12 | Ken Carboni is the Sole Man of Cahaba Heights.
MUSIC
14 | True Story Brewing is keeping the jam alive.
SENIOR LIVING
16 | Homewood’s Richard Berliner writes a memoir based on his letters written home from Vietnam.
16 | The case for in-home care.
COMMUNITY
18 | What do you remember about Brookwood Village?
ABOUT TOWN
19 | Things to do, people to see, music to hear SPORTS
20 | Mountain Brook wrestlers Hunt Robinson and Owen Shea dazzle at the Alabama Youth State Wrestling Championship. OVER THE MOUNTAIN JO U RNA L
March 19, 2026
Publisher & Executive Editor: Lee Hurley Editor: Barry Wise Smith
Design Director: Claire Cormany
Photography: Jordan Wald
Contributors: June Mathews, Loyd McIntosh, Brent Thompson
Account Executive: Julie Trammell Edwards
We would love to hear from you on any subject: lhurley@otmj.com
Hitting the High Notes
Back in the day—1991 until 2007 to be exact—there was a fantastic club in Birmingham called the 22nd Street Jazz Café. Being young and fancy and (child) free, my husband and I went there on occasion. We saw Ona Watson play (he fussed at me for chatting with a friend instead of listening to the music as I should have been) and other notable local jazz musicians—it was a great spot. So it made me happy to read Brent Thompson’s story about a group of talented local musicians who are keeping Birmingham’s rich jazz heritage alive at True Story Brewing Company in Crestwood (page 14).
It was also my pleasure to talk to Homewood’s own Richard Berliner about his new book, a memoir called A Different Journey: Vietnam 1965-1973 about his experience in Vietnam not as a soldier but as a volunteer and journalist. Told through letters Berliner wrote home to his parents, the book paints a powerful story of the desire for peace (page 16). And Loyd McIntosh covers some fantastic young wrestlers who are making their mark (page 20).
Enjoy this issue, and, just a suggestion, turn on some jazz, sit down on the porch and tap your foot as you read—jazz makes everything better!
–BARRY WISE SMITH
| OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS |
Glenwood’s 22nd annual Big Top fundraiser at The Fennec shattered records, raising more than $445,000 to support programs and services for children with autism and other behavioral health needs.
CARING FOR YOU HOW WE’D CARE FOR OURSELVES.
You’re
Birmingham Heart Ball
On February 28, the American Heart Association along with ball co-chairs Caldwell and Cathy Marks, hosted the 2026 Birmingham Heart Ball, a night of glamour, gratitude and giving back—all for a vital cause: the fight against heart disease. The Heart Ball is the centerpiece of the AHA’s “Heart of Birmingham” campaign, which works year-round to advance community health through research, policy, education and improved access to care. This year’s gala offers time to reflect, honor and celebrate progress toward advancing heart health. Held at the Country Club of Birmingham, Heart Ball guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with jazz music provided by UAB music students, a seated dinner with a live auction featuring fabulous trips and luxury items and an afterparty with live music from Accent Band. A highlight of the evening was showcasing stories of impact, including local survivors, with the program emceed by WVTM-13 news anchors Carla Wade and Guy Rawlings. UAB president Dr. Ray Watts and his wife Nancy received the 2026 Heart of Gold Award in recognition of their contributions to the health and wellbeing of the Birmingham community. Every dollar raised at Heart Ball helps drive innovation, prevention and hope for families here in Birmingham and everywhere. The American Heart Association is dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death, by funding groundbreaking research, advocating for healthier communities, improving access to quality care and empowering people with the knowledge to live longer, healthier lives. OTMJ
Susan and Dean Matthews and Melissa and Whit Colvin
Kathryn and Ben Miree
Barnes and Margaret Ray and Christian White
Patricia Grey, Rachelle Walker, Regina Thompson and Nikkita Harden
Sarah and Scott Gilbert Ray and Nancy Watts
Cathy and Caldwell Marks Farris Ann and Tyler Crace
LAKESERVINGMARTIN, LAY LAKE, LOGAN MARTIN & SMITH LAKE
DINNER AND DIAMONDS
n February 28, The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation hosted the 20th annual Dinner and Diamonds event at the Vestavia Civic Center. The evening featured dinner, drinks, live music and both silent and live auctions with all proceeds benefitting the Foundation’s initiatives within the Vestavia Hills city school system.
BALLERINA CLUB MARDI GRAS BALL
On February 20, The Ballerina Club celebrated their 80th year with a Mardi Gras Ball at Mountain Brook Club. The Ballerina Club is the oldest dance club in Birmingham. The Ball featured a Mardi Gras New Orleans-style dinner and music by The Peytones. Ballerina Club Officers include Stephanie Byrne, President; Ball Co-Chairs, Glynis Jones and Tracey Boyd and Ball Committee members Cece Hartley, Martha Smith, Leigh Collins, Mary Owen, Mary Beth Wood, Sallie Chalkley, Loretta Keller, Catherine Meehan and Joy McRae.
