Celebrating the communities of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County
10 | Mountain Brook city councilor Graham Smith leads with strength and smarts. 10 | Mountain Brook to host Memorial Day ceremony in Alabama Veterans Memorial Park.
11 | The Birmingham Boys Choir serenades America’s founding cities.
18 |
16 | The Painter & The Golfer
Iam not what you would call a fashionista. Don’t get me wrong—I love pretty clothes, and don’t get started on shoes. Trust me, it’s a problem! However, I’m not especially good at putting outfits together. I don’t have that eye. So, I love our summer fashion spread with fantastic outfits that are perfect for just about any occasion.
Also, we profile Mountain Brook city councilor and mayoral candidate Graham Smith, who is making a difference in her adopted hometown by leading with strength and smarts (page 10).
And as we near Memorial Day, take some time away from the beach trips, barbecues and boat rides to pay respects to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. And read about how Mountain Brook is honoring these heroes with a ceremony in the city’s newest park (page 10). As the old saying goes, we’re the home of the free because of the brave.
–BARRY WISE SMITH
tennis championships.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Publisher & Executive Editor: Lee Hurley Editor: Barry Wise Smith
Designer: Claire Cormany
Photographer: Jordan Wald
Contributors: Rubin Grant, Anne Ruisi, Dunia Ritchey Account Executives: Julie Trammell Edwards, Gail Kidd
The fifth annual Camellia Court presentation was held on Sunday, April 27th at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Presentees were dressed in Kentucky Derbystyle hats and the dress of their choice in the camellia colors of white and shades of pink.
The Camellia Court is a service organization that seeks to give 17- and 18-year-old girls experience in civic responsibilities. Through their volunteer efforts, Camellia Court members will learn about their community and the rewards of volunteering as they give
back to their community. The court will make a donation to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
THE 2025 SENIOR MEMBERS ARE:
Margaret Anne Abele, Allie Rhodes Acken, Sarah Richardson Barlow, Campbell Katherine Brewer, Ann Carter Brown, Marion Edwards Busby, Katherine Hill Caine, Ann-Harrison Scott Carr, Spencer Anne Cobbs, Elizabeth Grace Coker, Margaret Lulu Jane Comer, Mary Catherine Cone, Mary Jackson Darnall, Mary
James Doyle, Cecilia Luckie Finch, Madeleine
Marie Freeman, Amelia Sizemore Fulton, Mae Grace Gee, Ann Royal Goodson, Lillie Caroline Gray, Cameron Ophelia Hicks, Margaret Hartwell Higgins, Ann Park Holt, Ann Monroe Jackson, Polly Prytz Johnson, Marie Claire Kampakis, Annie Davidson Kerr, Katherine Camille Lassiter, Sarah Herndon Little, Caroline Clayton Livingston, Alice Catherine Loveman, Sarah Elizabeth Malone, Mary Helen McPherson, Catherine Anne Meadows, Elizabeth May Meadows, Lucille McGowin Miller, Corinne Elizabeth
Morrow, Eva Mabel Noojin, Vivian Faith Parker, Ivey Elise Patton, Virginia Hoke Poe, Ann Everett Pruet, Emily Anne Read, Anne Ellen Reynolds, Claire Hamilton Robinett, Brooke Elizabeth Shook, Ann Everett Simon, Margaret Anne Skinner, Laura Elizabeth Spann, Mary Beverley Spann, Elizabeth Ansel Staples, Mary Colin Stewart, Temperance Ruffner Stokes, Kathryn Taylor Todd, Stella Elizabeth Wallace, Anna Alton Weathers, Emily Rollins Wilkerson, Virginia Olivia Worthen and Ella Katherine Wright.
2025 JUNIOR MEMBERS ARE: Mary Hadley Adams, Marianna Cooper Wales Averyt, Eleanor Elizabeth Bagby, Margaret Haygood Bittick, Caroline Reagan Black, Ava Ruth Borland, Hayden Cottle Bruser, Kathryn Lamar Burns, Virginia Katherine Byars, Abby Marie Canterbury, Mary Grace Carlton, Alice Martin Clapp, Leyden Elizabeth
Comer, Julia Linden Costanzo, Sarah Neal DePiano, Grace McCray Faust, Mary Carlon Feagin, Elizabeth Burgin Franks, Sarah Jane Garner, Celia Kathleen Gee, Gillian Palmer Goodrich, Mildred Martin-Marshall Hard, Audrey Rose Irby, Caroline Laine Kelley, Emily Virginia Krawczyk, Mary Florence Lacy, Eleanor Frances Lassiter, Isabelle
Montgomery Lawrence, Elizabeth Davis Lell, Adeline Marie Little, Marcelle Megan Medo, Charlotte Katherine Morrow, Julia Ruen Naftel, Abigail Alston Norris, Lillian Sarah Pelekis, Ann Mae Peterson, Claudia Paige Polmatier, Mary Harbin Porter, Elizabeth Ann Powell, Graham Leigh Prater, Mary Bains Reynolds, Adeline James Rice, Eleanora Pryor Rice,
Claire Catherine Robicheaux, Kathryn Lucille Rome, Anna Mardre Rucker, Frances Charlton Scott, Margaret Ruth Simmons, Georgia Mercer Spotswood, Hollis DeLany Thomasson, Ella Caroline Trotter, Bergen Parker Wilkinson, Clark Irene Wilkinson, Madeline Ellis Williams, Elizabeth Oliver Wood, Eva Jane Worthen and Evelyn Paylor Yeilding.
