OTMJ 1.8.26

Celebrating our over the mountain communities

OTMJ

| OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL • OTMJ.COM | Thursday, January 8, 2026

HAPPILY EVER AFTER Hannah Dean and Matthew Bygrave’s spring wedding celebrated love and deep ties to their home state.

STORY PAGE 14 »

INSIDE

ArtBLINK PAGE 13

Culinary Storyteller PAGE 20

New Coaches PAGE 24

OPINION

2 • Thursday, January 8, 2026

IN THIS

ISSUE SOCIAL

4 | Redstone Club’s Annual Christmas Ball 6 | Beaux Arts Krewe Ball Princesses 8 | Homewood Christmas Parade

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Happy New Year and Happy OTMJ Anniversary!

A

10 | Mountain Brook Holiday Parade 12 | Holiday Assembly Welcomes a New Class 12 | The Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham, Inc.

GIVING TREE

t this time last year, Lee Hurley, Claire Cormany and I had just printed our first ever issue of the Over the Mountain Journal and put it out into the world.

Over the past year, we have published 24 papers that I am so proud of. We have printed wonderful stories of interesting people doing interesting things, of people doing good in the world and fun events happening in our Over-

the-Mountain communities. We are thankful for a group of talented writers who amaze us

13 | ArtBLINK 2026: A Night of Art, Hope and Healing.

with their stellar stories. We are grateful to our photographer Jordan Wald, who never blinks when he has to shoot five events in five different locations all in one night! We give thanks for

13 | Stewart D. McLaurin Speaks to The Antiquarian Society of Birmingham on the History of White House State Dinners.

Julie Trammel Edwards for not just selling ads but for making our advertisers feel valued. And speaking of our advertisers, thank you for your support, and we look forward to a new year of new opportunity. To Maury Wald, the founder and driving force behind the OTMJ, thank you

WEDDINGS

for entrusting us with this amazing paper! I hope that you enjoy what we’re doing, and thank

14 | Hannah Dean and Matthew Bygrave’s spring wedding celebrated love and deep ties to their home state.

you for your support as we try to carry forward this legacy that you created. And finally, to our readers, thank you for reading the OTMJ and for your feedback—we love hearing from you!

So, to our Over the Mountain neighbors, Happy New Year—here’s to another year of Over the

FOOD

Mountain Journal!

20 | Editor, author and southern chef Ivy Odum is on a roll.

–BARRY WISE SMITH

ABOUT TOWN 22 | Things to do, people to see, music to hear.

| OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS |

PEOPLE 23 | Boy Scout Troop 97 welcomes new Eagles Scouts.

SPORTS 24 | Homewood, Vestavia Hills welcome new girls’ basketball coaches.

Redoux In our Holiday Card Issue we inadvertently left out a few very valuable names at Vestavia East as well as misspelled a wonderful artist’s name at Deer Valley. We reprint them here and so appreciate their wonderful art.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL Thursday, January 8, 2026

From left: Vestavia Hills Elementary East, Lela Morgan, 4th; Sarah McDowell, 4th

Publisher & Executive Editor: Lee Hurley Editor: Barry Wise Smith Design Director: Claire Cormany Photography: Jordan Wald Contributors: Madoline Markham Koonce, Loyd McIntosh, Rebecca Wilbert Account Executive: Julie Trammell Edwards We would love to hear from you on any subject: lhurley@otmj.com

Vol. 35, No. 06

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper celebrating the communities of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas.

A one year subscription to journal (24 issues) is $84 Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at lhurley@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

Copyright 2026 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

From left: Vestavia Hills Elementary East, Trent Hunn, 4th; Wilhelmina McClendon, 4th. Deer Valley Elementary, Luca Gaiser, 5th

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 3

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photos by Dee Moore

Redstone Club’s Annual Christmas Ball

Ellison Bay Matthews, Alice Caldwell Byars, Harriet Huntress Crommelin Adams, Eloise Katherine Berte

N

ineteen young women were Bailey Knight, III; Miss Amelia Wilson Tynes, presented at the Redstone Club’s daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Shields Tynes; 118th Christmas Ball, held Miss Harriet Huntress Crommelin Adams, December 20 at the Country Club of daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Seth Adams, Birmingham. More than 150 sponsored by Mr. Henry Claiborne Crommelin; members of the Redstone Club and their guests Miss Caroline Sumner Davis, daughter of Mr. and attended the group’s annual Christmas celebration. Mrs. Richard Jon Davis, sponsored by Mr. George The presentees, all current college seniors, Gray Plosser, Jr.; Miss Sarah Welles Edwards, wore traditional long white dresses with gloves daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hugh and carried simple flower bouquets, a complement Edwards II, sponsored by Mr. William Mudd to their chosen escorts in black tuxedo tails.

The Redstone Club’s 123rd president James Bailey Knight, III and his wife Margaret presided over the presentation, receiving curtsies from each of the young women following their walk down the packed ballroom.

This year’s Ball Chairman was Clarke Houston Gillespy, Jr. Sarah Norville Amelia Wilson Tynes, Allie Josephine Whigham, Madeline McRae Mitchell Peinhardt installed the Christmasthemed decorations for both the seated dinner, Hiden; Miss Maggie Avera Jones, daughter of Mr. which preceded the ball, as well as inside the East and Mrs. Matthew Charles Jones, sponsored by Room of the Country Club, which hosted the Mr. John Albert McNeil, Jr.; Miss Hollis presentation.