Michael and Jamie Smith
Marlea Foster, Ashley Ferguson, Carmen Morrow, Leigh Collins and Beth Wilder
Jamie and Nick Sewell
Clyde and Jan Hunter and Steve and Melinda Smith
Maureen and Brendan Finnegan
Drew and Jessica Hall and Dori Hardee
Sean and Rhonda Johnson and Maddox and Jamie Cory
Gail Kidd, Laura Bryan, Jamie Crockett, Martha Smith and Kay West
Tealla and Tom Stewart
Jessica Thomas, Karlie Wilson, Tait Stoddard, Tiffany Davis and Ashley Martin
Susanne and Jeff Thomas and Edith and David Lyon
Katie and Jeff LaMaster
Lisa Warnock, Michele Smith, Stephanie Byrne and Cindy Bowron
On February 26, the Symphony Volunteer Council (SVC) of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) held a luncheon at the Hoover Country Club to celebrate five young musicians who won the Lois Pickard Concerto Competition. The musicians competed in piano, strings and brass-woodwind categories and played their winning pieces for the 100-plus attending the luncheon. The first prize winners receive a $1,500 scholarship, and second place receives $750. More than one winner in the 28-year history of this competition has played with the ASO. The SVC is an affiliate of the ASO focusing on youth musical education.
The winners included: Strings—First Place, Lauren Kang, John Carroll Catholic High School, violin and Second Place, Abigail Nguyen, Valley Creek Academy, viola; Brass/Woodwinds—First Place, Harmony Jones, Alabama School of Fine Arts, clarinet and Second Place, Alex English, Alabama School of Fine Arts, trombone and Piano Award, Hosanna Bearden, Covenant Christian Academy.
Since 1998, this SVC event has raised more than $200,000 in awards for competition winners. The Lois Pickard Concerto Competition is open to serious and gifted young musicians ages 12 through seniors in high school throughout Alabama. The Symphony Volunteer Council is proud to recognize the vision and efforts of Pickard with scholarships to talented young artists. This support is a fitting anniversary tribute to the generosity of a person whose name nearly 70 years ago, was synonymous with the symphony in Birmingham. If you would like to donate to the program, go to givebutter.com/lois-pickard-donations.
The Symphony Volunteer Council was formed to support the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and its mission to provide music performances and education. OTMJ
Old Elyton DAR
The Old Elyton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution met at the Country Club of Birmingham on February 17 and celebrated the life of longtime member Dale Holditch. Ellen Rhett, Chaplain of the chapter, led the group in the DAR ritual. The featured speaker for the meeting was Niki Sepsas, a Birmingham native and world traveler who is known for his fascinating presentations. Sepsas entertained the membership with a program entitled “Building of the Panama Canal.” Lunch afterwards provided the members with the opportunity to continue questioning Sepsas regarding his extensive travels and his impressive knowledge of history. OTMJ
Hosanna and Sarah Bearden
Ann Langley and Mary Sottilare
Jack and Terry Stanridge
Linda Griggs, Robert Raiford, Angela Asher and Zane Rhoades
Honey Taylor; Niki Sepsas, speaker; Margaret Smith, Vice Regent and Miriam Morris
Laurie Middaugh and Steve Murphy
Harmony Jones, Abigal Nguyen and Alexander English
Ellen Rhett, Chaplain; Stephanie Byrne, Chapter Regent and Leslie Davidson, Recording Secretary
Francis and Ann Wells Michael Ent and Verna Gates
GLENWOOD NIGHT UNDER THE BIG TOP
On February 20, guests gathered at The Fennec in downtown Birmingham for a night of celebration at the 22nd Big Top fundraiser. Big Top 2026 delivered an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, connection and purpose when guests stepped into a vibrant circus atmosphere featuring themed surprises, live music from Fly by Radio, Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails, casino games, a silent auction, Silent Disco with DJ Mark AD and a high-energy mix of food and festivities throughout the night. The evening raised over $445,000 beating all previous year records to help support children with autism and behavioral health needs. Glenwood’s programs provide critical support such as behavior management, communication tools, social skills development, daily living assistance and essential resources that help children build independence and lead fulfilling lives. OTMJ
SPARK Summer Fun
Birmingham Children’s Theatre, one of the nation’s oldest and largest professional theatre companies for young audiences, offers performing arts camps for children of all ages. BCT’s SPARK Summer Camps are an excellent way for youth ages 4 to 18 to collaborate with other campers and learn skills that will benefit them in the classroom and beyond.
Looking for a fun, enriching activity for your little one? Don’t miss the Imagination Party: the most imaginative camp in town where kids develop confidence, creativity, and key social skills, all while having a blast! Oneweek, half and full day camps for ages 4-6.
BCT’s Players Studio is the perfect place for young performers to shine, whether they’re just starting out or ready to take their talents to the next level! At the Players Studio each child is encouraged to discover new interests,
express themselves creatively, and build unique talents in a fun, supportive setting. Two-week, full day camps for ages 7-11.