Covenant Presbyterian Church was the setting for Samford University’s Legacy League Scholarship Celebration on April 24. The 16th annual event was billed as “a night that supports deserving students and celebrates the transformative impact of education and generosity.” It’s also a joyful celebration and an important fundraiser to provide scholarships for students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances.
The evening began with a reception for the more than 30 sponsors, followed by a seated dinner and entertainment from Jon Michael Ogletree, a Samford alumnus and Birmingham native.
Ogletree is an accountant, professional pianist, YouTuber, blogger, motivational speaker, church pianist, adjunct professor at Samford and founder of a foundation aimed at enriching the lives of people with dwarfism. OTMJ
Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham at the annual Awards Luncheon on April 22.
The event at The Country Club of Birmingham recognized Gaston as a person who “has exemplified humanitarian qualities, shown a commitment to improving the quality of life in Alabama, and has made an individual impact on the lives of others.”
Gaston, who will retire in November, has been Mountain Brook’s city manager since June 1993.
The Women’s Committee also bestowed three other awards. The Small Business Award was given to Isaac Cooper, founder of IMC Financial Consulting. He was recognized for his role in driving breakthroughs that improve the community and in building impactful relationships.
A Special Recognition Award was given to the Megan Montgomery Foundation, which provides grants to high schools, colleges and nonprofits to provide education on healthy relationships. The aim is to empower young adults to recognize unhealthy behaviors and to stop relationship violence before it starts. The foundation is named for Megan Montgomery, who was killed by her estranged husband in 2019.
The Brother Bryan-Prayer Point Award was given to The WellHouse, a 24-hour shelter that offers immediate assistance to trafficked women who are rescued from anywhere in the United States. They welcome victim survivors who desire help and who want to move toward becoming Overcomers.
Tally ho! Mint juleps were on the menu when the Gaieties Dance Club held its Spring Kentucky Derby Party at the Mountain Brook Club on April 25.
Eighty members attended the event, which was themed “Gallop with the Gaieties.” Derby attire was encouraged, and Harriet McFadden won a $100 gift certificate to Leaf and Petal for best hat. Guests also played scratch and other games, with the begonia centerpieces on the tables as prizes. Club members and guests nibbled on heavy hors d’oeuvres and traditional bites such as Louisville’s Hot Brown sandwich, ham biscuits and deviled eggs. Music was provided by Dos Pianos, a dueling pianos duo featuring J.H. Johnson and Drew Brantley. OTMJ
Members of the Guild of the Birmingham Music Club held their annual Spring Scholarship Luncheon at the Country Club of Birmingham on April 10. Four college students studying in Alabama were honored at the luncheon and awarded scholarships in three categories—piano, voice and instrumental. They were chosen based on auditions judged by respected musicians.
Harry Evans, a senior at the University of Alabama, won first place in string instrument and performed Mozart’s “Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major.”
Macy Rose, a junior at Samford University, won first place in voice. She performed the aria “Una Donna a Quindici Anni” from Mozart’s opera, Cosi Fan Tutti.
Sam Stellberg, a junior at Jacksonville State University, won first place in instrumental and performed “Concerto for Bass Tuba in F Minor” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Aaron Perez Pupo, a sophomore at Alabama State University, won first place in piano and received the Best Overall Performance Walter Sechriest Award. He performed Debussy’s “Estampes (III: Jardins Sous La Pluie.” OTMJ
Mountain Brook city councilor Graham Smith leads with strength and smarts.
Graham Smith grew up in a small community on Long Island, New York, understanding the value of public service. Smith’s parents were civically active in her small village, with her mom serving for years on the village board (a position her brother now holds on that same board). “That level of service to your community has always had an undercurrent for my family—to give back,” Smith says.
When it came time to choose a college, Smith headed south to the small, picturesque campus of Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. “I’ve always loved the South,” she says, “I have a Southern mother who grew up in Abbeville, South Carolina, and that’s where my grandparents were.” Having never heard of Mountain Brook, Alabama, Smith started meeting students on campus from the small Alabama hamlet, including Harrison Smith, who would become her husband. They married, pursued a law degree (for him) and an MBA (for her) at Alabama and moved around to Asheville, North Carolina; Boston; and finally, Washington, D.C. as they started their careers.
In D.C., Smith worked for Alabama senator Richard Shelby as his legislative director, getting a first-hand glimpse of large-scale public service. When the Smiths older son turned two, the pull of home drew them back down south. “The lure of coming back to this wonderful community was so strong,” Smith says. “It’s just a wonderful place to raise a family.”