Catherine Mantle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. The presentee class of 2025 included: Miss Alexander Reed Mantle, sponsored by Mr. Mark Julia Fletcher Abele, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven King; Miss Ellison Bay Matthews, John Fletcher Abele, Jr.; Miss Anna Caroline daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dean Dillard Matthews, Bates, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reed Robertson sponsored by Dr. George Wheeler Matthews, III; Bates; Miss Eloise Katherine Berte, daughter of Miss Madeline McRae Mitchell, daughter of Mr. Mr. and Mrs. Scott Liles Berte; Miss Alice and Mrs. Guy Kenneth Mitchell, III, sponsored by Caldwell Byars, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Dr. James Bushnell Whatley; Miss Beverly Head Oliver Byars; Miss Lucy Broadwell Evans, Perkins, daughter of Mrs. Marie Hillery Head and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Parker Evans, II; the late Mr. Giles Gilpin Perkins, sponsored by Miss Emma Elizabeth Hughey, daughter of Hon. Dr. John Scott Doyle; Miss Jane Morgan Knight and Dr. James Fletcher Hughey, III; Miss Virginia Sauls, daughter of Mr. Charles Bradley Sauls and Grace Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Ms. Knight Crocker Sauls, sponsored by Mr.

Lucy Broadwell Evans, Virginia Grace Knight, Anne Dixon Veenstra, Maggie Avera Jones

Emma Elizabeth Hughey, Jane Morgan Knight Sauls, Sarah Welles Edwards, Caroline Sumner Davis

Beverly Head Perkins, Anna Caroline Bates, Julia Fletcher Abele, Hollis Catherine Mantle

Christopher Hartwell Davis, Jr.; Miss Anne Dixon Veenstra, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Eric Veenstra, sponsored by Mr. Thomas Neely Carruthers, III; Miss Allie Josephine Whigham,

daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Elmore Whigham III, sponsored by Mr. Nelson Straub Bean.

See REDSTONE, page 6

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 5

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

| SOCIAL |

Beaux Arts Krewe Ball The 59th annual Beaux Arts Krewe Ball will be held on February 13 at the Boutwell Auditorium with a Circus theme.

The royal court features 21 Princesses including One Queen of the Ball and One Lady-in-Waiting and 31 boys and girls who serve as pages.

2026 Beaux Arts Krewe Princesses: Ava Elizabeth Canterbury, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Edwin Canterbury; Neely Kay Carruthers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Neely Carruthers III; Lucy Lanier Clapp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Brian Clapp; Carole Elizabeth Clegg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Franklin Clegg, III; Elizabeth Jane Cooper, daughter of Mr. Clark Andrew Cooper and Ms. Grace Ann Cooper; Rosemary Bellenger Cooper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claud Neilson Cooper; Caroline Jeffers Fowlkes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stratton Fowlkes, IV; Taylor Sims Goodrich, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Walker Goodrich, Jr.; Elizabeth Colton Hawkins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Dale Hawkins, III; Halli Francis Hollingsworth, daugh-

Ava Canterbury, Libby Clegg, Kerry Lyons, Raines Jernigan

Halli Hollingsworth, Neely Carruthers, Caroline Fowlkes, Catherine Johnson

Lizzie Cooper, Mary Jane Lassiter, Rosemary Cooper, Gray Powell

Lucy Clapp, Caroline Lacy, Margot Phillips, Alice Wilbanks Not pictured: Taylor Goodrich, Caroline Hornsby, Sarah Coleman Hornsby and Liza Thompson

ter of Mrs. Dany Demi Hollingsworth and the late James Matthews Hollingsworth; Caroline Bishop Hornsby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wayne Hornsby, Jr.; Sarah Coleman Hornsby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wayne Hornsby, Jr.; Sarah Raines Jernigan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William David

Jernigan; Catherine Scott Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Warner McGowin and Mr. Edward McFarland; Caroline Frances Lacy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Howard Lacy, III; Mary Jane Cleere Lassiter; daughter of Mrs. Emily Stoddard Lassiter and the late Joe Frank Lassiter, III; Kerry Elizabeth

Lyons, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Champ Lyons, III; Margaret Nim Sandner Phillips, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hardy Phillips; Gray Margaret Katherine Powell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Frederick

REDSTONE From page 4

At the Ball luncheon, held at the Mountain Brook Club on December 19, the presentees were introduced to the club membership and received some background on the long history of the event and the club. Also represented were six members of the 1975 presentee class, whose 50th anniversary was celebrated. The “golden girls” from 1975 were: Josephine Sterling Beaumont, Katherine Douglas Boykin, Barbara Ann Buchanan, Margaret Tyson Cobb, Elizabeth Bardwell Cooper, Susan Jane Donovan, Margaret Laura Galbraith, Patricia Abbott Garrett, Olivia Rouzer Heavey, Emily Antoinette Linn Henley, Irene Acree Johnson, Virginia Stockham Ladd, Joann Ford Longshore, Jane Denson McGriff, Mitylene Owen Munger, Grace Murphy Nabers, Dorothy Elizabeth Renneker, Mary Clay Sherrill, Gladys McNeel Stephens, Bess Bailey Stephenson, Sally Gray

2025 Club President James Bailey Knight III and wife Margaret and Ellen Gillespy with her husband Ball Chairman Clarke Houston Gillespy, Jr.

Powell Jr., III; Elizabeth Leighton Thompson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gordon Thompson, Jr.; Alice Kirkland Wilbanks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ogletree Wilbanks. OTMJ

Stevens, Elizabeth Alabama Williams and Linda Inez Wittichen.

Music chairman John Rembert Simpson arranged the evening’s accompaniment. For the cocktail party, the debutante presentation and first dance, the Choka Aiken Quartet set the musical atmosphere. Following the presentation, the 12 South Band from Nashville took the stage, turning the formal setting into a rocking dance hall that kept the presentees and their escorts, along with a few hardy members, dancing late into the evening.