Step behind the scenes in our Stagecraft Players Lab and discover the creative magic that brings a performance to life! Campers will explore everything from lighting and sound to set design and prop creation. This hands-on experience is perfect for any aspiring techie or performer looking to expand their skills and become more well-rounded. Ages 12 and older.
BCT’s Summer SPARK Troupe production is 13 JR: is a high-energy, contemporary musical about fitting in, finding your voice, and navigating friendships during one unforgettable year of middle school. In this month long intensive teens will rehearse and perform a fully staged musical. June 8th - July 20th. Ages 12 and older.
BCT’s SPARK Summer Camps will be held at Altamont School
4801 Altamont Rd S, Birmingham, AL 35222
With sessions throughout June and July and offerings for all ages, there is something for everyone this summer at BCT!
More information and to register: www.bct123.org/summer-camps
Mary Price Herron and Molly Kelly
Chelsie Hanna, Farah Mathews and Michelle Dejohn
Andy and Mary Claire Weeks and Karen Parsons and RJ Williams
Baylee Eason, Caroline Bishop, Grace Harrell and Gracie Haataja
Vincent and Melissa Castleberry
Keri Fish and Chris Haveman
Kyle Crew and Lizzie Hobbs
Liza Hill, Eliza Weaver and Mary Price Herro
LETTERMAN OF THE USA ONE YARD AT A TIME GALA
On February 27, the Letterman of the USA hosted their annual fundraiser—the One Yard at a Time Gala—at The Club. The evening featured dinner, cocktails, autographs and photographs and a live auction with all proceeds benefitting veterans in need. Live auction items included a pheasant hunt in Idaho, a 2025 Polaris 570s premium and a piece of Steve Skipper art honoring the career of Nick Saban.
The gala also recognized Military Honoree SSgt. Alan Cook and Athletic Honoree Steadman Shealy. SSgt. Cook is an Alabama native and veteran of the United States Marine Corps., and he currently serves as Director of Information Technology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is the owner of Pinnacle One Holdings, overseeing multiple companies supporting IT, cybersecurity and government services.
Shealy, played quarterback for the National Championship football teams under Paul “Bear” Bryant in 1978 and 1979. He was named the Most Valuable Player in the SEC in 1979. Shealy has practiced law for 43 years and is the Senior Partner of Shealy, Pike & Hornsby in Dothan. OTMJ
Steadman Shealy, Darryl Fuhrman and Major Ogilvie
Edward Eskridge and Crystal Wooley
Brittany Bailes and Jeh Jeh Pruitt Courtney and John Welch
Terri Caradine and Ray Bolden
Jimmie and Mona Stephens and Shelley and Mike Shaw
Michael Tarassoli, Joseph Tortorigi and Ross Philipsborn Shannon and Alan Cook
Brunch with BridgeWays
On February 27, guests enjoyed a chicken and waffle Brunch with BridgeWays at The Harbert Center featuring a riveting video about 1926 Camp Fletcher founder Pauline Bray Fletcher and activities keynote speaker, Jahan Berns, CEO of Triumph of Hope and a dedicated attorney, wife and mother, who gave her powerful testimony and message about growing up in war torn Uganda and about helping others. The Miles College Choir opened and closed the event in spiritual song. BridgeWays oversees Camp Fletcher which offers a broad range of outdoor challenges for young people from all walks of life in a 300-acre woodland preserve. It also helps teach young people in grades K-12 interpersonal and soft skills known as Social Emotional Intelligence: specifically, the core values of kindness, caring and respect for every individual’s intrinsic value as a human being—including themselves. And they offer career mentoring and experiential learning, opening young eyes to the possibilities life offers—as well as achievable paths to success.
Her heart is in good hands
Here, everything we do comes from the heart. Every child is surrounded by our team of compassionate caregivers who treat them as if they were their own. From the smallest patients with the biggest spirits to the families who stand beside them, we’re inspired by their strength and courage. Helping kids heal, grow and live their best lives possible, it’s at the heart of everything we do. ChildrensAL.org/heart
Katie Patrick and Suzanne Given
Ella Sawyer and Caroline Andrews
Bobby Humphrey and Chris Mohr Dede Moore and Beth Andrews
Sam Hudson, Shelton Clevenger, John Mark Boozer and Clay Craft
Jahan and Bob Berns
Jehri Crowe, Madison Kyriazis and Brad Crowe
Julien Willoughby, Rachel Carlisle, Carey Shirah and Patrick Reed
Ken Carbonie
The Sole Man of Cahaba Heights.
BY JUNE MATHEWS PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD
Some say the cobbler trade is declining. But anyone watching the comings and goings at Cahaba Heights Shoe Repair on a recent Tuesday would find that hard to believe. The unassuming storefront in the heart of the Heights was abuzz with customers picking up or dropping off an assortment of shoes, belts and handbags, either newly repaired or in need of fixing.