Smith got involved by volunteering with the schools, eventually serving as Cherokee Bend Elementary School’s PTO president and secretary of the PTO council. “Since I’m not from here, it was so nice to get to meet people,” she says. She served on the city’s editorial board and was appointed to serve on the Planning Commission. “That was a good job,” she says. “It gave me greater heft in the municipality, and I learned a lot.”
In 2022, Smith decided to run for city council to replace longtime councilor Alice Womack. Smith won the election and hit the ground running, focusing on the three issues that are tops for her: safety, being a strong steward of city finances and creating and supporting the vibrant business community. “We’ve kept our finances in line, and our balance sheet is strong,” Smith says. “We’ve implemented a number of important infrastructure projects. We’ve replaced our wonderful city manager, and we hired a new police chief. And, of course supporting our amazing schools that we are all so proud of.”
This spring, following Mayor Stewart Welch’s announcement that he would not be seeking re-election, Smith announced her own run to become Mountain Brook’s next mayor. “I’ve had wonderful encouragement,” Smith says. “Of course, working for Mountain Brook is my top priority, but I also love collaborating with our neighbors and looking for ways to grow our region holistically for the benefit of everyone. And always doing whatever we can as a city to support and highlight our schools.”
Smith and her husband live in Cherokee Bend with their sons. OTMJ
Mountain Brook to host Memorial Day ceremony in Alabama Veterans Memorial Park.
On Sunday, May 18, the city of Mountain Brook will host a Memorial Day Ceremony in Mountain Brook’s newest park, the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park. This unique 22-acre park was donated to the city by the Alabama Veteran’s Memorial Foundation in November 2023 and includes the Alabama Veterans Memorial, the only memorial dedicated solely to Alabama veterans killed in conflict.
The 1,000-foot brick-lined Memorial Trail begins at the parking lot and winds through a natural wooded area to the American Flag Plaza featuring a 120-foottall flagpole. Encircling the flagpole are four-inch by eight-inch brick pavers honoring every Alabamian who has died in military conflicts from the 20th Century forward. Each stone is engraved with a veteran’s name, rank, and branch of service.
Further down the Trail is the Memorial Plaza, which features the five Service flags and a regiment of 36 columns that are two feet in diameter and 24 feet tall. Displayed on the columns are metal plaques that provide information about Alabama Medal of Honor recipients, original artwork by Alabama artists and documents and letters about Alabama veterans.
Behind the columns is the Hall of Honor with the names of over 11,000 Alabama veterans who were killed in action during the wars from 1900 forward. The alphabetized names of the service men and women are listed by the war and the Alabama county in which they enlisted.
The formal ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Flag Plaza featuring guest speaker Brigadier General Jeffrey L. Newton (Retired), the Commissioner for the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, who will talk about veteran’s benefits in Alabama. Mountain Brook Police Department officers will serve as the color guard, SFC Stephanie Whatley-Farmer will sing the Star Spangled Banner and patriotic music will be performed by the Hoover Songbirds accompanied by pianist Linda Campbell and guitarist Dr. Bud Brown. There will also be ice cream served by the Church of the Highlands, additional information on veteran resources and a display of the winning pictures from the Hoover Middle School’s patriotic art contest
“Forever Grateful” and recognition of the winners by Mountain Brook city councilor Graham Smith.
“Being in this park is always a moving experience,” says Mayor Stewart Welch. OTMJ
BY DUNIA FAWAL RITCHEY
If you’ve ever seen the musical 1776, you know how delightful the mix of singing and history can be. This June, 43 members of the Birmingham Boys Choir (BBC) will experience this combination firsthand. The Tour Choir of the BBC will travel from Birmingham to perform in some of America’s Founding Cities, including Williamsburg, Norfolk, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.
Ken Berg, Director of the BBC, takes the choir on tour every odd-numbered year, alternating between domestic and international destinations. He believes these tours expose the boys to new people and places while introducing audiences to a different side of Birmingham and the South. Past choirs have visited Japan, Costa Rica, Ireland and Czech Republic and have toured the United States performing throughout the West, the Pacific Northwest, Southern California, and the Southeast.
Berg explains that tour travel benefits the boys by helping them grow musically and personally. Performing challenging repertoires in various venues enhances their musical skills, while interacting with new people and with each other teaches them courtesy, flexibility, teamwork and adherence to rules. The boys serve as excellent ambassadors for Birmingham, impressing audiences with their talent, maturity and exemplary behavior. Wherever they go, the boys are asked to stay longer or to visit again. Berg proudly shares, “I expect people to tell me that the boys sing well, because they have been working hard on their skill. But one of the things that truly thrills my heart is when airline flight attendants or hotel managers or restaurant managers say, ‘You can bring these boys here any time. They are so well behaved and so polite and well mannered, and it’s obvious that they like each other and get along.’”
One of the most enjoyable aspects of these trips for both Berg and the boys is the spontaneous singing that occurs whenever the opportunity arises. Berg fondly recalls moments like the boys quickly and independently organizing the singing of the National Anthem at the luggage carousel of an airport to honor a young soldier
returning home from deployment or serenading a couple getting married in a Chicago park. How many couples get surprised by a worldclass choir at their wedding?
