10.5.17

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

SPORTS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2017

HEALTH SPECIAL ISSUE

On a Personal Level

New UAB Cancer Center Director Says Personalized Diagnosis and Treatment Drives the Future of Cancer Care

Photo courtesy UAB

By Emily Williams THE FUTURE OF CANCER TREATMENT is headed in a more personal direction, said UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s new director, Dr. Michael Birrer.

Birrer said the ability to diagnose the cause of an individual’s cancer and use that information to target

See BIRRER page 12 Dr. Michael Birrer

FINDING OUT MY HEART AGE COULD END UP SAVING MY LIFE. Grandview Medical Center’s 5-minute Heart Risk Assessment will calculate your Heart Age – and your risk for heart disease. It will also offer advice on how to maintain or improve your heart health.

Visit GrandviewHeartCare.com to take the assessment.

Look Forward.

93946_GRAN_HRA_Hiker_10_375x2_25c.indd 1

12/22/16 4:00 PM

2 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

MURPHY’S LAW

I 150 YEARS OF SERVICE Canterbury UMC Celebrates Its Sesquicentennial With an Emphasis on Volunteerism PAGE 10

PLAYING TO WIN The Mike Slive Foundation Aims to Beat Prostate Cancer PAGE 16

RAISING THE BAR(TACO) New Homewood Restaurant Has Beachside Vibe, Fun Flavors PAGE 25

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE Creative Montessori Celebrates International Day of Peace PAGE 28

ABOUT TOWN 4 NEWS 10 HEALTH 12 PEOPLE 17 LIFE 18

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

SOCIAL 20 WEDDINGS 24 FOOD 25 SCHOOLS 28 SPORTS 32

ON OTMJ.COM

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

October 5, 2017 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Sarah Kuper, Emily Williams Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Blake Ells, Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, Jordan Wald, June Mathews, William C. Singleton III, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls Jr., Bryan Bunch Sam Prickett Advertising Sales: Suzanne Wald, Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald Vol. 28, No. 5

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

Copyright 2017 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Cold Comfort

ever. You don’t even have to do much got my flu shot last week, the new chewing, which conserves energy one configured with the latest prewhen you don’t feel all that hot, or you diction of which flu bug is headed are already hot with a fever. this direction. Flu meteorology – you My homemade soup recipes were have to hope the CDC knows what it’s pretty standard – bean, minestrone, doing or I could have several days of potato – all good, but then I saw a head-banging misery in my future. book called, “Twelve Months of Amazingly, the health gurus have Monastery Soups,” so as part of my never come up with a cold vaccine. continuing “Do something every day You’d think that would be easier, that scares you” plan, I decided to give wouldn’t you? I mean, the common it a try. cold is…well, common, and yet, the Each month, Brother Victoronly things we have in our arsenal Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette (Don’t against it are weapons to manage the you love that name?), offers a colleccollateral damage once it has laid tion of soup recipes featuring seasonal siege to our bodies.

Sue Murphy ingredients. I tried a peas-and-mint I don’t know how things go at your soup in July and a beet soup in house, but it’s a long-standing tradiAugust, served cold, which was new tion in my family that someone will I don’t know how things for me. Now that the weather is getbe sick over the holidays. It never go at your house, but ting cooler, Brother Victor-Antoine fails. The car pulls in the driveway it’s a long-standing is gently moving into heavier and someone starts sneezing…or themes, root vegetables and escaworse. This past Easter we were tradition in my family treated to a 10-day tag-team viral role. extravaganza. So, while I’m gather- that someone will be sick Some soups are broth-based, but ing goodies for this upcoming holi- over the holidays ... The others call for a spin in the blender. day season, I’ll throw in decongesIn a double “scare me” maneuver car pulls in the driveway (cooking and machines), I bought tant, antihistamine and cough suppressant, along with a hefty supply one of those handy-dandy immerand someone starts of tissues and aspirin and juice. sion blenders, which turned out to sneezing… be just the ticket once I realized that Oh, and soup. when they said “immersion” they I’m a big fan of soup, even on a meant a deep-water dive. Otherwise, the blender healthy day. My pantry is lined with go-to cans of my becomes a handy-dandy rotary spreader, disseminating favorites, tomato and veggie and anything with pasta. This may surprise you, but I’ve even made a few beet pulp all over the kitchen cabinets. You don’t make pots of soup in my day. Making soup isn’t a fussy that mistake twice.

Next week, I’m trying Potage du Jardin, a soup that cooking maneuver. You chop up veggies, add water and leave it alone for a few hours. Even I can do that. And calls for Swiss chard and Gruyere cheese. If it turns out if you put the ingredients in the Crock-Pot, the magic well, it will make me smile and smiling is certainly happens while you’re at work. What could be better? good for your health.

Eating it. When you open the door, you’re greeted The book opens with a French proverb: “Eat soup first and eat it last, and live till a hundred years be with that warm, comforting aroma. You ladle it into a bowl, take up your generous-sized spoon, and each past.” mouthful warms you right down to your toes. There’s It’s a nice thought, but I’ll be happy if it just gets nothing to cut, nothing to grind, no sharp edges whatso- me through flu season. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What are you planning to be for Halloween?

“I’m going to be Batman.”

Isaiah Rouse Homewood

“I’m going to be Superwoman.”

Olivia Rouse Homewood “Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast.’”

Ella Miller Homewood

“Minnie Mouse.”

Finley Miller Homewood

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 3

ABOUT TOWN

LOOKING FOR A SCARY GOOD DEAL? Buy a new home by October 31 and get a FREE electric golf cart!

From Halloween to 4th of July and every holiday in between, life is always more fun at Liberty Park. With so much to do and so many new friends, you’ll want a cool way to enjoy everything and everyone. Buy a new home

by October 31st and we’ll treat you to a FREE electric golf cart. But please hurry. These beautiful new homes are selling fast. And if you miss it, it’s sure to haunt you.

New homes from high $300s to $600s+ Decorated models now open.

(205) 945-6401 | libertypark.com

N E W H O M E S • H I G H LY R AT E D V E S TA V I A H I L L S S C H O O L S • S W I M C E N T E R • T E N N I S C E N T E R • P A R K S • P L AY G R O U N D S • W A L K I N G T R A I L S

Offer available on select Liberty Park new construction homes with contracts finalized on or before October 31, 2017. Contract must close for offer to apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other incentives or offers. One promotional offer per contract. Offer will be disclosed in the sales contract and the applicable Closing Disclosure and other settlement documents, as necessary. Offers, plans, prices, availability and terms of offer are subject to change without notice. The images, depictions and information contained herein should be deemed accurate but not warranted. Liberty Park Joint Venture, LLP, Liberty Park Properties, and their respective builders, officers, employees and agents are not responsible for errors or omissions. Offer ends October 31, 2017. All rights reserved. Golf cart valued at approximately $6,000.

664-891_Oct Halloween Promo_OTMJ.indd 1

9/26/17 4:01 PM

4 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Photo courtesy Birmingham Botanical Gardens

OCTOBER 5 - 19

Elizabeth Adams, owner of ExVoto in Mountain Brook Village will be participating in TASTEBUDS: DEFINE YOUR STYLE on Oct. 5.

Oct. 5-8 BIRMINGHAM

Antiques at the Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens The gardens will host its annual event featuring the Tastemakers, who are regionally known architects, interior designers and landscape designers; a speaker series and more. The show begins Fri., Oct 5 at 10:30 a.m. and runs through Sun., Oct. 8. Everything from antiques and furniture to fine art and garden accessories will be on display.

General admission is $15. For more information, visit bbgardens.org. ❖

Thurs., Oct. 5 VESTAVIA HILLS

Highland

Dentistry

“Lift Your Spirits” Vestavia Country Club Community Grief Support will host its annual gala from 5:30-8:30 p.m., honoring Coach Gene Stallings, with both silent and live auctions.

VIP ticket holders will have a special meet-and-greet reception with Coach Stallings from 5-6:15 p.m. For more information, call 870-8667 or visit communitygriefsupport.org.

BIRMINGHAM

Hearts After Dark Vulcan Park and Museum The Pediatric Heart Transplant Study Foundation’s second annual event

Open Monday-Friday Emergencies Welcome

will begin at 6 p.m. and includes a cocktail hour followed by an auction and dinner. Proceeds benefit the PHTS Foundation’s mission to improve outcomes for children who need a heart transplant. Tickets are $75. For more information, visit phtsfoundation.org.

HOMEWOOD

First Thursday Art Stroll Downtown Homewood Visitors have the opportunity to spend the evening interacting with local artists and shop until 8 p.m. at participating retailers. For more information, visit homewoodchamber. org.

Fri., Oct. 6 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Village Garden Walk Block Party Mountain Brook Village The merchants of Lane Parke and Mountain Brook will create gardeninspired windows for a block party from 5-7 p.m. featuring live music, food, shopping opportunities and more.

Windows will be on display through Oct. 8. For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber.org.

Oct. 6-7

Bluff Park Village Shopping Center and Shades Crest Baptist Church. For more information, visit bluffparkartassociation. org.

HOMEWOOD

Homewood Health and Safety Day Homewood Central Park Homewood Parks is sponsoring an event from 9 a.m.- noon to educate Homewood citizens on how to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

The Homewood Fire and Police Departments will be on the scene with their vehicles on display, as well as a Lifesaver helicopter and an ambulance.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the Two Men and a Pig Food Truck. For more information, contact Alissa Brock at alissa. thurmond@homewoodal.org.

VESTAVIA HILLS

Brazilian Day Festival Horizon Church Horizon Church will host the third annual Brazilian Festival from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Festivities include Brazilian food, live music, jiujitsu presentations and a kids section. For the kids, there will be cotton candy, snow cones, moon walks slides and more. For more information, visit vestaviahills.org.

Sun., Oct 8

HOOVER

Friends Blowout Book Sale Hoover Library The Friends of the Hoover Library’s annual sale hours will begin Oct. 6 at 9 a.m. and Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. Offerings include gently used books, DVDs, CDs and more. For more information, visit hooverlibrary.org of call 444-7774.

Sat., Oct. 7 HOOVER

Bluff Park Art Show Bluff Park Community Center The show features more than 150 artist, food vendors, hands-on children’s activities and music from high school jazz bands. Artists will display their work from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the front of the Community Center. Admission is free.

Free shuttle busses are available at the Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Shades Mountain Independent Church,

HOOVER

Whispers form the Past - A Native American Experience Aldridge Gardens The annual event celebrating Alabama’s Native American history will take place from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and includes demonstrations, games and artifacts. Jewelry, beadwork, foods and crafts will be available for purchase.

The Native American Pow Wow dancers will perform at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, visit aldridgegardens.com.

Thurs., Oct. 12 HOOVER

Taste of Hoover Aldridge Gardens Sample delicious dishes from some of Hoover’s best restaurants, caterers,

ALABAMA'S LARGEST GASLIGHT SHOWROOM

Complete Dental Care for over 30 years Dr. H. Grady Swicord • Dr. Taylor Banks 5510 Hwy 280, Suite 104, Birmingham, AL 35242 HighlandDentistry.com 205.991.6080

2828 Linden Avenue Homewood 870-4060 www.alabamagaslightandgrill.com

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

VESTAVIA HILLS

Legacy League Fall Luncheon Vestavia Country Club Samford University’s Legacy League will host its annual luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Birmingham blogger, speaker, newspaper columnist and author of “10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know and Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For”, Kari Kampakis, will be the key note speaker. Individual tickets are $25.

For more information, visit samford. edu.

of the library for an evening of jazz music, featuring Johnny Robinson Jazzarama. This is a free communitywide event will be held from 5-8 p.m. For more information, visit magicitysmoothjazz.com.

VESTAVIA HILLS

Fall Festival Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church The church plans to host a fall festival from 4-6 p.m., featuring food trucks, inflatables, train rides, pony rides, a cake walk, bingo and more.

Instead of charging an admission fee, guests should bring a donation

for a school supply drive. For more information, visit vestaviahills.org.