Despite the flood of activity, the proprietors were courteous to each customer and patient with anyone whose repair issue called for a bit of extra attention. But that’s just how Ken and Marilyn Carbonie roll. Steeped in the community where they both grew up and in their solid faith-and-family values, the couple serves their customers with care.
A third-generation cobbler, Ken learned the business from his dad, who learned it from his dad, who learned it from an uncle who came to the U.S. from Italy. “My grandfather started a shoe repair place in downtown Birmingham, but he was kind of in and out of the business,” says Ken. “He really didn’t like it that much.”
But for Ken and his dad, Jasper, the business became a satisfying way to work with their hands, a means of providing for their families and an opportunity to offer a valuable service to the community.
By the time Jasper died in 2006, he had been in the shoe repair business for 60 years.
But his legacy lives on. “Dad opened in Cahaba Heights on December 8, 1960, the day I was born,” says Ken. “My grandfather
had to take care of the shop that first day so my dad could be at the hospital with my mom.”
And the business, Ken recalls his dad telling him, started out with a bang. “When he came out here, Highway 280 was still two lanes,” he says. “There wasn’t much here in 1960, if you can imagine that. So, he was a little worried about starting a shop because it was so far out.” And yet, before even opening the door, he had two weeks-worth of work waiting to be done.
Originally located in a freestanding building in front of Western Supermarket in what was then Cahaba Heights Plaza Shopping Center (now The Heights Village), the shoe repair business grew and soon needed more space. So, in the mid-1960s, when a new strip of storefronts was built across the road, Cahaba Heights Shoe Repair became one of its first tenants and has been there ever since.
In the meantime, Ken, who had once considered a career in law enforcement, joined the business in 1980, and learned the cobbling trade on the job. “His mother didn’t want him to do it, and his dad didn’t really encourage it,” says Marilyn. “We wouldn’t
Becoming a cobbler takes a special brand of dedication to make the grade.
encourage our kids to do it. This kind of business is really hard work.”
But it’s work that Ken has thoroughly mastered over the years, making him one of a dwindling number of experts in the field. Cobbling, some say, is a dying art. For one thing, it’s often just as economical to throw away mass-produced shoes made with synthetic materials as it is to have them repaired. For another, becoming a cobbler takes a special brand of dedication to make the grade.
“You have to have a strong work ethic,” says Marilyn, “and a lot of people just don’t have that these days. We’re told all the time that we need an apprentice, but Ken doesn’t have time to slow down and teach anybody, especially somebody who may not really be cut out for it.”
Then there’s this crucial quality called “a knack for fixing things,” which Ken is apparently blessed with. “He’s a Mr. Fix-It,” Marilyn says. “He can fix anything.”
But cobbling, says Ken, is a tough skill to learn, not something anybody can easily pick up and do. “It takes at least two or three years just to learn the different kinds of shoes, and every shoe is different,” he says. “Then you have to work on your own machines, deal with customers and run a business. There’s just a lot to it.”
But for now, neither the lack of a good cobbler nor a lack of business is a problem for Cahaba Heights Shoe Repair. The shop has one of the most experienced shoe repairmen around and plenty of work. Customers come from all over, including Tuscaloosa, Sylacauga, Auburn and some from as far away as Mississippi. Wait time for repairs is currently two to three weeks.
“It’s rare for somebody to be in a small business like this for 45 years,” says Marilyn. “I’m grateful for it, and we give God all the glory. Ken has been faithful to serve God, and God has been faithful to him and our family.”
Married for 43 years, the Carbonies have three daughters and four grandchildren. OTMJ
•Primary and specialty care
•Easy scheduling by phone
•No referral required for primary care
•Expanded resources and expertise
•High-quality, value-based care
•Two convenient locations (downtown & Greystone)
proud to welcome the physicians and staff of Southview Medical Group to the growing UAB Medicine
southviewmed.com • uabmedicine.org
MUSIC
All that Jazz
True Story Brewing is keeping the jam alive.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRENT THOMPSON
It’s a Tuesday in Crestwood. You park your car and walk toward True Story Brewing Company. The sounds of horns are bleeding through the walls, and you know it’s going to be a hot night. The club’s weekly jazz jam—led by Alabama Jazz Hall of Famer Jose Carr and anchored by members of his quartet Bernard McQueen on bass and Timothy Huffman on drums with revolving keyboard players—has become a Birmingham institution.
But True Story Brewing wasn’t always a music venue. When the space next door— previously occupied by Seasick Records— became available, True Story owner Craig Shaw jumped at the opportunity to expand and fulfill his vision of featuring eclectic live music.