Members of the Ladies Committee—who ensured the presentees hit their marks while looking their best—are Mrs. Henry Claiborne Crommelin (Jane Huston), Mrs. Clarke Houston Gillespy, Jr. (Ellen), Mrs. Christopher Scott Abele (Leah) and Mrs. Edward Morris Holt (Shannon). The 2025 Redstone Club officers are: James Bailey Knight III, president, Thomas Neely Carruthers III, vice President, William Spencer South, secretary-treasurer and John William Hargrove, traditions chairman. OTMJ

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 7

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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8 • Thursday, January 8, 2026

Homewood Christmas Parade

Homewood officially kicked off the holiday season with the city’s annual Christmas parade on December 9 with the theme “A Silver Screen Christmas.” The parade—which started at Homewood Public Library and proceeded down 18th Street South to City Hall—included dozens of entries featuring businesses, schools, civic groups, churches and neighborhood associations and both the Homewood High School and John Carroll Catholic High School marching bands.

The parade paused briefly underneath Homewood’s iconic Christmas star so that it could be lit in honor of The Bell Center, and Santa made his appearance atop the city’s bucket truck. The celebration concluded with Santa’s arrival at City Hall, where he helped light the city’s Christmas tree. Awards were presented for the Best Silver Screen Entry to River Brook Design & Construction; Best Scout Entry to Girl Scout Troops 26025 and 26015; Best Civic Organization Entry to the Greater BHAM Humane Society; and Best Business Entry to Powell Pediatric Dentistry. OTMJ

| SOCIAL |

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photos by Jordan Wald

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 9

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Mountain Brook Holiday Parade

The City of Mountain Brook Holiday Parade was held on December 7 through the heart of Mountain Brook Village. The parade was presented by Birmingham Mosquito and Pest Control and featured school groups and local businesses and the arrival of Santa Claus on a Mountain Brook Fire Department truck. After the parade, paradegoers could take pictures with Santa and enjoy children’s activities in the Children’s Village near the parade stage. OTMJ

Photos by Jordan Wald

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 11

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

| SOCIAL |

Holiday Assembly Welcomes a New Class The 82nd Holiday Assembly was held December 19 at the Country Club of Birmingham. The mother-daughter tea, held at Mountain Brook Club, kicked off the annual tradition in September. The presentees are juniors in high school with either a mother or grandmother who was presented at a past Holiday Assembly.

The presentees and their dates enjoyed a formal, sit-down dinner in the East Room prior to the presentation. The talented Sarah Peinhardt transformed the East Room with exquisite floral design that beautifully evoked the Christmas spirit.

Escorted by their fathers, the presentees made their formal presentation in the East Room followed by a father-daughter dance to conclude the presentation.

The festivities carried into the night with a dance for the presentees and their guests with music by the band 2nd Groove Showband.

The presentees at the Holiday Assembly were: Miss Katherine Love Allen, daughter of Ms. Buffy Bromberg Allen and Mr. R. David Allen, Jr.; Miss Elizabeth Collett Ankar, daughter of Ms. Mary Hagood Drennen and Mr. and Mrs. Tony Sam Ankar; Miss Kathryn Frances Baker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler Allen Bradley Baker, III; Miss Eva Catherine Barnhart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Bullock Barnhart; Miss Margaret Miller Caine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Caine; Miss Alys Lucille Comer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason LeGare Comer; Miss Juliette Perry Cook, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Phillip Cook, III; Miss Frances Garland Drennen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Ireland Drennen; Miss Eleanor Markley Earl, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Truman Markley Earl; Miss Caroline Comer Eldridge, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Lucas Eldridge, Sr.; Miss Jewel Evelyn Evans, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Luke Evans, III; Miss Elizabeth Fielding Ezelle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Michael Ezelle; Miss Lee Summers Faust, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ewing

Faust; Miss Virginia Jeanne Flowers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Wayne Flowers, Jr.; Miss Clarke Crawford Gillespy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarke Houston Gillespy, Jr.; Miss Camille Levi Haugseth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Andrew Haugseth; Miss Brooke Catherine Johnston, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James Michael Johnston, Jr.; Miss Mary Alton Kenerly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Brittain Kenerly; Miss Nancy Ryals Little, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Dickson Little; Miss Hallsey Bryant Marsh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bryant Marsh; Miss Annabelle Marie McCullough, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Frederick McCullough, III; Miss Leslie Katharine Mitchell, daughter of Mr.

and Mrs. Guy Kenneth Mitchell, III; Miss Frances Mae Reynolds, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard James Reynolds, IV; Miss Rose Sessions Robinson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Blackwell Robinson; Miss Rushton Grace Robinson, daughter of Mrs. Katherine Rush Robinson and Mr. Robert Louis Robinson, Jr.; Miss Stella Virginia Samford, daughter of Ms. Emily Abernethy Samford and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel William Samford; Miss Frances Feagin Sandner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Edward Sandner, IV; Miss Malvina Ireland Segars, daughter of Mrs. Katharine Drennen Rogers and Mr. Thomas Blake Segars; Miss Hayden Hayes Shook, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Warner

Shook, Jr.; Miss Olivia Grace Short, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Roland Thomas Short, III; Miss Grace Littleton Stone, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Timothy Ellis Stone; Miss Lillian Rose Sullivan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Keenon Sullivan; Miss Anne Parrish Tucker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Brian Tucker, Jr.; Miss Charlotte Kelley Walton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Read Walton; Miss Ann Calvert Whatley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lawrence Whatley, Jr.; Miss Dorothy Reynolds Whatley, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James Bushnell Whatley; Miss Kara Leigh Whitaker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Whitaker; and Miss Gabriella Oliver Worthen, daughter of Drs. James Vann Worthen. OTMJ

The Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham, Inc. The Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham, Inc. held its Fall business meeting and luncheon on October 28 at the Country Club of Birmingham. Dr. Sonia Carrington, the new Women’s Committee president for 2025-2026, led the meeting. Other new officers include 1st Vice President— Dorothy McDaniel; 2nd Vice President—Amy Tully; Recording Secretary—Dottie Hoover;

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Treasurer—Mary Ann Wade; and Assistant Treasurer—Molly Bee Bloetscher. Anne Moulton created the lovely table decorations.