Funding is the biggest challenge for the BBC, especially for boys with limited travel opportunities outside the choir. The choir relies heavily on sponsorships and donations to cover operating costs, venue fees and tuition scholarships. Berg notes that boys who need the travel experience the most often miss out due to financial constraints. Tour sponsorships allow some boys to receive travel scholarships, while year-round support helps cover tuition and camp scholarships for those boys in need, as well as overall operating expenses for the choir.
The Birmingham Boys Choir is open to young men in grades 3-12. Boys in third and fourth grade join the Junior Choir, grades 5-8 the Concert Choir, and high schoolers the Graduate Choristers. While juniors do not participate in Tour Choir, choristers from grades 5-12 can choose to be considered for this select group. Not all boys can commit to the extra rehearsals and performances required, and some families cannot afford the travel costs. Berg evaluates the group composition to ensure the best mix of voice parts for optimal performance. Typically, there is a “one bus limit” that determines how many boys and chaperones can go, as travel around the tour destination is by charter bus.
The Birmingham Boys Choir accepts audition requests year-round and is actively auditioning for next season. The BBC will perform their Spring Concert on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Canterbury United Methodist Church. The Tour Choir will perform their Homecoming Concert on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 4 p.m. at Brock Recital Hall at Samford University. Both performances are free and open to the public.
If you know a boy who needs to be a part of this amazing group, please contact Ken Berg at ken@birminghamboyschoir.org. To help sponsor the BBC or the Tour Choir, please contact Christopher Ritchey, Director of Development, at chris@birminghamboyschoir.org. OTMJ
Jovan and Frances Rebula on golf, painting and following your bliss.
BY LEE HURLEY
PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD AND COURTESY OF THE REBULAS
Catching up with Jovan and Frances Rebula is a little like chasing a butterfly. Thankfully though, in late April just days before leaving for Europe (again), the pair took time to sit down and discuss the trials and tribulations of choosing professions both challenging and sublime.
Frances Patrick Rebula grew up in Birmingham, graduating from Mountain Brook in 2016 and going to Auburn where she ran track and majored in Special Education. Her athletic skills included the 3000 meter steeplechase, the 1500 and 800 meter runs and the mile with a time of 4:58. One of four girls in the Patrick family, Frances is, as her mother Katie says, “Not afraid of very much.” Painting has always been Frances’ love and stress reliever though she had never envisioned it being her livelihood. That would soon change.
Jovan (pronounced Yo-von) Rebula grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, the son of a Serbian tennis coach who moved to the country in 1992 with $200 dollars and two tennis racquets, and a mother whose brother happens to be the world-famous golfer Ernie Els. Jovan, a natural
athlete, played cricket, rugby and tennis until the age of 10 when he discovered golf and that, as we say, is all she wrote. He won several tournaments as an amateur in South Africa including the 2012 South African U15 Championship and the 2013 South African Boys U17 Stroke Play, and in 2018, he became only the second South African golfer in history to win The Amateur Championship.
With this early success came college offers. “I got a message from Auburn golf coach Nick Clinard asking if there was any interest to come play golf in America,” says Jovan.
“I sent him a message back saying, ‘Thanks but I’ve got my own path set in South Africa.’” A couple of months went by, and the coaches sent another message and this time Uncle Ernie stepped in saying, “Jovan, I think this is something you need to try, and if you don’t like it you can always come back.” So, off he went. The culture shock of America and college golf took some getting used to. “I felt like I was floating for about a year, learning new things every single day and kind of just adapting,” Jovan says. And what was he adapting to? “As a student-athlete, you wake up in the morning, you go to the gym at six, get to class at eight and go till noon. Then you’re rushing back to your house to get changed and it’s off to the golf course for practice every afternoon. The days just blew by.”
Jovan considers himself lucky because as the only foreigner on the team, his teammates took care of him, especially his roommate Regan Harrell. “Regan took me under his wing and whenever I had questions to ask or whatever, all the guys were there to help me.” Jovan’s career at Auburn included top 10 finishes in 12 tournaments. His junior year he averaged a team-best 71.34 strokes per round, the 10th-lowest average in Auburn single-season history. This got him selected as a PING All-American Honorable Mention for
the second straight season as well as named a semifinalist for the Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year Award.
Meanwhile, Frances and Jovan met as juniors at the Sky Bar, a popular watering hole in Auburn, first becoming casual friends. But it was not until the second semester, Jovan called Frances and asked her to have coffee. The rest is history. The two were engaged in 2022 and married in September of 2023.
DISTANCE MAKES THE HEART GROW DETERMINED
In between and after the two got married were painful periods of long distance separation. Frances got a master’s degree in Special Education and became the head track coach and a teacher at Helena (and later Homewood), while Jovan turned professional and joined the Sunshine Tour in South Africa. The two had many long talks about the career of a professional golfer. After all, it’s a life of constant travel, and nothing is guaranteed. Not to mention being from two countries with different passports complicated their ability to be together for weeks at a time. Did Jovan have a plan B if golf didn’t work out? “Let me explain it this way,” says Frances, “a month into dating, I invited Jovan over for dinner. I’m trying to impress him, and we’re in the kitchen and I’m like, ‘So what would you do if, like, golf doesn’t work out?’ And he said, ‘Uh, golf.’ And I was like, ‘No, I mean if golf doesn’t work out, what kind of job would you get?’ And he was like, ‘Nothing. I will only golf.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, okay, cool. So no, plan B?’ And he was like, ‘No, no, no, just golf. Like, plan A or A.’”