Sun.. Oct. 15 NORTH SHELBY

Tues., Oct. 17 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Alzheimer’s in Alabama Annual Conference Canterbury United Methodist Church The ACA’s annual Conference for Caregivers will be held from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and will conclude with a candle lighting service. Registration is $20 for caregivers and $40 for CEUs. For more information, visit

See SID, page 8

Photo courtesy The Nature Conservancy

and more. Taste international wines and local beers while listening to live entertainment. Tickets are $40 for members and $45 for non-members.

As this is a special event date, free admission will not be offered to the gardens. For more information, visit aldridgegardens.com.

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 5

ABOUT TOWN

Connect with Nature Shoal Creek Community The Nature Conservancy will partner with Shoal Creek Properties from 1-5 p.m. for a fall festival. This event is free and open to the public. There will be a pumpkin patch, live music, food trucks, local farm vendors, artists, woodcarving and nature experts. For more information, visit nature.org.❖

BIRMINGHAM

Autumn Celebration Benefit Cahaba Brewing Co. Trinity’s Junior Board and a host committee will hold the fifth annual “Tacos for Trinity” fall event from 6-8 p.m., benefiting Trinity’s ministry to continue to provide mental health services to the community. Food will be on hand and music will be provided by Tarred and Feathered.

For more information, visit trinitycounselingbham.org.

Sat., Oct. 14 CAHABA HEIGHTS

Heights Heros 5k 3162 Heights Village Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights will host a 5k race through central Cahaba Heights followed by a fun run with age-based divisions from 8-11 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the school. For more information, visit vestaviahills.org.

D E N Y D O U B T. Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy.

And that’s when you need a teammate like Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. Because our experts aggressively pursue victory over every injury.

NORTH SHELBY

Mt. Laurel Fall Festival Mt. Laurel The community’s annual fall festival, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., will feature a farmers market and craft fair, live music, food trucks, inflatables, face painting and more. A canine costume contest will benefit the Shelby County Humane Society. Mt Laurel’s newest collaboration with “Southern Living”, the “Southern Living” inspired home will debut at the festival and Kathryn Lott from “Southern Living” will host cooking demonstrations. For more information, visit mtlaurel.com.

BIRMINGHAM

Oktoberfest Caldwell Park Birmingham Sport and Social Club will host Birmingham’s biggest German-themed party from 1-6 p.m.

The event will feature a variety of cold beers, German food, live music and games and activities. Tickets are $10 -$50. For more information, visit bhamsportandsocial.com

Sun., Oct. 15 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Jazz in the Park Emmet O’Neal Library Community members are invited to bring picnic blankets and grab a spot on the library’s grassy knoll in front

Go to AndrewsSportsMedicine.com to start making your comeback.

To: From:

Date:

6 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

Art in the Park

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

By June Mathews If you’re looking to add a touch of beauty or whimsy to your home décor, wardrobe or jewelry collection, a

Sunday afternoon stroll through the Handmade Art Show on Oct. 15 in Homewood Central Park might fill the bill.

Sponsored by the Homewood Arts

Fireballs the modern alternative

Council and the city of Homewood, the Handmade Art Show is a free fall event held each second weekend in October.

“It started in 1994 as a neighborhood art show held in the home of Carol Richard with only five artists,” said Jill Lindsay, who, along with her sister, Valerie Holley, organizes the Handmade Art Show. “It’s now in its 24th year and showcases more than 40 carefully selected local artists. It’s grown too large to be (in) someone’s home, but it’s still a quaint size. Many Homewood residents can walk to it and consider it their neighborhood art show.”

This year’s Handmade artists will be selling a range of items from pottery to paintings to stained glass and jewelry.

Photo courtesy Kathryn Blackwell

Handmade Art Show to Feature Artists’ Own Favorites

Kathryn Blackwell combines photography with photo-editing software to create fascinating one-of-a-kind images. A personal favorite is her Purple Dahlia photo, available for viewing at the show. Below, jewelry designer Wendy Watts will be bringing selections from her Wine Designs by Wendy line.

Jewelry designer Wendy Watts will be bringing selections from her Wine Designs by Wendy line, featuring necklaces made with upcycled metal crowns from Champagne, prosecco and other sparkling wines.

“The artwork on so many of those crowns is so beautiful that I wanted to capture it in a more interesting way than just mounting them on a bulletin board 1 or putting them in a drawer,” said Watts. “I thought they should be showcased as jewelry and took months to AT A 2017 ON STAGE ALASKA® TRAVEL SHOW! come up with a process that works.”

Mike She combines the crowns with five Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 DUE TO THE HI GH DEMAND or six kinds of beads, stones or pearls, O F THESE SHOW FAX: 205-824-1246 S, then adds unique closures. One of her R SV IS P REQUIRED Oct. 11, 2016 favorite pieces features a dark copper crown from the Dehours Champagne This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the house combined with two types of jasOct. 20, 2016 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. per, hematite, black druzy and antique copper.

Juneau, Alaska Please make sure all information is correct,For another piece, she used a purple crown from the Laurent Perrier and phone number!

Let Holland including America Line® takeaddress you on an inspiring journey to Alaska. Book your Champagne house and surrounded it cruise or Land+Sea Journey during our AAA exclusive promotion and you could with purple electroplated quartz crystal receive special bonuses, including: points, purple glass beads and purple Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

2  Up to $75 Onboard Credit per person on Alaska cruises if we have not heard from you3 by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,pearls interspersed with copper and a  Up to $50 Onboard Credit per person PLUS up to $50 in Denali Dollars per your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. purple-hued copper chain. person3 on Alaska Land+Sea Journeys

RECEIVE UP TO $450 in booking bonuses

4  One OnboardThank Value Booklet valued thanprompt $350 per person , you forat more your attention.

including discounts and savings

 50% reduced deposit 5

Tuesday, October 17, 2017 • 6:00pm

From her Blackcat studio, Kathryn Blackwell uses photo-editing software to create fascinating one-of-a-kind images. A retired school counselor, she launched her creative journey taking portraits of actors in a school play.

AAA Alabama 2400 Acton Road • Birmingham, AL 35243

ABOUT TOWN,

RSVP today! Or for more information, Call, Click or Visit.

Wed., Oct 18

CALL: 1-800-453-9125 CLICK: AAA.com/GoAlaska VISIT: your local AAA branch Guests will have two weeks from the date of the On Stage Alaska travel show to take advantage of the up to $450 in booking bonuses offer. To obtain the maximum $450 booking bonuses offer, book a qualifying Alaska Land+Sea journey plus receive the Onboard Value Booklet valued at more than $350. Offers, including booking deadline, subject to change without notice. Applies to all Alaska cruises and Land+Sea Journeys: Onboard Credit (OBC) and Denali Dollars are in U.S. Dollars, apply to new 2018 bookings only and are available to first and second guests sharing a stateroom only. Combinable with Signature & Savings Fares, standard and concessioned groups, select promotional fares and AAA MAP & AMEX cardholder promotions. Not combinable with Cruise Night or CS promotions. Not applicable to third and fourth guests. 2Cruise Only OBC: OBC amount is based on stateroom category booked and length of voyage. 7-day cruises receive: Inside: $17.50 per person (maximum $35 per stateroom), Ocean View: $25 per person (maximum $50 per stateroom), Verandah: $37.50 per person (maximum $75 per stateroom) and Suites: $50 per person (maximum $100 per stateroom). 14-day cruises receive: Inside: $25 per person (maximum $50 per stateroom), Ocean View: $27.50 per person (maximum $75 per stateroom), Verandah: $50 per person (maximum $100 per stateroom) and Suites: $75 per person (maximum $150 per stateroom). 3Land+Sea Journeys: OBC and Denali Dollar amount is based on stateroom category booked and type of Land+Sea Journey. Denali Land+Sea Journeys D1-D8 receive $25 in Denali Dollars per person (maximum $50 per stateroom) plus the following OBC: Inside and Ocean View: $25 per person (maximum $50 per stateroom), Verandah: $37.50 per person (maximum $75 per stateroom) and Suites: $50 per person (maximum $100 per stateroom). Yukon Land+Sea Journeys Y1-Y5 receive $50 in Denali Dollars per person (maximum $100 per stateroom) plus the following OBC: Inside and Ocean View: $25 per person (maximum $50 per stateroom), Verandah: $37.50 per person (maximum $75 per stateroom) and Suites: $50 per person (maximum $100 per stateroom). 4One Onboard Value Booklet is delivered to passenger’s stateroom. Applies to passenger one and two only, in a stateroom/ suite. 550% reduced deposit for applicable departures only. All Land+Sea Journeys require a deposit of $600 per person. Alaska cruises require a deposit of $350 per person for 7-day cruises and $600 per person for 14-day cruises. Bookings made on voyages requiring immediate final payment are not eligible for reduced deposit. Ask your AAA Travel Agent for details.

Airfare, taxes, surcharges, gratuities, transfers and excursions are additional unless otherwise indicated. Fuel surcharges, government taxes, other surcharges and deposit, payment and cancellation terms/conditions are subject to change without notice at any time. Cruise rates are capacity controlled. Rates, terms, conditions, availability and itinerary are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. AAA members must make advance reservations through AAA Travel to obtain Member Benefits and savings. Member Benefits may vary based on departure date. Rates are accurate at time of printing and are subject to availability and change. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Alabama Motorists Association, Inc. acts only as an agent for Holland America Line and is a motor club with a principal place of business at 2400 Acton Road, Birmingham, AL 35243. Travel provider Holland America Line is located at 450 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98119. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands. Copyright © 2017 Alabama Motorists Association, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

1

Layers of Color

From page 5

BIRMINGHAM

Linly Heflin Scholarship Fashion Show The Club The Linly Heflin Unit’s 59th annual gala and fashion show will kick off with a cocktail supper at 5:30 p.m. A fashion show will follow at 7:30 p.m. and will feature styles by Haute Hippie and Gus Mayer. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s scholarship program which recognizes women who are seeking higher education in Alabama. For more information, visit

When one of the youngsters saw her own portrait for the first time and exclaimed, “I’m beautiful!” Blackwell was hooked.

“That sealed it for me,” she said.

Blackwell credits Samford University’s Academy of the Arts with helping her improve her skills and broaden her scope as a professional photographer. She particularly enjoys macro photography, and one of her favorite photo-editing techniques is to create multiple layers of color by combining diverse images.

“It’s much more interesting than just a straight shot,” she said.

One of her personal favorites is her Purple Dahlia photo, available for viewing at the show.

Photo courtesy Wendy Watts

Champagne Taste

bird paintings are irresistible for their color and whimsy, and a line of hand towels bearing her bird images provides unique gifts for upcoming weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.

A well-known and respected artist in the area, Truitt uses a variety of techniques – painting, paper, pen and ink, and printing – to create her charming birds. She is a self-taught artist with a vast store of knowledge gained from working at Alabama Art Supply for 30 years.

Though Truitt has taken part in other art shows, she especially enjoys the Handmade Art Show for its people.

“Jill and Valerie, who head up the show, the other artists and the people who come to the show are all great,” she said.

Pickin’ in the Park

Handmade Art Show attendees will not want to miss seeing mixed media artist Pam Truitt’s work. Her signature

Partnered with the Handmade Art Show is Pickin’ in the Park, an acoustic music festival designed to give local musicians an opportunity to bring their own instruments and play music with others. Musicians scheduled to perform on the park stage include Foggy Hollow Review, James Mullis and Birmingham Ukulele Society.

The Handmade Art Show will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. Food trucks have been invited, and picnicking is encouraged. Attendees may bring their own chairs and blankets.

For more information, including a complete list of artists and samplings of their work, visit handmadeartshowhomewood.com. ❖

linlyheflin.org.

hfcristorey.org/siena.

Bird’s-Eye Viewing

MOUNTAIN BROOK

“St. Catherine of Siena: A Woman For Our Times” St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School will host performances of a one-woman show performed by Adrian Dominican sister Nancy Murray at 7 p.m. Murray is the older sister of actor Bill Murray and has received international acclaim for this show depicting the life of one of the Catholic Church’s most beloved saints. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

A reception, hosted by the Ladies of Charity of Alabama, will follow the show. Proceeds will benefit Holy Family Cristo Rey. For more information, visit

Oct. 21-22 BIRMINGHAM

Fall Plant Sale Birmingham Botanical Gardens The Gardens will host its annual plant sale in its Blount Plaza on Oct. 21, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Oct 22, from noon-4 p.m. There will be herbs, trees, fall annuals, shrubs, natives, perennials and more. Proceeds benefit the Gardens’ mission to promote public knowledge and appreciation of plants, gardens and the environment.