After the business meeting adjourned, members heard a presentation by Natalie Steed and associate, C.J. Guercio. Steed is the Executive Officer of the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission, which leads statewide efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, and the Development Officer for American Village, a history and civics education center, dedicated to strengthening and renewing the foundation of American liberty and

Becky Keyes, Sandra Gornati and Nan Teninbaum

constitutional self-government by engaging and inspiring citizens.

Other members in attendance included Melanie Barnes, Susie Bowling, Margaret Sharbel Chalmers, Gwen Childs, Jane Cobia, Carol Collinsworth, Naomi Cunningham, Lesley DeRamus, Donna Dukes, Marjorie Forney, Cynthia Gore, Sandi Gornati, Annie Green, Sandra Holley, Fran Howard, Ann Jones, Becky Keyes, Sheryl Kimerling, Elizabeth Koleszar, Janet Krueger, Anne Lamkin, Jean Liles, Audrey Lindquist, Tainey Marcoux, Gina Martin, Rebecca Mason, Anne Michaels, Kathryn Miller, Kate Millhouse,

Carmen Morrow, Helen Pittman, Kathryn Porter, Gail Pugh, Nelda Pugh, Caroline Reich, Lisa Reich, Carla Roberson, Lisa Roberts, Barbara Shepherd, Lochrane Coleman Smith, Ellen Staner, Patricia Stephens-Moss, Linda Stewart, Julie Taylor, Rebekah Taylor, Nan Teninbaum, Ann Vrocher, Ashley Vrocher, Monique Witherspoon and Pam Wood.

The purpose of the Women’s Committee of 100 is to utilize the knowledge, abilities and skills of the members to increase knowledge about the greater Birmingham area and the State of Alabama. For more information, visit wc100bham.org. OTMJ

GIVING TREE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 13

ArtBLINK 2026: A Night of Art, Hope and Healing

T

he UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center will once again bring together art, philanthropy and purpose at the 41st annual ArtBLINK Gala, set for Saturday, February 7, at The Kirklin Clinic.

Recognized as one of Birmingham’s most anticipated social events, ArtBLINK combines creativity and compassion to support groundbreaking cancer research and patient care.

Hosted by the O’Neal Cancer Center Advisory Board, ArtBLINK raises vital funds for the center’s Fund for Excellence, which supports high-priority research initiatives. The evening’s signature feature is a live art experience in which selected artists create original works in real time while guests enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing.

The completed pieces are then offered through a silent auction, allowing attendees to take home one-of-a-kind art while contributing to lifesaving research.

This year’s gala will honor Tricia Kirk and Neillie Butler, a mother-daughter duo whose personal journeys reflect resilience, strength and unwavering advocacy. Butler, a desmoid sarcoma survivor, and Kirk, who is currently undergoing treatment, serve as ambassadors in the cancer community through advocacy, leadership and service. Their stories embody the spirit of ArtBLINK—hope, courage and community.

“What motivated me to share my own story of battling cancer is simple,” Neillie Butler says.

“The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center became a true home away from home during one

The White House Historical Association’s president, Stewart D. McLaurin, visited The Antiquarian Society of Birmingham to present a fascinating program titled “State Dinners and Cultural Diplomacy: Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the First State Dinner.”

McLaurin, who has led the White House Historical Association since 2014, is a nationally recognized voice on the history, preservation and traditions of America’s most famous residence. Under his leadership, the association has expanded its educational programs, publications and digital resources to share the story of the White House with audiences around the world.

His recent lecture highlighted one of the most enduring traditions of presidential hospitality—the State Dinner. Since the very first State Dinner was held in 1874 during President Ulysses S. Grant’s administration to honor King Kalākaua of Hawaii, these occasions have served as more than elegant social events.

They are carefully crafted evenings of cultural diplomacy, symbolizing friendship, respect and shared values between the United States and nations across the globe.

Over the past 150 years, State Dinners have blended ceremony and style with history and politics. Guests

2026 ArtBLINK honorees, from left, Tricia Kirk and Neillie Butler.

Carrie Pittman, live painting at the ArtBLINK Gala 2025.

of the most critical periods of my young adult life.

Yet every day I walked through those glass doors, I carried an unusual sense of hope and confidence.

I knew without a doubt that I was in the very best hands, and that knowledge gave me a profound sense of peace throughout my fight.”

The evening will also feature artwork by John Miller Gorrie, an artist and participant at The Exceptional Foundation, a nonprofit captained by Kirk for many years. Guests will enjoy an elegant dining experience by IZ Catering and décor by AG Events, all set within the iconic I.M. Peidesigned Kirklin Clinic.

ArtBLINK begins at 6:30 p.m., with the live art experience starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at artblink.org. Proceeds benefit the O’Neal Cancer Center, one of only 56 National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country, continuing its mission to advance cancer research, treatment and hope. OTMJ

Stewart D. McLaurin Speaks to The Antiquarian Society of Birmingham on the History of White House State Dinners

BY STEPHANIE BYRNE PHOTO BY JORDAN WALD

From left: Lisa Warnock, Kathryn Porter, Stewart McLaurin and Carolyn Satterfield

have included royalty, prime ministers and world leaders, welcomed with music, fine cuisine and décor that

reflect the best of American hospitality.

McLaurin’s presentation explored how these dinners have not only celebrated

international partnerships but also shaped the perception of the United States on the world stage. “State

Dinners may seem glamorous on the surface,” McLaurin notes, “but they also carry deep diplomatic significance.