It’s late spring and the two are about to head back out together on a tour across Spain and Europe. Frances has traded in her teaching role in Birmingham for a creative career painting full time. Interning with well-known artist Laura Deems helped her hone her artistic skills and develop her style, and so far her work sells faster than she can paint. It turns out that traveling all over the world has enriched her nature based painting experience. “She snaps pictures of trees or bushes or plants or whatever is on the golf course, and that’s what she takes back to her hotel and paints,” Jovan says. Speaking of hotels, Frances turns each room on the tour
into her local studio carrying her own golf bag of rolled up canvases from stop to stop. “I try to make friends pretty quickly with the cleaning crew. I’ll have like 12 commissions going in the room, and I get nervous that they’re not going to like that, but they’re always so nice and interested,” she laughs.
And what about Jovan’s professional career so far? With five top-10 finishes on the Sunshine Tour, his next promotion will happen if he can finish in the top 20 of the Challenge Tour. He is well on that track now but one can’t say that out loud for fear of a jinx. That success would move him to the DP tour in Europe or the PGA in the states and back to a home base of Birmingham, Alabama. Meanwhile, as Helen Keller wrote, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
BY MARY KATHERINE BONEY Edgewood Elementary School
Have you ever thought about how nice your community is, or how much you love your town? Well, I love Homewood so much, and so should you!
Homewood has amazing opportunities and schools. In a lot of other schools, you must try out for sports and can only do a certain sport. In Homewood, I can do anything! Right now, I play rec basketball, tennis, volleyball and cheer.
Next, Homewood has astounding schools! I love Edgewood! Not only are the teachers so great, but all the staff too! At meet the teacher, all teachers will greet you so nicely and remember you through the years, always willing to give you a nice hug! One amazing opportunity in school is running for House Leader in fifth grade! Everyone has a chance to try out. The students give a speech and get teacher recommendations, then they pick 10, one for each house! This year I got to be house leader, and it is so fun!
In Homewood, I can do anything!
Also, Homewood has an awesome town, especially in downtown Homewood! There are so many good restaurants and shops. Some of my favorite restaurants in Homewood are Ono Poke, Real and Rosemary, Red Pearl, The Great Wall and Taco Mama. In addition, some of my favorite shops are Soca Girl, Cottage Basket, Trak Shak, Bandwagon and Target! Whenever a friend comes into town, they always love the shops and how nice and kind everyone is!
Finally, I love Homewood because it is so welcoming and nice! In 2022, Hurricane Ian hit my hometown in Florida. My family went to an apartment to stay safe from flooding. I spent probably 15 hours in a bathroom with my family watching Spiderman while the fire alarm was going off and my dog was barking. The next day we drove to a friend’s place in Tampa that didn’t get any damage. They were ready with supplies. We stayed there for a bit, and then my mom flew my brothers and I to Homewood by ourselves to our cousins. I got to go to Edgewood and see the school and how different and cool it was from my old school. Making new friends was not a problem. On my first day, the girls brought me a welcoming card. I felt so loved! I knew I would always love Homewood so much!
BY CAROLINE ISLEY Hall-Kent Elementary School
Do you live in Homewood? Man, if you don’t, there are some things you need to know.
First, there are great people in Homewood. For example, there is a man who comes by our house and looks at our tomatoes. My dad calls him flower because he didn’t know his name, and we were planting flowers at the time. One day, we gave him one of our tomato plants, and now he comes by our house every spring, and we give him tomatoes. We later figured out his name is George. Also, Homewood schools are amazing. I get a great
Homewood fifth graders write about why they love Homewood. These are the three winners, chosen by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce staff.
Thurs., May 15 ORGAN CONCERT
Frederick Teardo, director of music at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, will perform in a free concert on the organ in commemoration of the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s death.
remembering the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
WHEN: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Alabama Veterans Memorial Park
Sun., May 18
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Cathedral Church of the Advent
Fri., May 16
Homewood
education from Hall-Kent. I have two brothers, and they go to Homewood Middle School and Homewood High School. They come home in a good mood because of the great day they had at school. Both of my parents teach in Homewood. They love Homewood so much, they became teachers here. I know it’s weird for a man to become an elementary teacher but, whatever you put your mind to in Homewood, you can always accomplish it.
Homewood is a great place to have fun for kids and adults. It’s great for kids because there are great parks. I go to Patriot Park and Central Park. Kids can also go to either Patriot Pool or Central Pool. Both are great kid-appropriate pools to go to. Adults have fun here because there are a lot of restaurants and dessert places like Cookie Fix, Neighbors, Big Spoon, Edgewood Creamery, Savages, Edgars and Pastry Arts. Some restaurants are Pizzeria GM, Hamburger Heaven, Ono Poke, Taco Mama, The Edge and Ruby Sunshine. Adults can also take a peaceful stroll around Homewood.