Admission is free. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit bbgardens.org.❖

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 7

ABOUT TOWN The event will be held from 5:45 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will include live music, a program showcasing Cornerstone successes, a seated dinner and a silent auction featuring artwork created by students. Tickets are $150.

Just Around the Corner

Organizers for the 14th annual Harvest of Hope fundraiser include, from left: Michelle Smith, Julie Blumenthal, Karen Brannan, Danna Yarmdwich and Kate Simpson.

For more information, visit educatebirmingham.org.

—Emily Williams

INSURANCE APPRAISALS FOR JEWELRY

Alan & Company Jewelry & Express Repair

619 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills 205.769.6930

Cornerstone’s Annual Harvest of Hope Recognizes Longtime Supporter

Cornerstone’s board.

More than 530 students living in Women’s Service Board inner-city Birmingham walk the President Michele Smith, who was halls of Cornerstone Schools of introduced to the board Alabama.

by Hornsby said he, “is a The nonprofit school champion for Cornerstone was founded more than 30 School as he is a longyears ago to provide time supporter of it’s stuinner-city families with an dents, mission and core affordable alternative to values.” public school and a variSmith and event chairety of tuition assistance man Danna Yarmowich options. Presently, the are gearing up for the organization consists of an fundraiser, which donates elementary school facility 100 percent of its proand a middle/high school ceeds to the schools and building.

John Hornsby their students.

On Nov. 3, the “This will be the first year in our Cornerstone’s Women’s Service new location, the Barber Vintage Board will host its 14th annual Motorsports Museum, which is Harvest of Hope fundraiser and will much bigger than we’ve been in,” use the opportunity to honor John Smith said.

Hornsby, a long-time member of

To: From: Date:

Donna Over The Mountain Journa Sept., 2017

This is your AD PROOF for OVE Oct. 5, 2017 issue. Please appro your sales representative as

Please initial and fax to

If we have not heard fr before the press da

Thank you for yo

“We wouldn’t trust anyone but Catherine Wilkes to help us buy or sell a home.”

When Meredith and Owen Hargett decided to sell their first home and move into Homewood, they turned to ARC real estate agent Catherine Wilkes for guidance.

“I’d been friends with Catherine since high school,” says Meredith, “so I trusted her to look out for our best interests. And she did! My husband and I have crazy work schedules and Catherine did all the work. She helped sell our first home and found us a new one that suits our busy lifestyle.” Owen and Meredith didn’t have exactly the same priorities - she wanted a convenient location while he had a higher priority for a yard that would accommodate their three dogs. “Catherine found a house that met both our requirements,” says Owen. “We love it here.”

1997-2017

THE

IDEAL

SEASON

For more information on working with Catherine or to see all of ARC Realty’s listings, visit www.arcrealtyco.com

FOR

A Relationship Company ENJOY 1 1/2 WELL-ORGANIZED ACRES OF TREES, SHRUBS, GROUNDCOVERS, ANNUALS, PERENNIALS & HERBS, AS WELL AS A KNOWLEDGEABLE, HELPFUL STAFF.

4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 • 205.969.8910 www.arcrealtyco.com Catherine Wilkes • (205) 266-7975

FALL TREATS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Pumpkins, Parades, Mystics and More!

Thurs., Oct 12

BIRMINGHAM

Wig & Stache Bash The Florentine Preschool Partners will host this annual event from 6-9 p.m., featuring both a silent and live auction, music, cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Guests are invited to wear wigs, mustaches and any other costume or disguises. Tickets are $75. For more information, visit preschool-partners.org.

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

8 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

Fri., Oct. 13 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Nightmare on Oak Street Horror Movie Dinner and Double Feature Emmet O’Neal Library The library will host an event featuring two classic horror films from 5-10 p.m. This event is for 18 and older only. Guests are invited to bring their own glass containers and build a terror-ium with plants and decorations provided. To RSVP, email hwesley@ bham.lib.al.us or call 445-1117. For more information, visit eoliborg.

BIRMINGHAM

Mad Science McWane Science Center McWane will celebrate Friday the 13th by inviting guests to wear their Halloween costumes for 21 and over event. Admission includes access to three levels of the McWane Adventure Halls, light snacks, MAD science interactive activities, a photo booth, drink ticket (good for one signature drink), 3 cash bars and free parking.

For more information, visit mcwane.org.

Oct. 15, 19-22, and 26-31

WILD RIDE The fifth annual Homewood Witches Ride cycling parade, benefiting the American Cancer Society, will be held Sun., Oct. 29 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Above, Liz Bolen, Kimee Duck and Meredith Husnik at the 2016 Witches Ride. $35 on the day of race. For more information, visit active.com.

Tues., Oct. 24 HOOVER

Creepy Crawly Spiders of Alabama Aldridge Gardens Dr. Drew Hataway from the biology department at Samford University will bring some interesting arachnids and discuss his experiences with spiders from 6-8 p.m. The program will end with a search for harmless wolf spiders in the gardens. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

Children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit aldridgegardens. com.

Fri., Oct. 27

BIRMINGHAM

Boo at the Zoo Birmingham Zoo Come dressed in your favorite familyfriendly costume as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions for 12 nights. New features for this year’s event will be the Red Mountain Theatre Ghost Tour and Hayride and the opportunity to purchase a premium parking space for $10. Parking spaces must be purchased in advance. Beer and wine will be available for purchase on Fri. and Sat. only. For more information, visit birminghamzoo.com.

Sat., Oct. 21 BIRMINGHAM

Trick or Trot 5k Sloss Furnaces The fifth annual costume 5k run will begin at 7 a.m., benefitting Kid One Transport. The event will include postrace food, a “Bloody Mary Bar,” music and activities for kids. There will be a costume contest with awards given for a variety of categories. Runners of all ages, strollers and pets are welcome.

Registration is $25 in advance or

BIRMINGHAM

Boo 22 B&A Warehouse The annual Halloween party will be from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. and features music

by Gentleman Zero and DJ Mark AD, karaoke, a palm reader, henna tattoos and a horror movie lounge, a costume contest and prizes. The event is for ages 21 and up and tickets are $25 (cash only at the door). Proceeds benefit the Lukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more information, visit boohalloweenparty.com.

Sat., Oct. 28

HOOVER

Boo Run for Down Syndrome Veterans Park Hosted by Southeastern Trail Runs and sponsored by Mountain High Outfitters this event will feature a 5k and 10k run at 8:30 and 1 mile fun run at 9:30 a.m. concluding with a costume dance party. There will be an additional costume dance party only from 10:30-noon. Included will

be a costume contest for runners and kids, For more information, visit downsyndromealabama.org.

Sun., Oct. 29 HOMEWOOD

Homewood Witches Ride Homewood Central Park The fifth annual cycling parade benefiting the American Cancer Society will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. This event honors the memory of Paula Stringfellow Ford, who lost her battle with lung cancer in 2013.

Riders can register to participate in the costumed two-mile ride on decorated bicycles for $25. For more information, visit homewoodwitchesride.org.

HOOVER

Fall Carnival The Grove Shopping Center Mountaintop Community Church will host a carnival from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Grove Shopping Center on Hwy 150, where Super Target is located. The event will feature carnival rides, games, candy and food trucks. Admission is free. For more information, visit mountaintopchurch.com.

Tues., Oct. 31 MOUNTAIN BROOK

Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade Church Street Crestline Village The Mystics of Mountain Brook will host its 14th annual Halloween parade at 4 p.m. The Mardi Gras-style festivities will feature floats tossing t-shirts, beads, stuffed animals, footballs and more. No candy will be thrown. The parade route will be along Church Street. For more information, visit mtnbrookchamber. org. ❖

Look for more FALL FUN ideas in our Oct. 17 issue!

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 9

NEWS

10 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

150 Years of Service

By Sarah Kuper

Founded shortly after the Civil War, in 1867, Canterbury predates the establishment of Mountain Brook by 70 years. aligning itself with Robert Jemison’s plan to give the new area of Mountain Brook an English character.

In 1948, Canterbury merged with Mountain Brook Methodist Church in Crestline to become Canterbury-Mountain Brook Methodist Church.

Finally, the church moved to its current location in Mountain Brook in 1951 and shortened its name to Canterbury United Methodist Church in 1968.

But church leadership does not intend its sesquicentennial celebration to revolve around the building or name’s history.

“One hundred and fifty years for any organization is a huge accomplishment, and the fact that Canterbury has been in existence for that long is one thing,” said the Rev. Dale Cohen, “but the fact that Canterbury has been positively making a difference in the Mountain Brook community and beyond during that whole time is even more phenomenal.”

Elizabeth Dunn has attended Canterbury since she was 7 years old. She serves as the church

Canterbury UMC Celebrates Its Sesquicentennial With an Emphasis on Volunteerism

Photos special to the Journal

It has been 150 years since Canterbury United Methodist began its ministry in the Over the Mountain area.

This month, the church will celebrate its history with special Sunday services and outreach opportunities.

The church serves more than 4,400 members and the community at large through programs for all age groups and backgrounds.

The church is a fixture in the Over the Mountain area, with its large but tucked-away, forested campus in Mountain Brook.

Founded shortly after the Civil War, in 1867, Canterbury predates the establishment of Mountain Brook by 70 years.

The church was first known as the Irondale Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1874, the church relocated off of what is now Hollywood Boulevard and was renamed Union Hill Methodist Episcopal Church.

Then, in 1928, the church changed its name again to Canterbury Methodist Episcopal church,

Elizabeth Dunn serves as church counsel leader and said Canterbury has shaped her faith since she was a child.

Fred Renneker, 77, has attended Canterbury all his life and served as chairman of the church board and a Sunday school teacher.

Stop Hunger counsel leadNow and the er. educational “I can’t programs at remember a Canterbury,” time in my she said, “I life when this love how this church didn’t church focuses play a part,” on educating she said, “I others about was married the love of here. All three Christ.” of my children Not just a were baptized leader in the here and my church, Dunn husband and I is the presiplan to be burdent of the ied here.”

Mountain Dunn said In 1874, the church relocated off of what is now Hollywood the Methodist Boulevard and was renamed Union Hill Methodist Episcopal Church. Brook Board of Education Youth and the director of business development at Ray Fellowship program at Canterbury greatly influ& Poynor properties. enced her as a young girl.

Church member Fred Renneker said that, in “My experience in MYF made me more comhis 77 years of life, he’s never really been a part fortable to accept and take on leadership roles.

Before that I didn’t really know that I could,” she of any church but Canterbury.

“My mother and dad moved into Mountain said.

Brook in the fall of 1939 and joined Mountain Dunn travels with the church on mission trips Brook Methodist shortly thereafter. So my family including a recent trip to Haiti to see was here when the two churches, Canterbury and Canterbury’s relief outreach at work.

Mountain Brook merged,” he said.

“I am so proud of the vibrant ministries like

OTM Businesses Being Honored With Retailer Awards During Luncheon

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By Sam Prickett

Katie Smith, owner of Please Reply in Mountain Brook, is one of several Over the Mountain businesses to be honored at the 2017 Alabama Retail Day luncheon on Oct. 17.

The Alabama Retail Association will honor 20 Alabama businesses –including several Over the Mountain businesses – during its 2017 Alabama Retail Day luncheon on Oct. 17.

These retailers were selected by a panel of judges “representing the media, chambers of commerce, retail developers, former Retailers of the Year and the academic community,” according to a press release.

Honorees include Annie Damsky of Villager Yoga in Mountain Brook; Komeg Davis of CakEffect in Homewood; Ken Hubbard of the Western Market in Birmingham, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills; Katie Smith of Please Reply LLC in Mountain Brook; and David and Andrea Snyder of Urban Cookhouse in Homewood and Mountain Brook. Two Birminghambased businesses, Big Spoon Creamery and Cahaba Brewing Company, are also among the honorees.