“Margaret Wilson [of Margeaux and The Cat’s Meow] has been on the scene for a long time. She was the very first person to play here—it was before we had the side room,” Shaw recalls. “She played out front on the sidewalk, and we blocked off some parking spots. I was
hoping something would open up for us, and it did. We got the side with the stage, and she knew the jazz players we are with now, Jose Carr and his band. Jose and Bo Berry are both hall-of-fame guys, and they were looking for a new home. She suggested it, and I thought it would be a good thing. It started off a little
slow, but it’s been steady for three years now. We’ve probably only missed a handful of Tuesdays in three years.”
Carr, a trumpeter and 2015 Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame inductee, serves as the weekly jam’s emcee. He exudes coolness in his playing style, between-song remarks and fashion sense. He is a commanding presence and inclusive bandleader at the same time. Carr’s storied career includes stints as band director at several area schools as well as being the music education director for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. On Tuesday, March 24, True Story Brewing will show the Jose Carr documentary So You Say You Play Jazz? Jose Carr’s True Story, directed by Matthew J. Bellisario, at 6 p.m. with the weekly jam immediately following.
While jazz has seen a resurgence in several Birmingham venues of late, the Tuesday night scene at True Story has a unique, timeless feel.
A typical night’s set includes material from the catalogs of John Coltrane, Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Lee Morgan and Cannonball Adderley among many others. “There are some places starting to do it, but it’s not really the same,” Shaw explains. “These guys are old-school. They dress the part; they play the part. As Jose says, “You come here to play, not practice.”
And while the local legends highlight each night’s performance, a new generation (or even generations) is being welcomed onstage by Carr and his bandmates as well. In addition, musicians from other cities, including Gadsden, Atlanta and Chattanooga, consistently drive to Birmingham to take part in the weekly horns jam. “There are some high school kids who come in that are really talented. It’s just fun to see all the different people that get on the stage with that old crew and do their thing. It’s magical,” Shaw says.
True Story Brewing’s music lineup isn’t strictly centered on jazz. Punk, bluegrass, indie, fusion, heavy metal and even comedy
left: Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame trumpeter Jose Carr performing with his Quartet: Timothy Huffman on drums, Bernard McQueen on upright bass and Willie Jackson on keyboard. below: Trumpeter Bo Berry is blowin’ steady with Huffman keeping the groove.
Saxophonist Arnold Montgomery taking a break.
left: Players sit on the side or at tables and casually get up and jam when called on.
dresser.
shows fill its diverse monthly calendar. On the third Thursday of each month, the Magic City Blues Society hosts an open jam that is wildly popular. Shaw has given these genres—some of which struggle to find venues—a place to call home. “It is pretty crazy,” Shaw says.
grown naturally. We have our own P.A. system—[bands] will bring amps—but we have a really nice soundboard, so we run sound and do the whole thing.”
Driven by a desire to book quality acts and keep things fresh, Shaw has found a way to
“Life is a lot like Jazz—it’s best when you improvise.” –george gershwin
“One night we have jazz, then metal, then bluegrass the next. You get to meet a lot of different people.”
But while Shaw—formerly with Avondale Brewing Company—has seen his dream of business ownership come to life, he readily admits to the struggles that come along with it. To that end, he smiles and points to the saying on his t-shirt, the famed Monty Python line, “It’s Only a Flesh Wound.”
“Always challenges,” he offers. “You just keep fighting. There are the challenges of making enough money and paying the licenses and fees. Everybody’s got their hand in the pot.”
Since True Story Brewing is unique in its diverse musical offerings, I ask Shaw if that was always his intention. “It became that way,” he says. “We weren’t really sure, but we knew we wanted live music. Then we found people like the punk rock guys and the metal guys, and they wanted residencies. They’re taking a day of the month each month, and it’s just
blend his passion with his profession. “Live music is a cool way to be a part of the scene without knowing how to play an instrument or sing,” he says with a laugh.
Meanwhile, the jazz cats keep blowin’ every Tuesday at True Story Brewing, and as George Gershwin said, “Life is a lot like Jazz—it’s best when you improvise.” OTMJ
Carr is known as a natty
right: The Jazz improv performances started in front of True Story until the room next door became available.
SENIOR LIVING
“My years in Vietnam were not only a different journey. They were a roadmap for a life worth living.”
–richard berliner
Berliner describes the chaotic scene: …sniper fire just crackled outside the fourthfloor window. A number of us were in one room making light of our stay. Then a tracer came sailing across the window, a flare dropped, and more shooting was heard. Also heard a high, anguished voice, yelling “MEDIC!” from an officer’s building across the street.
After his initial two-year commitment ended, Berliner returned to the U.S. only to go back to Vietnam in 1969 to continue working for another volunteer organization while also reporting for Dispatch News Service International. He eventually returned home for good in June 1970, and in his words, “Life goes on.” He continued in journalism running Dispatch for two years, and was “seduced by politics,” going to work for the George McGovern presidential campaign.
A Life Well Written
Homewood’s Richard Berliner writes a memoir based on his letters written home from Vietnam.
