Craig or any future superintendent could justify the numbers.

The budget also includes a cost of living adjustment (COLA) which will impact about 750 city employees and cost Hoover about $1 million. Mayor Gary Ivey said the city also absorbed insurance increases to the tune of about $82,000, increases that otherwise would have been passed on to employees.

The budget also includes about $9 million for road projects, $3.5 for sidewalks and $3 million to improve city parks.

“We’ve got a lot of road projects and a lot of

Superintendent Connie Williams was fired. He was made the permanent superintendent in February 2007 Craig has not commented publicly on his new position, although in a speech to the Hoover Chamber of Commerce last week, he said the school system is on firm financial footing.

School Board President Donna Frazier said Craig’s pending departure came as a shock to school officials.

“The announcement that Andy Craig will resign as superintendent of Hoover City Schools comes as a surprise,” she said. “For more than seven years, Mr. Craig has served as the chief executive officer of the Board of Education. His leadership during those seven years has been exemplary. At no time has our school system had better facilities, better programs or better people servicing the students of Hoover.

“For all Mr. Craig has accomplished, we are sincerely grateful.”

She said the board will meet at some point to discuss how it will go about looking for a new superintendent.. ❖ —William C. Singleton III

road improvements we need to take care of,” Ivey said. “It’s a pretty good-size budget.”

The road projects include extending Galleria Boulevard from John Hawkins Parkway to Old Montgomery Highway and widening Valley Road from U.S. 31 to Riverchase Parkway East.

The city also plans to invest in improving its parks facilities, including the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, the Hoover Recreation Center, Hoover East and Hoover Central facilities and possibly building more sports fields.

“All of our fields are overcrowded. We’ve got people playing ball until midnight, and we’re looking at our sports fields and upgrades to alleviate that for our kids,” Ivey said.

Councilman Gene Smith thanked the mayor and his staff for their work on the budget and said it meets the overall needs of the city.

“With 50 square miles and 85,000 residents, I think this is probably one of the most balanced budgets since I’ve been in office,” he said. ❖

u vestavia hills

State of City Address Includes Video’s Debut

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza recently unveiled a new video aimed at telling everyone about why the city is a great place to live and do business.

The mayor presented a video produced as part of a rebranding campaign for the city during his State of the City Address at Vestavia Country Club.

The video, produced by Tatum Designs in a partnership between the city and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, was filmed in August, when an open casting call was held for residents–and their pets.

The video shows images from all around Vestavia Hills, from cute shots of dogs to sweeping shots of planned neighborhoods and shopping areas.

“We live with purpose, with pride and with passion for this beautiful place we call home–Vestavia Hills. A

life above,” the narrator of the video says.

Zaragoza said he couldn’t agree more with the sentiment reflected in the video.

“It’s been enjoyable to watch the city grow, and we have a lot of exciting things in the works,” the mayor said. “You’d have to have been living under a rock to not have noticed them.”

Just a few of the improvements planned for the city are a new city hall and police station.

“It’s something we’ve needed for a very long time,” Zaragoza said. “We had two or three people working in one office, and it just hasn’t been a good environment. We’re not a small town anymore, and our city hall needs to reflect that.”

This summer the city broke ground on a new 57,000-square-foot City Hall Complex on Montgomery Highway.

The complex will include two buildings. One will serve as the main

City Hall building while the second houses the city’s police and courts offices.

The current Vestavia Hills City Hall was built in the 1950s, Zaragoza said.

Zaragoza said the City Hall complex project is about three weeks ahead of schedule.

“We need to be in that building

by September,” the mayor said. “The sooner we get in, the sooner Chickfil-A can open.”

Chick-fil-A has purchased the current City Hall site at 513 Montgomery Highway.

The restaurant owners said the city can stay in the current City Hall until the new complex is complete, the mayor said.

“I was talking to (Mountain Brook Mayor) Terry Oden and (Mountain Brook City Manager) Sam Gaston about how they had to pack up and move while their new city hall was being built, and I’m grateful we will

get to stay put until our new buildings are finished,” Zaragoza said.

The new Vestavia Hills City Hall Complex is just the beginning of the changes coming to the city, Zaragoza said.

The city is also continuing work on a mixed-use retail village at Patchwork Farms. The approximate 87-acre area is between Cahaba River Road, Caldwell Mill Road, U.S. 280 and Interstate 459.

“The city bought that property as an investment back in 2007, and now we’re working with Daniel Corp., who bought all the property from us, to bring in several new things there,” Zaragoza said.

The mayor said plans are also in the works for the redevelopment of the city’s southern gateway near the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. 31.

The city is working on expanding parking at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, where circulation has tripled since the library opened in

Mayor Zaragoza

2010, the mayor said.

“We only have 88 parking spaces at the library now, but we’re working to add 44 more,” Zaragoza said.

The city is also working to keep the library’s LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, certification current. The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest was the state’s first LEED gold-certified library.

During his State of the City Address, the mayor also talked about the city’s plans to revitalize Cahaba Heights and its plans to pave roads throughout the city.

Zaragoza said several new housing projects are in the works in the city and that city officials are working to make sure those home developers will help install sidewalks.❖

Rotary Club Salutes City Employees of the Year Journal editor

The Rotary Club of Vestavia Hills recently honored several city employees for their service to the community.

The club’s annual awards ceremony for Police Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year and Civic Employee of the Year was held Oct. 24.

Vestavia Hills Police Chief Dan Rary was on hand to present the 2014 Police Officer of the Year award to Corey Allen Sarvant.

Sarvant began his career with the Vestavia Hills Police Department on the last day of 2012 and completed his basic training on April 4, 2013.

Since that time, Rary said, Sarvant has distinguished himself within the department as a man of admirable character, professionalism and work ethic.

Sarvant has accumulated more

than 205 hours of in-service training, including basic SWAT training with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and two courses on dealing with street drugs with the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy.

Vestavia Hills Fire Chief Jim St. John presented the 2014 Firefighter of the Year award to Alan Strickland.

Strickland started his career in 1989 as a volunteer with the Forestdale Fire District and became a paid member of the Forestdale department in 1993. In 1995, he went to work for the Cahaba Heights Fire District and worked there until the district was annexed into Vestavia Hills.

St. John said Strickland is known for being a dedicated member of the fire department who has a committed work ethic.

Strickland has also given back to the community through his involvement in

remodeling projects at four of the city’s fire stations.

City Manager Jeff Downes named City Clerk Rebecca Leavings the 2014 Civic Employee of the Year.

Leavings began her career with the city as an administrative clerk in 1989 and became the deputy clerk for the city’s Planning and Zoning Department in 2000.

She has been the city clerk since 2007 and is active in the Jefferson and Shelby Municipal Clerks associa-

Photo special to the Journal by Joe Perez

u vestavia hills

By Keysha Drexel

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 17

news

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

From left: Police Chief Dan Rary, City Manager Jeff Downes, Corey Sarvant, Alan Strickland, Fire Chief Jim St. John and Rotary Club President Scott Selman. Becky Leavings is not pictured.

tions. In 2011, Leavings was named the Municipal Clerk of the Year by

the Alabama Association of Municipal Clerks and Administrators. ❖

POWER TO

THRIVE

u homewood

City Council Stalls on Parking Plan for South Forest Drive

By William C. Singleton III Journal contributor

The Homewood City Council recently delayed a decision on how to solve parking issues on South Forest Drive.

Residents had complained to city officials about patrons and employees of GianMarco’s restaurant parking along neighborhood streets.

Residents said the additional traffic makes it difficult for neighbors to navigate their own streets.

City officials said they had hoped to reach a solution to satisfy both neighbors and the restaurant.

Councilman Walter Jones proposed creating additional parking in the pocket park behind the restaurant.

However, residents said the increased traffic near the park would pose a danger to children who play there.

Mayor Scott McBrayer said the Short Saulter Road project will include 16 new parking spaces that may impact parking at GianMarco’s.

The council agreed to table any decision on the Shout Forest Drive issue until the Short Saulter project was completed. That project is expected to be finished by the first of the year. ❖

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18 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

December Debutantes Poinsettia Ball Benefits Alabama Ballet

The Poinsettia Men’s Club and Ballet Women’s Committee will host the 47th annual Poinsettia Ball Dec. 27 at Vestavia Country Club.

Thirty-one young women will be presented at 9 p.m. in the club’s ballroom after being introduced at the Benefactors’ Dinner prior to the ballroom presentation. Benefactor Dinner

social

Chairman is Nancy Kennedy.

The young women are presented by their fathers or another escort of their choice. After being presented, the debutantes and their escorts continue the evening with a father-daughter waltz followed by dance music by Creativity.

The Ballet Women’s Committee was founded

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

in 1960 to foster and promote fine arts in the greater Birmingham area. All proceeds from the Poinsettia Ball go toward the support of the Alabama Ballet.

Liz Guest is the ball board president.

Cynthia McDaniel is the ball chairman, and Sherry Bohorfoush is the social secretary who coordinates all debutante activities. Men’s Club president is Morris Kay. Other ball board members include Mary Angelo, Beth Glisson, Nancy Kennedy, Melissa Lassiter, Patti Pierce, Beth Sasser,

Michelle Schmidtke, Susan Vawter and Leigh Ann Yeilding.

Committee chairmen include Una Ray Barnett, decorations; Karen Askins, programs; Elizabeth Ferguson, publicity; Cynthia Looney, photographer’s assistant; Allison Miller, rehearsal; Lianne Hand and Elizabeth Sandoval, invitations; and Michelle Schmidtke, reserved seating.

For ticket information, call Hand at 968-7533 or Sandoval at 602-3352. For the Benefactors’ Dinner, call Kennedy at 822-6818. ❖

Sanders Elizabeth Ammons, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Mark Ammons.

Catherine Ann Angelo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Anthony Angelo.

Virginia Lee Barr, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Clarence William Barr III.

Mary Caroline Beauchaine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Ironside Beauchaine.

Alison Paige Cash, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Gene Cash.

Grace Victoria Cato, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Lee Cato.

Anna Catherine Christiansen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wayne Christiansen.

Carol Alexandrea Cool, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Timothy Alden Cool.

Emily Jane Crawford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert James Crawford.

Anna Nicole Donze, daughter of Mrs. Frank Joseph Donze and the late Mr. Frank Joseph Donze.

Caroline Rhodes Garrison, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J Craig Cecil and Mr. Paul Carlton Garrison.

Caroline O’Neal Gaylard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley O’Neal Gaylard.

Catherine Francesca Harris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ray Harris. .

Jaclyn Caroline Howell, daughter of Mrs. Carolyn Lamon Howell.

Gina Marie Maiola, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Michael Maiola Jr.

Francesca Bayona Sanson Malensek, daughter of Dr. Gail Natalie Sanson and Dr. Frank James Malensek.

Ellen Holman Marsh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Gregory Marsh.

Shea Elise McCord, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Scott McCord.

Leah Nicole Reeve, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nelson Reeve.

Anna Katherine Robbins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Charles Robbins.

Monicka Lynn Roden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bryan Roden, Esq.

Margaret Frances Seeley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David John Seeley.

Margaret Carolyn Sharbel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur John Sharbel III.

Anna Leigh Sharp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Coleman Sharp.

Julia Virginia Simmons, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gilmer Tucker Simmons.

Caroline Blake Stanphill, daughter of Mrs. Theresa Thornton Stanphill and Mr. James Quinnon Stanphill Jr., Esq.

Mary Ann Stevenson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Avery Stevenson III.

Kelle Marie Bell Summerlin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jack Summerlin.

Haley Marie Visintainer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Alexander Visintainer.

Meagan Nicole Willis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Edward Willis Sr.

Catherine Coe Wininger, daughter of Mrs. Sherry Masters Wininger and Mr. David DeLeal Wininger Jr.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 19

social

Above left: Ashley McMahon, Tracy Simmons, Emily Dunn and Andrea Statum. Above right: Irene Gardner, Kaci Cheesbro and Landon Stivender.

Above: From left: Amy Knight, Frances Faulconer, Kendall Eagon and Lori Barber. below: Patty Rigland, Rachael Fowler, Warren Cain, Nancy McCollum and Betsy Dumas. Photos special to the Journal

STONE HOLLOW FARMSTEAD STONE HOLLOW FARMSTEAD Founders Day Festivities

Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter Meets The Mountain Brook chapter of the Kappa Delta Alumnae Association met recently to celebrate Founders Day. The luncheon event was held at the home of Kendall Eagan.

President Katie Patrick led the meeting and made announcements. Officers for the upcoming year were presented.

Lunch was provided by Anna Carson, Lucie Haynes and Amy Knight.

Members at the luncheon were Irene Gardner, Warren Cain, Emily Dunn, Leigh Bromberg, Tracy Simmons, Andrea Statum, Elizabeth Outland, Kaci Chesbro, Lane DeWine, Kathy O’Rear, Suanne McMillan, Heather Horn, Adelaide Vandevelde, Betsy Dumas and Jane Brakefield.

Other KDs attending were Suzanne Hughes, Landon Stivender, Ashley McMahon, Susan Waggoner, Tricia Kirk, Francie Deaton, Walton Cobb, June Eagan, Patty Ringland, Lisa Flake, Lori Barber, Rachel Fowler, Nancy McCollum, Betsy Harmon, Marlea Foster, Cynthia Shearer, Bebe Sprain and Margaret Ritchie. ❖

STONE HOLLOW FARMSTEAD

Farmer For a Day Farmer For a Day

Babies, babies, babies!babies!

Stone Hollow home to teacup calves, goats, Babies, babies, StoneFarmstead HollowisFarmstead is pigs, home to teacup chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, miniature horses, and Hanoverian horses. pigs, calves, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, miniature Be a Farmer for a day and meet and care for all of the baby animals on the farm. horses,the and Hanoverian horses.heritage Be a Farmer fortoaour day and meet and Bottle-feed babybabies! goats, Stone learn about breeds, incubator filled with Babies, babies, Hollowour Farmstead is home tend to teacup pigs, calves, goats, care forpoultry all of the and baby animals ontable the filled farm. Bottle-feed the baby feast at theminiature farm fresh foods. horses. chickens, ducks,eggs, geese, and turkeys, horses,with and Hanoverian goats, learn about our heritage breeds, tend to our incubator filled Be a Farmer for a day and meet and care for all of the baby animals on the farm. with poultry and about feastour at heritage the farm table filled fresh foods.

Bottle-feed the babyeggs, goats, learn breeds, tend to ourwith incubator filled with poultry eggs, and feast at the farm table filled with fresh foods.

Babies, babies, babies! Stone Hollow Farmstead is home to teacup pigs, calves, goats,

Farmer For a Day gardner for the Day gardner for the Day gardner for the Day

chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, miniature horses, and Hanoverian horses.

Be a Farmer for a day and meet and care for all of the baby animals on the farm.

How doesthe ourbaby garden grow? a gardener for abreeds, day and learn howincubator to tend the Stone Bottle-feed goats, learnBe about our heritage tend to our filled with Hollow Farmstead garden.

We will plant seedlings, release beneficial insects, harvest from poultry eggs, and feast at the farm table filled with fresh foods.

the gardens and prepare lunch from the harvest. Then we’ll visit the tasting table and enjoy cheeses, and preserves and theaday meeting thea animals learning about Howpickles, does garden grow?

Befinish a gardener forby a day andfor learn how and to and tend the Stone How doesour our garden grow?

Be gardener day learn how Hollow Farmstead garden.

We will plant seedlings, release We beneficial insects,seedlings, harvest from ourFarmstead heritage breedgarden. animals. to tend the Stone Hollow will plant the gardens and prepare lunch from the harvest. Then we’ll visit the tasting table and enjoy release beneficial insects, harvest from the gardens and prepare cheeses, pickles, and preserves and finish the day by meeting the animals and learning about lunch the harvest.

Then we’llfor visit enjoy Howfrom does our garden grow? Be a gardener a daythe andtasting learn howtable to tendand the Stone our heritage breed animals.

3 hours || $45.00 || ages 6 and up Hollow Farmstead garden.

Wepreserves willclasses plant seedlings, releasethe beneficial insects, harvestthe from cheeses, pickles, and and finish day by meeting Adult available also the gardens and prepare lunch from the harvest.

Then we’ll visit the tasting table and enjoy animals and learning about our heritage breed animals.

3 preserves hours ||and $45.00 6 theandanimals upand learning about cheeses, pickles, and finish the day||by ages meeting Gift certifactes available. Call The Pantry by Stone Hollow Farmstead at 205-803-3585 or order online our heritage breed animals.also Adult classes available www.stonehollowfarmstead.com 3 hours || $45.00 || ages 6 and up Adult classes available also www.stonehollowfarmstead.com

Gift certifactes available. Call The Pantry by Stone Hollow Farmstead at 205-803-3585 or order online

Gift certifactes available. Call The Pantry by Stone Hollow Farmstead at 205-803-3585 or order online

www.stonehollowfarmstead.com

20 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

social

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Broom Vroom Give what you love...

To: From:

Date:

Misti Cooper joins other witches on a wild ride through Homewood.

Supporters Dress up for Homewood Witches Ride

870-3589 Love what Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 you give!

FAX: 205-824-1246 Nov. Join us for the

The second annual Homewood Witches Ride raised about $5,500 for the American Cancer Society.

The Oct. 30 event raised money for the American Cancer Society and honored Paula Stringfellow Ford, who Mountain Village from the over the mountain Journallost This is yourBrook ad proof forher thelife to lung cancer in 2013.