Additionally, the Mountain Brook-based catering

company Ousler Sandwiches will be honored as one of six “Centennial Retailers,” an award for businesses over 100 years old. Ousler Sandwiches was founded in 1915. The Birmingham-based bookseller Books-AMillion, which was founded in 1917, also will receive that award.

Smith said she was “extremely honored and humbled” for Please Reply to receive the award.

“I would like to thank the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, my family, everyone that works at Please Reply and my mom for having the vision for the business,” she said in an interview.

The Alabama Retail Day luncheon will be held Oct. 17 at the Vestavia Country Club. It is a collaboration of the association and UAB’s Collat School of Business.

Bayer Properties president and CEO Jeffrey A. Bayer will be the keynote speaker.

Tickets are $50. To register or for more information, visit alabamaretail.org/retaildayregistration. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Renneker’s grandchildren attend the church, making them fourth generation members.

Renneker’s father was the architect for the current church building and his mother was passionate about the church’s women’s ministry.

Over the years, Renneker has seen the church go through many changes, including pastors and leadership.

He is served by the church but he also takes an active role in serving others both as the former chairman of the church board and as president of the Crawford Owen Sunday School class.

Renneker initiated educational programs, including a series on understanding other faiths with guest speakers from diverse backgrounds.

In the community, Renneker has served on the board of Children’s of Alabama hospital for the past 30 years and has been a member of the Mountain Brook school board.

The church is shining a spotlight on both Dunn and Renneker because of their long history in the church and their involvement in the greater Mountain Brook area.

A Church Built Over Generations

The co-leader of Church Council and leader of the anniversary celebration steering committee, Kevin Alexander, said the commemoration of 150 years is about the people of Canterbury.

“So when we think about Canterbury’s heritage, it’s just kind of neat to think about the many families that have been members of this congregation over the years,” he said.

Dunn also reflects back on what makes Canterbury bigger than the sanctuary and Sunday School classrooms.

“At Canterbury, Christ is the center of everything. It is who we are and what we do. ... In the end, our goal is to serve Jesus by serving others – to be the hands and feet of Christ,” she said.

Leaders in the church say service is one of the foremost purposes of the church. That’s why, in addition to special services, Canterbury will celebrate its big anniversary with a day of service in the Avondale area.

On Oct. 8, Sunday morning worship will celebrate the young people of Canterbury followed by an afternoon of service at Avondale Samaritan Place.

On Oct. 15, the morning service will trace the history of the church and celebrate with a fellowship dinner.

For more information on the events and the church, visit canterburyumc.org. ❖

Mountain Brook Businesses Will Give Portion of Sales for Hurricane Relief

Mountain Brook businesses are banding together for a week of hurricane relief fundraising.

The “It Takes a Village” fundraiser will take place Oct. 9-15, with participating businesses donating a percentage of sales to relief efforts.

An email from organizer Leah Harrigan stated that a specific charity has not yet been selected, but that organizers are “evaluating the right charity to donate to in order to ensure as close to 100 percent of the money gets to the needed areas.”

The effort is headed up by LaPaz Restaurant and Catering, which will be giving 10 percent of each day’s sales to the effort and 50 percent on Oct. 15. Mountain Brook Creamery has also committed to giving 50 percent of their Monday sales to the cause, with Mafiaoza’s Pizzeria and Neighborhood Pub doing the same on Thursday.

T-shirts featuring the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce logo will also be sold, with all proceeds going to relief efforts as well.

—Sam Prickett

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 11

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

NEWS

Students and administrators were excited to learn about Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park being recognized as a Blue Ribbon School last week. With VHELP Principal Ty Arendall, in back, are, from left: Sam Schatz, Alex Hage, Sophie Nix, Julia Addison and VHELP Librarian Jenni Walton.

VHELP Earns National Blue Ribbon Award

Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, Vestavia Hills City Schools officials recently announced.

According to the Department of Education, the school is one of 342 nationwide and five in Alabama that have earned the award this year. To meet the award criteria, a school must be ranked in the top 15 percent of all schools in the state.

“We are thrilled to join other schools in our district and across the nation who have been recognized with this prestigious award,” VHELP principal Ty Arendall said in a released statement. “It is a credit to the hard work and dedication of our school as well as the school district and the community as a whole – teachers, students, parents, and leadership.”

The school will be recognized in November at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and will receive a plaque and flag to commemorate the achievement.

Within the school system, VHELP joins four other schools that have previously been awarded Blue Ribbon status: Vestavia Hills High School, Vestavia Hills Elementary West, Louis Pizitz Middle School and Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights.

—Emily Williams

Free Lunch and Learn Seminar:

Management of Heart Valve Disease Thursday, October 26 • Noon -1 p.m.

Juan M. Bernal, M.D., FACC Board-Certified in Cardiology

Grandview Conference Rooms inside Grandview Medical Center 3690 Grandview Parkway Lunch will be provided at 11:30 a.m.

Seating is limited and registration is required.

Call 205-971-7474.

THE SUBTLE SYMPTOMS OF HEART VALVE DISEASE If you’ve gradually been finding that simple tasks like carrying in the groceries now make you short of breath, or noticing that you’re more fatigued or tired than usual, it may be time to get evaluated for heart valve disease. Join Cardiologist Juan M. Bernal, M.D., FACC, to learn more about the subtle warning signs of heart valve disease, the importance of early detection and best treatment options.

Member of the Medical Staff at Grandview Medical Center

Look Forward.

98985_GRAN_L&L26Oct_10_375x6_25c.indd 1

9/15/17 8:42 AM

HEALTH

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photo special to the Journal

12 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

Drew Mason took on the position Sept. 20, following the promotion of Keith Granger to CHSPSC regional president and market CEO of Alabama.

Photo courtesy UAB

Grandview Medical Center Hires New CEO

Before being hired as director of the UAB center in August, Birrer’s career was shaped by his dedication to research. He comes to Birmingham from Boston, where he was director of medical gynecologic oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Gynecologic Cancer Research Center program at Gillette Cancer Center.

BIRRER, From page one

treatment is helping patients survive longer and suffer less.

“The future is bright in that there is no doubt in my mind that we will see a more personalized approach to patients with these diseases and this will improve patient survival and lower toxicity,” he said.

Before being hired as director of the UAB center in August, Birrer’s career was shaped by his dedication to research.

He comes to Birmingham from Boston, where he was director of medical gynecologic oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Gynecologic Cancer Research Center program at Gillette Cancer Center.

He is taking over the program at UAB after the retirement of Dr. Edward Partridge.

“The UABCCC has a spectacular track record in health disparities research, chemoprevention, new drug development and outstanding clinical

care,” Birrer said.

Birrer, who began his medical career in 1988, has served as an investigator for the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute and its Molecular Mechanisms Section. In 2000, he became deputy chief of the Cell and Cancer Biology Branch at the Center for Cancer Research before going to Massachusetts General in 2008.

Over the years, he has built a reputation as a trailblazer in gynecologic cancer research and the focus his lab places on understanding the different characteristics of ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers.

Revolutionary Science

“There has been a revolution in our understanding of the molecular biology of these tumors and this has helped us design new and novel therapeutic approaches,” Birrer said.

One of the pivotal discoveries in the world of cancer research has been recognizing that, within each type of cancer, there are a variety of causes, and those

causes change the biology of the cancer and how it responds to treatment.

For example, if one patient’s cancer is caused by a gene mutation, he or she would receive a different method of treatment than a patient with the same cancer caused by obesity.

As researchers learn and discover even more, Birrer sees treatment narrowing down to a level at which a patient will not only receive a treatment specifically designed for their type of ovarian cancer, but their specific case.

In addition, he said he foresees significant developments in early detection that will lead to higher “cure” rates.

“My laboratory is leading the way in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital in developing an early detection assay for ovarian cancer,” Birrer said.

While serving as director of the cancer center, he will continue his work leading research on gynecologic cancers.

“The women suffering from these cancers are a particularly courageous group of patients and it is an honor to treat and help them,” Birrer said. ❖

‘The women suffering from these cancers are a particularly courageous group of patients and it is an honor to treat and help them.’

Grandview Medical Center has promoted Drew Mason to the position of chief executive officer.

Mason took on the position Sept.

20, following the promotion of Keith Granger to CHSPSC regional president and market CEO of Alabama.

“As market president, I look forward to supporting Drew as he advances the important work of the medical center. I am proud of what we have all accomplished together and excited to remain involved in the future of Grandview,” Granger said in a statement.

Mason has been COO of Grandview since 2015 and assistant CEO of Trinity Medical Center in 2014.

According to hospital officials, Mason was instrumental in relocating the hospital to U.S. 280.

“Drew has demonstrated expertise in clinical operations, strategic planning and market development, financial management, and physician relations during his tenure as COO at Grandview,” James Spann, chairman of Grandview’s board of trustees, said in a statement. “We admire his work ethic, talent, and natural leadership characteristics. Drew will provide leadership continuity which we believe is crucial to the future success of Grandview.”

A graduate of Villanova University with a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, Mason has previously served in administrative roles at Chestnut Hill Health System in Philadelphia and Gadsden Regional Medical Center in Alabama.

In addition to his work at Grandview, he recently was appointed to the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, is a member of the Alabama Hospital Association Birmingham Regional Council and is on the board of directors for the American Heart Association of Alabama-Birmingham chapter. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 13

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

HEALTH

Dr. Corey Hartman, right, is passionate about Breast Cancer Awareness Month because his mother fought the disease twice. Marketing director Haley Isbell, left, has been through 11 rounds of chemo since she was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer last December.

Erasing the Marks of Breast Cancer Over the Mountain Dermatologist Offers Free Radiation Tattoo Removal

By Sarah Kuper Tattoo removal can be a long and expensive process to undo what seemed like a good decision at the time.

But for women with tattoos from breast cancer radiation therapy, removing the marks is more a matter of getting back to feeling normal.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Skin Wellness Center of Alabama is offering free

of cancers, but he also has a member of his staff undergoing treatment.

Although she hasn’t had to have radiation therapy, marketing director Haley Isbell has been through 11 rounds of chemo since she was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer last December.

Isbell is 32 years old with two small children.

“Because I’m young and was diagnosed – it grabs people’s attention, but it seems it is happening to more

When undergoing radiation, the targeted area must be marked with India ink, which is similar to tattoo ink, so the therapist can precisely aim the radiation.

Although the marks are barely bigger than a freckle, some women may require several tattoos, and they can be a constant reminder of the experience. radiation tattoo removal for women surviving breast cancer.

When undergoing radiation, the targeted area must be marked with India ink, which is similar to tattoo ink, so the therapist can precisely aim the radiation.

Although the marks are barely bigger than a freckle, some women may require several tattoos, and they can be a constant reminder of the experience.

Dr. Corey Hartman is the founder and medical director of the multilocation dermatology practice. He is passionate about Breast Cancer Awareness Month because his mother fought the disease twice.

In addition to his family connection with breast cancer, his work life also drives home the effects of the disease. Hartman treats patients for the many dermatological side effects

people my age,” she said.

The free tattoo removal service is a passion project for Isbell because of her own fight with breast cancer and because she knows what it is like to feel self-conscious about how treatment can change a woman’s appearance.

“I witness firsthand how your fingernails become brittle and your skin becomes dry,” Isbell said, “We want to think we are above caring what people think, but the truth is we do care how we look.”

Women with breast cancer may also undergo more substantial physical changes through lumpectomy or mastectomy procedures. Side effects such as hair loss and early onset menopause, along with concerns over fertility and sexuality also can plague survivors.

According to the American Cancer

Society, breast cancer survivors may also struggle with their sense of identity.

Mental health experts with the ACS say it is not uncommon for a woman to feel like a different person after going through treatment.

Emotions can range from joy and relief to uncertainty and worry that the cancer may come back.

Experts say it is important to have a support system. Isbell said she leans on hers every day.

“I sometimes feel like I’ve highjacked everyone’s life but my family helps me keep living life normally,” she said, “I’m very thankful treatments have come as far as they have and UAB is phenomenal – the best of the best care.”

Isbell believes the staff and services at Skin Wellness can serve as a source of support, as well.

Tattoo removal can take up to six treatments, so Isbell looks forward to forming relationships with survivors.