They showcase American culture while honoring the dignity of our guests.”

McLaurin’s lecture offered a rare opportunity for The Antiquarian Society to hear firsthand insights from one of the country’s leading presidential historians. The White House Historical Association is a nonprofit established

by First Lady Jackie Kennedy who famously hosted Charles de Gaulle at a State Dinner. Where Mrs. Kennedy was the driving force behind a brilliant act of cultural diplomacy: bringing Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece, Mona Lisa, to the American people.

After convincing everyone from her husband, President John F. Kennedy and French President Charles De Gaulle, to the French Cultural Minister and the Director of the National Gallery of Art, Mona Lisa came to the United States in January 1963.

The lecture showed how sharing a meal can be both entertaining and educational, bringing history to life through stories of food, music, art china and the subtle power of diplomacy as practiced around the White House dinner table.

The Antiquarian Society of Birmingham is a women’s group established in 1944. “We honor the Old but use well the present.” OTMJ

14 • Thursday, January 8, 2026

WEDDINGS

HAPPILY EVER AFTER Hannah Dean and Matthew Bygrave’s spring wedding celebrated love and deep ties to their home state.

BY MADOLINE MARKHAM KOONCE PHOTOS BY JEHNNY LEIGH FOR LAUREN BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

L

ittle did Hannah Dean know when she attended mass each Sunday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church growing up that her future husband was sitting just pews away from her each week–or that their wedding would take place in that very church.

Fast forward a decade or two to when Whitney Bygrave, a friend of Hannah’s sister, had an idea for a setup. Hannah was 27 and working in real estate. Whitney’s new brotherin-law, Matthew Bygrave, was 31 and working in construction. He had gone to Mountain Brook High School and she to Vestavia Hills High School. He had attended the University of Alabama and she Auburn University. In some ways, they were rivals, but Whitney saw a potential spark.

“He’s calm and collected; I’m the more talkative one,” Hannah says. “Whitney thought our personalities were going to complement each other and that he’d melt into my family so well.”

And indeed they did. After a group date with their siblings at Collins Bar, Hannah and Matthew went on a second date at Carrigan’s and then a third at The Essential—the same place where Matthew would propose to her a little over a year later. “That’s where we both realized in our heads we were going to end up together,” Hannah recalls of their third date.

From the start of wedding planning, the couple knew the ceremony would be at St. Francis Xavier. For the reception, they’d both

“Walking down the aisle was so much more emotional than I expected it to be. I was tearing up and overwhelmed with happiness. It was so cool that our families both grew up in this church.”

HANNAH DEAN

been to a lot of weddings at country clubs in Birmingham and wanted to do something different, so after they got engaged, they invited both of their families to brunch at the Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook and went to see the hotel’s ballroom. It didn’t take long for them to be sold on the space, especially since it is only a short drive from the church.

From there the couple landed on a date, April 26, 2025. Hannah started to pull ideas from weddings she’d been to over the years for what she wanted for their big day, recruiting Jenny Lee of Lauren Bailey Photography, AK Brides as her planner, and a whole vendor team with the calm presence she was looking for.

Matthew’s only request was to transition from a black tux jacket for the ceremony to white tux jacket for the reception, and one of Hannah’s most adamant asks was to have calla lily bridesmaid bouquets, which her florist Lillie Jane brought to life.

The wedding day started off with Hannah’s bridesmaids arriving at her parents’ house in Vestavia Hills to find Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee truck parked out front so they could all order drinks. “It set the tone for the day,” Hannah

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 15

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

| Weddings |

LEFT: Hannah’s dress, a drop waist lace gown from The White Magnolia Bridal Collection in Atlanta was paired with a custom lace topper from Something You Couture in Birmingham. ABOVE: bridesmaids encircling bride Hannah Dean, from left, Alex Culberson, Kaori Philips, Anna Catherine Parker, Joanna Spach, Sydney Ammons, Lauren Dean O’Dell, Haley Gully, Caroline Walker, Elizabeth Bygrave, Allison Dean Erickson, Anna Bygrave, Emilee Benos, Hunter Custard, Anna Catherine Crump, Kathryn Fuller, Claire Wilder, Whitney Bygrave. Not pictured: Katie Grant Dickson.

BELOW: Hannah’s bridesmaids wore striped pajamas by Piyama.

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Bromberg’s and New Beginnings

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 17

| Weddings |

2026 brings celebrations of new beginnings, Bromberg’s 190th year of business, and lots of holiday engagements! At Bromberg’s, we’re honored to be part of each couple’s story, from selecting engagement rings and wedding bands to creating a wedding registry tailored to their individual style.

For newly engaged couples, registering at Bromberg’s is a seamless and enjoyable part of the wedding planning process.

While online registries are available everywhere, nothing compares to the personalized guidance of our experienced bridal consultants. With the South’s most extensive selection of fine Enjoy 20% off wedding bands, including Sethi Couture, china, casual dinnerware, cryswhen you register at Bromberg’s. tal, silver, and home décor, every couple receives expert assistance in building a registry to set their table and fill their homes with pieces to be couples to redeem it for anything they wish cherished for years to come. Additionally, and take advantage of seasonal sales and your guests will appreciate the wide variety exclusive offers. of in-store gift choices or the convenience of Additional registry benefits at Bromberg’s our Bromberg’s Gift Letter program. include special pricing on attendant and hostOur signature Gift Letter program offers ess gifts, 20% savings on wedding bands, and unmatched convenience for both couples and a complimentary place setting with the purtheir guests. Rather than worrying about chase of seven settings. returns or duplicate gifts, couples receive a beautiful gift letter detailing each registry Couples can register at Bromberg’s, locatpurchase, along with the giver’s name and ed in Mountain Brook Village and The message. The value of each gift is added as Summit, or online at www.BrombergsBride. store credit to the couple’s account, allowing com.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

| Weddings |

ABOVE: Groomsmen elevating groom Matthew Bygrave, from left, Will Hamn, Patrick Gilchrist, Taylor Eyster, Hampe Farmer, Vincent Hastings, Jonathan Eyster, Nicholas Erickson, David Jordan, Jack Durkee, Robert Bygrave (Best Man), Will Andre, Edward Bygrave, Tom Williams, Kyle O’Dell, Nicholas Saab, Turner Bass, Jake O’Shields, Chris Jenkins. RIGHT: Prewedding groomsmen billards at the Grand Bohemian. LEFT: Dancing the night away to the Tasteful Tea Band.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

recalls. “We wanted to make sure we were well fed.”