About 200 people dressed up in their wackiest witches’ Holiday Open House nov 27, 2013 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. costumes to ride through the streets of Homewood and Thurs. Dec. 4th throw candy to those watching the procession.

5pm - 8pm! please make sure all information is correct,The event also included family-friendly activities and including address and phone number!a silent auction. Food trucks were on hand to sell food

Photos special to the Journal by Beth Hontzas Photography

before and after the ride.

Janie Mayer and Daphne Dickinson were event cochairmen.

Estate Jewelry The planning committee members for the second Homewood Witches Ride were Ronda Reynolds,Estate Silver Michelle Sloan and Elizabeth Hubbard.

Fine Photographs Those attending included Misti Cooper, Alisha Johnson, Allison Langley, Beth Hontzas, Allison Hedge, Christina Zabala, Kadie Fry, Mary Margaret Brown, Julie Mizerany and Stephanie Fuhrman. ❖

Mary Adams Building • 1829 29th Avenue South, Homewood

(205) 870-3588

please initial and fax 2841 backCahaba withinRoad 24 hours.

Mon-Fri 10-5

If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of theVillage Friday •before the press date, Mtn. Brook 879-5277 your ad will run as is. WeM-F print10-5 the paper • SatMonday.

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To: From: Date: To: thecookstore@msn.com From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: Nov.. 2014 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the 11-27-14 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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Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 21

Clockwise from above left: Julie Elliot with her dogs, Addie and Turbo. Tricia and Chick Preston. Britney Wilk with her dog, Romeo, and Lacelliese King with her dog, Lily. Lauren Moore with Ella the kitten. Photos special to the Journal

Handmade in Germany.

Since 1915.

christine's + bagatelle 2415 Montevallo Road . Mountain Brook Village . 871.8297 The Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary held its third annual Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular Oct. 29 at Avondale Brewing Co. The festive night featured elaborate costumes worn by the two and four-legged guests and raised almost $5,000 for the GBHS. Hundreds of people and their canine best friends enjoyed music by the Beavers Brothers Band, food from Shindigs Catering and vendors Jazzy J Designs and CahaBones.

GBHSA member Eleanor Parker was event chairman. Committee members included Missy Ellis, Claudia Elliott, Sara Ann Polhemus, Rachel Cash, Janet

Pet Project

Howl-O-Ween Brings out Humane Society Supporters King, Melanie Perry, Sandra Schifano, Patsy Dawson, Margaret Ellis and Andrea Dorais.

Rob Conrad and Joey Kennedy were the judges for the costume contest, which was won by a family of sock monkeys portrayed by Lizzy, Kaia and Saxon Vick. A pup in a brontosaurus costume won best indi-

vidual dog’s costume.

Others spotted at the event included Britney Wilk with her dog, Romeo, and Lacelliese King with her dog, Lily.

Also enjoying the third annual Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular included Syndi and Drew Burns and their dog, Charlie; Laura Kilmer with her dog, Apollo; Julie Elliott with her dog, Turbo; Hugh Morrow with his dog, Stella; Jeff Cornelius with his dog, Snow; Abigail Whitthaner with her dog, Sport; Danny and Eve Vick with their dogs; Rande Revill with his dogs, Wiggle and Sadie; and Lauren Moore with her kitten, Ella. ❖

Ghoulish Gear

Guests Wear Costumes to Boozilla Fundraiser

Guests put on their Halloween best recently to help raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The Boo 19-BOOZILLA party was held Oct. 31 at B&A Warehouse and raised $2,500 for the charity.

Guests donned masks, wigs and costumes of all kinds and danced to music from the M-80’s band. Music was also provided by DJ Chris Amerson in the disco room, and Mike Shell led the fun in the Scaryoke Karaoke Room.

Guests had a chance to capture their ghoulish get-ups in photo booths provided by Natan Shar with Birmingham From left: Jace Chandler, Wendy Malone, Mike Walton and Chris Milazzo. Photo special to the Journal

Photo Booths.

New this year, the event featured the Horror Movie Lounge where guests could sit down and take in a classic scary movie.

As always, this year’s Midnight Hairy and Scary Costume Contest produced several unique Halloween costume ideas.

A group from Team in Training helped out with the event by welcoming guests.

The 20th anniversary of the Halloween party fundraiser will be next year.

For more information on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, visit www.lls.org. ❖

22 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Brunch at The Club

Carousels Members Plan Activities Members of the Carousels Dance Club recently enjoyed the spectacular view at The Club last month while planning the year’s agenda and welcoming new members.

New Carousels Dance Club members are Kay Dore, Bede Donnell, Connie Bishop, Ann Harvey and Jane Culverhouse.

Club President Judy Carns created unique centerpieces for each table for the brunch event, which was held in late October.

Those enjoying the event included Mary Ruth Ingram, Peggy Marshall, Jerry Mills, Ruth Pitts, Carolyn Smallwood, Terry Adams, Mary Alice Carmichael, Melanie

From left: Ruth Pitts, Valerie Pankey, Joyce Lott and Mary Ruth Ingram.

Photo special to the Journal

Gardner, Barbara Stone, Margie Williams, Ann Garrett, Martha Cheney and Patsy Beaird.

Others attending the brunch included Sara Jane Ball, Pattie Perry Finney, Joanie Hollingsworth, Theo Greene, Sandra Oden,

Committed to Children Emma’s Circle Event Supports CASA Program

A network of women committed to supporting the Alabama CASA organization and local children in need recently hosted an event to raise money to support abused and neglected foster children throughout the state.

Emma’s Circle hosted its third annual luncheon Oct. 23 to help support the Alabama Court Appointed Special Advocates program, which assists the juvenile/family court in the child

Is a Destination!

From left: Ashley McMahon, Lisa Stone, Gay Courter, Margaret Little and Alison Collier.

OLS Gets Creative

Exhibitors donated a portion of their proceeds to the parish. The free, five-hour event was organized

by OLS parishioner Fran Ross Robertson.

Among the exhibitors were David Bruno, Marjorie Cleckley, Kathie

5475 Highway 280 • 205-995-4773

Open 7 Days a Week

One-of-a-kind creations are the hallmark of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church’s annual arts and crafts show and sale, and the 11th event on Oct. 26 didn’t disappoint those who attended.

Talented parishioners’ work filled the parish’s Family Life Center assembly hall.

Shoppers browsed handmade items including pottery, jewelry, candles, crosses, Christmas ornaments, paintings, baby blankets, drawings and embellished notebooks.

There were also homemade baked goodies, casseroles, Ukrainian treats, and jams and jellies.

Photo special to the Journal

Church Hosts Annual Arts and Crafts Event

Over 70 Vendors, including 20 designers, Furniture, Jewelry, Accessories & Gifts

protective services system.

Guest speaker was Gay Courter, author of “I Speak for This Child: True Stories of a Child Advocate.” Courter talked about her 25 years as a child advocate and challenged those attending the luncheon to get involved in helping foster children.

Courter, a Pulitzer Prize nominee, won the Child Advocate of the Year Award for her work as a child advocate in Florida.

She is the mother of a child she adopted through the foster care system.

Money raised at the luncheon will help CASA implement more county programs, strengthen existing programs and provide financial assistance for foster children in extreme and crisis situations where state funds are not available. ❖

Photo special to the Journal

Greystone Antiques & Marketplace

Virginia Lavallet, Suzanne Parsons, Ann Jones, Beverly Bright, Patricia Robinson, Betty Wagstaff, Lee Scott, Ann Garnett, Valerie Pankey, Sue Kreider, Marcia Little, Joyce Lott, Setty Woods Morton and Kathleen Petnick. ❖

Condon, Erin Penherski, Norma Sorenson, Julie Meadows, Janine Dunlap, Nancy Foreman, Wendy Spratley, Josephine Tortorice and the Naylor family.

Exhibitors also included youngsters Tim and Therese Martin. ❖

Zosia Penherski, left, and her mother, artist Erin Penherski.

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above: Front, from left: Jeanie Box, Kathy Acton, Ruth Holt and Erin Gilchrist. Back: Jodi Newton, Della Fancher, Daphne Carr and Betsy Rogers. Below: Cynthia Watts and Vicki Everett. Photos special to the Journal

Legacy League Kickoff

Author, Student Speak at Group’s Luncheon The Samford University Legacy League kicked off its year of programs and events with a fall luncheon Oct. 9.

The luncheon at Vestavia Country Club featured Sophie Hudson, a local author, blogger and Briarwood Christian School teacher, as the main

speaker.

Included among the nearly 300 who attended were numerous new members and a table full of Briarwood moms, many of whose children have had Hudson as an English teacher. Faculty members from the Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education came to celebrate a special announcement made at the luncheon.

After lunch, guests heard from Samford student Eden Long, a missionary kid from Costa Rica. She told guests how the scholarship she is receiving from the Legacy League has made it possible for her to attend Samford.

Legacy League’s theme for 2014-2015 is “The joy of the Lord is our strength” from Nehemiah 8:10. In keeping with the theme, Hudson shared stories of family and faith and spoke about leaving a legacy of joy.

Hudson’s first book was “A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet.” Her second book, “Home is Where My People Are,” is coming out in February. She also writes a blog called BooMama.

Following Hudson’s talk, Jeanna Westmoreland, executive director of the Legacy League, and Jeanie Box, dean of the OBB School of Education, announced that in honor of the School of Education’s centennial in 2015, the Legacy League’s newest scholarship will be awarded to students pursuing careers in education.

All fundraising for the 2014-2015 year will go toward this endowment, which will be the league’s 24th named scholarship.

President Karen Bergquist also announced two much-anticipated events coming up soon on the Legacy League calendar.

First is the Dec. 11 Christmas Home Tour, (see story page 34) featuring five homes in Vestavia Hills, one of which is the Samford President’s home. Next is the Scholarship Luncheon, with special guest Anita Renfroe, on Feb. 19.

Details about these events and others, as well as information on how to join the group, are at www.samford. edu/legacyleague. ❖

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 23

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24 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Above: Mary and Troy Perry. right: John and Terry Shea. Photos special to the Journal

First Forks & Corks Inaugural Event Raises Money for Scholarships

An inaugural fundraising event in Hoover recently raised more than $20,000 to help deserving students attend college.

The Hoover Chamber of Commerce hosted the firstever Forks & Corks Gala at the Aveda Institute near the Riverchase Galleria Oct. 11.

About 140 people attended the black-tie affair and had a chance to sample food from seven Hoover restaurants and four beverage providers.

Participating businesses included Firebird’s Wood Fired Grill, Jesse’s Steaks and Seafood, Outback Steakhouse, 3138 cahaba heights road Seasons 52, Tre Luna Catering, Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato, and The Villagio Restaurant and Bar. Beverage 969.3138 vendors were Alabama Crown, Buffalo Rock, Good People www.chickadeebirmingham.com Brewing Co. and Vineyard Brands.

M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-4 The event’s emcee was Fox 6 News reporter Jeh Jeh Pruitt, who attended the gala with his wife, Kerri. Gene Hallman, chief executive officer of the Bruno Event Team, was the auctioneer for the evening.

Hendrick Auto Mall was the presenting sponsor.

The event also included a live auction, silent auction and entertainment from the Ray Reach Band.

Hoover Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Kate Powell said about half of the money raised at the gala will Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., go towards the chamber’s scholarship fund, while the other 205-824-1246, fax half of the proceeds will be used for chamber overhead Nov costs.

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for theThose attending the event included Mary and Troy Perry, Tammy and Joel Smith, John and Terry Shea, nov. 27, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. Kim Young, Carole Martin, Mary Milton, Chuck and Sandra Wingate and Jean and Ira Levine. please make sure all information is correct, Others spotted at the event were Mark Bush, Lisa Rhonda Pyatt, Nicole Loggins, Paul including address and phone number! McCartney, DeMarco, Regina Smith, Chaundra Davis, Mark Schaeffer, Chris Schmidt, Marsha and please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

Jerome Morgan Jr., Beth and Jason If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, Cobb and Pam and Gene Smith. your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Also attending the gala were Evelyn and Kevin McSwain, Lisa Dunbar, Thank you for your prompt attention.

John Lyda, Candice and Dr. Jeremy Hodges, Carol and Kerry Adkins, Vivian Johnson, Angela Finley, April and Jason DeLuca, Kathleen and Gary Spencer, Thursday, December 4th Shenavia and Derrick Murphy, Verona 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Angelo Petite, Jack Williams, Tonya Tatum and Lauren and Matt Gettys. ❖ 521 Montgomery Highway

Black Friday Sale!!

Your One-Stop-Shop for Christmas decor, gifts and much more!

Above: Jean and Ira Levine.

Right: Marsha and Jerome Morgan Jr.

more photos at

OTMJ.COM

Vestavia Hills, Alabama (205) 824-4441

Candice Hodges and Dr. Jeremy Hodges.

The Hendrick Auto Mall team, presenting sponsors. Front: Angela Finley and Tonya Tatum. Middle: Tammy Smith, Evelyn McSwain and Lauren Gettys. Back: Joel Smith, Kevin McSwain and Matt Gettys.

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 25

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Menu for Expansion

Hilltop Montessori Unveils New Project Plans Hilltop Montessori School in Mt Laurel officially unveiled plans for the third phase of an expansion project during a dinner party Oct. 24 at the home of Regina and Burt Newsome.

Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club prepared the food for the party.

The third phase of the expansion at the school will include a community center/gymnasium area and a teaching kitchen. School officials said the teaching kitchen will allow Hilltop Montessori to offer lunches with food grown exclusively in the school’s gardens.

The addition will also allow the school to welcome more students and will include a new science lab and new classrooms.

Those attending the dinner party included the architects for the

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

clockwise from Above: From left: Chris Hastings, Eddy Yang and Sarah Yang. Burt and Regina Newsome. Clay and Jennifer Dunbar.

Photos special to the Journal

expansion project, Bill Segrest and Jonathan Meadows of WilliamsBlackstock Architecture.

Eric Fox, president of the school’s board of directors, and Michele Wilensky, head of school, joined Cindi Stehr, founder of Hilltop Montessori, and other school support-

Walking for Alzheimer’s

Annual Fundraiser Draws More than 400

ers at the event.

Those attending the dinner also had a chance to review the model and design of the school addition ahead of its formal unveiling on Nov. 6.

Guests at the dinner included Clay and Jennifer Dunbar and Eddy and Sarah Yang. ❖

2116 2nd Avenue North • (205) 251-3381 www.levysfinejewelry.com

Open 9:00 am Friday, November 28th Specials Throughout the Store To: From:

More than 400 people laced up their walking shoes for a good cause recently at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover.

Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama held its 19th annual Walking to Remember event at the mall on Nov. 1.

The goal of the walk was to raise $135,000 for programs and services of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, which offers education and services to central Alabama families living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Some participants walked in teams to honor loved ones fighting the disease or to remember those who have lost the battle with Alzheimer’s.

Sydie Allen and Barbara Crane were honorary co-chairmen of the event.

Those attending the fundraising walk included Chloe Pitts, Lana Cornelius, Terrie Hicks, Pattie Church, Allen Smith, DeLisa Fagan, Renee Barnard, Charlie Barnard, Mel York, Vance Holder and Jo Anne Lindley. ❖

Date:

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

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOu June 26,, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes t

Please make sure all information is correct, including ad

Please initial and fax back within 24 ho

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

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Player's

Choice

Tennis

2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Suite 180 - Across from Whole Foods on Hwy 280 985-4989 Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-4 Open November 30th 12-4 Vance Holder, center, of Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama with members of the Riverchase Women’s Club Team. Photo special to the Journal

Nike • Adidas • Prince • Wilson • Head • Babolat • Maui Jim • Fila • Volkl • Bolle • Lucky in Love • Jerdog • Tail • Lija • New Balance • feetures • Thorlos • Life is Tennis and Cinda B. Tennis Bags • Maxx Sunglasses and much more!

26 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

holiday in the hills

AC Financial Partners Achieve Clinical Research Advocare Independent Distributor Dave Quinn Alliance Publishing Group-Vestavia Hills Living America’s First Federal Credit Union Annabelle’s/Vestavia Apothecary Arbors Cahaba River BB&T Birmingham Speech & Hearing Associates Bradford Health Services Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Cellular Sales of Verizon Wireless Charter Business Charter Media Chickadee Collage Designer Consignment Comfort Keepers Don’s Carpet One e3 Partners El Poblano Fancy Goods Variety First Partners Bank GameTruck Alabama Greater Birmingham AMBUCS Human Performance & Rehabilitation Centers

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Iberia Bank Interiors & Antiques Market Jackson, Howard & Whatley, CPAs JAMM Entertainment Jimmie Hale Mission John Henley State Farm Insurance Kidz Closet & More Liberty Park Joint Venture Life Time Fitness Mary Kay Cosmetics-Susie Serio Newk’s Eatery OnTime Service Regions Bank Renasant Bank Mortgage Lending Rocky Ridge Hardware Serendipity Sweets Snapper Grabbers Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Stephanie Steinmetz Pediatric Dentistry Summit Express Urgent Care Tutoring Club TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Wild Birds Unlimited Xceligent

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 27

holiday in the hills

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Calendar of Events Search for Jingle Bell November 13-December 15 Jingle Bell the Reindeer is hiding in stores all over Vestavia Hills. Print the list of stores from www.vestaviahills.org and go look for him! When you find Jingle Bell in a store, have the store stamp your sheet. When you have 10 stamps, turn it in to the Chamber of Commerce office for a surprise and to be entered to win the Grand Prize valued at $1000 from Life Time Fitness and a $25 Chamber GiftCheck.