“We will treat to complete, until the tattoo is gone,” she said, “We will be getting to know these women well.”

Isbell said each session only takes a few seconds and patients can have the area numbed. Skin Wellness uses a laser treatment called PicoSure.

By offering the free tattoo removal, Hartman is sacrificing revenue and time.

Typically, a one-hour consultation costs $100 and each individual treatment session can be more than $400.

To take advantage of the free radiation tattoo removal, a patient needs to schedule the consultation by the end of October.

For more information on Skin Wellness and radiation tattoo removal, visit skinwellness.com.

For more information on life after breast cancer, visit cancer.org/breastcancer. ❖

Healthy Legs are Beautiful Legs Are unsightly, painful spider veins or varicose veins standing between you and the healthy activities you enjoy? You don’t have to live with the embarrassment and discomfort. Trust your veins to the vascular experts at the UAB Vein Clinic.

• Alabama’s premier comprehensive vein center • Physicians specialty trained in vein disease • Minimally invasive and surgical treatments

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION TODAY. Located at UAB Hospital-Highlands 800-UAB-8816 • uabmedicine.org/vein

Vein Clinic ad 2016-SEAL-OTMJ 4.0625x12.5.indd 1

9/13/17 3:17 PM

14 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

HEALTH

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Angels Among Us

Breast Cancer Survivor Gives Back Through UAB’s “Angel Squad”

Make time for your mammogram.

2017 MAMMOTHON

Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day for your busy schedule. But the last thing that should be neglected is your health. According to the National Cancer Institute, one in eight women will develop breast cancer, and mammograms are the most effective form of early detection. Make time for your mammogram today.

Brookwood Baptist Medical Center

Walker Baptist Medical Center

Citizens Baptist Medical Center

Freestanding Emergency Department Diagnostic Center – Hwy 119

Princeton Baptist Medical Center

Diagnostic Center - Hoover

Shelby Baptist Diagnostic Center

CALL 833-214-6659 TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Visit BrookwoodBaptistHealth.com/MyMammo or call 833-214-6659 for appointments at any of our facilities.

From her first visit to the oncologist, Kirstin Hoff found herself surrounded by angels.

Volunteers from UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Angel Squad program were at her side as she began to understand the treatment plan for her invasive ductile breast cancer.

Now, Hoff is three years cancerfree, and she has found her wings as a member of the Angel Squad.

She began working with the group while she still was being treated.

“I went by myself to my first doctor’s appointment because it didn’t seem like a big deal. An angel came and sat by me to give me hope and strength to fully realize the journey ahead,” Hoff said, “I decided then that I would be a part of it when my journey was over.”

The 49-member Angel Squad is largely made up of other breast cancer survivors. Volunteers put together and distribute “bags of hope” filled with helpful and fun goodies. They can attend appointments and help act as an advocate for patients.

“It can be the simplest thing – spending five minutes talking with someone who really needs to talk,” Hoff said.

Their support doesn’t stop there; angels also care for the UAB physicians and nurses who face tough deci-

Photo special to the Journal

By Sarah Kuper

Kirstin Hoff (right) sits with a breast cancer patient who is traveling back and forth to UAB from Florida. Women from all over the nation come to UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center.

sions while caring for patients.

“They put in full days seeing patients and doing research. And they always take their time and answer questions,” Hoff said, “I don’t know how they do it day-in and day-out.”

Hoff likens what the Angel Squad does to having a support group through any significant stage in your life.

“Think, even as a mother, you are trying to navigate through all ages

with kids and we rely on friends for support and to say, ‘You’ll make it through.’ This is the same kind of warmth and hope.”

Hoff said she has met many amazing people while volunteering, and while others praise her for her work with Angel Squad, she said she does it selfishly.

“Really, I don’t need to be thanked because selfishly it fills my heart with a different kind of hope and joy,” she

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE, ANYTIME WITH SELECT PROVIDERS.

Whether it’s for you or your family members age five or older, you want the convenience of making an appointment that works best with your schedule. Grandview Medical Group is now offering online appointment scheduling for primary care – often for a same-day appointment.

Or, call 1-205-971-DOCS to ask about same-day appointments at one of our 8 convenient primary care locations.

Schedule an appointment online, anytime, with select providers:

GrandviewMedicalGroup.com

Chelsea • Columbiana • Grandview Physicians Plaza • Hoover • Lee Branch • Liberty Park • Springville • Trussville

97549_GRAN_GMG_10_375x6_25c.indd 3

Look Forward.

6/16/17 4:05 PM

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 15

HEALTH

said, “I like to help people but I do it because of the way it makes me feel.”

Hoff also said she participates to be a good example for her children.

“I would like to show others and my children that, very often, if we choose the way we go through a difficult journey, then we aren’t letting cancer or any other obstacle make all the decisions,” she said.

Hoff said that, no matter what stage or type of breast cancer a

The 49-member Angel Squad is largely made up of other breast cancer survivors. Volunteers put together and distribute “bags of hope” filled with helpful and fun goodies.

WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO WELCOME DR. SARAH WHITEHEAD TO OUR PRACTICE.

Dr. Whitehead joins us after completing her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UAB. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine and Samford University.

The Real Men Wear Pink campaign kicked off Sept. 28 at Regions Field with an event introducing this year’s group of men. From left: RMWP paricipant Van Sykes with Elaine and Larry Lyda. Journal photo by Jordan Wald

woman has, it can feel strange and scary. That’s where, she said, the power of positive thinking and choosing joy can take over.

She tries to help others find joy when they are having a tough time.

In addition to Angel Squad, Hoff uses her talents to raise money for cancer support organizations. She creates art with repurposed materials as part of her Chick 4a Cause campaign.

Buyers can choose one of several organizations to which they would like the proceeds from their purchase to be donated.

For more information on Angel Squad, visit uab.edu/angelsquad. ❖

Real Men at Work

The American Cancer Society has real men wearing pink again for breast cancer awareness month.

Two dozen Birminghamarea movers and shakers are championing the breast cancer awareness cause.

Now in its third year, the Real Men Wear Pink campaign challenges participants to wear an article of pink clothing every day in October and raise money while doing it.

This year’s participants are Bobby Collier, Jason Bajalieh, Mark Bearman, Del Davis, Nick Derzis,

Learn more about her remarkable background at www.sparksandfavorpc.com.

Thomas Dudney, Chuck Faush, Roscoe Hall, Sly King, David Knight, Ben Lancaster, Randall Porter, Jordan Hovater, Devon Laney, Haller Magee, George McMillan, Eric Meyer, Jonathan Nelson, Joe Pilleteri, Eric Baumann, Troy Rhone, James Spann, Tommy Spina, Van Sykes, Art Tipton, Norman Tynes, Bayard S. Tynes, Jr., Ingram Tynes, Chris Vaklavas, Mel Wilcox, Will Haver, David Jackson and Bezshan Dolatabadi.

For more information about Real Men Wear Pink, visit makingstrides. acsevents.org.

—Emily Williams

To: From: Date:

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY WOMEN'S MEDICAL PLAZA, SUITE 700 2006 Brookwood Medical Center Drive FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL (205) 397-1286

Deborah Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Sept. 2016

is your ADN PROOF D U R I N G B R E A S T C A N C E R A W A R E N EThis SS MO T H , from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for Oct. 5, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

make T H E S K I N W E L L N E S S C E N T E R OPlease F ALA B A Msure A I SallOinformation F F E R I N G is correct, including addre number!

and fax back within 24 hours.

F R E E L A S E R R E M O V A L O F R A D I A T I O N T A TPlease T O Oinitial S

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

TO BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Call us or email info@skinwellness.com for more information.

DERMATOLOGY

Medical

•

Pediatric

•

Cosmetic

For appointments, call 205.871.7332 or visit us at skinwellness.com HOMEWOOD 1920 Huntington Road, Homewood, AL 35209 I CHELSEA 398 Chesser Drive, Suite 6, Chelsea, AL 35043

SWC Breast Cancer Tattoo Removal OTMJ half-pg ad.indd 1

9/22/17 9:56 AM

16 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HEALTH

Former SEC Commissioner Playing to Win The Mike Slive Foundation Aims to Beat Prostate Cancer

Vestavia’s Premiere Green Home Community Viridian offers all the charm of a vintage neighborhood with the latest energy-efficient green homebuilding technologies. These authentic, one-of-a-kind homes are tucked in the woods in a unique gated community off Tyler Road, with prices starting in the $600s. Two lush parks and an abundance of green space provide privacy and a sense of history for this significant property.

www.wedgworth.net (205) 365-4344

Vestavia Hills lawyer and college sports executive Mike Slive retired in 2015 after 13 years as commissioner of the Southeastern Conference.

But, by his own admission, he flunked retirement.

Though he had plans to read books and enjoy having nowhere to be, he couldn’t rest knowing how other men were struggling with prostate cancer – a disease he has fought twice.

“My experience was significant and I don’t want other men to go through what I went through,” he said.

That’s why he and friend Ed Meyerson established the Mike Slive Foundation to fund cutting-edge research for prostate cancer.

“The reason I focus on that is because cutting-edge treatment saved my life, as I was part of clinical protocol that turned out to be successful,” Slive said, “The goal of the foundation is to save lives by funding the kinds of treatments that saved me.”

According to the American Cancer Society, one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Alabama is one of the top 10 states in the nation for prostate cancer diagnosis and death.

That’s why, in addition to raising money, the foundation hopes to raise awareness.

Slive said prostate cancer can be highly treatable if caught early, but,

Photo special to the Journal

By Sarah Kuper

The Mike Slive Foundation celebrated the beginning of its journey to end prostate cancer with an event to build awareness. Member of the foundation and emcee Paul Finebaum, above with Mike Slive, at the event on Sept. 14.

he said, men are hesitant to be proactive.

“It’s like how men won’t get out of the car to ask for directions. The tendency for men is not to see a doctor,” he said, “But by the time it is painful it has likely metastasized.”

There is a simple blood test that can help screen for prostate cancer. It is called the PSA test, and men can request if through their primary care

30 Year Anniversary Sale!

30% OFF

EVERYTHING

IN THE STORE THROUGH OCTOBER 31!

SOME EXCLUSIONS

2701 CAHABA ROAD • MOUNTAIN BROOK VILLAGE • 871-7060 bartonclay.com

provider.

Although it wasn’t the original plan, the foundation bears Slive’s name because its executive leaders thought the name recognition would bring awareness and publicity.

“I was sort of speechless when they came up with it, but the idea is that, with someone like me, because of my experience in the SEC and my willingness to share my private health issues, people may pay attention,” Slive said.

The foundation launched in September – Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Organizers plan to host events and campaigns throughout the year.

Friends of Slive and prominent business owners are throwing their weight behind the cause. Lee Edwards of Edwards Chevrolet is donating portions of sales, for instance.

There are numerous partners and sponsors stepping up to fight prostate cancer, including Regions Bank, Medical Properties Trust and UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Coming soon is the foundation’s license plate campaign. With a donation, drivers can get a Mike Slive Foundation license plate showing support for cutting-edge research.

Moreover, Slive said he is ready to put the sports connections he has made during his career to good use.

He is brainstorming an event that will bring national sports writers together in the fight against prostate cancer.

While Slive said he is pleased with the attention the foundation has garnered so far, he is using a mantra he developed as SEC commissioner.

“When I was commissioner there was no ‘today’ because you are always thinking about tomorrow ... .

‘What more can we do?’” he said.

To find out more about the foundation and to read survivors’ stories, visit mikeslivefoundation.org. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

O

N

EE SI

A

D

M

IS

Annual Smart Party Names First Next Generation Honoree

FR

Looking to the Future

BRING THE FAMILY

FA L L

C A R N I VA L

Photos special to the Journal

The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham is doing something different this year for its annual Smart Party.

On Oct. 12, the organization’s event will honor 10 local women who excel in their profession and, for the first time, one local high school student.

Indian Springs School senior Katie Wiatrak is the first Smart Party Next Generation Honoree. The organization created the honor to recognize young women in high school or college who show great potential for success in their careers.

“Our goal for Smart Party is to celebrate women who have accomplished amazing things with the opportunities they’ve been given while raising money to open doors for other women to succeed,” said President and CEO Jeanne Jackson.