BY BARRY WISE SMITH PHOTO BY JORDAN WALD
Richard Berliner grew up in a quiet suburb in Maryland, outside of Washington, D.C., in a family that discussed politics at dinner. Both of Berliner’s parents were journalists having met while working at the same Massachusetts newspaper, and his father spent his career covering Capitol Hill as a reporter. “I grew up in a political family,” Berliner says. “It was part of our discussions around the dinner table. But most importantly, because my dad was a writer, he insisted that we wrote accurately, clearly and well.”
When it came time for Berliner to go to college, he chose Earlham College, a small liberal arts school in Richmond, Virginia, founded by Quakers with an educational philosophy rooted in peace and social justice. As a student in the 1960s, Berliner was drawn to the conflict in Vietnam, and while he was intrigued by the country and the political reasons behind the war, he knew he didn’t want to fight and also didn’t want to be a conscientious objector. So, after his graduation in 1966, Berliner joined International
Voluntary Services (IVS) and went to Vietnam as a humanitarian volunteer.
Once in Vietnam, Berliner began writing and sending letters home to his parents, who insisted that he write home weekly. “Because of whom my parents were, they wanted details,” Berliner recalls. “They didn’t necessarily want to know if I was healthy, safe or eating well, they wanted me to describe the five senses as best I could.”
So, throughout his time in Vietnam, Berliner obliged, sending letters at every stage of his service. “The more I traveled, the more I saw the impacts of the war,” Berliner says. Most of his letters were handwritten, but Berliner later learned that his mother had typed many of the letters in order to preserve them.
In a letter dated October 21, 1966, Berliner reflected on his initial impressions of the war: In the short time I have been here, my conception of the war continually grows cloudier until the only thing I can be sure of is how senseless it all is.
Eventually, Berliner was sent to Saigon and was in the city during the Tet Offensive in 1968. In a letter home on February 3, 1968,
Berliner met his wife Anne Wheeler, and the couple married in 1972 and went to Harvard for a law degree for her and an MBA for him. After a brief stint as the Press Secretary for Senator Edward Kennedy, Berliner left D.C. for good. After living in Boston, Berliner and his wife, now the parents of two sons, moved to her hometown—Homewood—where she practiced law and Berliner became the founding executive director of Neighborhood Services, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on economic development in Birmingham’s poorer neighborhoods. His work with communities and businesses, coupled with a stint in commercial real estate, made him the perfect fit for what became his first “permanent” position, as senior real estate officer for the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
After Berliner’s retirement, he finally had time to go through the neatly kept box of letters that he had taken from his parents’ home and had moved from home to home every time he and his wife relocated. What he found was not only a flood of memories but the makings of a book. “I realized I wanted to tell my story,” Berliner says. “I wanted to write the book so that my children and grandchildren would know that part of my story and that part of the country’s history.”
In the coda of A Different Journey, Berliner describes his time in Vietnam with these words, “My years in Vietnam were not only a different journey. They were a roadmap for a life worth living.” OTMJ
A Different Journey is available at Little Professor Bookshop in Homewood, Thank You Books in Crestwood and at richardaberliner.com.
For many seniors, home is a sanctuary of memories, routines and community. As we get older, home is also where we feel the safest and most comfortable. “Aging in place,” says Jennifer Mancuso, President and Owner of Always Best Care of Greater Birmingham, “allows older adults to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving tailored support.” Founded in 1996, this nationwide network, with local offices like Birmingham’s serving the community for over 12 years, employs more than 250 caregivers to help seniors maintain independence safely.
The importance of aging in place lies in preserving comfort and as much autonomy as possible. With customizable care plans, families can address specific needs, from meal preparation and medication reminders to housekeeping or companionship. Caregivers even handle errands like grocery shopping or driving to appointments, making daily life easier without disrupting routines. Services range from a few hours weekly to 24/7 care, including overnight support, and can start as quickly as 24 hours after an initial consultation.
Getting started is straightforward: a phone call leads to a free in-home assessment, followed by a personalized care plan and caregiver matching. Matches consider needs, personality and preferences, with introductions ensuring a good fit. If adjustments are needed, they’re made promptly. Caregivers undergo screening, including criminal background checks, reference verifications and training in safety, personal care and infection control.
“Resistance from seniors who need help is common,” Mancuso says. “It stems from fears of lost independence. A helpful way to approach the conversation is to focus on how support can make life easier rather than taking anything away. Start with small things like companionship or help around the house. That can make the transition much smoother.”
Beyond in-home support and care, Always Best Care assists with transitions to assisted living or memory care when needed. By monitoring quality through check-ins and feedback, they ensure compassionate, reliable support.
Ultimately, aging in place fosters dignity and quality of life—empowering seniors to thrive at home with the right help. OTMJ
For more information, alwaysbestcare.com/birmingham/
A Campus Like No Other
Luxury is being surrounded by 120 acres of riverfront forest.
At Kirkwood, luxury is measured in the space to breathe and an environment that nurtures vitality, independence, and well-being. As a Life Plan Community, Kirkwood provides Independent Living with peace of mind to age happily, safely, and fulfilled.