Tree Lighting Festival December 9 Vestavia Hills City Center, 6:00 pm 700 Montgomery Highway Enjoy entertainment, merchant give-aways and the lighting of the tree. Visit with Santa and play in the snow! Don’t miss the Snow Ball Drop-we’ll be dropping ping pong balls with discounts from our participating merchants!

Breakfast with Santa December 13 Vestavia Hills Civic Center, 7:30-10:00 am 1975 Merryvale Road Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa. $1 Suggested Donation

Liberty Park Christmas Parade & Celebration December 14 Liberty Park Sports Complex to Alston Meadows, 2:00-4:00 pm Enjoy the city’s official parade followed by the Liberty Park Christmas Celebration with children’s activities, refreshments, live entertainment, visit with Santa & more!

Visit www.vestaviahills.org for an extended list of events Presented by the City of Vestavia Hills & the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce

Search for Jingle Bell Jingle Bell the Reindeer will be hiding in these Vestavia Hills businesses November 13-December 15. Go find him!

Visit www.vestaviahills.org to print out a copy of the worksheet and take it to the stores listed on it.

When you spot Jingle Bell in a store, ask the employees to stamp your sheet.

When you have 10 stamps from different businesses, bring your sheet to the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce (1975 Merryvale Road) for a surprise and to be entered to win the Grand Prize valued at $1000 from Life Time Fitness and a $25 Chamber Gift Check (one entry per person).

28 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

Holiday in the Hills

Interiors & Antiques Market Interiors & Antiques Market consists of a diverse group of dealers with great merchandise including fine antiques, trending new market finds, repurposed, unique and one-of-a-kind items, all under one roof.

It was established in 2009 to fill a void in the marketplace, to create a place where the retail customer could find a blend of the old and the new, as well as a unique shopping experience. It’s a place where one could spend a few minutes or a few hours searching for that one must-have item.

“Owning our own business has been a lot of fun,” say owners, Jack and Joann May, “After spending 30-plus years in the corporate world,

Joann and I were looking for a business where we could benefit from our business experience.

Being in this type of business has allowed us to enjoy things we were passionate about, such as decorating and antiques. It has been a wonderful experience, and one that we would like to share with everyone.

“We plan a holiday open house for Dec. 4, and encourage everyone to visit the store from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and enjoy light refreshments and meet some wonderful dealers while browsing our outstanding inventory. Our dealers and staff decorate the store during the season with many must-have holiday decorations, and you may find that one-of-a-kind gift for someone special.”

Pictured above from left: Gayle Rusit, Jack May and Randy Johnson.

Interiors & Antiques Market is located at 1069 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, 822-9922.

Join us on December 4th from 11-6 pm for our

Annual Holiday Open House Discount up to 20% Dealer Space Available

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Fancy Goods Variety

Steed’s Jewelers

Fancy Goods Variety is a locally owned and operated variety store specializing in unique gifts, toys and party goods.

“We are very proud to feature one of the largest selections of Melissa & Doug toys in Vestavia, with more than 200 items at the store,” says Leslie Self, pictured above right with Carmen Clower, left, and Diane Clower, center.

The store also offers monogramming services and complimentary gift wrap.

“We are very excited to present – along with the merchants of Rocky Ridge Plaza – the first ever ‘Arts On The Plaza’ – a collection of local artists offering various handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts,” Lesley says.

The show runs Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6 from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. on the sidewalk in front of the store.

“Customers are invited to shop for special gifts and patronize some of our excellent eating establishments. Fancy Goods Variety will offer complimentary gift wrap for all show purchases,” Leslie says.

Fancy Goods Variety is located at 2512 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 102, Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243, 978-1451.

With a carefully selected, talented team, brothers Lee and Dale Steed, above, have devoted themselves to the production of the finest quality jewelry and unparalleled service since following in their father’s footsteps opening Steed’s Jewelers in 1986.

“We had the opportunity in our teenage years of working with our mother and father in their jewelry store downtown,” Lee says.

Today, Steed’s Jewelers has a well-earned reputation for being passionate, dependable, artistic designers, creators and manufactures.

“Our extensive line of timeless pieces encompasses classic and fashion-forward design, ultimately bringing together impeccable artistry with enduring technology, perfect for every unforgettable moment. We have three talented jewelers on staff that enables us to provide most of the work to be done in-house,” Dale says.

“We’re excited about this holiday season and we are introducing several new exciting collections to our store, including designs we’ve created that will dazzle that someone special on your list.”

Steed’s Jewelers is located at Park South Plaza 1425 Montgomery Hwy., Suite 111, 822-9173.

'Tis The Season To Buy Fancy Gifts at Fancy Goods Variety 978-1451

www.fancygoodsvariety.com

2512 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 102, Vestavia Hills

stackables Merry and Bright!

Park South Plaza • 1425 Montgomery Hwy., Suite 111 Mon.-Fri. 9:30 - 5:30 • Sat. 10-3 • (205) 822-9173

CoolToys for

Over The Mountain Journal

Holiday Gift Guide II Thursday, November 27, 2014

Christmas If Kids’ Lists Have You Feeling Snowed Under, OTM Shops Have Plenty of Playthings Story by Donna Cornelius • Photos by Maury Wald During the holiday season, some toys fly off the shelves, while others don’t meet high expectations.

A few never even get off the ground.

Tricia McCain, owner of Homewood Toy and Hobby, vividly remembers one toy she doesn’t think ever made it into stores. At least, she hopes not.

“I saw this one at a toy fair,” McCain said. “It was a paintball gun with paintballs the size of gumballs. They had a target set up, and when I heard the sound it made when the balls hit, I thought, that’ll break a bone or put out an eye.”

Another ill-conceived toy, according to Steve Sudduth of Smith’s Variety in Mountain Brook Village, wasn’t dangerous—just dangerously annoying.

“My most hated toy was the Dancing Flower back in the early 1990s,” Sudduth said. “It’s been gone for about three years. If I see one in a store, I’d be tempted to rip it to pieces.”

The Dancing Flower was a gateway toy to all the jiving, dancing animals that came later, he said.

Operated by solar power, the flower would begin to shimmy even when you wished it wouldn’t.

“I’d be trying to open the store up, and those things would start dancing,” Sudduth said. “It just grated on me.”

Oddly enough, another flower-type toy is on the naughty list for George Jones, who owns Snoozy’s Kids in Crestline Village.

“One of the craziest things we saw—and bought for the store—was a mechanical flower in a vase that ‘magically’ bloomed,” Jones said.

Inside the bloom was a note reading “Love You,” he said.

“I’m not sure what we were being served at that particular showroom at market for us to think it was a must for the store,” Jones said, laughing. “Looking back, it looked like something you would see at a Stuckey’s or a Cracker Barrel. Needless to say, the flowers ended up on the sale table.”

Thankfully for those with children’s names on their Christmas lists, the Over the Mountain area’s three most popular toy stores carry far more hits than misses. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, Smith’s Variety and Snoozy’s Kids, merchandise is carefully chosen. Owners and staff members are good at helping customers find age-appropriate, well-made and fun toys, too.

Locally-owned stores tend not to select toys just because they’re hot. And often, trends don’t emerge anyway until just before Christmas and in early summer, Sudduth said.

“The last big trends were Rainbows Looms,” he said, referring to the craft kits with simple looms that turn rubber bands into bracelets and other wearable items.

Julie Marix of Homewood Toy and Hobby said one radiocontrolled item does seem to be especially popular right now: drones.

“They’ve caught on big time this year,” Marix said.

The store’s Proto X Nano Drone is “for big kids—or even college students or dads,” she said. “This is the smallest radio-controlled drone.”

While this tiny model is $29.99, other drones with cameras and other bells and whistles can go up to $900, she said. The store has an assortment in its hobby department.

See Cool toys, page 30

the experts

Tricia McCain

Homewood Toy and Hobby

George Jones

Snoozy’s Kids

Mary Anne Glazner Smith’s variety

Stock

30 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

gift guide

Bamboo salt box, $25, with Maldon flake salt, $12, and spoon, $8.

The Cook Store, 879-5277.

Yellow gold, emerald and diamond ring.

Levy’s Fine Jewelry, 251-3381.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Classic dog prints. $179 for the pair.

Fifth Avenue Antiques, 320-0500.

Locally made artisan goat cheeses packaged with a wooden spoon, $20.

The Pantry, 803-3585.

Lemon Cypress trees in ceramic pots. Lemon Cypress, $19.99, Ceramic pots, 19.99 and up. Andy’s Creekside Nursery, Vestavia, 824-0233, Andy’s Garden Center, Hoover, 402-2639.

Handmade pottery nativity by local artist Susan Gordon, $65.

Chickadee, 969-3138.

Shell box with fish, made by a local artisan, $95.

Interiors at Pepper Place, 323-2817.

One-of-a-kind work of art created by local potter, Sheila Home, priced from $15-$30.

Hanging Around Hoover, 987-7879.

2x3 Turkish Oushak rugs.

Sale price $199.

18th Street Oriental, 870-3038.

Stag horn candleholder, $159.

Greystone Antiques & Marketplace, 995-4773.

Sterling silver elongated diamond drop pendant.

Bromberg’s, Mountain Brook, 871-3279 and The Summit, 969-1776.

Cow hide wristlets, $26.

Interiors by Kathy Harris, 970-4161.

CoolToys

Solmate Socks, made In the USA from recycled cotton and slightly mismatched, nine patterns available, $16.50.

Fancy Goods Variety, 978-1417.

Leather Card Case $23.

Antiquities, 870-1030.

Designer faux fur throws starting at $307. Three Sheets, 871-2337.

cool toys

From page 29

Legos have been around for a while but are perennial favorites, Jones said. That can create a problem for, say, grandparents, who don’t want to give their grandchildren sets that the kids already have.

“Everything we have is Legos 2014,” Jones said. “We don’t have any carry-over sets. That way, if you don’t know what the child has, you know you’re getting a new set.”

There is one really cool trend this season. Disney’s “Frozen” movie has produced a line of products dear to little girls’ hearts.

You can find “Frozen” tents, diaries, charm bracelets, character figures and games at all three stores. But you’d better get them soon.

“Our reps have told us that once many of these items are gone, they won’t be available again until maybe February,” Jones said.

Magic Elves, available at Homewood Toy and Hobby and at Snoozy’s, have a new angle.

“They’re now displayed in an adoption center,” Marix said. “You don’t buy them. You adopt them.”

Ready to grab your list and head for the toy stores? Here are some ideas for making your own little magic elves very merry this Christmas. [

Boy Oh Boy

Disclaimer: We’ve suggested some toys for boys—and some for girls. But the guy toys may have girl appeal, and vice versa. We’re just saying.

The Amazing Changer transforms from blaster to light saber at the flick of a wrist. It makes very satisfying noises, too. At Smith’s, $19.99, 4 and up.

The Blast Pad is a stomp rocket that zooms 100 feet into the air—and then can be packed away in its own case. At Smith’s, $29.99, 4 and up.

It’s a relief to see a toy with a name that tells you exactly what it is. The Giant Crane is radio controlled. It can turn 360 degrees and, as one might expect, lifts items up and puts them down. At Snoozy’s, $69.99, 5 and up.

You don’t have to inflate Nightball footballs and soccer balls, which glow as they fly through the air. At Snoozy’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $19.99.

If you’re at Smith’s and feel a whoosh of air hit you, it’s probably not a friendly ghost. It’s more likely Steve Sudduth having fun with one of his favorite toys.

The Airzooka has been a top seller for the past five years, he said. The handheld device blows out a harmless ball of air. $19.99, 6 and up.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun Homewood Toy and Hobby has 18-inch Madam Alexander dolls, which are the same size as the popular – and pricier – American Girl dolls. To keep these dolls stylish, Madame Alexander Dress Decorating Sets come with a

Slackers Slacklines and Zip Lines are great gifts for older kids. String the slackline between two trees a few inches off the ground, or a little higher for more daring exploits. Zip lines let kids zoom around the backyard.

At Homewood Toy and Hobby and Snoozy’s, $79.99-$169. Homewood Toy and Hobby also has the Slackers Flying Saucer Swing Seat. The lighted seat blinks in cool colors, and it can be added to a zip line or swing set or suspended from a tree.

The Princess dress from Frozen for The American Girl Doll.

Mary Charles Doll House, 870-5544.

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 31

gift guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

One-of-a-kind Alabama Clay Head Collectibles by Kim Ricks, starting at $16.

Alabama Goods, 803-3900.

Seda France holiday candles, $36.95.

Monkee’s of Mountain Brook, 783-1240.

Crestline Pharmacy Christmas Dita Condor Sunglasses, $410, satin dark brown and champagne gold, lightweight, sleek aviator with gradient lenses.

JJ Eyes, 703-8596.

60 Church Street

Nothing but the best, Silverado pick-up truck.

Edwards Chevrolet, 716-3300.

871-0317

Handmade and painted in gold leaf or silver leaf, signed by the artist. Three sizes, $34 as shown.

Christines + Bagatelle, 871-8297.

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Shave

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To: Crestline Pharmacy From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: Nov. 2014

the

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Poncho by Echo Design, $98 and dress by Yala, $88.

A’Mano, 871-9093.

A festive holiday cube of lime cymbidium orchids, green hypericum, red roses and fresh greens from the Northwest, $75. nortonsflorist.com.

Christmas cakes from Savage’s start at $29.95.

Savage’s Bakery & Deli, 871-4901.

embroidered eyes and plush skin. Each has a name and a story. At Smith’s, $14.99-$25.

Not every little girl wants a doll for Christmas. “Goldie Blox sets came out about a year and a half ago,” Julie Marix said. “They’re engineering kits for girls.

Goldie is the character in stories that incorporate an item you can build.” One of Homewood Toy and Hobby’s best kits, she said, is Goldie Blox and the Dunk Tank. It’s also at Smith’s. $19.99, 4-9.

For older girls, Bumpbags are little bags that combine style and function.

They have zip-out compartments and are padded and easy to clean. At Snoozy’s, $13.99-$30.

WAFF Journals appeal to girls in the 8 to tween range. They have soft

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

cool toys dress and shoes plus markers for decorating. Wash the clothes and out comes the color, in case your design isn’t “Project Runway”-worthy. The dolls are $59.99, and the decorating sets are $24.99, both for ages 3 and up.

Sweet Lollies are soft-bodied dolls that may remind you of Groovy Girls— but these are more sweet than edgy, Steve Sudduth said. They come in conventional styles and some fantasy models, like mermaids and pirates. At Smith’s, $14.99, 3 and up.

Petite mermaid dolls called Nixies are jointed so that they not only dive but do swirls and turns in the tub.

Some come in their own aquariums. At Snoozy’s, $14.99-$34.99.

Lil’ Totz are rag dolls with soft fabric hair in colors like pink and green,

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

Make the E-Bird soar into the air with a remote control.

The realistic-looking model flaps its wings and makes bird sounds. At Snoozy’s and Smith’s, $34.99, 8 and up.. rubber covers and come with rubber tiles that you can snap on to personalize or prettify them. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $24.99.

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gift guide

Crystal decanters for holiday cocktails, starting at $59.

Tricia’s Treasures, 871-9779.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Honora multi-colored freshwater pearl bracelets, $60-$160.

Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers, 871-7060.

Classic, quilted Shep Shirt, shown in Heather Gray $185.

Vineyard Vines, 970-9758.

Sterling horse head dome, circa 1880, from Garrard & Co. of London.

Longworth Collection, 803-4040.

Local, handmade leather bags with vintage details and buckles from Old Clutch, $260.

Betsy Prince, 871-1965.

The delicate crunch and rich, buttery flavor of “Toffee To Go,” 16-ounce box, $30, and 8-ounce box, $19.

Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry & Collectibles, 874-1044.

Nike Air Max Cage tennis shoes, $115.

Player’s Choice Tennis, 985-4989.

Heirloom quality 14k white gold, cabochon ruby and diamond ring.

AMW, Inc., 870-3588.

Mark Roberts fairies and elves, starting at $49.

Monkey’s Uncle, 699-9804.

Fingerprint Pottery, hand made in Mississippi. Serving and decorative pieces starting at $10.

A Little Something, 970-2077.

Bittersweet Designs jewelry handmade in Santa Fe. Jezebels, 502-7669.

Fleur Pitcher by Orbix Hot Glass in Fort Payne. Pitcher and set of two tumberlers, $290.

Steed’s Jewelers, 822-9173.

Smather’s & Branson needlepoint men’s collegiate accessories, starting at $28.

Remon’s Clothier, 977-5512. iiis. sunglasses by IssonAustralia speak their own language. Sunglasses by Anne et Valentin-France explode with the idea of what is possible, $610 and $470. iiis. an optical shop, 930-9394.

Full Moon BBQ’s Ultimate Flavor Pack comes loaded with Full Moon’s Southern Seasoning, Famous Chow Chow, Award Winning BBQ Sauce and their very sought after Alabama White Sauce, $30.99.

Online at FullMoonBBQ.com

Handpainted wine glasses

by Melissa Payne Baker, $22. Mulberry Heights Antiques, 870-1300.