Wiatrak has been recognized for her work founding ISS’s Gender Equality Club with head of school Dr. Sharon Howell in 2016. Since then, the club has grown to the largest at the school, with more than 70 members.

According to Wiatrak, her dream is to enter the medical field, and she’s already putting in the work.

She is the only female volunteer in Children’s of Alabama’s emergency room and received a scholarship from ISS to attend a four-week medical course this summer at the University of Oxford.

The women being honored during the party are April Aaron-Brush, Birmingham Gay and Lesbian Parents Association co-founder and Social Security Administration project manager; Elizabeth “Beth” G. Beaube, chief administrative officer and shareholder of Maynard, Cooper and Gale; Katherine Simmons Berdy, director of the C. Keyser Miree Center for Ethical Leadership at The Altamont School; Sarah Blair, Children’s of Alabama pediatric nurse practitioner; Dr. Henna Budhwani, assistant professor at UAB’s School of Public Health; Barbara Lovelace Burton, president and founder of Chalker Group; Bebe Goodrich, director of Liquid Innovation at Royal Cup; Steele Thomas Marcoux, Coastal Living editor in chief; Ty Moody, Einstein’s Playground executive director; and Barbara Royal, Momentum founder and consultant.

Smart Party will be held at Iron City from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 12. Tickets are $75, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, complimentary wine and beer and valet parking.

Event proceeds will support the organization’s programs to help women succeed, including education, job skills training and career counseling along with childcare, transportation and safe housing.

—Emily Williams

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 17

PEOPLE

Indian Springs School senior Katie Wiatrak is the first Smart Party Next Generation Honoree.

Steele Thomas Marcoux, Coastal Living editor in chief.

THE GROVE SHOPPING CENTER HWY 150 (TARGET SUPER CENTER)

OCTOBER 29, 3:30 - 6:30PM

RIDES

Bebe Goodrich, is the director of Dr. Henna Budhwani, assistant MadScience_OverTheMountain.pdf 1 9/29/17 2:28 School PM Liquid Innovation at Royal Cup. professor at UAB’s of Public Health.

CANDY

FOOD TRUCKS

18 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

visual arts in conversation with other media, including dance, theater and poetry. Those programs were a “big success,” Boettcher said, though the museum won’t necessarily repeat them in the future.

“You always are looking for ways of replicating the outcomes without repeating the same thing over and over again,” he said. “That’s how you get in a rut, so we’re looking at that.”

Bricks and Mortar

Photo courtesy Birmingham Museum of Art

Another goal of his tenure, he said, will be renovations to the museum.

“This is a building that has served us incredibly well, but it’s been 25 years since its last expansion and renovation,” Boettcher said. “It is starting to show the signs of age. There are things I feel like, presently, we could do better in terms of the visitor experience, making sure it really sparkles for our visitors… . I’m not going to gold-plate the fixtures, but it needs to be a place that all of us who work here can be proud of,” he said.

He also hopes to increase the museum’s storage capacity.

“We’re bursting at the seams,” he said. “And who can really call that a problem, that people are so generous that they’ve given so much that we have to now address storage considerations?

But it can be addressed … . We can add an additional 20 percent to our paintings storage capacity.”

Goal: Double Visitors

In mid-September, the BMA named Dr. Graham C. Boettcher, above, its new executive director. Boettcher’s appointment followed a months-long nationwide search to find a replacement for outgoing Director Gail C. Andrews, who announced her retirement in March.

No Ph.D. Required

New Museum Director Aims to Double Attendance, Says Visitors Shouldn’t Have to Be Experts to Understand Art

By Sam Prickett The new executive director of the Birmingham Museum of Art plans to make accessibility, expansion and renovation priorities of his tenure – with a long-term goal of doubling the museum’s attendance over the next five years.

In mid-September, the BMA named Dr. Graham C. Boettcher its new executive director.

Boettcher’s appointment followed a monthslong nationwide search to find a replacement for outgoing Director Gail C. Andrews, who announced her retirement in March. She had been the museum’s director for 21 years.

Boettcher has been with the museum for 11 years. After earning a bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D. from Yale University, he took on a twoyear fellowship at the BMA in September 2006, focusing on American art.

“When I took the position, I actually turned down other positions that had more of a guarantee for long-term employment,” Boettcher said.

“But I had already decided that Birmingham was where I wanted to be. I was just waiting for them to make up their minds that they felt the

same way.”

Boettcher had never been to Alabama before the interview process, but he found himself drawn to the museum and the community – enough so that he took on the job without a guarantee that the position would extend beyond the fellowship’s allotted two years.

“It was a little bit of a leap of faith, but I trusted Gail and I trusted the institution,” Boettcher said.

His gamble paid off; in 2008, his position was endowed as the William Cary Hulsey Curator of American Art. Six years later, he was promoted to the museum’s chief curator, and in February 2016, he became the museum’s deputy director. After what he describes as a “rigorous” interview process, he was selected to succeed Andrews as the museum’s director last month.

One of the main goals for his time as director, Boettcher said, is to increase the accessibility of the museum’s displays, which means a change for the way art is presented to visitors.

“Many of the interpretive approaches that one sees when you walk through a gallery assume a sort of expert knowledge on the part of the visitor,” Boettcher said. “You can’t really see

the forest through the trees. The labels are too dense. They’re inaccessible … . If you use the term ‘cubism,’ you need to let people know exactly what that means ... . Otherwise, you’re not communicating well.”

Boettcher is interested in providing visitors many “ways into” the art. In part that means greater implementation of technology. He pointed to an iPad in the center of a current exhibition of Dutch art. The iPad provides in-depth information about every work in the gallery, including historical context and biographical details about the artist. There also are audio recordings that provide additional perspectives from a variety of sources.

The iPad represents a “completely new” approach for the museum, Boettcher said, but it’s one that will likely expand.

“We have to continue to demonstrate our relevance, that this is a place where ideas can be explored, ideas that matter in the 21st century,” he said. “Sometimes, something that’s created in the 17th century can be a catalyst for a conversation or an exploration of things that matter today… . We have to have the mindset that we can experiment with new things and not get set in our ways.”

Boettcher intends to continue looking at initiatives similar to the museum’s Shift and Third Space, interdisciplinary programs that placed

More accessibility, better facilities and more storage all have the same root goal, and it’s a big one: doubling the museum’s attendance over the next five years.

The BMA’s annual attendance, Boettcher said, hovers around 100,000 people per year.

Getting to 200,000 by 2022 “is something we’d already been talking about and starting to build toward even before I took the reins as director,” Boettcher said.

“Our ultimate goal is to get people in these doors … . I want every person in the Birmingham area, both in the city proper and Over the Mountain and way out into Jefferson County and Shelby County and the surrounding area – heck, in the whole state of Alabama and the region – I want people to feel a sense of ownership over this museum as a public institution.”

Getting the message of the BMA out to those communities, Boettcher said, is essential to the museum’s growth.

“There are a lot of people who have never set foot in the Birmingham Museum of Art because we haven’t communicated to them that we even exist and that we have something here for them that they might actually care about,” he said. “They might know about us or think, ‘Well, that’s just a bunch of old stuff. Boring!’

So we have to not just get the word out about what we have, but how we’re using it and how we get people engaged with our collections.”

“And also, beyond that, the museum in its best form shouldn’t just be about the art on the walls,” Boettcher continued. “That’s a big part of it, it’s a springboard for much of what we do, but I’d like to see this be a place where people can come for any number of reasons, whether they set foot in the galleries or not, for performances, plays, a great meal in our café … . Can we ever be all things to all people? I don’t know that any institution can do that. But we can have a place where people can choose their own adventure when they walk through the door.” ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 19

Photo special to the Journal

LIFE

Emmet O’Neal Library Director Lindsy Gardner, head of the Children’s Department Gloria Repolesk and library board President Max Pulliam receive a check for the Emmet O’Neal Library Children’s Department, given by JWC President Grace Kipp and Vice President Kitty Brown on behalf of the Junior Women’s Committee of 100.

JWC of 100 Presents Check to Emmet O’Neal Library At a Sept. 5 meeting, a check for $51,000 was presented to the Emmet O’Neal Library in Mountain Brook by the Junior Women’s Committee of 100.

JWC President Grace Kipp and Vice President Kitty Brown presented the donation to Gloria Repolesk, head of the library’s children’s department, and Emmet O’Neal Library board President Max Pulliam.

According to library officials, the donated funds will help the children’s department maintain subscriptions to online educational resources and storytime programming. The donation also will help expand the department’s audio/visual collections and will pay for new iPad stations.

In addition to their fundraising contribution, members of the JWC spend hundreds of volunteer hours in the children’s department each year. ❖

HEALTHY SKIN FOR LIFE.

At Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center, our mission is to provide you with the most comprehensive skin care services available. We work with people of all ages, who have various skin conditions or concerns about their appearance that can be helped through modern dermatologic techniques. Most importantly, our physicians and staff work with you one-on-one to ensure you’ll have healthy skin for life.

H E A LT H Y S K I N F O R L I F E

205.933.0987 GARY D. MONHEIT, MD MELANIE L. APPELL, MD

JAMES M. KRELL, MD A. MICHELE HILL, MD

TRUSSVILLE

MAIN OFFICE

FULTONDALE

7274 Gadsden Hwy. • Ste. 100 Shoppes at Deerfoot • Trussville, Al 35173

2100 16th Ave. South • Ste. 202 Ash Place • Birmingham, AL 35205

339 Walker Chapel Plaza • Ste. 109 Fultondale, AL 35068

205.380.6161

205.933.0987

205.380.6162

SOCIAL

20 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photos special to the Journal

Donald and Anne Sweeney.

From left: Dixon and Dell Brooke, Lee and Gray Thuston and Molly and John Carter.

TUNED IN

T

Annual Maestro’s Ball Transports Guests to Eastern Europe

he Alabama Symphony orchestra tuned into a new season this month and celebrated another successful Maestro’s Ball.

The annual gala fundraiser was held at the Alys Stephens Center on Sept. 8 and boasted an Eastern European theme, a nod to the event’s honoree, Daniel Szasz.

Szasz is celebrating his 20th season as the concertmaster of the ASO. The evening’s festivities were hosted

by Gray and William Lee Thuston.

Guests were greeted at the venue with a champagne reception before enjoying a symphony performance of Bence Muk’s Transylvanian Seasons along with other works by Enescu and Kodaly. Following the musical production, a dinner catered

by Hot & Hot Fish Club was served in a tent outfitted with Hungarian-inspired decorations. ❖

Tom and Susan Curtin.

Sybil and Bill Sylvester.

Hendrika and Jim Snow.

Large Luxury Living

for Less...

Offering 1, 2 and 3-bedroom Apartment Homes and Townhomes from 1,100 to 1,900 square feet starting at just $950 per month.

205-956-9722 | RetreatatMountainBrook.net Managed by

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 21

SOCIAL

Picnicking For a Cause

Sunny skies and lower temperatures provided the perfect setting for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony 30 event at the Botanical Gardens on Oct. 1.

The picnic fundraiser featured an hour-long orchestral concert, a kid zone with craft activities and food provided

by Jim ‘N Nick’s.

A team of nearly 100 volunteers banded together to organize the event, holding four joint planning meetings over the course of the past year.

Officers heading up the volunteer group were led by Symphony 30 President Ensley Darnall, with Ryan Graham and Mary Bradley Anderson serving as co-chairs of the picnic.

Additional officers included Colin Mitchell, vice president; Katie Bee Marshall, treasurer; Alison Lassiter, secretary; Scarlotte Kilgore, publicity; Mary Catherine Pritchett and Caroline Woods, hospitality; and Mary Goodrich, parliamentarian.

Proceeds support the ASO’s educational outreach programs and operating budget. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

ASO’s Symphony 30 Volunteers Host Annual Picnic Fundraiser

Above, from left: Ensley Darnall, Ryan Graham, Mary Bradley Anderson and Colin Mitchell. Below, Natalie and Baker Arendall.

20% OFF ALL PURCHASES & CUSTOM ORDERS

We're celebrating all of October!