While Matthew and his groomsmen hung out at in the billiard room at the Grand Bohemian, Hannah’s bridesmaids wore striped pajamas by Piyama before putting on their butter yellow halter dresses from Bella Bridesmaids and getting their first look at Hannah’s dress, a drop waist lace gown from The White Magnolia Bridal Collection in Atlanta that she’d paired with a custom lace topper from Something You Couture in Birmingham. Hannah’s mom was the only person there who’d seen the dress before that day, making it an extra special reveal. With the dress, Hannah wore white Nike sneakers she ordered from Etsy that say “Mrs. Bygrave” and the wedding date.

Perhaps Hannah’s biggest surprise of the day came when she was getting her hair and makeup done by Danielle Ivy Chip, and Matthew’s sister Liz came up to her with a stack of envelopes.

Matthew had handwritten a letter to each of her 18 bridesmaids. “I had no idea,” Hannah recalls.

“I teared up.”

One of the most poignant moments of the day was at St. Francis Xavier. “Walking down the aisle was so much more emotional than I expected it to be,” Hannah says. “I was tearing up and overwhelmed with happiness. It was so cool that our families both grew up in this church.”

The whole evening was also a high point for the couple. “I felt like we never stopped crying or smiling that entire night,” Hannah recalls.

During a cocktail hour under string lights in the Grand Bohemian’s courtyard, guests could order a Toomer’s Lemonade Vodka or a Yellowhammer, each served in plastic cups by The Scribbler with designs that looked like the Toomer’s Drugs and Gallettes logos,

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 19

| Weddings |

LEFT: Celebrating outdoors at the Grand Bohemian. ABOVE: An Antigua honeymoon.

respectively. It was the perfect weather for the time outdoors too, with a high of 75 degrees and a low of 63 degrees that day.

Hannah and Matthew’s first dance was to “At Last” by Etta James (“We felt like we were

patient to find each other,” Hannah notes), and later in the reception after the BHM trucker hats and light-up leis had came out, the Tasteful Tea Band brought Hannah and her bridesmaids on stage as they played—“I don’t think I’d ever

seen her that happy,” Matthew recalls.

All in all, it was a day, and night, the couple will never forget.

After honeymooning in Antigua, Hannah and Matthew did what any real estate-construction couple should do of course: They purchased a fixer upper home in Vestavia Hills to live in and are busy on their next project. OTMJ

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The Culinary Storyteller Editor, author and southern chef Ivy Odum is on a roll.

BY REBECCA WILBERT PHOTOS BY ROBIN CAPONETTO

I

vy Odom was working as an intern in Time Inc’s test kitchen in September 2016 when her career took a major turn.

With permission from her manager, she made a recipe from her childhood, an 18-layer chocolate cake. The cake, which her great-grandmother made for special occasions including Odom’s birthdays, requires patience, perfection and endless pans. As she worked, Odom talked about “little layer cakes,” which are well-known in certain pockets of South

“Each book tour stop has been so different, which has been so surprising and so fun. I don’t want it to be over.”

IVY ODOM

Georgia and South Alabama but not as much in other parts of the South. People from every floor came to listen and watch as she flipped thin hot cake layers on top of thin layers of chocolate icing, again and again.

Southern Living’s Editor-in-Chief Sid Evans stopped in, and the pressure for success rose.

Odom was “starstruck” by his presence. Despite the pressure, she proved she knew how to make a delicious and beautiful cake. More importantly she showed off her charm, enthusiasm and humor. Evans would later call her a “born storyteller.”

Odom was asked to create a video about her chocolate cake, which went viral. Fast forward nine years, she now writes her own Southern Living column, does cooking demonstrations, appears on national television shows and has just published her first cookbook.

Odom, a Homewood resident, has been traveling the South promoting her new book—My

Ivy Odom, a Homewood resident, has been traveling the South promoting her new book—My Southern Kitchen—which features recipes for drinks, desserts, salad dressings and dishes like marinated shrimp pasta salad and weeknight fried chicken.

Southern Kitchen—which features recipes for drinks, desserts, salad dressings and dishes like marinated shrimp pasta salad and weeknight fried chicken. On one of her stops in November, she visited Alpharetta, Georgia, where hundreds of people lined up at Dillard’s to meet Odom and have her sign their books. The brightly lit store was full of happy, excited people discussing recipes they wanted to try. Odom, in a bright green dress, greeted fans with a friendly smile, hugs and a pen, ready to sign books. She also posed for pictures. During a hug, one fan exclaimed to Odom that, “Your book is like therapy,” to which Odom responded, “That makes me happy.”

Raised in Moultrie, Georgia, Odom grew up

cooking with her mother and grandmother. She attended the University of Georgia, and during her junior year, Odom interned for Rebecca Lang, a cookbook writer and TV personality. She quickly fell in love with Lang’s work and switched her major from Family and Consumer Sciences (Odom’s original plan was to become a home economics teacher) to Consumer Journalism. After graduating she enrolled in a culinary school in Maryland where she learned a lot more about food.