Visit kirkwoodbytheriver.com or call 205-956-2184 to schedule a personal tour today.
INDEPENDENT LIVING | FULL CONTINUUM OF CARE
Home is where we feel safe. It’s where health is nurtured and joy is found. Given the choice, it’s where we all want to be. At Always Best Care, we support seniors in the comfort of their own homes by helping with the activities of daily living, while honoring independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Ask us about No Cost Dementia Care with Always Best Care, available through a partnership with Pocket RN!
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT BROOKWOOD VILLAGE?
“Working at Farrell’s in high school. We had to wear outfits and scream HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Thankfully my parents made me quit when I got a C on a paper.”
“The Magic Pan. Did we really eat crepes?”
“French kissing in high school on the 2nd level parking deck.”
“Walking in through the basement at Books-A-Million.”
“The Arcade. We would play for an hour and then smoke cigarettes.”
BY ANONYMOUS
“Radio Shack. Who doesn’t love a walkie talkie?”
“I was a busboy at San Francisco Restaurant. The sourdough bread was good, but a rat died in the dishwasher. That was near the end.”
“Things Remembered. Our girlfriends would get our names engraved on Saint Christophers.”
ABOUT TOWN
Thu., Mar. 19
ERIC CHURCH:
FREE THE MACHINE TOUR
Country music superstar Eric Church brings his Free The Machine Tour to Birmingham for a high-energy arena show featuring hits spanning his career.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: BJCC
Fri., Mar. 20
SISTER HAZEL
Alternative rock band Sister Hazel performs live at Avondale Brewing Company for an evening of fan favorites and feel-good hits.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Avondale Brewing Company
Sat., Mar. 21
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
A celebration of Japanese culture featuring performances, cultural exhibits, food, martial arts demonstrations and family activities.
WHEN: 10 a.m.
WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Sat., Mar. 21
WE THEM ONES COMEDY TOUR
A major comedy lineup featuring Mike Epps and a roster of touring stand-up comedians for a high-energy night of arena-style comedy.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: Legacy Arena at the BJCC
Sun., Mar. 22
DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE!
The hit television dance competition comes to the stage with fan-favorite pros performing dazzling ballroom routines, high-energy choreography and show-stopping production.
TDRE
WHEN: 4 p.m.
WHERE: BJCC Concert Hall
Fri., Mar. 27
JERRY SEINFELD
Legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld brings his sharp observational humor to Birmingham for a live stand-up performance.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: BJCC Concert Hall
Fri., Mar. 27
CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA
INDY 5K GRAND PRIX
Jog the racetrack at the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park, and experience the 17-turn road course at The INDY 5K presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama. Race participation includes Friday General Admission to the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix.
WHEN: 5 p.m.
WHERE: Barber Motorsports Park
Fri., Mar. 27
STAYIN’ ALIVE: ONE NIGHT OF THE BEE GEES
A high-energy tribute show celebrating the music of the Bee Gees, featuring classic disco-era hits and spot-on harmonies.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lyric Fine Arts Theatre
Sat., Mar. 28
MONSTER JAM
An adrenaline-filled stadium event featuring massive monster trucks competing in racing, freestyle and high-flying stunts.
WHEN: 5 p.m.
WHERE: Protective Stadium
Sat., Mar. 28
18TH ANNUAL RUMPSHAKER 5K & 1-MILE FUN RUN
A family friendly run/walk at Regions Field raising funds and awareness to fight colorectal cancer, supporting survivors and those currently battling the disease.
WHEN: 8 a.m. (5K start); 9 a.m. (Fun Run start) WHERE: Regions Field
Fri., Apr. 3
WAY OF THE CROSS PROCESSIONAL
Join this annual community tradition in Homewood as clergy from several local churches lead a processional through the Edgewood neighborhood reflecting on the last hours of Jesus’ life. The walk begins at Homewood Central Park with a devotional and prayer and concludes at Edgewood Presbyterian Church with a service of prayer and song. Stops along the way include scripture readings and hymns.
WHEN: 2 p.m.
WHERE: Homewood Central Park
Sat., Apr. 4
COMMUNITY EASTER EGG ROLL
The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce will host its annual community Easter Egg Roll on the grassy field across from the O’Neal Library. This longtime Mountain Brook tradition draws families from across the area, with children bringing baskets to collect eggs and enjoy the festivities.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-noon
WHERE: O’Neal Library
Sat., Apr. 4
DOGWOOD FESTIVAL—BATTLE OF THE BANDS
The Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival offers multiple events, including Wing Ding, Heights Hangout, Dogwood Luncheon, Battle of the Bands and more. Local middle and high school bands compete for $2,000 in prize money.