Classic antique silver wine coaster is $185. Roman Brantley Art & Antiques, 460-1224. cool toys

Remember the old Radio Shack circuit boards? The new Electronic Snap Circuits are a lot easier to use. Pieces snap into place to make radios, flying saucers and other creations. No tools are required.

At Homewood Toy and Hobby and Smith’s, $19.99-$99, 8 and up.

Hand Boilers are looped and twisted glass sculptures containing a liquid that will “boil” as heat is transferred from your bare hand. You hold the bulb end

in your palm and watch as your body heat makes the liquid rise. At Smith’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $5.99 and $7.99, 8 and up.

The Geoflux is a sort of modernday Slinky that looks fragile but isn’t.

Put your hand through the coils, and Geoflux spirals up and down your arm in a weirdly wonderful way. It transforms into a 3-D sculpture, too. At all three stores, $19.99, 6 and up.

Older kids will like tuning in with Retro Touch Speakers. Put a smartphone in the holder of these bedside speakers, and it plays clearly.

At Snoozy’s, $45.99.

Jerry Seinfeld says he’s never had a really good pickle. Steve Sudduth says he’s never found a really good robot— until this one. The Atom 7 robot walks,

talks, lights up and shoots foam pellets.

At Smith’s, $17.99, 4-8.

The Great Outdoors

Some of these toys are safe for indoor use. But if you want to send the kids outside, you don’t have to tell them that.

The Swurfer is a swing that’s “so versatile,” George Jones said. “You can stand on it and swing back and forth or from side to side. You can attach it to a swing set or tree, and the ropes adjust for the child’s size. It’s made in the U.S. This is our third order.” At Snoozy’s, Smith’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $129.99, 5 and up.

All you need to make the Aquapod work are a bike pump and 2-liter plastic bottle. This water rocket makes the bottle fly up and spray water

everywhere. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $36.99, 8 and up.

The Cross Dart target game shoots up to 50 feet and comes with a bright orange launcher, target board and six rubber-tipped darts. At Smith’s, $14.99, 10 and up.

M-cro Scooters can be quickly put together but are extremely sturdy, Jones said. The micro version is for ages 4-7, and the maxi size can hold adults. At Snoozy’s, $79.99-$129. Helmets to go with them are $49.99.

It’s a snow day. Your kids are clamoring for a sled. But hey, it’s Alabama, and the roads are closed so you can’t get to the store. Julie Marix advises thinking ahead with the Winter Lightning Sled. “Two kids will fit on this plastic sled, or one person

Pirate Den and Princess Playhouses are easy to set up.

Insert the plastic rods and pop these mini-playhouses into place. They fold up for easy storage when kids are done playing – and they sure beat the old sheet-over-a-card-table thing.

At Snoozy’s, Smith’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $29.99, 3 and up. can lie down on it,” Marix said. “Plus, it looks impressive under the tree.” At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $16.99.

The company that makes the Revolver Compound Bow also makes

gift guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Alabama and Auburn jerseys, come in several designs and colors, starting at $39.95.

Campus Spirit, 977-7377.

Handcrafted firefly designs from Guatemala. Prices vary.

Jewels by Rose, 979-5611.

Wrap Up Robes come in girl sizes to match mommy robes.

Availabe in two patterns. Mom’s robes are one size, $172, girls sizes are s/m or m/l, $128.

The Lingerie Shop, 871-8994.

Vintage 1800s Birmingham bottle cross made with fine crystals from Italy, $210.

Chickadee, 969-3138.

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 33

Linnea’s Lights candles in wonderful season scents, $34.

At Home 879-3510.

Attract all kinds of birds with the Flying Start Combo. Buy three stackable feeders for $14.97 and get the pin feeder, valued at $14.99, for free.

Wild Birds Unlimited, 823-6500.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE STAFF AT SHAY'S JEWELERS!

Kristalize bracelets, made by local artist, Kirsta Lammart Lovelady, starting at $22.

Swanky Stork, 972-1414.

Rustic driftwood stars available in three sizes, $30 and up.

Christopher Glenn 870-1236.

cool toys real bows and arrows. This child-safe set has suction-cup darts. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $44.99, 8 and up. The store has refill arrows, too.

The Skytrix is a stunt glider on a long cord—and it can do amazing tricks.

You can sling it to someone or set it to boomerang back to you. At Smith’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $16.99, 8 and up.

Game for Anything

Board games and card games can be refreshing changes for kids who think apps and video games are the only way to entertain themselves. Games make nice gifts for an entire family or for siblings, too.

The Bean Bag Toss is a full competition wooden playing set that’s

like the popular corn hole game. It comes in its own carrying case so you can tote it back and forth from backyards to tailgate parties. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $99, all ages.

With Doodle Quest, players draw on separate transparent sheets and have to trust their eyes to meet targets and avoid obstacles. This drawing game includes 36 illustrations and two levels to master. At Smith’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $24.99, 6 and up.

Kids – and adults, too – can spin stories with the Tell Tale card game.

It’s a creative storytelling game that lets players use cards with a variety of characters, settings, objects and emotions to put a tale together. The

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34 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

gift guide

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Elizabeth Showers, Mariposa teardrop earrings of orange coral in sterling silver 1.15” drop, $395.00.

John-William Jeweller, 870-4367.

Miele travel jewelry cases, starting at $22.

Rosenberger’s Birmingham Trunk, 870-0971.

Vintage chic, Fendi sunglasses, $186.

Second Hand Rose, Cahaba Heights, 970-7997, Valleydale Road, 987-7027.

Slate cheese board that lets you use chalk to label what you’re serving, $34.

Table Matters, 879-0125.

The blessing cuff bracelet with inspirational message in heavily-plated 24-carat gold, $58.

ExVoto Vintage Jewelry, 538-7301.

Hand towels for kitchen or bath. Available in themes of Christmas, dogs, horses, lambs and more, starting at $10. Attic Antiques, 991-6887.

Hand-crafted bracelets from designer Renoldo are made with 14-carat gold artist’s wire and the finest sterling silver in sizes 5 1/2-8 and priced at $50-$225. Blue Willow Gifts, 968-0909.

Antique drawings of stained glass windows, starting at $300.

Arceneaux Art Gallery, 802-5800

A treat for your feet, boots and socks, $14.99 and $19.99. Flip Flops and What Nots, 967-7429.

Plaid scarves starting at $22. fab’rik, 582-9447.

Find your new sleigh at Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall this Holiday season. hooverautomall.com

Bowsers Dog comfy dog bed comes in several different sizes, fabrics and styles. It and can be monogrammed, starting at $100.

The Whole Dog Market, 783-1169.

Old-fashioned metal wind-up toys in many styles, $12 and up. Leaf & Petal, 871-3832 in Mountan Brook, 9673232 at The Summit, 877-3030 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Custom made rugs: select the carpet, pattern, sisal, wool or frieze and choice of border.

Starting at $119.95. Wolbach Flooring, Inc., 942-8636.

cool toys Two-sided Pet Talk Pillows — one side has a cat face, the other a dog — come with cute decals to decorate them. They’re craft kits, and you can also record cat or dog voices. They’re by Creativity for Kids.

At Homewood Toy and Hobby and Snoozy’s, $21.99, 6 and up. game comes in Toy Story, “Frozen” and Disney princess versions. At Smith’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $12.99 and $14.99, 5 and up.

Quick: Name a food that’s crunchy and starts with the letter P or an animal that starts with C. That’s the idea of a countdown category game called Freeze Up! Try to be accurate, because other players can challenge your answers. Last man standing is the Freeze Up champ. At Snoozy’s, $24.99, 8 to adult.

From Thinkfun, the new-this-year Gravity Maze is a single-player game that comes with instruction cards that show you ways to set it up. Then you try to get a marble to work its way through the cubes. You don’t want to block the marble’s path, so setup is crucial. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $29.99, 8 and up.

Julie Marix says 5 Second Rule is

her favorite game. Ever. Players draw cards, which may say to name three dog breeds, NFL teams or brands of shoes—you get the idea—before the five-second timer goes off. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $24.99, 10 and up.

I’m Your Vehicle, Baby The Fly ’n’ Drive set has a helicopter and a Corvette that run off the same controls. It’s infrared and not radiocontrolled. At Smith’s, $39.99, 8 and up.

To make the Shake Rattle and Roll car turn on, just shake it. You’ll hear a driver’s voice shout “Away we go.” Then the car starts, stops, turns and pretty much goes crazy. At Smith’s, $14.99, 4 and up.

Krazy Kars Max Traxxx are awardwinning starter race car sets. Tracks light up, and the cars leave traces of light as they speed along. The tracks can attach to doorknobs for easy setup.

At Smith’s, $14.99-$49.99, 6 and up.

Another remote-controlled toy, Morphibians work on land or sea (or pool, lake, whatever). Its controls are easy for little hands to maneuver. At Snoozy’s, $45.99, 3 and up.

Stocking Surprises The TOOP top spins until the battery goes out and lights up, too. At Smith’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $9.99.

There’s an arena set for $14.99.

Use Candy Spoons to stir warm

milk, and you’ll infuse it with peppermint, chocolate and marshmallows. At Snoozy’s, $2.49.

Mini Squishems are scented minipillows can be clipped on backpacks or used as key chains. At Snoozy’s, $5.99 Light-up watches are fun stocking stuffers for boys and girls. Press the watch to see the time light up. At Snoozy’s, $6.99.

The BeanBoozled Jelly Belly Game lets players eat a bean and guess the flavor. Will you get something tasty or something gross like vomit or mold?

At Snoozy’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $9.99.

Tattoos Alive brings characters to life on your skin in 3D. You apply watertransfer tattoos, scan them with a free app and watch as they sing, dance and move on your skin. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $2.99-$5.99.

Pint-sized Playthings The Twist and Turn Activity House has lots of activities for little hands—and it’s larger than most toys of this type.

Turn the handle to see the cogs spin, and open and close doors to hide and retrieve the shapes. At Smith’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $39.99, up to 24 months.

The Spiro Bouncer teeter-totter is for one child or two and can be used indoors or outdoors. It spins as well as goes up and down. At Smith’s, $120, 2-5.

Another fun teeter totter is the Teeter Popper. Put it on a hard surface, and it makes neat popping sounds as you ride it up and down. George Jones says some of his creative little customers have also used it as a doll bed. At Snoozy’s and Homewood Toy and Hobby, $36.99, 3 and up.

Spin Around Kids is an updated version of the old favorite Sit and Spin.

At Homewood Toy and Hobby and Snoozy’s, $28.99, 8 months-5 years.

Shake the Shake ’n Dance Puppy’s bone-shaped rattle to make this little beagle walk forward, turn around and bark. No feeding required. At Snoozy’s, $32.99, 6 months and up.

From Melissa and Doug, the Takealong Shape Sorter is a two-sided activity bag. Put the plastic shapes into the right places and then unzip the bag, using a little plush dog, to pull them out again. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $19.99, 9 months and up.

A top seller from Melissa and Doug, the wooden Catch and Count Fishing Game has two magnetic poles and two sets of numbered and colored fish. Kids can learn to match colors and numbers.

At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $24.99, 2 and up.

Imagination Station George Jones said his store is on its third order of Magneti’Stick sets. These magnetic wall clings come in pirate ship, castle, world map and girls’ wardrobe

themes. They’re easy to decorate -- and to remove from the walls. At Snoozy’s, $39.99 and up, 3-6.

The Spirograph Cyclex set is designed for younger kids. It has stencils, markers, papers and a tray to store everything. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $15.99, 5 and up.

For boys and girls, Straws and Connectors building kits include starshaped pieces and straws that you can pop together to build forts, castles and other fun structures. Julie Marix said Homewood Toy and Hobby’s most popular size is $34.99 and has 400 pieces. 4 and up.

Award-winning Squigz building kits come in deluxe sizes and for a variety of ages. Pip Squigz are for ages 6 months and up. They have three jumbo-sized pieces with rattles and, since they’re plastic, are safe to chew if the urge to do so strikes. They’re billed as “fun little suckers” because that’s how they stick together. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $19.99-$49.99.

Crystal Nightlights let you grow your own really neat crystal and then turn it into a nightlight. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $19.99, 8 and up.

Another fun science kit is the Grow and Glow Terrarium. Paint, decorate and grow your own terrarium, which glows in the dark, too. At Homewood Toy and Hobby, $14.99, 6 and up. ❖

Henninger-Longmire

Ms. Suzanne Tortorigi Henninger of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Stephen John Henninger of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Natalie Anne Henninger, to Wade Alexander Longmire, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph

Powell-Andrews

Mr. and Mrs. David Ray Powell of Homewood announce the engagement of their daughter, Lindsay Cox Powell, to Benjamin Samuel Andrews, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Walton Andrews of Sylacauga.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Samuel Cox Jr. of Tunica, Miss., and

Johnston-Sanders

Dr. and Mrs. William Henry Johnston Jr. of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Lucy Baldwin Johnston, to Richard Nolan Sanders, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Nolan Sanders of Decatur.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Shelly Wade Strickland Jr. of Enterprise and

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 35

weddings & engagements

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Y. Longmire Jr. of Nashville, Tenn.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Ms. Anne Tortorigi and the late Mr. Ross Tortorigi of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lyon Henninger of Muscle Shoals.

Miss Henninger is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She is a graduate student at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. Elizabeth Longmire and the late Mr. Joseph Y. Longmire Sr. of Hendersonville, Tenn., and Mrs. Mary Jo Crawford and the late Dr. Ben Wade Crawford of Lexington, Ky. Mr. Longmire is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

He is employed at the University of Texas Athletics Department.

The wedding will be Dec. 31. the late Mr. and Mrs. Carl Powell of Homewood.

Miss Powell is a 2007 graduate of Homewood High School and a 2011 magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in exercise science.

She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi social sorority and has served as an Auburn Panhellenic Pi Chi. She is currently attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she will receive a doctorate degree in physical therapy in November.

The prospective groom is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Samuel Yancey of Gadsden and the late Mr. and Mrs. Warren Cruise Andrews Sr. of Sylacauga.

Mr. Andrews is a 2007 graduate of Sylacauga High School and a 2011 magna cum laude graduate of Auburn University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in history. He is currently attending Auburn University and will receive his master’s degree in higher education administration in December.

The wedding will be March 14. the late Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Johnston of Birmingham.

Miss Johnston is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Vanderbilt University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in medicine, health and society. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was presented at the Ball of Roses. Miss Johnston is currently a third-year medical student at the University of Alabama School of Medicine.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. Richard Delamar Williams III and the late Mrs. Williams and the late Mr. and Mrs. Nolan Sanders, all of Decatur.

Mr. Sanders is a graduate of Decatur High School and the University of Alabama, where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics and a master’s degree in business administration. He is a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Mr. Sanders is employed with Morgan Stanley.

The wedding will be March 28.

Lawrence-Milling

Kristen Walton Lawrence and Christopher Howard Milling were married July 26 at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. The 6:30 p.m. ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch. A reception followed at B&A Warehouse.

The bride is the daughter of Mr.

Mayer-Erickson

Katherine Walker Mayer and Kyle David Erickson were married Oct. 4 at the Mayer family home at Lake Martin near Alexander City. The late afternoon ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Richmond R. Webster and was followed by dinner and dancing.

The bride is the daughter of Mr.

Hewlett-Kaczmarek

Dr. and Mrs. Stanley C. Hewlett of Birmingham announce the engagement of their daughter, Anna Elizabeth Hewlett, to James Cliff

and Mrs. Randall Bascom Lawrence.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Howard Milling.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an Ivy & Aster silk chiffon gown with a starburst bodice and hand-draped flowing skirt. The bride’s shoulders were draped with an embroidered net shrug with matte sequin, seed and bugle beads, and her waist was cinched with a delicate silk chiffon tie.

The bride was attended by her sisters, Caroline Marie Lawrence and Hallie Elisabeth Lawrence, as maids of honor. Bridesmaids were Rebecca Caroline Chancey, Kalyn Elizabeth Chapman, Lindsay Allison Cook, Camille Griffith Herndon, Leighton Turner Noel, Blakely McGarity Oberneder and Grace Tapley Smitherman, all of Birmingham; Catherine Benson DeHart of Washington, D.C.; Hannah Whitehead Hooper of Auburn; Haviland Milling Poundstone, sister

of the groom, of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; and Emily Elizabeth Wertheim of Louisville, Ky. The flower girl was Adelaide Claire Ellis of Vienna, Va. The father of the groom was the best man. Groomsmen were John Scott Alford, Kyle Bernard Logdson, Benjamin David Marsh, Edward Kyle Milling, Hunter Keith Milling, brother of the groom, Thomas Glenn Stephens III and Dustin Chase Taylor, all of Birmingham; Aaron Michael Benandi and Justin Ross Perrine of Atlanta; Christopher Gill Bostany of New York City; and Phillip Paterson Poundstone II of Santa Rosa Beach.

Scripture readers were Leslie Lake Lewis of Washington, D.C., and Whitney Chambers Lucas of Birmingham. The program attendants were Lauren Rebecca Mattox of Charlotte, N.C., and Megan Ashley McCord of Birmingham.