Her second half of culinary school was based in Atlanta, where she worked at fine dining restaurant Empire State South. She then applied and was accepted to work in the Southern Living test kitchen. She tested and developed recipes,

helped with video shoots and maintained the kitchen pantry. Eventually, and in large part due to that 18-layer chocolate cake, her job became full-time content creator. Now Odom is the Senior Lifestyle Editor for Southern Living, as well as a brand-new author.

Odom says she has enjoyed every city she has visited on her fall book tour and has learned that the Southern Living brand means a lot to people across the South. At a book signing in Dallas, Texas, a city she’d never been to before, Odom was pleasantly surprised by the large crowd. In her hometown of Moultrie, more than 500 people showed up. She saw familiar faces and met new people who had driven in specifically to experience her hometown after hearing her talk

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

about it in social media videos.

In Athens, her mentor Rebecca Lang was among the book buyers in the crowd. “It felt like a full-circle moment,” Odom says of seeing Lang during the tour. “In the years that I was working for her, I did not think this would ever be possible for me.”

Back in Alabama, at the home she now shares with her husband, Odom talks about why she loves her adopted hometown of Birmingham. “It is a great food city,” she says. She likes that she gets the benefits of a city, with the small-town feel of her Homewood community. “Coming from a legitimate small town, I love that you can make Birmingham feel like that, especially with all the Over the Mountain communities,” she says. “We spend more time in Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Homewood than we do in Birmingham.”

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 21

| Food | Odom and her husband, whose wedding photos are featured in My Southern Kitchen, are expecting their first child in 2026. She says her biggest priority will be figuring out how to be good at her current job, while also taking on the important role of parenthood.

Odom is hoping for a long career at Southern Living that includes more videos, potentially a show with Netflix or another streaming service and maybe a second cookbook down the road.

As she wrapped up the interview, it was time to pack for more book signings, including one in Charleston. “Each book tour stop has been so different, which has been so surprising and so fun,” she says. “I thought it might get boring, doing the same thing over and over again, but each time, I meet someone really cool or have a cool conversation. I don’t want it to be over.”

Her many fans feel exactly the same way. OTMJ

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ABOUT TOWN Thurs., Jan. 15 THE IMPOSTERS TOUR: DROP THE LEASH & DEAD & BLOATED Tribute performances celebrating the music of Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots.

When: Doors open 7 p.m./Show 8 p.m.

Where: Saturn

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Sun., Jan. 18 SUNDAY STORY SEVEN A storytelling variety show featuring open-mic stories, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Archibald and musical guest Tim Higgins.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: True Story Brewing Company Thurs., Jan. 22-Sun., Jan. 25 BIRMINGHAM BOAT SHOW A long-running Birmingham tradition featuring boats, fishing gear, outdoor equipment and family friendly exhibits and celebrity appearances.

When: Hours vary Where: BJCC Exhibition Halls

Fri., Jan. 16 NATURE AT NOON WITH ALABAMA AUDUBON

Join Alabama Audubon for a lunchtime bird-watching walk exploring the diverse habitats of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.

When: noon-1p.m.

Where: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Sat., Jan. 17 MLK DAY 5K/10K DRUM RUN The 10th annual races will feature high school drumlines along the course. Events include a 5K, 10K and 1-mile fun run/walk for all ages.

When: Raceday registration opens 7 a.m./Races start 8 a.m./Drumline exhibition 9:30 a.m.

Where: History Park 1700 4th Avenue N.

Sat., Jan. 10 STRANGELOVE—THE DEPECHE MODE EXPERIENCE A live tribute celebrating the music of Depeche Mode When: Doors open 7 p.m./Show 8 p.m.

Where: Saturn

Thurs., Jan. 8

BLUE MAN GROUP An energetic and visually immersive performance blending music, comedy and multimedia theatrics. A fun, high-impact show for all ages.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: BJCC Thurs. Jan. 8 OSCEOLA MAGIC AT BIRMINGHAM SQUADRON Catch NBA G League action as the Birmingham Squadron takes on the Osceola Magic in a fastpaced, high-energy matchup.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: BJCC Legacy Arena Sat., Jan. 10 PSYCHOBILLY FREAKOUT A night of psychobilly and rockabilly featuring Crypt 24, Matthew Paul Revere, Lincoln Crash Club and The SideBurners. All ages.

When: Doors open 7 p.m./Show 8 p.m.

Where: True Story Brewing Company

Tues., Jan. 13 INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY Join the Alabama Holocaust Education Center for a special commemoration featuring Holocaust survivor and educator Maud Dahme, who will share her powerful story of resilience and remembrance. Free to attend; registration required.

When: 6:30-8 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Museum of Art

Fri., Jan. 30 BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY—PINK FLOYD’S THE WALL

A full-album, note-for-note live performance of Pink Floyd’s The Wall, complete with immersive sound and visuals.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: BJCC Concert Hall

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 23

|People|

Four Trinity Troop Members Earn Eagle Rank Boy Scout Troop 97, based at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, held an Eagle Court of Honor in December to recognize its five newest Eagle Scouts. projects:

Cannon Ford

Project: Red Mountain Map Kiosks

Pearson Hart

Project: Alabama Wildlife Center – Raptor Wing Service Door

Pearson chose to support the Alabama Wildlife Center in Oak Mountain State Park by improving the facility’s service entrance. His project involved designing and constructing a new custom aluminum and wooden fence, as well as replacing the hardscaping around the entrance to allow better access and function.

Throughout the process, Pearson demonstrated strong leadership by organizing and guiding fellow Scouts. During his final board, he reflected thoughtfully on the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned and his future plans at Auburn University.