WHEN: 5-9 p.m
WHERE: Rocky Ridge Plaza and other locations in Vestavia Hills
Fri., April. 10
FAMILY CONNECTION, INC. GROWN-UP PROM
Relive or recreate your prom experience while supporting Family Connection Inc.’s mission to serve youth and families in crisis. Get tickets at familyconnection-inc.org.
WHEN: 7 p.m.-midnight
WHERE: The Farrell, Homewood
Sat., Apr. 11
ACCORDION CONCERT WITH JIM ROMMEL
Jim Rommel is a professional accordionist and singer who tours nationally and internationally. His repertoire ranges from German and Big Band to Country and Classic Rock. The concert is free.
WHEN: 2 p.m.
WHERE: Brookwood Baptist Church
Sat., Apr. 11- Sun., Apr 12
FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW AT PATTON CREEK
Presented by the Central Alabama Artist Guild, this group of artisans offers fine arts such as acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings, master crafts like pottery, metal work and scratchboard, fine jewelry, photography, folk ark and woodwork.
WHEN: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
WHERE: Patton Creek Shopping Center
SPORTS
MOUNTAIN BROOK WRESTLERS, HUNT ROBINSON AND OWEN SHEA, DAZZLE AT STATE YOUTH WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP
BY LOYD MCINTOSH PHOTO BY JORDAN WALD
Apair of Mountain Brook wrestlers finished in first and second place at the 2026 Team Alabama Youth Wrestling State Championships held in Montgomery, January 31-February 1. Hunt Robinson won first place in the U10, 77-pound division, while Owen Shea finished second in the U14, 85-pound division. Both train with Elevate Wrestling Club, a private nonprofit program based at Mountain Brook High School that trains some of the best wrestling talent in the state. Coach and club founder Ricky Korn believes the two young athletes have bright futures and are already among Alabama’s elite youth wrestlers.
“There are probably more state champions in that room than any other wrestling gym in the state, and those guys are just getting started,” Korn says.
Robinson, a fourth grader at Brookwood Forest Elementary School, sliced through
the competition, winning all of his matches by technical fall (mercy rule) or pins en route to an impressive state championship.
Korn says Robinson’s performance was all the more remarkable considering he only began wrestling a year ago. Focused entirely on wrestling, Korn says Robinson has grown tremendously in a short amount of time. At just 10 years old, Korn says he possesses a solid understanding of the sport, and his potential is virtually unlimited. “Hunt is a year-round wrestler. A lot of kids only train three months out of the year, but he’s
“Hunt is a year-round wrestler. He’s not just winning, but dominantly winning.”
–coach ricky korn
committed year round, and it’s made a ton of difference,” says Korn. “He went from being a kid going into the season thinking, ‘Man, I don’t know where I fit,’ to winning most tournaments, and not just winning, but dominantly winning. That kid’s phenomenal, and he’s just getting started.”
Hunt is the son of Katie and Donald Robinson, a pair of former basketball players who have instilled their love for athletics in their children. Katie says Hunt’s personality is suited for wrestling. Tenacious and self-reliant, Katie says her son doesn’t let a problem keep him down and can push through setbacks despite the odds.
“To be perfectly honest, there is zero quit in my kid,” Katie says. “He just never quits. When he first started wrestling with Elevate, he didn’t know anything. He was wrestling really good kids and spent a lot of time face-down on the mat. But he kept coming
“Owen’s phenomenal. He’s won matches out there, and he’s a tough kid.”
–coach ricky korn
back five days a week, even when he was losing. That attitude has really paid off for him. He absolutely loves it.”
For instance, Katie recalls a match from last year in which Hunt trailed 15-2 with about 20 seconds remaining but rallied in the final moments to pin his opponent and steal the victory, which perfectly illustrates Hunt’s personality and marked a breakthrough to his ensuing success on the wrestling mat. “I’ve watched enough wrestling now to know that he can just find that other gear,” she says. “When things get hard when he’s on the mat, he can just somehow summon that gear that everybody else can’t seem to summon and get himself where he needs to be to get it done.”
A sixth grader at Mountain Brook Elementary School, Owen Shea has already built an impressive resumé at a young age. The younger brother of William Shea, a wrestler on the Mountain Brook High School team, Shea competes in the highly competitive U14 division and battled his way to a runner-up finish against some of the best youth wrestlers in the state. Korn says Shea’s experience wrestling in major tournaments across the country has helped sharpen his skills and prepared him for high-level competition. “Owen’s phenomenal. He’s a multiple-time state placer,” Korn says. “He’s wrestled at the national level and went to Tulsa, which is the toughest youth tournament in the country, year after year. He’s won matches out there, and he’s a tough kid.”
With several years of competitive wrestling already behind him, Korn believes Shea’s future could be just as bright as his present. The young standout will enter seventh grade next year and could soon challenge for a spot in the Mountain Brook High School varsity lineup. “He’s good enough,” Korn says. “The question is whether he’s big enough, but he’s definitely talented enough to compete at that level.” OTMJ
from left: Owen Shea, Coach Ricky Korn and Hunt Robinson.