After a honeymoon trip to Great Exuma, Bahamas, the couple lives in Homewood.

and Mrs. William Charles Mayer III of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Stanley Walker and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Charles Mayer Jr., all of Birmingham.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Erickson of Altona, Ill. He is the grandson of Mrs. Priscilla Mae Craft and the late Morgan Curtis Craft of Streator, Ill., and Mr. and Mrs. Scott Donald Erickson of Altona.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an A-line duchess satin gown by Winnie Couture of Beverly Hills. Her fitted bodice was adorned with ivory silk rosette appliqués and Swarovski beading. The waistline was accentuated with a custom-made crystal-encrusted Swarovski belt. The dress was finished with three layers of ivory-colored French tulle.

French-braided with ivory ribbon and tied with a family handkerchief from the groom’s grandmother, the bridal bouquet featured an array of

roses, dahlias and ranunculus in brilliant fall colors.

The bride was attended by her sister, Jane Mayer Andino, of Santa Monica, Calif., as matron of honor.

Bridesmaids were Janiece Anne Erickson, sister of the groom, of Louisville, Ky.; Jessica Jackson Sasser of Birmingham; and Kira Grace Foy and Bianca Louise Rodriguez, both of Santa Monica.

David Michael Nelson, of Savoy, Ill., served as the best man.

Groomsmen were Jorge Enrique Andino II and Adam Robert Beattie Dixon of Santa Monica; Michael Norman Baker of Columbus, Ohio; and Bradley Michael Bizjack of Louisville.

Readers were Elizabeth Mercer Jackson of Wetumpka and Michael Philip Reginelli of Bloomington, Ill. After a honeymoon trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the couple will live in Santa Monica.

Kaczmarek, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Kaczmarek of Tampa, Fla. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mrs. William Robert Martin and the late Mr. Martin of Plantersville and Mrs. Allen Meadows of Lowndesboro and Mr. Henry Crumpton Hewlett of Montgomery.

Miss Hewlett is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School and Auburn University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree in communication. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi national honorary band service fraternity, served as freshman adviser for the Auburn University Marching Band and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Miss Hewlett is a public speaking instructor and private consultant for the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University.

The prospective groom is the grandson of Mrs. James Earl Mayo and the late Mr. Mayo of Tampa and Mr. Walter John Kaczmarek and the late Mrs. Kaczmarek of Tampa.

Mr. Kaczmarek is a graduate of Paul R. Wharton High School in Tampa and a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He was section leader in the Auburn University Marching Band and a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a national fraternal society for musicians. He was a founding member of AUCappella, Auburn’s premier male a cappella group. Mr. Kaczmarek is a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he is a doctoral candidate in chemical engineering.

The wedding will be Jan. 3.

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

home

36 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Still a Holiday Star

IPC House Tour Remains a Christmas Tradition The Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour is in its 65th year – but it seems to be an ageless wonder.

The seasonal event, set this year for Dec. 13 and 14, is a longstanding Birmingham and Over the Mountain tradition that invites tour-goers into festively-decorated homes. But the tour has a very timely goal: raising money to help disadvantaged children have bright futures.

Proceeds from the event help fund the Summer Learning Program at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, an IPC mission since the farm started in 1923.

The grand piano in the living room was a graduation gift from Jason Turner’s mother. On the wall behind it is one of several paintings of Independent Presbyterian Church.

Cottage Industry

IPC Tour Home Has Careful Renovations, Thoughtful Design Story by Donna Cornelius • Photos by Lee Walls Jr.

Jason Turner, left, and Robert Listerman said they love the diversity and neighborly atmosphere of Forest Park, which Turner called a “sidewalk neighborhood.”

The brick Tudor cottage was built in 1949. Its architect, Charles McCauley, also designed several notable Birmingham buildings.

William Morris advised having “nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

Jason Turner has a third suggestion.

“A house should be appointed with things that have deep meaning,” he said.

The Forest Park cottage owned by Turner and Robert Listerman illustrates that point.

From garden statues to paintings to the grand piano in the living room, almost everything in the house has a reason for being there.

Turner and Listerman are among those opening their homes for this year’s Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour Dec. 13 and 14.

They became only the third owners of the 10th Avenue South house when they bought it in 2013.

The brick Tudor cottage was custom built in 1949 for Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gandy, Turner said.

“Mrs. Gandy was 96 when she died,” he said. “Our neighbors still remember her. They said she used to sit outside on her birthday and wave at people.”

The house’s architect was Charles McCauley. He also designed several other notable Birmingham buildings, including Temple Beth-El, the Medical Arts Building, Birmingham City Hall and many houses in Redmont, Mountain Brook and Forest Park, Turner said.

But while the house and its Forest Park location were appealing, its main attraction for the couple was more practical.

“We realized we needed to care for Robert’s stepmother and thought the carriage

See cottage, page 40

Making plans for this year’s IPC tour are chairman Margaret Shuttlesworth, left, and co-chairman Sarah Duggan. Photo special to the Journal

Jason Turner and Robert Listerman updated their kitchen with Carrera marble countertops and backsplash and a farmhouse sink.

Jason Turner gave this painting of Charles Lindbergh to Robert Listerman, O’Neal Steel’s chief pilot, as a birthday gift.

At a cost of about $150,000, the Summer Learning Program relies on funds generated by the IPC home tour, according to church officials.

The program’s campers are rising third, fourth and fifth-graders living in poverty.

The program tries to address challenges faced by these children, including summer learning loss and nutritional deficiencies. Some 80 campers participate in the program, which offers academics, enrichment, physical education and spiritual development.

For six weeks during the summer, certified teachers give academic instruction and supervise the children during enrichment activities.

On Fridays, the children look forward to field trips to area attractions.

Children are provided transportation to the program from their neighborhoods. The program also provides breakfast, lunch and a snack to the children, many of whom would otherwise be without food.

Gini Williams, Children’s Fresh Air Farm director, said the Summer Learning Program See ipc tour, page 41

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 37

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Holiday Inspiration

Five Homes Will be Decked out for Legacy League Tour This year’s Legacy League Christmas Home Tour will feature five homes in Vestavia Hills, all decked out for the holidays and offering plenty of holiday decorating inspiration for guests.

The Legacy League, an auxiliary of Samford University, will present its fourth annual Christmas Home Tour on Dec. 11 as a fundraiser to help establish a new scholarship for a deserving student in need.

The homes on the 2014 tour will include one owned by a Legacy League member, one that was completed gutted and renovated, and the home of Samford President Andy Westmoreland and his wife, Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland.

The Westmoreland house at 1994 Shades Crest Road was owned for many years by Dr. Dan Merck, a Samford trustee, and his wife, Barbara. The house was acquired by the university in 2007.

Renovations were completed before the Westmorelands moved in and included the addition of a downstairs ballroom with a view of the Samford University campus.

The tour will also feature the home of Alisa and David Belcher at 3632 Altadena Drive. The house was built in 2010.

Nestled on more than two wooded acres, the home will be decked out

Jeanna and Andy Westmoreland, along with their daughter, Riley, center, and their dog, Miley, will welcome visitors to the Samford University President’s home at 1994 Shades Crest Road, Vestavia Hills.

Photo special to the Journal

for the holidays with several themed trees, a whimsical collection of holiday fairies and a nativity scene made

by Alisa’s grandmother.

Alisa said she matches each tree in each room with the existing decor to create a seamless look that is still fes-

tive and fun.

“For example, in the master suite, the colors are taupes and soft blues and creams, so the tree in that room will be a white flocked tree with a lot of pewter and antique glass ornaments,” she said. “And I love working with ribbons in different textures, so I’ll use brown and taupe ribbons, some with patterns, some with beads.”

This will be the Belchers’ fourth Christmas in their home and the first time the home will be featured on the Legacy League Christmas Home Tour.

While she takes the advice of her friend, designer Becky Umphries, on home decor during the rest of the year, Alisa said she takes the reins for the Christmas decorating.

“I usually follow Becky’s advice that less is more, but during the holidays, less is never more and more is never enough,” Alisa said. “I deck out just about every room in my house and then go to her house and start putting more ribbons on her Christmas tree.”

Less than half a mile away from the Belcher house is the home of Dixie and Tom Brannon at 2104 Hickory Ridge Circle (see story, page 40). Visitors might guess that Dixie and Alisa Belcher share holiday decoSee legacy league, page 39

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38 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Dixie and Tom Brannon are open-

ing their home to the public for the holidays to help raise money for a program that will open doors for deserving students.

The Vestavia Hills couple’s home at 2104 Hickory Ridge Circle in Vestavia Hills is one of the homes on the fourth annual Legacy League Christmas Home Tour. The Legacy League, an auxiliary of Samford University, hosts the tour to help fund scholarships for students who need financial assistance to pursue their collegiate dreams.

Dixie has been a member of the Legacy League for several years, and this is the first time her house has been featured on the Christmas Home Tour.

But it’s not the first time she’s been asked to have her home included on the tour.

“About two years ago, two homeowners backed out of the tour, so Lisbeth Cease asked me to do it, but at that time, there was just no way I could,” Dixie said. “But she said then that I’d be asked again later.”

Now that “later” has arrived, Dixie said she’s been busy over the last couple of weeks getting ready for Christmas Home Tour visitors.

“I am very happy to have this opportunity to help raise money for a new scholarship, but after I agreed to be on the tour, I started noticing a dozen little things that needed to be done around the house,” she said.

The Brannons have lived in the 6,000-square-foot house since 1994, and it is where they raised their two sons, Ben, 35, and Patrick, 33. The Brannon brothers are in business with their dad, owner of Brannon Honda in Birmingham, and handle the day-today operations of the dealership.

The couple will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on Dec. 1. From the beginning, Christmas has played a big role in their relationship.

Glistening white table-top trees frame a vignette in the dining room featuring more Mark Roberts collectibles.

rate for Christmas.”

Both Dixie and Tom said their love of the holiday season started when they were children, growing up without much money but with plenty of family traditions.

“When I was a kid, my family didn’t have much money, but we’d still hang our stockings up at Christmas, even though we didn’t have a fireplace,” Tom said. “I was always up really early on Christmas morning, so excited to see what was under the tree.”

Tom is still the first one up on most Christmas mornings, his wife said.

“I married the original Santa Claus.

He is still always the first one up on Christmas morning and always goes all out to give the most thoughtful gifts,” Dixie said.

Among those gifts is a large Mark Roberts nativity scene that Legacy League Christmas Home Tour visitors will see in the Brannons’ foyer.

“Tom got together with our sons one year and they gave me that set, and so that’s probably one of my favorite things to set up every Christmas,” Dixie said.

The five Christmas trees in their home are not the only ones Dixie will decorate this holiday season.

“I also do the Christmas tree for the dealership every year,” she said. “For the last few years we’ve done a tree with the Honda blue and silver.”

The Legacy League Christmas Home Tour won’t be the first time the Brannons welcome guests to their home for the holidays.

“We’ll have the dealership’s managers’ Christmas party here on Dec. 7, the tour is on Dec. 11 and we’ll host a party for our (Shades Mountain Baptist) Sunday school class on Dec. 13,” Dixie said. “It’s a very busy time of the year, but we feel blessed and hope people come into our home and feel comfortable. That’s one of the biggest compliments you can get.”

Usually Dixie does all of the decorating at her home herself, but this year, she decided to get some help from a few budding interior designers.

Samford University juniors Krista Hamilton and Alicia Alexander and sophomore Jasmine Wallace have lent their time and talents to help deck the halls of the Brannon home.

“I knew I would probably need some help to get ready for the tour, and I thought this would be a wonderful way to give some talented Samford interior designs students some experience and something for their portfolios,” Dixie said.

The students each took on one bedroom upstairs and have been decorating on the weekends for several weeks.

“They’ve really done a great job, and what a delight it has been to work with these sweet girls,” Dixie said. “We’re going to post little bios on each of them in the rooms they’ve done upstairs.”

Dixie said the students are almost finished with the rooms upstairs, and she has a few more projects to complete before she welcomes guests Dixie said while she always loves to decorate for the holidays and is glad to be able to share her home with guests on the Christmas Home Tour, she said the most exciting part is knowing that the efforts of the Legacy League will help deserving students get a college education.

“These scholarships can change lives, and we’re really grateful to be a part of that, even in a small way,” she said. ❖

Fairy Tale Christmas Special Sprites Decorate Trees in Legacy League Tour Home Story by Keysha Drexel • Photos by Emil Wald

‘Our first official date was actually going to get Christmas trees together. It was December, and we drove up to the mountains and Tom cut a tree for his house and a tree for my house.’

Dixie Brannon

Dixie was teaching home economics at the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Alamogordo when she met Tom and he asked her to go on a unique first date.

“Our first official date was actually going to get Christmas trees together,” Dixie said. “It was December, and we drove up to the mountains and Tom cut a tree for his house and a tree for my house. Tom had his tree flocked, and to this day, we still have a flocked tree every year.”

In addition to the traditional flocked tree decorated with red poinsettias, the family has another Christmas tradition that almost didn’t get off the ground.

“One year, I decided it would be neat to do a tree with a chili pepper theme as a nod to Tom’s roots in New Mexico,” Dixie said. “The boys were little then, and one of them said they were not going to open their Christmas presents under a chili pepper tree, so we had two trees that year.”

The chili pepper tree is nestled on a staircase landing leading from the Brannons’ kitchen to the second level of their home, which throughout features Native American-influenced artwork.

“Every piece of furniture and every piece of

Above: Dixie and Tom Brannon are ready to welcome guests to their home on Hickory Ridge Circle in Vestavia Hills during the fourth annual Legacy League Christmas Home Tour in December. right: This nearly life-sized doll from the Mark Roberts Fairies collection sits on a bicycle adorned with festive bows and holiday ornaments.

art tells a story about our family, in one way or another,” Tom said. “These are things that are special to us.”

A sideboard in the eat-in kitchen area is decorated with wreaths Ben and Patrick made when they were schoolboys.

“The boys made those wreaths when they were in preschool, and I bring them out every year,” Dixie said. “We also still use these old plaster of Paris ornaments Tom and I made during the first year of our marriage.”

The eat-in kitchen area also features another tree decorated completely in ornaments from the Mark Roberts Fairies collection.

“I love the whimsy of the fairies, and they remind me that this is supposed to be a season

of fun,” Dixie said.

But her other Mark Roberts collection really signifies the reason for the season, Dixie said.

“I love the fairies – and we’ll have two trees featuring the fairies – but my favorites are the nativity scenes,” she said. “I always like to be very aware of the reason for the season, and that’s why you’ll see nativity scenes of different kinds in just about every room.”

Tour-goers will also see a small Christmas tree decorated with fruit and pinecone ornaments in the dining room.

“There will be a total of five trees throughout the house for the tour, which is just one more than I usually do every year,” Dixie said. “I guess some people would say that’s going overboard, but I love Christmas and I love to deco-

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 39

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

leagacy league, From page 37

rating tips with each other.

“Yes, I’m responsible for Alisa’s fairy obsession,” Dixie said. “I have several pieces from the Mark Roberts Fairies collection, including a nearly life-sized doll. They add a fun touch that really captures the joy of the season.”

Another whimsical touch in the Brannons’ holiday decor is a white flocked tree trimmed with chili pepper ornaments. The chili pepper tree is a nod to Tom’s native New Mexico and became a family tradition when the couple’s two sons, Patrick, 33, and Ben, 35, were young boys.

Dixie’s Mark Roberts collection also includes several nativity sets, including an elaborate vignette in the foyer of the home the family has lived in since 1994.

“I love the fairies–and we’ll have two trees featuring the fairies–but my favorites are the nativity scenes,” Dixie said. “I always like to be very aware of the reason for the season, and that’s why you’ll see nativity scenes of different kinds in just about every room.”

About four miles from the Brannon house, the Legacy League Christmas Home Tour will pick up at the home of Laura and Larry Merrill at 1647 Panorama Lane.

The couple and their three sons– 14-year-old Lawrence, 12-year-old Chandler and 7-year-old Brent–have lived in the French country-style home since 2007, when they completed a major renovation.

“We completely gutted the house and did major renovations,” Larry said. “It had eight-foot ceilings and closed-off rooms. We did a lot of work before we even moved in.”

The house now boasts soaring vaulted ceilings that feature handhewn wooden beams, three spacious

From left: Alisa and David Belcher’s home at 3632 Altadena Drive is featured on the 2014 Legacy League Christmas Home Tour. The home of Laura and Larry Merrill at 1647 Panorama Lane will be decked out for home tour visitors.

Legacy League Christmas Home Tour guests can get holiday inspiration from the Vestavia Hills home of Denise Upton at 1638 Panorama Lane. Journal photos by Keysha Drexel

bedrooms, a home office, arched doorways and open living spaces.

The Merrill home has an eclectic decor with French and Italian touches that blend the rustic and the refined and tell the story of the family’s travels to Europe.

For the holidays, Laura, owner of Laura Merrill Interiors, said she uses lots of fresh greenery and natural elements and one large tree decorated with the ornaments her children have made through the years.

“I make all the wreaths for the doors and dormers and windows, and I always put the things my boys made on the tree, because out of all of our Christmas decorations, those are the most important to me,” she said.

Those on the tour won’t have to travel far from the Merrill home to get more inspiration for the holidays, because Denise Upton’s house at 1638 Panorama Lane is just next door.

Upton has lived in the 7,500-square-foot house for 17 years and raised her two sons, 28-year-old Kenny and 23-year-old Grant, there.

“The house was built in 1970 or 1971, and I still find it amazing that we were lucky enough to find a house built during that time frame that has so much storage,” she said.