OCTOBER 18  29 SAVE 20%

AT MORE THAN 500 RETAILERS Your $40 card purchase will help improve the lives of women and children served by the Junior League of Birmingham.

Text SSS to 205-660-0030 to purchase and download a card

ShopSaveandShare.net PROUDLY FEATURING THESE FINE RETAILERS

BLACKJACK GARDENS FURNITURE SHOP • LUCKY DUCK GIFTS MONKEE'S OF MOUNTAIN BROOK • MONOGRAMS PLUS

22 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

As a life-long Over-the-Mountain resident and a third generation working at Guin, I feel great pride and responsibility in carrying on the legacy of honesty and hard work that my grandfather began over 55 years ago. Family is very important to us, and we treat our customers with the same care and respect as members of our own family. It would be a privilege to serve you.

Serving the Birmingham Area Since 1958

AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING • PLUMBING • GENERATORS • SEWER

Member of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

205-595-4846 • guinservice.com

AL#12175

Mention this ad to receive a free diagnostic service call.

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF SERVICE

Greenhalgh Insurance Agency has been proudly serving the Birmingham area since 1937. As one of Birmingham's oldest and most trusted Independent Insurance Agencies, we are honored to continue to protect third and fourth generation families and businesses. To our loyal customers, team members and insurers we say THANK YOU! ADAM AND RUSSELL GREENHALGH

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND TRUST

3144 CAHABA HEIGHTS ROAD ~ 967.8800 www.greenhalghinsurance.com

Russ Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Sept. 2016 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the BEST PRIVATE SCHOOLOct. 5, 2017 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

In Black and White

Bids and Bites on Tap at Annual Picasso Pets Fundraiser It was another successful year for Hand in Paw’s annual Picasso Pets fundraiser. Guests arrived at the Harbert Center on Aug. 12 in black and white attire, ready to mingle with the organization’s star therapy dogs.

The event raised $266,738 for the organization’s animal therapy training and programs, which marks a 16 percent increase from last year.

The evening began with a silent auction featuring a variety of items for guests to peruse while enjoying craft beer and specialty cocktails.

A seated dinner followed featuring spinach and watermelon salad, beef ribeye medallions with a shitake mushroom sauce, Atlantic salmon with strawberry puree, broccolini and a creamed summer corn.

Serving as auctioneer for the live auction was Christie King of C. King Benefit Auctions. Big-ticket items included a Cahaba Brewing Company “Brewer for a Day” package; restaurant packages; jewelry; artwork; a Brierfield Reserve Quail hunting experience; a “Skyline Trip” with a choice of New Orleans, Miami, Chicago or Montreal, Canada; and a “Premiere Trip” to either New York City, Florida, South Carolina, California, London, St. Maarten or Mexico.

During the course of the evening, the Tweety Lasker award was presented by Dr. Jim and Katie Lasker to this year’s community partner, the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Department at the Children’s of Alabama outpatient center.

Chairs for this year’s event were Danielle Yancey, Deanna Pizitz and Cassie Moore. John M. Harbert II served as sponsorship chair, honorary chair was Margaret Jones Davis and Mariela Piola took on the role of animal chair.

Art chairs were Rachel Goodson, Melannie Layne, Joan Stelling and Sandra Storm. Procurement and silent auction chairs were Bob

Photos courtesy SayBre Photography

Pride and responsibility drive us to be the best in everything we do.

Joseph Braswell

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

From left: Cassie Moore with Lucy and Mary Macher.

Chris and Idie Hastings.

Stephanie Stoltzner with Olive.

Rob, Demi and Nick Grabowski.

Jana Parker with Gus and Josh Randolph.

Stafford along with Yancey, Pizitz and Moore. Dr. Alan Atlas of Riverview Animal Clinic served as the on-site veterinarian for the evening’s festivities.

Before the event, the organization recruited local public figures and their pups to commission one-of-a-kind works of art created by acclaimed local artists. Making the artwork even more special, the buyer’s pets helped paint.

A gallery party was held at the

Clubhouse on Highland before the event to showcase the finished works of art.

This year’s selection of paintings raised $28,500, with buyers and artists including Arthur Price for Donna Jernigan; Susan Oliver for Sheryl and Jon Kimerling; Linda Ellen Price for Josh Randolph; Thomas Andrew for Deanna and Jeff Pizitz; Kristi Oelschlaeger for Kim Wilson; and Bob McKenna for Marion Marx. ❖

One of the nation’s premier college preparatory schools for students grades 5-12

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

us for an If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paperJoin Monday.

Open House Thank you for your prompt attention.

October 19 4:30-6:00 p.m.

No RSVP needed Learn more: altamontschool.org 205-445-1232

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 23

SOCIAL

Photos special to the Journal

Rehab Reality...

A Testimonial In Poetry From left: Chase Burton, Morgan Brown, Madison Brown, Rachel Brooks and Caroline Adams.

Rachel Brooks, Anna Lea Strickland and Haley Dellaccio.

Season Opener

Emma Wiley, Amy Wiley, Rachel Stockard, Morgan Stockard, Bailey Hymer and Buffie Hymer.

Summer Party Presents 2017 Poinsettia Debutantes The 2017 Poinsettia Ball Debutantes were introduced by the Poinsettia Men’s Club at an afternoon reception on June 25.

The presentation was held at the Hoover-Randle Home and Gardens and officially kicked off the debutante season.

It was one of several parties that will be held for this group of young women before they are presented at the 50th Annual Poinsettia Debutante Ball on Dec. 28 at Vestavia Hills Country Club.

President Jay Dennis introduced each debutante to the group while giving the names of their parents and information on where the debutantes attend school.

It was one of several parties that will be held for this group of young women before they are presented at the 50th Annual Poinsettia Debutante Ball on Dec. 28 at Vestavia Hills Country Club.

Leading up to the big event, the debs will be feted during the Deb/Dad Brunch and Ballroom Dance on Nov. 19; the Mother/Daughter Tea, sponsored by the ball board, on Dec. 17; a Dirty Santa & Dessert party Dec. 18; a Flower Arranging and Brunch on Dec. 19; and a Luncheon and Fashion Show Presentation on Dec. 20.

The 2017 Poinsettia Debutantes are Caroline Adams, Ellen Berryhill, Rachel Brooks, Madison Brown, Morgan Brown, Kate Bryan, Chase Burton, Bonnie DeCarlo, Haley Dellaccio, Abbey Donze, Cammie Green, Olivia Hall, Claire Hand, Amelia Haston, Bailey Hymer, Jordan Moore, Lowrey Patterson, Wynne Pietrantoni, Ashleigh Pugh, Bennett Searcy, Kate Speyer, Morgan Stockard, Anna Lea Strickland, Elizabeth Summers, Lauren Thackerson, Ann Thomas, Brooke Westhoven, Emma Wiley, Katelyn Wright, and Hannah Yarmowich.

The Poinsettia Debutante Ball was established in 1968 at the proposal of Mrs. John W. Gustafson with the approval of the Birmingham Ballet board of trustees. In 1981, the Alabama Ballet was established as an outgrowth of the Birmingham Civic Ballet, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Ballet and Ballet Alabama. Gustafson and Mrs. Louis A. Prosch Jr. served as the first ball chairmen. All proceeds from the ball support the Alabama Ballet. ❖

Jay and Kristi Dennis with Donnie and Lynne Dobbins.

The changes I’m making are oh so sweet.

Since renewing my spirit at Bayshore Retreat.

Through sobriety I can handle the challenges I meet.

It will keep me centered, grounded and on my feet.

As I grow in spirit, body and mind.

I await with excitement, the new me I will find.

And reflection of past will always remind.

That living clean and sober is a very fine line.

The people I’ve met here have enriched my soul.

They help me resolve in life, what’s my role.

Through work and reflection, I am able to work towards a goal.

And extinguish the abuse and its terrible toll.

To rejoice in the person that is uniquely me And give me the courage to truly live free.

Like a soldier, I learn to be all I can be.

And rekindle my life, and of God, live with thee.

Julie I. - 9/16/2017 We receive many testimonials from clients and their families, but this is the first we’ve received in the form of a poem.

They remind us of what we’ve created with Bayshore Retreat.

We’re also reminded of lives saved and those lost to addiction.

Addiction can begin with one careless decision or in many other innocent ways. The decision to get help can be the most important one you’ll ever make.

custom homes | beautiful lots | cahaba river natural surroundings | walking trails Trillium is a private, gated community with protective covenants nestled along the beautiful Cahaba River. An extensive network of walking trails and more than 1/2 mile of private river frontage offer many outdoor recreation opportunities for Trillium residents. Our close-in location affords easy access to downtown and shopping.

5651 Overton Rd., Irondale trilliumdrive.com | 205.259.8138

24 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

From left: Jim Martin, LeeAnne and William Andrews and Kathleen Martin.

Man’s Best Friend

Adopt a Golden Goes Homeward Bound for Annual Gala

The Carriage House at Park Crest Events went to the dogs Sept. 21 for the 2017 Night of Golden

Opportunities.

The theme for the evening was “Homeward Bound.”

Classic Painting Co.

"Where quality and craftsmanship still count."

Since 1977 Interior • Exterior • Carpentry Work Call: Office 205-968-0102 or Cell 205-369-5636

Guests entered the event and were greeted with cocktails before a dinner of double-cut prime pork and dancing to the music of Cottonbird.

Jack Granger of ThagardGranger Auctioneers headed up a live auction, offering attendees the opportunity to snag big-ticket items including trips to Louisville, Kentucky, New Orleans, Louisiana and a variety of autographed celebrity photos.

Funds raised through the event will be used to help Adopt a Golden, a nonprofit organization, reach its goal of rescuing 150 golden retrievers and finding them forever homes over the next year. ❖

Come as you are.

You’ll fit right in.

Bates-Vinson

Kathryn Brooke Bates and Christopher Eric Vinson were married June 24 in Highlands, North Carolina. The 6:30 p.m. ceremony was officiated by Dr. John Douglas Dortch. A reception followed at Highlands Country Club.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter William Bates of Birmingham. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emmett David Bates III and the late Allene Robertson Bates of Birmingham, and Mrs. Eugene Casey Brock and the late Mr. Brock of Montgomery.

The groom is the son of Mrs. Edward Malvin Blanks and Mr. Don Carlos Vinson of Alexander City. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Dodd Jones of LaFayette and

Pell-Herfurth

Valerie and Truman Banta.

David Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 aug. 2017 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Aug. 24, 2017AT issue. fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

SUNDAYS 8:15 &Please 10:45 AM

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Presbyterian Church 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace Thank you for Birmingham, AL 35242

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL/WEDDINGS

your prompt attention.

#wheregraceabounds

Anne Sloan Pell and Connor Wilson Herfurth were married July 8 at Stone Bridge Farms. The Rev. Josh Shideler and the Rev. Conrad Howell officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Byron Pell Jr. of Birmingham. The groom is the son of Mrs. Paige Osborn Priestley of Birmingham and Mr. Michael Cunnane Herfurth of Katy, Texas.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore an ivory silk and lace gown featuring a circular lace neck-

the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vinson Jr. of Roanoke.

The bride was attended by her sister, Allison Bates Farlow, as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Jerry Elizabeth Atkins, sister of the groom, of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Sara Blanks Fischer, sister of the groom, of Park City, Utah; Ruth McFaden Jones, Kelley Lane Oliver and Amy Lutzenkirchen Rowan of Atlanta; Blair Graffeo Mattei of Mobile; Caroline Crow Pullen of Nashville; and Lucy Johnston Sanders of Birmingham.

Miland Fredrick Simpler III of Montgomery was the best man.

Groomsmen were William Brock Bates, brother of the bride, Sam Nance Farlow Jr., brother-in-law of the bride, John Harrison Hagood and John Charlton Shashy, all of Birmingham; Ryan Everitt Atkins, brother-in-law of the groom, of Hot Springs; Landon Michael Eley and William Jere Longshore III of Montgomery; Joseph Lloyd Fine III of New Orleans; and Todd William Fischer, brother-in-law of the groom, of Park City.

Meredith Maxwell Campbell of Augusta, Georgia, read the scripture.

Anna Caroline Bates of Birmingham and Elizabeth Macon Bell of Raleigh, North Carolina, cousins of the bride, served as program attendants.