Homewood is a great place to live. So, when you have a free day, hopefully I can see you in Homewood.
BY ANNIE BATES
Shades Cahaba Elementary School
Homewood is a great town right outside of Birmingham. Homewood is a playground of ideas old and new. Homewood brings opportunities. I love Homewood for the amazing people, the athletic opportunities and the red-hearted business.
First, the teachers are amazing people. If you need anything, they are there for you. Also, the community helpers are so encouraging. The police officers make us feel safe and give kind smiles. The firefighters give us courage to be brave. The mail people give encouraging gestures. The wonderful city hall employees help us live in this wonderful community. The people in Homewood are a joy to be around.
Another reason is the athletic opportunities. Homewood does a great job at getting the okay athletes and the pros a chance to be active. They also give the opportunities to get better with coaches and facilities. The facilities are usable for any sport you can think of. The people in these facilities make it the shining star of the world.
My last reason why I love Homewood is the wonderful businesses that serve Homewood. They are welcoming and kind. The food businesses give us different types of food. Homewood would not be Homewood without the hard working and red-hearted businesses. I love the chefs, owners, employees, and the managers.
Homewood is a welcoming place you will never want to leave. It’s like a best friend. OTMJ
COFFEE CONERT: TCHAIKOVSKY
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 at this morning concert.
WHEN: 11 a.m.
WHERE: Alys Stephens Center
May 16-17
TCHAIKOVSKY: OVERTURE, CONCERTO & SYMPHONY
Guest pianist Dina Kasman joins the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for a concert of three works from the legendary Russian composer.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Alys Stephens Center
May 16-18
ALABAMA BALLET’S UNBOUND
“Unbound: A Series of Ever-Evolving Performances,” is a mixed-repertoire production by the Alabama Ballet includes Christopher Stuart’s Johnny Cash-inspired ballet “Under the Lights” and a new contemporary ballet by worldrenowned dancer and choreographer James Whiteside. WHEN: Various showtimes WHERE: Alys Stephens Center
Sat., May 17
HATS AND HEARTS FOR HEIDI’S KIDS
Dress in your finest country chic, and enjoy live music by the Whiskey River Band, great food and a silent auction, plus a bourbon tasting at the Hats and Hearts For Heidi’s Kids fundraiser. For tickets and to learn more, visit heidiskids.com/ 2025-hats-hearts-for-heidis-kids. All proceeds benefit Heidi’s Kids. WHEN: 6-11 p.m.
WHERE: Dawgwood Farms, Irondale
Sun., May 18
BIRMINGHAM BOYS CHOIR SPRING CONCERT
The renowned boys choir presents a free community concert. WHEN: 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Canterbury United Methodist Church
Sun., May 18
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Veterans Memorial Park will be the site of a Memorial Day Ceremony
JEWISH FOOD AND CULTURE FEST
Kosher delicacies and more are the stars at the Levite Jewish Community Center’s annual Jewish Food and Culture Fest. A small-scale recreation of a typical Israeli open-air shuk market is not to be missed.
WHEN: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: Levite Jewish Community Center
Sun., May 18
BIRMINGHAM TACO FEST
Birmingham’s top taco vendors and food trucks, dessert vendors, music, dancing, community arts activities, farm stand and art market await at the 8th annual Birmingham Taco Fest. The event is a fundraiser for Bare Hands Inc., a nonprofit that fosters and celebrates community arts education.
WHEN: 1-7 p.m.
WHERE: Sloss Furnaces
Mon., May 19
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE GOLF CLASSIC
Spend the afternoon at the Vestavia Country Club, enjoying lunch, golf, dinner and an awards ceremony at this fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House.
WHEN: Noon-6 p.m. WHERE: Vestavia Country Club
May 29-June 8
DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE
The heartwarming story of a courtship by letter during World War II by Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig. WHEN: Various showtimes WHERE: Homewood Theatre
May 30-June 29
DISNEY’S FROZEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL Join sisters Elsa and Anna on a magical journey during a ferocious winter featuring the film’s beloved songs and new music written for the stage.
WHEN: Various showtimes WHERE: Red Mountain Theatre
Sun., June 1
WILD WEST ROUNDUP
Giddy up for College Choice Foundation’s 10th anniversary fundraiser! Enjoy live music from The Onlys, grub from Urban Cookhouse, a silent auction and the chance to help students achieve their college dreams. For tickets, visit ccfwildwestroundup.swell.gives.
WHEN: June 1, 5-8 p.m.
WHERE: Good People Brewing Co.
BY RUBIN E. GRANT
Carlee Petro didn’t list winning a state championship as her first priority in her first season as Mountain Brook’s tennis coach. “Obviously winning state was a hope and goal throughout the season, but really my biggest goal was to help these kids improve throughout the season, which would help contribute to wins at state,” Petro says. “It was so fun to watch these kids grow as players of the game this year.”