The house boasts four bedrooms, a whopping eight bathrooms, a pantry the size of most bedrooms and a laundry room large enough to wash

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the lederhosen of the entire Von Trapp family.

When it comes to decking the halls for the holidays, Upton said simplicity is the name of the game.

“I like to keep things simple, and I don’t go overboard with a lot of decorations,” she said. “That’s because number one, it’s just easier and it saves a lot of stress and hassle, and number two, sometimes when there’s too much going on in a room, your eye can’t really focus. I’d rather have a few key,

interesting elements that you can really enjoy.”

Those elements always include fresh greenery, Upton said, including magnolia leaves and pinecones from her yard and centerpieces that incorporate deer antlers and other natural pieces.

Upton, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001 and is now in a wheelchair, said she’s had to change her holiday decorating routine a bit over the past few years.

“I used to always put the ornaments that my sons made when they were little on the big tree in the living room, but it’s hard for me to decorate the tree these days,” she said. “It’s important to me that those ornaments are still a part of the decorations, so I put them out in an ornamental bowl now.”

And pretty soon, Upton’s going to need a few more decorative bowls for her handmade Christmas ornaments.

“I’m looking forward to collecting the ornaments my grandsons, Tripp and Kade, will make as they get older,” she said. “That decorating tradition will just keep growing.”

During the Legacy League Christmas Home Tour, holiday hors d’oeuvres will be served at the Westmorelands’ home. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased online through Dec. 9 at www.samford.edu/legacyleague. Tickets are $30 at the door and can be purchased at any of the homes on the tour.

For more information, visit the website or call 726-2247.

–Keysha Drexel

Rediscovering Downtown Birmingham

Leda Mims, Adam Cohen and Joanna Ellard on the roof-deck of Liberty House Being connected by sidewalks to great restaurants, art galleries and parks is driving home buyers downtown. “There’s a wave of enthusiasm, fueled by projects like Railroad Park, Region’s Field and a vibrant UAB campus,” says developer Adam Cohen, currently reinventing Liberty House on First Avenue North, with panoramic views of Red Mountain and the Birmingham skyline. He and business partner Jim O’Brien of The City Scape Group reinvented Athens Flatts on Second Avenue North. Leda Mims, an agent with ARC Realty marketing for Cohen, says, “When I explain what’s happening in this district, people want to hang out here.

There’s a great vibe.” Joanna Ellard, also with ARC Realty, says, “You know your neighbors, so there’s a sense of community you don’t always find in suburbs.” Cohen says that makes marketing a task of introducing this option to potential home buyers. “I tell people to come down here at 6 p.m. and see the scene on these streets. They don’t want to leave.”

A Relationship Company 4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 • 205.969.8910

www.arcrealtyco.com www.athensflatts.com Leda Mims (205) 243-4599 • Joanna Ellard (205) 601-1204

40 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

home

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

cottage, From page 36

house would be the perfect place for her to live,” Turner said.

Audrey Listerman and her cat, Tuxedo, share the carriage house, which was built in 1986.

Once they bought the house, Turner and Listerman started extensive renovations. They did most of the work themselves, Turner said.

“When we moved in, one bathroom was pink and the other was green,” he said. “There was a crumbling black asphalt driveway.

The kitchen had had some minimal upgrading, and the washer and dryer Antiques and Accessories were actually along one wall in the 2700 19th Place South • Homewood • 871-9779 kitchen.”

Tue.-Fri. 10:30-5:30 • Sat. 11:00-4:30 The kitchen got a Europeanstyle facelift with countertops and a subway-tile backsplash of Carrera marble. New appliances include a Wolf range and microwave drawer and a Sub-Zero glass-front refrigerator. Cyndy Cantley of Cantley and Company designed the cabinets, Turner said.

The old tile on the kitchen floor was replaced with new hardwood, which was finished to match the original hardwood floors in the rest of the house. The washer and dryer were moved into a hall closet.

“We redid all of the light fixtures in the house,” Turner said. “And we added leaded glass to the fixed-glass living room window.”

Most of the light fixtures came from Village Firefly in Mountain Brook, he said.

To: Tricia The formerly pastel bathrooms are From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 now tiled in sophisticated shades of Date: Nov. gray.

“Robert did all thefor tilethe work,” This is your aD prOOF from the Over The MOuNTaiN JOurNal Turner said.

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The house’s gardens got equally 1831 29th Ave. S. • Homewood, AL 35209 careful attention. please make sure all information is correct, 205-871-9880 • Kathy Owens, CKD, President “We cut down 36 trees,” said an avid gardener. “We put in a including address and phoneTurner, number!

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

terrace and three water features.”

He also created garden “rooms,” each with a distinct personality. To the right of the house is a serene space surrounded by evergreens and hydrangeas. Its centerpiece is a reflecting pool.

On the house’s left side, the asphalt driveway was replaced with pea gravel. Listerman, who likes to cook, tends the herb garden. Turner planted boxwoods and installed gas lanterns.

“Since most of our other gardens are white gardens, I wanted a splash of color somewhere, so I put in a cutting garden,” Turner said.

One outdoor element is original to the house. There’s a birdhouse in the Tudor design of the house’s east façade.

Turner said almost everything in the house “has a meaning.”

“We’ve never purchased a piece just to decorate,” he said.

One of the pieces that means the most to Turner and Listerman is an Alexi Torres painting in the study.

The painting shows the façade of the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. “After 18 years of courtship, Robert and I got married last year on the steps of that building,” Turner said. “We commissioned that piece the year before.”

Another Torres painting in the study is a portrait of Charles Lindbergh. Listerman is chief pilot for Birmingham-based O’Neal Steel, and Turner gave him the painting as a birthday gift.

Both paintings in the study are in Torres’ trademark basket-weave style of painting. A third work by Torres of the Statue of Liberty hangs in the dining room and was painted with a feathering technique.

Also in the study is a walnut and maple chess set.

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pieces,” Turner said. “We have his original drawings for the pieces from 1932.”

Roundels – small disks of glass used as ornaments in stained-glass windows – in the study windows used to hang in Turner’s office at Independent Presbyterian Church, he said.

“I was the day school director at IPC for 17 years,” Turner said. “I decided to take a leap of faith and do something I’d always wanted to do: I became a Realtor for RealtySouth.”

Turner also serves as organist and choirmaster for several Birmingham churches. The grand piano in the living room was a graduation gift from his mother, he said.

Large un-stretched canvas paintings by Arthur Price are in the dining room and over the living room fireplace. Other favorite pieces include paintings of Independent Presbyterian Church and portraits of both men’s mothers – and some of the couple’s beloved pets.

For both men, the gardens also are full of remembrances.

“We planted trees in memory of our moms and Robert’s father,”

Turner said. “The reflecting pool’s frog fountain is in memory of my dad.”

Collected pieces from the couple’s travels include books, icons from an IPC mission trip to Ukraine and a royal Christmas card. While traveling on the Queen Elizabeth II in Europe, Turner said, he came away from a shipboard auction with a Christmas card sent by the Prince and Princess of Wales—Charles and Diana—the last year they were married.

In the carriage house, too, are pieces that have significance to Audrey Listerman.

“She came to Birmingham from Baltimore in 1966 and has things she bought when she married as a young girl,” Turner said.

A buffet that belonged to her parents is filled with china painted with roses.

“I’ve always loved roses,” she said.

The carriage house was updated with an all-new kitchen, Turner said.

IPC tour visitors will see two Christmas trees, one in the main house and another in the carriage house.

“We’ve never bought any ornaments,” Turner said. “All of ours are from our childhoods or were made by Robert’s mother or given to us.”

Carole Sullivan of Lagniappe Designs will do Christmas arrangements, Turner said.

He and Listerman are happy to be part of the holiday tour, he said.

“We’re doing the tour because of my attachment to and love for IPC,” Turner said. ❖

home

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

IPC Tour Stops: Jason Turner and Robert Listerman are among other homeowners who will welcome IPC tour-goers this year. Also open will be an office building and the church.

Ragan and Brad Cain, 3031 Canterbury Road The Cains’ home was built in the 1930s but was substantially remodeled when the couple purchased it in 2011.

The exterior remodel was designed by architect Jeremy Corkern with Bates Corkern. The creatively redesigned exterior was recently featured on the cover of Southern Living, while the interior has been featured in Celebrate! magazine.

As part of the interior renovation, the staircase was designed as a twin to the staircase in Ragan Cain’s ancestral home, the Foy-Ragan-Johnston Home, built in 1851 in Eufaula. The paneling on the north wall in the Cains’ den was made from wood from a barn on the family property.

The table in the dining room was a gift to the couple from Ragan Cain’s family. It was passed down through her maternal grandfather’s family in Eufaula and dates back to the late 18th century.

The Cains have acquired several unusual pieces, including an antique prayer bench in the master bedroom and antique twin beds in the upstairs bedroom.

Joey Pierson, 3242 Salisbury Road Built in 1929, this English Tudor residence is attributed to architect Jacob Salie and was originally home to the Abele family.

The house has a brick exterior with halftimbering detail, a slate roof with several tall chimneys and its original carved limestone arched entry.

In the 1990s, the house was enlarged with the addition of a master suite and garage as well as a detached pool house with antique wood timbers.

Joey Pierson purchased the property in 2012 and began working with designers Hannon Kirk Doody and Doug Davis to redecorate the house and update the grounds in conjunction with

ipc tour, From page 36

provides crucial tools for learning to its campers.

“The children we are serving, all living in poverty, are at a very real risk of losing grade level skills during the summer, such that by the time they get to high school, they could be three grade levels behind,” Williams said. “Standardized tests from our program show that the average gain was two months progress in grade level skills in reading and four months in math in 2014.

Peter Falkner.

A recently completed pavilion structure matches the details of the original house and serves as a gateway to a new outdoor entertaining area.

Inside, the house has its original wrought iron stair railing, elaborate moldings and several carved fireplace mantles.

The interior is furnished with a blend of European antiques, custom upholstery and a collection of antique Oriental rugs. Many of the antiques and rugs found in the home were purchased locally.

Artwork includes pieces by Meredith Keith, Brad Robertson, Ben Carlisle, Scott Hill and other regional artists.

In addition to the pool house and pavilion, the 1.2-acre property includes several private gardens, driveways from both Salisbury Road and Sterling Road, an oval-shaped swimming pool and large stone terraces that create outdoor living spaces.

Melissa Singleton, 4001 10th Ave. S. The two-story brick Aldridge-Ebben house in Forest Park features a triplearch entry accented with keystones.

The house was built in 1924 by Mr. and Mrs. Abner B. Aldridge. The exterior remains very similar to original photographs taken for tax records.

The house is registered with the Jefferson County Historical Commission and described in the “History of Forest Park” by Catherine Greene Browne.

The Singletons bought the house in 2008.

While the house retains much of the original design, modifications have been made. The living room, with beautiful moldings and a limestone mantle, opens to a dining room, music room and sunroom that are spacious and filled with light.

The dining room has the original swinging door to the butler’s pantry. The music room, which often housed a piano and other musical instruments, now is used for reading and playing chess or cards – and always is home to the Christmas tree.

The kitchen has been enlarged and renovated. It contains special art, books and culinary items collected during the family’s travels. Over the room’s French doors is an iron piece discovered in the house’s crawl space.

The kitchen often hosts group cooking nights, with guests ending up in

Considering that typical summer learning loss is one to two months, these students entered the fall term far ahead of where they would have been without the program.”

This year’s tour includes four homes and an office building. The historic church also will be open.

Featured stops in Forest Park will be the homes of Jason Turner and Robert Listerman, 3924 10th Ave. South, and Melissa Singleton, 4001 10th Ave. Mountain Brook houses open for the tour are those of Joey Pierson, 3242 Salisbury Road, and Ragan and Brad Cain, 3031 Canterbury

the dining room or music room or eating on the porch.

The French doors open to the courtyard, which has a bluestone terrace, fountain and pool. The landscape includes boxwood hedges, espaliered apple trees, seasonal flowers, herbs and Boston ivy. Designed to feel like a French garden, it’s enjoyed daily by the family dogs, Einstein and Daisy.

The color palette for the house’s interior walls is neutral. The furnishings and carpets have been collected over the years with an eclectic mix of old and modern.

Melissa Singleton loves art, so a variety of styles and mediums are hung throughout the house.

Stewart Perry Corporate Headquarters, 4855 Overton Road Stewart Perry’s corporate headquarters are situated beside a lake on 16 wooded acres.

When the 25,000-square-foot building was completed in 2008, the construction company’s vision was to create a comfortable work environment for its employees, to serve as a thoughtful and contributing neighbor in the community and to build a flagship facility to serve clients.

Respect for the land is woven throughout the campus, which features naturally landscaped grounds and native plants.

The building’s doors and ceilings are made from red ball cypress salvaged from one of the company’s building projects. The oak floors and siding came from a demolished warehouse in Virginia.

Today, the campus includes a woodworking barn, a year-round vegetable garden, a stocked lake, beehives, purple martin homes and a waterfall.

Among its many awards, Stewart Perry’s headquarters has achieved the U.S. Green Building Council LEED accreditation.

Independent Presbyterian Church, 3100 Highland Ave. Founded in 1915, the church was designed by architect William Warren of Warren, Knight and Davis. The sanctuary and parlor will be decorated for the tour by IPC members.

Christmas tea will be available both days for ticket holders in the church’s Great Hall. ❖

Road.

The Stewart Perry Headquarters at 4855 Overton Road also will welcome tour visitors.

Margaret Shuttlesworth is the 2014 tour chairman, and Sarah Duggan is co-chairman.

Tickets go on sale Dec. 1 and are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For ticket information, call the church at 933-1830, visit www.ipcusa.org, or stop by the church reception desk during business hours.

Tickets may also be purchased at the homes and at the church during the tour.

—Donna Cornelius

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 41

42 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

business

By Keysha Drexel Journal editor

As the co-owner of Church Street Coffee and Books in Mountain Brook, Carrie Rollwagen has seen firsthand the impact “shop local” campaigns can have on small businesses, and for the last three years, the Crestline Village shop has participated in Small Business Saturday events.

But this year, Rollwagen has taken her local shopping campaign a step further by writing an entire book about the growing movement to support independent businesses.

On Nov. 29, Shop Small Saturday, Rollwagen will host a launch party for her book, “The Localist: Think Independent, Buy Local and Reclaim the American Dream,” which was self-published with the help of money raised through a Kickstarter campaign.

Part memoir and part nonfiction, the book tells the story of the year Rollwagen spent buying only from Alabama-owned stores, taking readers through all the good things – and the not-so-good things – about shopping locally.

“I wanted to weigh the pros and cons for shopping locally, both personally and economically,” Rollwagen said. “I wanted to know if buying local is really worth it. This is part journalism, part personal journey – it’s not a soapbox.”

A Kansas City native and 2001 graduate of Samford University, Rollwagen has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and worked at the Birmingham Post-Herald and Southern Progress before opening Church Street Coffee and Books with Cal Morris three years ago.

“Working in journalism taught me how to communicate, how to do research, and I loved it while I did it, but after I left the Birmingham Post-Herald, I knew I wanted to do something else,” she said.

That something else turned out to be a job at Jonathan Benton Bookseller, an independent bookstore in Mountain Brook Village that closed in March 2009.

“I first had the idea for some kind of ‘shop local’ project when I was working at Jonathan Benton Bookseller, and I learned about how money stays in the community when people support local business owners,” Rollwagen said. “I was always telling my friends about the virtues of buying from local stores, but they kind of blew me off at that point because they thought I was biased because I worked at an independent store.”

Determined to get the other side of the story, Rollwagen took a job as a barista at Starbucks where she said she got better pay, better benefits and worked fewer hours.

“At that point I kind of fell off the ‘buy local’ bandwagon, and I found out that my life got a little easier. I shopped at Whole Foods and Starbucks and Chipotle and made fewer trips for the same items,” she said. “But I wondered what I was sacrificing for convenience.

Home Shopping Network

Crestline Business Owner’s New Book Shows How to be a ‘Localist’

Carrie Rollwagen, co-owner of Church Street Coffee and Books in Mountain Brook, is launching her new book on buying locally on Nov. 29, Small Business Saturday. Rollwagen’s book, “The Localist: Think Independent, Buy Local and Reclaim the American Dream” was self-published with the help of money raised through a Kickstarter campaign. Photos special to the Journal

I knew my purchases – even the small ones – have power. I had seen both sides of the issue from my time at Jonathan Benton and from my time at Starbucks. I wanted to explore the truth in between.”

So in 2011, Rollwagen challenged herself to buy from only locally-owned stores for one year. She started a blog called Shop Small to chronicle her adventures.

“I thought it would be really hard, and I thought it would be really expensive,” she said.

“But what I found is that I actually saved money because I discovered that when you are shopping locally, it really cuts down on the impulse buy factor.”

Without enticing register-side displays at big box stores to distract her, Rollwagen said she ended up saving money during her year of shopping locally and became a much more conscientious shopper.

“I realized that half the stuff I used to buy at Target I really didn’t need,” she said. “The whole thing really made me think about my purchasing power and how to best use it.”

And while she expected the whole experiment to be a bit of an ordeal, Rollwagen said she learned that supporting local, independent business owners doesn’t have to mean drastic lifestyle changes.

“It’s all about tweaking your habits instead of turning your whole life into a big sacrifice,” she said. “It’s as easy as buying your bag of Starbucks coffee at the Western rather than at Starbucks.”