Proud Parents: Jarrod and Jacqui Hart Will Ray

Project: Donation Bins at Shades Valley and Mountain Brook YMCAs

Noticing a neglected area at the Shades Valley YMCA, Will developed a plan to encourage charitable giving through design. He envisioned and led the construction of four custom-built donation centers. Over multiple workdays Will coordinated teams of Scouts and friends to measure, assemble, sand and stain these bins, creating functional and visually appealing structures. The Eagle Board

Pearson Hart

Will Ray

For his Eagle Project, Cannon designed and built map kiosks for Red Mountain Park—an improvement that will benefit hikers, visitors and the community for years to come. His hard work, leadership and dedication truly exemplified the Scout Oath and Law. During his Board of Review, Cannon reflected on his trips to Philmont and Swamp Base, as well as the challenges of leading others throughout his project.

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commended his attention to detail and creativity and they engaged him in a rich discussion about his Scouting journey and future goals.

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Taking a unique approach, Harrison chose a service-based project focused on compassion and impact. He organized the

Cannon Ford

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Despite the project’s non-traditional nature, Harrison effectively demonstrated leadership in meal planning, coordinating volunteers, and executing the service. His board was deeply moved by his passion and his late but powerful reentry into Scouting during the ninth grade.

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SPORTS | OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL • OTMJ.COM | Thursday, January 8, 2026

HOMEWOOD, VESTAVIA HILLS WELCOME NEW COACHES LEADING GIRLS BASKETBALL INTO A NEW ERA

BY LOYD MCINTOSH PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD

T

he 2025-2026 girls basketball season is underway, and Homewood and Vestavia Hills have new coaches roaming the sidelines this year. Homewood’s Jason Harlow and Vestavia Hills’ Crosby Morrison bring with them a history of excellence and a vision to take their programs to new heights.

Harlow comes to Homewood following seven years as the head girls coach at Chelsea High School—his first head-coach position— where he turned around a Hornets program that won only five games in 2017-2018 to 16 wins and an Area championship in the 20182019 campaign, his first season at the helm.

Harlow’s teams had winning records each year and won more than 20 games in each of the last six seasons.

During his tenure, Harlow amassed a record of 172 wins and only 55 losses and led Chelsea to significant postseason success, including five area championships, four AHSAA Elite 8 appearances and three Final Fours. Last season, Chelsea advanced to the 6A AHSAA Championship Game for the first time, falling to Park Crossing 49-39.

Harlow appeared to be in the process of building one of the premier girls’ basketball teams in the metro area, which leads to the obvious question: why leave a successful program to take over at Homewood?

While the history of success and future potential of Homewood’s girls basketball program were factors, his answer has more to do with family and the community. “It’s a good question. I’d been at Chelsea for seven years, loved the community and loved what we were building, and there were very few places I would consider leaving that for,” says Harlow, “but at the top of that list has always been Homewood.”

Harlow and his wife have two children, ages two and four, and believe Homewood City Schools to be the best option for their growing family. “I feel like it’s one of the best academic institutions in the South, which is important to me,” Harlow says. “Homewood just seemed like the right fit. These two kids are a blessing. It was God’s timing, and I’m just thrilled to have this opportunity.”

Harlow has the Patriots off to a great start this season. At the time of this writing (December 6), Homewood is 7-4, including a four-game winning streak, with solid wins over Helena, Pell City and Spain Park.

Morrison takes over at Vestavia Hills following the departure of John David Smelser, who accepted an assistant-coach position with the Homewood boys team in April.

Jason Harlow, above left, comes to Homewood following seven years as the head girls coach at Chelsea High School. Now in her 10th year as a head coach, Crosby Morrison, above right, comes to Vestavia Hills after seven successful years at Pelham High School.

Now in her 10th year as a head coach, Morrison comes to Vestavia Hills after seven successful years at Pelham High School. Prior to Pelham, she spent two seasons at Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette.

Morrison rebuilt a Pelham Panthers program that endured six consecutive losing seasons, including a three-win campaign during the 2016-2017 season, into one of the elite 6A teams in the metro area. During her tenure, Pelham won four consecutive Area Championships, three straight Elite Eight appearances and a Final Four run in 2021-22.

While Vestavia Hills does not need rebuilding—the Rebels went 29-4 last season and advanced to the Final Four in 20212022—Morrison sees similar dynamics that she worked to instill at Pelham. “The standard is the standard,” Morrison says. “My staff and I had a lot of success at Pelham. We took a team that had won five games in three years and were able to find success early by investing in young kids and creating the right mindset and the right culture. The culture at Vestavia Hills is primed to have success.”

The move to Vestavia Hills elevates Morrison from 6A to 7A, where she’ll lead the Rebels against area rivals HewittTrussville, Oak Mountain and Hoover, winners of the last five AHSAA state championships. Having faced Vestavia Hills in the past, Morrison is familiar with the program’s history of success and is excited for the opportunity to coach the Rebels. “I’ve had the experience of playing Vestavia when I was at Pelham. You can’t beat their heart,” Morrison says. “Vestavia is a very special community, and I think it is the truest form of what high school sports should be.”

Morrison continues, “These kids have played with each other since rec, OTM (Over the Mountain) and middle school, and they’ve grown up playing for each other and playing for their community, their family.”

Vestavia Hills is 6-4 at the time of this writing, winning four straight games over Paul W. Bryant, Dora, Central Phenix City—a Final Four team last season—and Minor.

As of Dec. 29, Homewood’s record has improved to 11-6, and Vestavia Hills stands at 10-6. OTMJ

Homewood (11-6) and Vestavia (10-6) are both off to a strong start. Vestavia’s Olivia Hunsberger works to drive by Homewood’s Embry McGarrah when the teams met on Dec. 12. The Rebels came out on top 46-29.