The Spartans didn’t just grow their game, they hoisted two more state championship trophies. Mountain Brook’s boys and girls swept the 2025 Class 6A titles in the 80th AHSAA State Tennis Championships April 21-22 at the Mobile Tennis Center.
The Spartans increased their combined boys’ and girls’ state tennis crowns to 64 with the dominating wins. Mountain Brook’s girls totaled 69 points to beat runner-up UMS-Wright (48) by 21 points. With the title, the Spartans girls now have won eight consecutive state crowns and 35
overall. The Mountain Brook boys totaled 81 points with runner-up Jasper totaling 53 to earn their third straight title and 29th overall.
For Petro, the titles were special, considering she was hired last summer to replace her former coach Susan Farlow, who led Mountain Brook’s teams to 18 state championships in 17 years before retiring at the end of the 2024 season.
A 2014 Mountain Brook graduate, Petro won back-to-back high school state titles at No. 2 singles in 2011 and 2012 with Farlow at the helm. “I’m extremely excited to keep the winning streak going and continue Farlow’s legacy,”
Petro says. “I had a great group of kids on both sides—lots of talent, but also great people and hard workers. It was so fun to see how bad they wanted the state title, and how hard they worked to see it through.”
The Spartans boys won all six singles titles with Thomas Austin claiming the No. 1 singles crown with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Northridge’s Will Thorn in the final. “Winning the state title at No.
above: Head Coach Carlee Petro. back row, left to right: Head Coach Carlee Petro, Luke Nagi, Max Gayden, Billy Flowers, Jeb Blair, Quint Freeman, Farley Nunnelly, Doug Mills, Karna Palaniappan, Thomas Austin, Tony Sciara, James Burnette, Park Holley, Aarya Palaniappan, George Dumas, Hews Goodson and Coaches Jeff Roberts and Caroline Hall. front row, girls: Hannah Beason, Leslie Mitchell, Sarah Still, Kelcie Dowling, Claire Leonard, Ann Royal Goodson, Olivia Roberts, Charlotte Redden, Leila Malatesta, Emma Franks, Mary Margaret Malatesta.
1 singles has been a dream of mine since my seventh-grade junior high team,” Austin says. “Finally achieving that goal is just unbelievable. All my hard work and dedication on the court has paid off. And to top it off, being part of a team that secured three consecutive state championships makes my high school experience even better, and sharing this success with my teammates has been special.”
Quint Freeman posted a 6-0, 6-1 win over McGill-Toolen’s Charlie Kidder to win at No. 2. The Spartans’ other singles winners were Hews Goodson at No. 3, Max Gayden at No. 4 Tony Sciara at No. 5 and Karna Palaniappan at No. 6.
“On the boys’ side, we were consistently pretty steady all year,” Petro says. “Thomas Austin worked past some frustration within his own game, and it was really fun to see him take home the trophy at No. 1. Quint Freeman and Hews Goodson also pulled out close some close matches at state, which could have flipped the script had their results gone differently.”
In doubles, the Spartans won two of the three titles. Austin and Sciara blanked Jasper’s Hayes Hopkins and Heath Hartley 6-0, 6-0 to win at No. 2. Freeman and Farley Nunnelley won No. 3, defeating Jasper’s Ethan Thorne and Zeke Tuggle 6-1, 6-3.
Mountain Brook’s girls won the No. 2, 3, 5 and 6 singles titles and the No. 3 doubles title. Olivia Roberts earned the No. 2 singles title with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Homewood’s Vivi Evans; Leslie Mitchell won No. 3; Mary Margaret Malatesta won No. 5 and Sarah Still won No. 6. Mitchell and Still defeated Hartselle’s Katie Sloan and Brooklyn Engle 6-3, 6-3 to win No. 3 doubles. Ann Royal Goodson was a semifinalist in No. 1 singles, and Kelcie Dowling finished as the runner-up in No. 4 singles. Roberts and Goodson were runners-up at No. 1 doubles, while Dowling and Malatesta reached the final in No. 2 doubles.
“On my girls side, we had lost five of our top six players (to graduation) going into this year,” Petro says. “They were the underdogs, and I think there was some doubt within the community as to if they could pull it off. They really proved everyone wrong this year, and I could not be more proud of the work they put in to do it.”
Goodson was almost in disbelief that the Spartans’ girls won state again. “It was surreal,” she says. “I could never have guessed we’d win state all four years I was on the team. It has been the best part of my high school years.”
Both Austin and Goodson were overjoyed to be a part of Petro’s first state championship teams. “It’s incredibly impressive to win state as a first-year coach,” Austin says. “From day one, all the players knew we were going to have to work harder in practice—probably more than some people wanted—but it paid off. She brought intensity to the court every day. I’m excited for what Coach Petro will do for the future of Mountain Brook tennis.”