Rollwagen said she thinks the best way to be a localist is to always go shopping at a local store first.

“Instead of thinking about going to a big box store first, try a local shop first and then only go to a big box when you absolutely have to,” she said.

Those kind of small shopping changes can have a big impact on the local economy, Rollwagen said.

“The statistic I keep going back to shows that for every $10 you spend at a big box store, only about $1-$3 goes back to the local economy,” she said. “But when you shop locally and spend $10, up to $7 of that can go back to the local economy. I’ve rechecked that stat many times because it’s an incredible difference.”

Rollwagen said her book also addresses online shopping, which she said robs the local economy of important tax revenue.

“So much tax revenue from online purchases should be coming back to our state, and that is not happening,” she said.

After she wrapped up her year of shopping

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

only at Alabama-owned stores, Rollwagen said she decided to compile her blog posts into a book.

“I thought a book would be really easy to write from the blog posts, but it turned out to be more challenging than that,” she said. “The structure of the book is completely different than the blog.”

Rollwagen said she decided to self-publish the book because the book is centered in the Birmingham metro area and that the hyperlocal content might not play well with traditional publishers.

“This is for our local audience, and I think people here are ready for this message,” she said.

Rollwagen launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to hire an editor and designer for her book and reached her fundraising goal of $5,000 within a month.

The Kickstarter campaign wrapped up on Nov. 1 and included 179 contributors, primarily from the Birmingham metro area, Rollwagen said.

Rollwagen said she’s hoping to raise about $3,000 more to help fund a book tour.

When it came time to decide when to launch her book, Rollwagen said Small Business Saturday, or Shop Small Saturday, was a natural choice.

Small Business Saturday is a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing holiday shopping at local, independently-owned small businesses. The initiative was founded by American Express in 2010 and is sandwiched in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday in an effort to encourage shoppers to patronize brick-and-mortar businesses that are both small and local.

American Express gives its customers $10 back on purchases they make at indies on Nov. 29, on up to three purchases.

The day after Black Friday will also be a busy day at Church Street Coffee and Books, Rollwagen said, with a reception planned at the same time as the book launch.

From 10 a.m.-noon on Nov. 29, shoppers at the bookstore and coffee shop will receive Shop Small merchandise, including canvas bags, buttons and pet kerchiefs.

Rollwagen will also have plenty of copies of “The Localist” on hand to help guide shoppers through the holiday season.

“I hope the book helps people make the connection and realize that shopping locally keeps more money circulating in our community where it can build roads, improve schools and create more jobs,” she said. “I hope people will realize the power they have to make a positive difference with the purchases they make.”

For more information, visit carrierollwagen. com/events/ or call 870-1117. ❖

Business Briefs Sikes Children’s Shoes in Homewood was recently honored for its 60 years in business by the state Legislature.

From left: Paul DeMarco, Laura Player and Tricia Ford.

Photo special to the Journal

Homewood

State Legislature Honors Sikes Shoes A longtime Homewood business was recently honored by the state Legislature.

Paul DeMarco issued a proclamation from the state Legislature commending Sikes Children’s Shoes for its 60 years in business.

Owner Laura Player accepted the proclamation. Homewood Chamber

of Commerce Executive Director Tricia Ford was on hand to offer congratulations.

The store first opened in Homewood on Valentine’s Day 1955 as Sikes & Peters’ Shoes and sold footwear for men, women and children.

Peters left the store in 1959, and Sikes began expanding the business.

It was owned and operated by Frank Youngs, who married into the Sikes family in the 1960s, after that.

In 2014, Laura Player, who had been

a manager at both the Hoover and Homewood stores, purchased Sikes Children’s Shoes and its sister store next door, the Jack n’ Jill Shop.

Homewood

Posh Pet Place Will Open in December Four-legged Over the Mountain residents will soon have a new place to get a resort-style experience.

Merritt Milam has announced plans to

Merritt Milam is opening Wags ‘n Whiskers Comprehensive Pet Care in Homewood in December.

Photo special to the Journal

open Wags ‘n Whiskers Comprehensive Pet Care at 2804 Crescent Ave. in downtown Homewood in December.

The business will offer dogs and cats an experience “defined by compassionate care, positive reinforcement and unrivaled comforts, technologies and conveniences,” said Milam, who is also the head trainer.

“We wanted to provide a one-stop shop for pet owners where they could find the highest quality pet services and products, and so Wags ’n Whiskers was born,” Milam said. “We believe pets are family, and that is how owners can expect their animals to be treated while they are visiting or staying at our facility.

Whether their pets are boarding or at our fun-filled daycare, pet owners can rest assured that their animals are in loving, compassionate and experienced hands.”

Milam, an animal behavior collegecertified dog trainer, said she has been caring for animals in the Birmingham metro area for several years and is looking forward to opening her business and joining the Homewood community.

“It always has been my greatest passion to foster stronger relationships between pet owners and the animals they love,” Milam said. “We are excited to become a part of Homewood and to showcase the benefits of positive reinforcement training in the Birmingham area.”

Wags ’n Whiskers is an all-indoors

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 43

business

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

and climate-controlled facility.

Other amenities include luxurious boarding suites for dogs and cats. The suites include spacious accommodations, soothing music and video monitoring so owners can check in on their pets while they’re away.

Additionally, Wags ’n Whiskers daycare has a low camp counselor-to-pet ratio, which Milam said ensures more time can be devoted to each animal and the overall safety of each pet.

Milam said Wags ‘n Whiskers is now taking holiday boarding requests at info@wagshomewood.com. For more information, visit wagshomewood.com.

Homewood

Alpha Church Supply Has New Home November has been a month of celebrations for Alpha Church Supply in Homewood.

The business capped off its 30th year with an open house event at its new store at 121 West Valley Ave. Nov. 9.

Dozens of well-wishers mingled, shopped and toured the new store. The festivities wrapped up with a blessing of the building and the business by Chorbishop Richard Saad from St. Elias Maronite Church.

Danny Bostany started the business in 1984 and said it has been growing– and moving–ever since.

Bostany said the growth of the company necessitated moves to several new locations over the years but that the company wanted to stay in Homewood.

“We love being in the Homewood area because it is so central to all of our metro customers, and it is a great place

and the Certified Graduate Remodeler professional designations from NAHB and is recognized by the GBAHB as a Master Remodeler.

to do business,” he said.

Bostany said the new location is already proving to be a good move. He said the store has greater visibility at the West Valley Avenue building and that foot traffic has increased.

Hoover

Insky’s Kinkade Gallery Is Closing after 13 Years

Vestavia Hills

Pike Is HBBA 2014 Remodeler of the Year A Vestavia Hills resident was recently honored by the Home Builders Association of Alabama.

Elliott Pike of ELM Construction was named the HBBA 2014 Remodeler of the Year during an awards ceremony at the organization’s convention Nov. 7 at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear.

The Remodeler of the Year award recognizes a remodeler member who has shown outstanding service to his or her local and state associations, community and the remodeling industry as a whole.

Pike serves on the board of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders and is also a member of the Remodelers Council board.

“I am humbled to have been chosen for this award,” Pike said. “My family and my GBAHB friends have been incredibly supportive and encouraging.

I have received this award mostly due to their faith in me. I am thankful for this award and most thankful for them.”

Earlier this year, Pike participated in the GBAHB’s Builder Blitz project with Habitat for Humanity. His remodeling work was honored with two Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards earlier this year.

Pike is also active with the National Association of Home Builders’

Elliott Pike of Vestavia Hills has been named the Home Builders Association of Alabama’s 2014 Remodeler of the Year.

Photo special to the Journal

Remodeler 20 Group and has been an active participant in the National Remodeling Show. He has earned the Certified Aging in Place Specialist

After 13 years of representing the art of Thomas Kinkade and other artists, Insky’s Thomas Kinkade Art Gallery in Hoover is closing its doors.

The gallery at 181 Main Street #225 in the Patton Creek Shopping Center is now liquidating all of its inventory and fixtures.

The gallery was first opened in 2001

by Robert and Jo Ann Holder at the Riverchase Galleria.

“We have reached the place in our lives when it is time to retire,” Robert Holder said. “We are extremely grateful to the many good friends and customers we have had the pleasure of serving.” ❖

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open house sale! sat., nov. 29th Wed., dec. 31st

Alpha Church Supply owners Pal Bostany and Danny Bostany recently hosted an open house at the new location on West Valley Ave. Photo special to the Journal

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44 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

Schools

By Keysha Drexel

S

Journal editor

tudents at Cherokee Bend Elementary School recently had a chance to gain a new perspective on old-fashioned living.

The school’s fifth-grade classes participated in the annual Colonial Fair at the Mountain Brook school on Nov. 12 – just in time for Thanksgiving.

The Colonial Fair is held each year as a culmination of the students’ lessons on the colonization of the Americas after the Age of Exploration, said fifth-grade teacher Rollins Thorpe.

Before the Colonial Fair, Thorpe and the school’s other fifth-grade teacher, Hannah Peters, taught students what life was like 300 years ago as they studied government, trade and geography of the colonies.

At the Colonial Fair, students went outdoors and rotated between stations that reflected different aspects of early American life.

Parent volunteers manned stations where students learned how to make butter, taste traditional Colonial-era foods and make lanterns out of metal cans.

The students also could see what life was life before smartphones and video games at a station where they learned to play games that were popular with colonial children.

Thorpe said the engaging activities at the Colonial Fair help bring history to life for the Cherokee Bend fifth-graders.

“As educators, Hannah and I both believe that authentic, hands-on experiences are invaluable for student learning,” Thorpe said. “We try to implement reenactments, use primary historical sources

Hands-on History Lesson Cherokee Bend School Hosts Annual Colonial Fair

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

and actively engage students in the learning process as often as possible in our classrooms.”

Events like the Colonial Fair offer students a more in-depth look at history, Thorpe said.

“An event like the Colonial Fair really brings the history we are studying to life and engages the minds of our students much more than simply reading about it in a book,” Thorpe said.

New to the event this year, students heard about the history of the first American colonies from Harold Batey, who donned a replica of a Revolutionary War soldier’s uniform for his presentation at the school.

They also learned about the techniques of early American quilters and the quilting tradition from a volunteer from the Birmingham Quilters Guild.

Thorpe said the annual hands-on history lesson would not be possible without the support and help of parents and administrators.

“We are lucky to have teammates, administrators and parents who are on board and agree with our philosophy,” she said. “They not only support us but help organize learning events like the Colonial Fair. The kids and the teachers all had a great time and learned so much.” ❖ Clockwise from left: Joel Green and Jake Thompson learned to make butter at the Cherokee Bend Colonial Fair. Parent volunteer Lori Hannon, left, helps Nicole Hatton and Emma Grace Holt churn butter. Cherokee Bend Elementary School fifth-grader Allie Story makes a lantern out of a can. Harold Batey talks to students, Peyton Foy, Lilly Barksdale, Evan Shiflet, Eleanor Segars and Julia Bedingfield about life during Revolutionary War times. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

School Notes Zachary Fricks, Sydney Howe, Reese Johnson, Alana Knowles, Eugene Lee, Shauna Moore, Tyler Noland and Thomas Otts.

Also chosen were Emily Paz, Abi Pitman, Abrianna Porco, Rohan Ravirala, Ammon Ripley, Drake Sears, Derek Swanson, Tyler Tatum, Riyln Todd, Elenna Vu, Caleb Walker, Jacob Williams, Audrey Zhao and Charlene Zhao.

The students are instructed by Heather Holmes, OMMS band director.

Larry Haynes is the school’s principal.

VHEW Carnival Raises Money for Materials

In addition to collecting more than 2,500 canned food items for those in need, Simmons Middle School Student Advisory Council members, teachers and school administrators worked together to clean up the campus in Hoover.

Photo special to the Journal

Simmons Student Council Collects Food for Needy Members of the Simmons Middle School Student Advisory Council have been busy this month giving back to their community.

SAC members in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades spent two hours Nov. 2 cleaning up trash and debris around the football stadium. The students also organized a canned food drive to help those in need.

On the clean-up day, students picked up sticks and pinecones and cleaned out the flowerbeds around the Hoover school. They also cleaned up trash along the school’s property line adjacent to The Preserve neighborhood.

During a two-week period in November, the SAC members

sponsored a canned food drive and collected more than 2,500 nonperishable food items. It took two van-loads to haul the donated items to an organization that will distribute them to those in need.

Cameras flashed and well-known characters posed as hundreds of students and their parents attended Vestavia Hills Elementary West’s annual fall carnival.

The school’s “A Night at the Carnival” event Oct. 30 featured a movie theme, with guests coming dressed as their favorite film heroes.

The festivities started that morning when costumed greeters welcomed students to school in the carpool lines. Throughout the school day, students could drop by the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” bake sale in front of the school.

That night, the school’s parking lot was transformed into a carnival, complete with the Spider-Man Velcro Wall, the Wreck-It Ralph Strong Man Contest and the Million Dollar Arm Homerun Derby.

Inside the school, carnival guests could shop at the Monsters University General Store or try their luck at traditional carnival games. Guests looking to test their bravery took a walk through the Nightmare on West Street Haunted House.

In the lunchroom, those attending the event refueled with Little Caesars pizza and Moe’s Original barbecue.

All money raised at the carnival will be used for instructional materials and equipment for classrooms at VHEW.

OMMS Musicians Make 2014 UAB Honor Band Several student musicians at Oak Mountain Middle School recently auditioned and were selected for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Honor Band.

The students will perform with the UAB Honor Band Dec. 4-6 at the Alys Stephens Center in Birmingham.

Those selected were Zachary Bailey, Elizabeth Camp, Jacob Cashmore, Jack Cwynar, Isabel Daniels, Morgan Diffey,

Characters of all kinds were on hand for “A Night at the Carnival” at Vestavia Hills Elementary West recently. Photo special to the Journal

Mountain Brook high school trombonist Adam Thomas performed with the National Association for Music Education All-National Jazz Honor Ensemble at the Grand Ole Opry.

Photo special to the Journal

MBHS Student Named to National Jazz Ensemble A Mountain Brook High School student was named to the 2014 National Association for Music Education AllNational Jazz Honor Ensemble.

Trombonist Adam Thomas joined 670 of the most musically talented and skilled high school students in the country to perform on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 29.

Thomas and the other musicians were named the “best of the best” out of approximately 2.5 million students nationwide from local, district and state music festivals,. They performed a repertoire of remarkably challenging music under the direction of four of the most prominent conductors in the U.S. “I am thankful to my band directors and my parents for giving me the help and support I needed to have this opportunity,” Thomas said. “I am grateful Mountain Brook has such a wonderful band program.”

Thomas said he was also grateful for the instruction he has received as a member of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Student All Star Band.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

International Initiative

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 45

Schools

Highlands Teachers Visit Japan to Prepare for New Program Highlands School students are embarking on a global learning adventure as the school launches its inaugural Country of Study Program.

Throughout this school year, students will participate in an in-depth study of one country.

The inaugural country of study is Japan.

The Country of Study Program is being funded with a three-year commitment from the Highlands School Parents’ Auxiliary. An initial grant of $24,000 was made June 30.

These funds, along with money raised by the Parents’ Auxiliary group over the next two years, will enable two faculty members to travel to a different country each summer for a two-week period to study, visit schools and immerse themselves in the culture.

After the faculty travelers return to Highlands, they, along with a Country of Study Committee, will integrate aspects of the chosen country’s culture and innovations across all facets of the curriculum.

Faculty travelers are selected based on an application process. All full-time lead teachers are eligible to apply.

Head of School Kavita Vasil said the Country of Study Program is an important component of the global education students in all grades at Highlands School receive.

“We are excited to partner with local arts organizations, government representatives and various museums to plan and implement exciting Japanese initiatives,” she said.

Over the summer, two Highlands faculty members, fifth-grade teacher Brittany O’Brien and school librarian and technology specialist Tynley Baker, spent two weeks traveling in Japan.

By choosing Japan as the inaugural country of study, school officials said, students will be exposed to a culture very different from their own that will help them understand cultural traditions and innovations from another country.

School officials said they are working to

Highlands School faculty members Brittany O’Brien, left, and Tynley Baker traveled to Japan for two weeks to prepare for this year’s Country of Study Program at the school. Photo special to the Journal

make the program relevant to the students by focusing on making connections between the Highlands School community and Japan. To that end, a group of students from Hitachi, Japan, recently visited Highlands School as part of the Birmingham Sister City Student Exchange Program. Highlands students had a

They also serve as hosts when Gwin has special guests and programs.

The Ambassadors sponsor two fundraisers a year. One of those is the annual Valentine Gram fundraising activity in February. The students sell the holiday Grams to fellow students and teachers and donate all proceeds to a charity that they choose.

This year’s Gwin Ambassadors are Colby Bennett, Nick Berg, Colin Birmingham, Haden Galbaugh, Linleigh Hardy, Julie Hopping, Abby Lemp, Claire Manering, Kiley Marett, Jackson Parker, Abby Pate, Ava Stahr, Saraiah Stampley and Carson Wilkins.

Wendy Gault is the group’s sponsor.

To become an ambassador, students must apply at the end of their fourthgrade year. Ambassadors are chosen based on teacher recommendations, interviews and essays.

in kindergarten through the fifth grade participating.

Students are allowed to use the onemile run as part of their physical fitness tests.

Proceeds from the annual Pumpkin Run are used to purchase equipment for the Crestline Elementary physical education department not normally covered in the school budget. In the past, Pumpkin Run funds have been used to purchase a climbing wall, scooters and a sound system. This year’s proceeds will be used to buy a Gaga pit.

Trophies were given to the overall winners in the Pumpkin Run. The overall boys’ winners for 2014 were Nicholas Miller, Thomas Comini and Spence Morano. Overall girls’ winners were Grace Knight, Lucy Redden and Ann Winston Morano.

Winners in the Crestline Elementary School Pumpkin Run were, from left: Grace Knight, Lucy Redden and Ann Winston Morano. Photo special to the Journal

Crestline Students Conquer Pumpkin Run

OLS Eighth-graders Elect Student Leaders

The Gwin Ambassadors are fifthgraders who are responsible for giving tours of the school to new and prospective students and their parents.

More than 500 Crestline Elementary School students participated in the Pumpkin Run in October.

The 19th annual event was held Oct. 19 with hundreds of Crestline students

Eighth-graders at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School have new student leaders.

The officers were chosen by their peers to be responsible for leading the

Gwin Names New Fifthgrade Ambassadors Gwin Elementary School in Hoover recently announced its new student ambassadors for the 2014-2015 school year.

Spartan Wrestlers Help Build Habitat Home

Members of the Mountain Brook High School wrestling team spent a recent Saturday helping others in need.

The team members volunteered on Oct. 25 to help put the finishing touches on the siding of a Habitat for Humanity Home in Calera.

Justin Ransom, the wrestling team’s coach, said the event gave students a different opportunity to work together as a team to help others.

Ransom said the student athletes are looking forward to additional volunteer opportunities this school year. ❖

chance to meet and learn from the Japanese students.

A community-wide celebration of the inaugural Country of Study Program at Highlands School is planned for March 26.

For more information, visit www.highlandsschool.org. ❖

classes throughout the school year.

The officers’ responsibilities include bringing new and creative ideas to school leaders, helping out during Catholic Schools Week, leading school prayer at special events and serving as school ambassadors during school-wide activities.

The new officers are Anthony Marino, president; Will DiPiazza, vice president; Lexie Toney, secretary/treasurer; Alex Nichols, chaplain; and Kate Nhissa Agena, class representative. ❖

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Discover the Difference!

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46 • Thursday, November 27, 2014

sports

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Simmons, Mountain Brook Win Metro Volleyball Titles

The seventh-grade Mountain Brook Junior High volleyball team finished first with a 28-4 record and the eighth-grade Simmons Middle School volleyball team was named Metro South Champs for the second year in a row with a 22-0 record. Photos special to the Journal

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a a a a a

Shades Mountain Christian School smcs.org 205.978.6001 Call to schedule a tour!

Hoover, From page 48

get there.”

After a scoreless first period, the Bucs blew the game open with a 28-point second quarter. Gadsden City made the first significant mistake, fumbling a Hoover punt at the Bucs’ 39. Kholbe Coleman recovered for the hosts. Moments later, Bradrick Shaw’s four-yard run gave Hoover a 6-0 advantage with 9:14 remaining in the first half. Hunter Schmith kicked the first of six successful extra point attempts.

The Bucs would score on their next five possessions.

Shaw scored again on a 46-yard dash with exactly seven minutes to play in the first half to raise Hoover’s advantage to 14-0.

Marcus Webb, who would run for 134 yards for the evening, scored the Bucs’ third touchdown on a two-yard plunge with 1:26 left in the half.

Hoover’s final second quarter touchdown came on Shaw’s one-yard run to put his team in full command at halftime, 28-0.

Any hopes of a Gadsden City comeback were dashed early in the third quarter when Hoover scored again. Hutcheson connected with Leonard Wood on a 29-yard touchdown pass to raise the margin to 35-0.

The Bucs’ final score came on Webb’s six-yard sprint with 2:12 remaining in the period.

The Titans scored a consolation touchdown late in the game.

While Hoover’s offense scored 42 points, the Bucs’ defense may have

been the biggest story. It held Gadsden City to only four first downs and 52 total yards in the first three quarters.

“Our defense is playing extremely well right now,” Niblett said. “We’re not really big, but we are fast and play with a lot of physicality.”

Offensively, Hoover’s line – Chance Pruitt, Alex Loukotka, Nick Eldridge, Zyggy Arledge and Robert Horn – opened up big holes for Shaw and for Webb, who broke the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season.

“Coach told me I needed 111 yards to get it,” Webb said. “I told him I was going to get it. It feels amazing to be playing for the state championship game.”

Hoover lifted its record to 11-2, with both losses coming against out-ofstate powers in the first two games of the season. The Bucs haven’t lost to an in-state team since Prattville defeated them 35-34 in the 2011 Class 6A title game.

Since then, Hoover won two con-

Mountain Brook Junior High and Simmons Middle School were recently crowned metro champs in volleyball.

The seventh-grade Mountain Brook Junior High volleyball team finished first with a 28-4 record and the eighthgrade Simmons Middle School volleyball team was named Metro South Champs for the second year in a row with a 22-0 record.

Seventh-graders named to the All Tournament Team were Merilyn Steed and Sarah Ashlee Barker, Berry Middle; Olivia Hoffman, Bumpus Middle, Sydney Kessler, Homewood Middle, Kayla Richardson, Liberty Park; Ann Vandevelde, Liz Vandevelde and Lauren Walston, Mountain Brook Junior High; Erin Denenberg, Oak Mountain Middle; Maggie Gann, Pizitz Middle and Laurel Burkhardt, Simmons Middle.

Ann Vandevelde of Mountain Brook Junior High was named the seventh-grade MVP. Eighth-grade players named to the Metro South All Tournament Team were Maddie Dease, Berry Middle; Grace Harris, Bumpus Middle; Makiyah Sills, Homewood Middle; Grace Uldrich, Liberty Park Middle; Ellen Dulin and Whitton Bumgarner, Mountain Brook Junior High; Maddie Moss, Oak Mountain Middle; Lily Costa, Pizitz Middle; and McKenzie Murdie, Maddie Test and Brooke Hoven, Simmons Middle.

Brooke Hoven of Simmons Middle was named the eighth-grade MVP. secutive Class 6A titles before moving into the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s new Class 7A in 2014.

The Bucs’ amazing run of championships began in 2000, former coach Rush Propst’s second season, when Hoover defeated Daphne to win its first Class 6A state title since 1982. Since then – under Propst or his successor, Niblett – the Bucs have played in every single large-school classification championship game with one exception.

The lone miss came in Propst’s final season of 2007, when Vestavia Hills eliminated Hoover in a quarterfinal playoff game. Prattville eventually took the crown that year with a 14-0 conquest of Spain Park. The Bucs have won eight titles since 2000 and will likely be favored to claim No. 9 against the Lions.

Coaches and classifications may change, but Hoover keeps winning.

Don’t expect it to change. There is more history to make, and a century to keep dominating.

Hoover’s Jaysen Cook-Calhoun forces a fumble in the Bucs’ win over Gadsden City Friday night. Journal Photo by Marvin Gentry

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Carrying on

most celebrated player. They entered Thanksgiving week with a 3-1 record, the only loss coming on the road against powerful Ramsay on Nov. 21.

Mountain Brook took easy wins over Oxford and Shades Valley, but its most impressive victory may have come against Northridge in the season’s second game. Jared Henderson and Hunter Lucas each produced two three-point shots in the fourth quarter to give the Spartans a 63-59 win over the Jaguars.

Henderson, a junior forward, had 14 points and six rebounds. Jack Kline, also a junior forward, had 13 points and 11 rebounds. Seniors Will Hartley and Terrell Guy finished with 10 and seven points, respectively.

“We are just going to continue to go on without TaWarren,” Kline said.

“All we can do is work harder and get better as a team every day. We’ll be fine without him.”

Henderson also scored 23 points in a 97-69 rout of Shades Valley.

Another outstanding effort was senior

guard Matt Creighton’s 10-assist and eight-steal performance in the seasonopening 73-42 rout of Oxford.

Because of the Alabama High School Athletic Association reclassification, Mountain Brook is competing in the new Class 7A. The Spartans are grouped in Area 6, which includes traditional rivals Hewitt-Trussville, Spain Park and Vestavia Hills.

Mountain Brook’s non-area schedule includes appearances in the prestigious Steel City Invitational at Samford University and the Next Level Hoops Fest in Nashville, Tenn., both to be played in December.

But tough schedules and high expectations are commonplace for the Spartans now, as they come off two consecutive Class 6A championships.

McMillan has won nearly 80 percent of his games since taking over the program seven years ago. Mountain Brook’s first title in 2012-2013 was widely viewed by outsiders as a lighting strike, similar to Major League Baseball’s 1969 New York Mets. But the repeat of the following season proved that the Spartans are far more than the proverbial flash in the pan.

Patrick Keim, now at Auburn University, was the captain of last year’s team and the 2013-14 Over the Mountain Journal Boy Athlete of the Year. Keim said McMillan is a big key to Mountain Brook’s incredible run.

“What Coach McMillan can do with a group of guys who aren’t all big blue-chip recruits is something,” Keim said. “He can fit those pieces together for a championship team. I have no doubt he could coach college basketball if that was one of his goals.”

Regardless of Grant’s status, Mountain Brook is likely to be formidable in the new season.

“We know we have a team that won’t surrender easily,” McMillan said. “There’s an old saying: The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender. That’s what we try to do around here.”

That philosophy seems to be working.

It just never occurred to me to go somewhere else.”

Vestavia is known for its relatively low turnover among coaches, and Braasch thinks that’s no coincidence.

“The key is that everyone works together so well,” he said. “All the coaches here – whatever their strengths or weaknesses – work together for the overall program.

Whether it’s Buddy (Anderson) or (head basketball coach) George (Hatchett) or whomever, everybody is pulling together.”

Braasch said that having the right priorities may be the most important factor.

“You hear the horror stories at other places,” he said. “An athletic program won’t have problems if they prioritize the athlete instead of the sport. Always keep in mind that everything we do as coaches or administrators should be for the athletes. We encourage our studentathletes to play as many sports as they want.”

Just like most coaches, Braasch doesn’t have much time for reflection during the school year. As soon

as the Rebels’ football season ended, Braasch went straight to work assisting Hatchett in basketball.

“When you’re a coach, you never really have the holidays,” Braasch said. “In football you may be in the playoffs, or in basketball you’re getting ready for tournaments. But it’s been a great life.”

Braasch said high school football has evolved greatly over the decades.

“Years ago, things were pretty basic,” he said. “The game was more physical. Now the offenses are changing so quickly. There is more mental preparation required to develop defensive schemes for all the plays and formations you are going to see.”

Although he won’t be coaching next year, Braasch will still be a fixture at Vestavia football games. His stepson plays for the Rebels. Beyond that, his future is unclear.

“I’ll be starting another career, but I’m not sure what it will be,” he said. “All I can say is that it won’t be coaching, otherwise I would stay at Vestavia. I’m going to explore a lot of things.”

Peter Braasch may be uncertain of

Spartans Start Strong Without Grant

By Lee Davis

The Mountain Brook boys’ basketball team might win its third consecutive state championship in 2014-15.

But if it happens, the Spartans may have to earn another blue trophy without the services of TaWarren Grant.

Grant, a senior point guard and a star of the previous two Mountain Brook title teams, has not played in the Spartans’ first four games of the new season.

“As of now he is on our team,” said Mountain Brook coach Bucky McMillan at a media event in early November. “He is just suspended indefinitely from playing.”

McMillan would not say when or if Grant might return.

“He is going to practice with us and be part of our team,” the coach said. “We will assume until we hear something different that we will go on without him on game day. Barring some type of change, that’s the way it will be.”

While Grant’s future may be a mystery, his past influence on the court is undeniable. In addition to helping the Spartans win two consecutive titles, as a freshman he also helped Midfield win a state crown in 2011 before he transferred to Mountain Brook.

Despite the uncertainty regarding Grant, McMillan said his team would press forward.

“We will be who we are,” McMillan said. “Because of the circumstances we will have a lot of moving parts, but I am sure of this: Our program is like a family. People can’t understand that unless they are around us every day. We will get through this.”

And so far, the Spartans have done well without perhaps their

Braasch, From page 48

back as the 1970s.

“It’s exciting to see how guys who we coached went on to be successful in their adult lives,” he said. “And it’s special to know that they still want to stay in touch with us after all these years.”

Braasch graduated from Homewood and UAB before landing a job at Vestavia. Alvin Bresler was the head coach at the time, but Buddy Anderson took over as top man the next year. Braasch was Anderson’s defensive coordinator for the next 36 seasons, also working in other capacities.

During the three and a half decades of success, head coaching opportunities knocked on Braasch’s door, but he never answered in the affirmative.

“Being a head coach just didn’t fit me,” Braasch said. “I wanted to stay at Vestavia. It fit me to be the defensive coordinator here and then help with basketball when football ended.

Journal File Photo by Marvin Gentry

Journal Sports Writer

‘Our program is like a family.’

Mountain Brook coach Bucky McMillan

Thursday, November 27, 2014 • 47

sports

Spain Park’s Zachary El-Fallah at the Alabama High School Athletic Association Swimming and Diving sectionals held at the Birmingham CrossPlex over the weekend.

For more on the meet see page 48.

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

Fifth-grade Super Bowl Champs

The fifth-grade Mountain Brook Saints recently won the Super Bowl Championship at Spartan Stadium. Players are Luke Gilbert, Daniel Salter, Luke Hanes, John McMillan, Jackson Ogletree, Evan Shiflet, Woody Fipps, Harrison England, Jack Hanaway, Trey Lemak, Peyton Foy, Henry Cardwell, Will Monroe and Harrison Sharp. The Saints were coached by Britt Monroe and Pat Sullivan. Photo special to the Journal

his future, but his legacy at Vestavia is secure.

Three for the Hall of Fame….

Three coaches/administrators with Over the Mountain connections will be inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame in March.

They include former Hoover athletic director Myra Miles, who led the Buccaneer program from 2008-2014.

During that period, Hoover won 20 state championships in 10 different sports. Miles also coached at Hoover from 2002-2007.

Also being inducted is former John Carroll Catholic and Vestavia Hills tennis coach Nancy Becker.

Becker’s Lady Rebel tennis teams won 10 state titles along with eight runner-up finishes and produced 20 sectional titles. She was named Alabama Tennis Coach of the Year in 2008 and 2010.

The third inductee with a local tie is former Homewood football coach Doug Goodwin, who led the Patriots

Former Hoover athletic director Myra Miles, who led the Buccaneer program from 2008-2014, will be inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame in March. Photo special to the Journal

to region titles in 2012 and 2013.

The official induction ceremony will be held March 23 at the Renaissance Hotel at the Convention Center in Montgomery.

Sports

OVER THE MOUNTAIN Journal

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Bucs Overwhelm Titans, Head to First 7A Title Game

Simmons, Mountain Brook win Metro volleyball titles. Page 46

Hoover running back Bradrick Shaw picks up tough yards in the Bucs’ 42-7 win over Gadsden City. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

By Lee Davis

Journal Sports Writer

Some successful teams dominate seasons. Others dominate decades.

The Hoover Buccaneer football team has dominated a century – literally. And it is still making history.

Coach Josh Niblett’s team routed Gadsden City 42-7 at the Hoover Met in the Class 7A semifinals Friday night to advance to the first-ever championship game in the new classification’s history. Hoover will meet Prattville for the title on Dec. 3 at Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Incredibly, the Bucs will be concluding their season in a state championship game for the 14th time in 15 years – a record unapproached in state history.

In the aftermath of victory, the Hoover players seemed to grasp the significance of their program’s accomplishment.

“I feel very blessed,” said quarterback Jack Hutcheson. “Hoover is known for playing in the state championship. We work hard every day to

Lee Davis

Braasch Comments

Longtime Rebel Assistant To Hang up Whistle

Dynasty

Continued

See hoover, page 46

Looking to State

Several Over the Mountain students competed in the first Alabama High School Athletic Association Swimming and Diving sectionals held at the Birmingham CrossPlex over the weekend.

Divers competing to qualify for the championships at Auburn University Dec. 12-13 were Hannon Taterek, Mallie Lundberg, Caroline Selesky, Lilly Martin, Thomas Hughes, William Black and Alec Johnson, Mountain Brook High School; Mallory Schrim, Hoover High School; and Zachary El-Fallah and Jon Pickett, Spain Park High School.

Mountain Brook High School dive team member Mallie Lundberg, competing at sectionals Saturday. Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

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omething will be very different about athletics at Vestavia Hills next year.

Peter Braasch won’t be there – at least on a full-time basis.

Braasch, the longtime football defensive coordinator and basketball assistant for the Rebels, is retiring at the end of the school year, concluding a 39-year career on Limerock Road.

“It was a financial decision as much as anything,” Braasch said. “With the state’s new DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program) program, it made the most sense to go ahead and retire this year.”

Braasch helped lead Vestavia to two state championships, one each in football and basketball, but said winning trophies won’t be the best memories he’ll take home.

“More than anything it was about the kids and the relationships you build,” he said. “At the time I really didn’t think about that so much – I was just doing my job. But later, when a former player comes back or calls and thanks me for what I did for him – there’s no better feeling.

Making a positive difference in someone’s life is what it’s really all about.”

Braasch still communicates regularly with former players from as far See Braasch, page 47