Goodson says, “I am so happy for her and this exciting new chapter, and I’m thankful I was a part of starting it off with another state title.” OTMJ
Thursday, May 15, 2025
BY RUBIN E. GRANT
PHOTO BY JASON DING
Vestavia Hills tennis coach Oliver Aaron was reluctant to call the Rebels’ dominance in Class 7A a dynasty, but two of his players had no qualms about using the term to describe it.His grandfather, Randy Faust, grew up in Blount County and ran track at Cleveland High School, competing in the 440- and 880-yard runs. He went on to become an All-American at the University of Alabama. Vestavia Hills boys and girls swept the 2025 Class 7A championships in the 80th AHSAA Tennis Championships April 24-25 at the Mobile Tennis Center. The boys won their fourth consecutive state championship, and the girls won their second straight and third in four years. “I don’t want to call it a dynasty, but I guess you can say that,” Aaron says.
Senior Luke Bedwell didn’t hesitate to call the Rebels’ supremacy a dynasty after winning his second consecutive Class 7A boys No. 1 singles title. “I think it is a dynasty,” Bedwell says. “We’ve created the image of the guys being outstanding, and I honestly believe with the younger players coming back it will continue.”
Senior Kenley Outzen spoke just as matter-offactly about the Vestavia Hills girls. “I definitely believe it’s a dynasty,” says Outzen, who won the No. 3 girl’s singles title. “This team was very strong, and I am sure it will continue to be in the future.”
The Rebels boys won five individual singles championships and all three doubles titles to
finish with 57 points, more than doubling the total of runner-up Montgomery Academy, which had 26 points to edge Florence (24) and Hoover (23).
The Vestavia Hills girls captured four singles titles and all three doubles championships to total 57 points, well ahead of Huntsville (33 points), St. Paul’s Episcopal (23) and Montgomery Academy (20).
“It’s all the kids,” Aaron says. “They put in the work and were rewarded. My assistant coach, Timarie Fisk, was also a great help. We had six senior boys and five senior girls, and they did a really good job of bringing the younger kids along. It was like one big family. In my four years, I hadn’t seen a team come together like this one, boys and girls. It’s been a special class.”
Bedwell (28-1) posted a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Montgomery Academy’s John Alford (36-5) to claim the No. 1 boy’s singles title. “It feels really good to win it again,” Bedwell says. “All the time I put in paid off. It’s good to celebrate it with my teammates and the coaches. Coach Aaron has really helped me become a better player.”
“In my four years, I hadn’t seen a team come together like this one, boys and girls. It’s been a special class.”
–coach oliver aaron
Bedwell is headed to Spring Hill College in Mobile to play collegiately, and some of his future coaches and teammates were there to witness his triumph. “That was a really cool experience with them there,” Bedwell says. “With all of the players being there, it pushed me to try even harder. It helped me, honestly.”
Bedwell also teamed with No. 3 singles champion Louis Kolettis (26-4) to win the No. 1 doubles title as well, beating Hoover’s duo of Chen Joiner and Cade Black in a very tough final, 6-2, 4-6, 10-5.
Rebels No. 2 singles champ Andrew Pipkin, a junior, (22-1) joined with No. 5 singles champ Daniel Cather (25-4) to win the No. 2 doubles title. Ben Cusimariu and Parker Liu won at No. 3 doubles. Vestavia Hills’ Duncan McInnes (14-1) also won the No. 6 singles, defeating Hoover’s Shiv Jaikumer 6-1, 2-6, 10-8. Rebels’ sophomore Austin Hood (15-4) lost to Hoover’s Asim Virani, 6-4, 6-4, in the No. 4 final.
“This team is really close,” Bedwell says. “We’ve never worked harder. We all pushed each other to get better.”
The Vestavia Hills’ girls, in addition to Outzen (22-4) at No. 3, saw Caroline Helms (23-3) at No. 4, eighth-grader Peyton Standifer (19-0) at No. 5 and Kitty Watts (24-1) at No. 6 claim singles titles.
Vestavia Hills swept all three doubles titles. Senior Ansley Cox, who is headed to Penn State to play collegiately, teamed with senior Madison Standifer to win No. 1 doubles, defeating Montgomery Academy’s duo of
Lola Campbell and Gabby Barrera, 6-0, 6-4. Both Cox and Madison Standifer showed remarkable resiliency after losing tough singles matches. Cox lost a grueling three-set No. 1 singles match against Barerra in the semifinals, 6-0, 2-6, 12-10. Barerra (30-0) went on to win her third consecutive No. 1 singles title with a 7-5, 6-2 victory against Huntsville’s Mazie MacGrotty (15-1).
Madison Standifer (18-4) lost 6-4, 7-6 to St. Paul’s Episcopal’s Pearce Graf (28-0) in the No. 2 singles final. “Losing in singles didn’t affect either one of them,” Aaron says. “They played great in No. 1 doubles.”
Outzen teamed with Helms to win No. 2 doubles, defeating Huntsville’s Taliyah Williams and Madison Letterle, 6-2, 6-2. Watts joined Wynn Strubel to win No. 3 doubles, with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Huntsville’s Caroline Stapler and Gianna Burch.
“I’m so excited we won and proud of our team,” Outzen says. “We couldn’t have done it without everyone contributing. It was an all-round effort.” OTMJ