After a honeymoon trip to Hermitage Bay, the couple will live in Birmingham. line over tulle with Chantilly lace and an ivory cathedral length Chantilly lace veil.

Anne Galloway Rector and Hannah Mancer Pearson served as matrons of honor.

Brooke Alexandra Seawell was the maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Elizabeth Alston Armstrong, Mabry Elizabeth Craddock, Sarah Elizabeth Dodson, Frances Grace Gunn, Allison Leigh Ingram, Dorothy Burson Efird, Ann Douglas Logan, Sarah Elizabeth Outlaw, Martha Ashley Tidwell and Mary Harmon Bryant Tyson. Katelyn Elizabeth Herfurth, sister of the groom, and Rozanne Reese Farrell, cousin of the bride, were junior bridesmaids. Mary Matthews Cole was the flower girl.

Peyton Osborn Herfurth, brother of the groom, was the best man.

Groomsmen were Fischer Scott Priestley; Thomas Byron Pell, brother of the bride; Nathaniel Paul Bailey; Richard Cameron Cole; Robert Denson Hulsey; Michael Ryan Krueger, Colin Michael Krueger; Kenneth Hall Lundberg; Mark Randolph Rector; Parker Durham Shields; William Lewis Stabler; and Daniel Joseph Tortorici.

The couple live in Tuscaloosa.

Bluff Park WindoW Works

New Fall Arrivals

f f f f

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

Call 205-542-6094

LocaLLy owned and operated

FOOD

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 25

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Raising the Bar(taco) New Homewood Restaurant Has Beachside Vibe, Fun Flavors

By Donna Cornelius

Treats Without Tricks: Eat, Drink and Be Scary at Vestavia Hills Fundraiser

Have some early Halloween fun at Viva Vestavia XV: Eat, Drink and Be Scary from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Hollywood Pools, 1441 Montgomery Highway.

The event features tastings from Vestavia Hillsarea restaurants plus fine wines. It’s sponsored by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and benefits the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Also on the menu for the event – which is for ages 21 and older – are a costume contest and silent auction. Valet parking will be available.

Tickets are $45. To buy them, visit vestaviahills. org or call 823-5011.

Western Style: Annual Festival Features Wine and Food at the Zoo

Western Market’s annual Wine and Food Festival features more than 500 wines to taste.

The event is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham.

The wine samples include a wide variety of varietals and prices. More than 40 food vendors will be on hand, too. Wines can be pre-ordered at the show.

Those who attend also can ride the zoo’s carousel and visit with the animals.

All proceeds will be donated to the Birmingham Zoo, Emmet O’Neal Library, Junior League of Birmingham and the East Lake Initiative.

Tickets range from $55 to $88. To buy tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

Fresh for Fall: Alabama Farmers Market Plans Special Day

The whole family is invited to the Alabama Farmers Market Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oct. 7.

Free activities will include a petting zoo, inflatables, face painting, balloon artist, hay ride, pumpkin patch, glitter fairy, food vendors and fresh produce.

The market is at 344 Finley Ave. West, Birmingham.

Hungry in Hoover: Tasting Event Set for Aldridge Gardens

Taste of Hoover, set for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 12, celebrates the culinary choices found throughout the city.

The event is at Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road.

Among the participants are Nothing Bundt Cakes, The Whole Scoop Ice Cream, The Boot at The Grove, Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes, Galleria Woods retirement community, Jake’s Soul

See FOOD NEWS, page 26

‘We have flavors from Brazil, Uruguay, Southern California, Asia and from New England, such as the fried oyster taco.’

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

From left, Ashley Chambliss, Kaitlyn Pierce and Sarah Mote enjoying last year’s Viva Vestavia event.

One of Homewood’s newest eateries might not officially qualify for an appearance on the Cooking Channel’s “Beach Bites” series. After all, the restaurant – Bartaco, which opened in August – is on Oxmoor Road and not Highway 30A. But with its outdoor fireplace and bar, bright blue and white cushions on the patio furniture, whitewashed wood walls and woven basket light fixtures, Bartaco breaks out the beach vibe in a big way. When the building’s clear glass garagestyle doors are open, you almost expect a cool ocean breeze to come wafting in.

“We try to take you away from home,” restaurant manager Rita Rohrbacher said.

It’s not just the atmosphere at Bartaco that’s unexpected. The table-service restaurant takes tacos to a whole new place, filling them not only with chicken, fish and pork, but also with

SCOTT LAWTON, PRESIDENT

duck, pork belly, fried oysters, tuna, falafel and cauliflower.

Scott Lawton, the company’s president, said Bartaco started about seven years ago in Port Chester, N.Y. It has expanded to Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and now Alabama. The Homewood restaurant is the first in the state.

Lawton said inspiration for the concept struck when his business partner “took me up to a place in New Haven, Conn., where there was a fleet of food trucks.”

“This was before food trucks became so widespread,” he said. “We ate authentic Mexican tacos.”

Bartaco takes a global approach to its food.

“We have flavors from Brazil, Uruguay, Southern California, Asia and from New England, such as the fried oyster taco,” Lawton said. “I love our chorizo tacos – chorizo is of course an authentic ingredient – and also our Ahi tuna taco, which we added about a year ago.

“We worked to bring in other flavors – high flavors prepared in a healthy way. We didn’t want to be a Tex-Mex restaurant. We don’t have quesadillas with heavy cheese melted all over them. We wanted the freshest flavors, and we don’t want you to feel guilty when you leave.”

You may feel remorseful after a visit to Bartaco, but that likely will be because you can’t try all the dishes in one sitting. In addition to the uber-creative tacos, the menu has a “not tacos” section that includes tuna poke, mahi mahi ceviche, pork and mushroom mole tamales, plantains, salads and soups. But the restaurant’s format makes it easy to order more than one dish.

“Our tacos are bite-sized,” Rohrbacher said.

“Everything’s a la carte. It’s a good way to try different things.”

Bartaco restaurant manager Rita Rohrbacher, above, at the new location on Oxmoor Road.

Other options include rice bowls – pork pastor, ahi tuna and sesame rib-eye – and sides – fresh pineapple with lime, stewed beans, spicy cucumber salad, grilled corn on the cob with lime, cayenne pepper and cotija cheese. The guacamole comes with a small bowl of salsa verde.

“It may sound strange, but our cucumber salad is one of my favorites,” Lawton said.

“It’s bright, fresh and interesting.”

Executive chef Chris Harden has a surprising favorite, too: Bartaco’s chicken soup.

“It takes two full days to make the stock,” Harden said.

Customers, too, often make adventurous choices.

“Except for the chicken taco, the most popular is probably the roasted pork belly in a brown sugar glaze,” Harden said.

Desserts include churros with chocolate sauce, spiced chocolate pudding with a crunchy hazelnut topping, key lime pie in a jar and gelato made by a fellow Homewood business.

“Our gelatos are from Magic City Sweet Ice,” Rohrbacher said. “I’ve had gelato other places, but theirs is so good; I try to take some home whenever I can.”

Fresh Concept Extends to the Bar

Drinks go beyond the standard margarita.

Bar manager D.J. Main oversees creations such as the Anchojito – Bartaco’s spin on a mojito – and its flagship cocktail, the Port Chester Reviver, made with Boodles gin, cucumber, mint, mango nectar and lime juice.

Rohrbacher said many customers like the drinks so much they often ask for the secret to making them. The secret actually is in plain view on the restaurant’s shelves: wire baskets filled with fresh fruits.

“We have big juicers on the counter and are constantly juicing, because fruit juice is better when it’s fresh,” Lawton said.

“I’m really proud of our cocktail menu. If you’re going to pay a fair price for a cocktail, it should be a good one.”

If you haven’t yet been to Bartaco, here are a few tips: • Bartaco has a $10 lunch tray that comes with three tacos of your choice plus a half-order of chicken soup, gazpacho or chopped salad. It’s a great way to try out more than one flavor.

See BARTACO, page 27

26 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

FOOD

The Trucks Stop Here

By Donna Cornelius

Street Food Coalition Will Host Fall Rally in Avondale

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

A relative newcomer to the Birmingham mobile food scene – Encore Rouge will be participating in the Fall Food Truck Rally Oct. 22 at Avondale Brewing Co. Antoinne Davis, the owner, and his wife, operations manager Shantale Davis, said they got their truck up and running in April.

bers serve food to people, Fetch – a Treat Truck for Dogs has goodies for pets. Another member, Southern Wanderer, is a clothing boutique.

Both these trucks as well as the Heavenly Donut Co. food truck will be at the fall rally, as will a relative newcomer to the Birmingham mobile food scene – Encore Rouge. Antoinne Davis, the owner, and his wife, operations manager Shantale Davis, said they got their truck up and running in April.

The couple’s first venture into the food business was with a catering company, Shantale Davis said.

“We started it about two years ago doing events or taking orders from people at work,” Shantale Davis said.

“It expanded – more and more people were requesting food. The idea came to start a food truck.”

The catering company was called Authentic Catering.

“For the truck, we needed a better name,” Shantale said. “People kept asking, ‘When are you going to start back catering?’ So I said, what about Encore? But that name was already taken by another business. We tried to think of a second word to go with it.”

Since “encore” is a French word, the Davises wanted to keep a French flavor in the truck’s name.

“My sister asked Antoinne what his favorite color is,” Shantale said.

“It’s red, and red in French is ‘rouge.’

We thought it was catchy – but a little

fancy.”

She said the name often prompts customers to ask if the couple is from New Orleans. They’re actually Birmingham natives.

Antoinne Davis said that, in coming up with a menu, they stayed with their top-selling items. Encore Rouge has two pasta dishes. Cajun Chicken Alfredo is penne pasta tossed in rich alfredo sauce. Shrimp Boil Overload has penne pasta topped with creamy garlic butter sauce, shrimp, Andouille sausage, corn on the cob and red potatoes.

The menu’s three handcrafted Rouge Burgers are the Bayou Burger topped with smoked gouda cheese, sautéed shrimp and Encore Rouge’s

signature spinach dip sauce; the French Onion Burger with caramelized onions and smoked gouda cheese; and the Bacon Cheeseburger with bacon and cheddar cheese. All burgers come with fries.

“Our No. 1 seller is the Bayou Burger,” Antoinne said.

Encore Rouge also has Cajun chicken wings and tenders.

Shantale said it’s an advantage to be part of the Greater Birmingham Street Food Coalition.

“It helps as far as getting business in that we’re a new truck,” she said.

“They’re also there to give us a helping hand if we need something.”

Other trucks scheduled to be at the rally include Lazy Boy BBQ, Melt Food Truck, Totspot, Repicci’s Italian Ice & Gelato, Saw’s Street Kitchen, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Bendy’s Cookies & Cream, Taco Morro Loco, and Cantina on Wheels.

Brock Beiersdoerfer said the Heavenly Donut Co. will be bringing some of its popular cake and yeast donuts to the rally. The company rotates flavors and debuts a new one every couple of weeks.

“We’ve just introduced a French toast donut and will have a s’mores donut and a banana pudding flavor,” he said.

He said the company’s first truck was dubbed Dough Rider. The new one is called Vincent van Dough. The fun names fit his attitude toward his business.

“Hey, it’s donuts – if you can’t have fun with flour and sugar, what’s the world coming to?” he said.

The Fall Food Truck Rally is from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at Avondale Brewing Co., 201 41st St. S in Birmingham. The event includes musical entertainment and children’s activities.

Early bird tickets, available through Oct. 15, are $5. Tickets are $8 Oct. 16-21 and $10 at the gate.

Tickets for ages 5-12 are $2 in advance and $5 at the gate. There’s no charge for children under age 5.

To buy tickets, visit www.foodtruckrally.instagift.com. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

If you need some food in your neighborhood – or at your special event, corporate gathering or fundraiser – who ya gonna call?

A good place to start is the Greater Birmingham Street Food Coalition.

It’s a group that represents food trucks, trailers and other mobile-based businesses.

“We started the coalition a few years ago when the city of Birmingham started addressing food trucks and where they could park,” said Brock Beiersdoerfer, the group’s secretary. “If people are looking for food trucks for a certain event, they can contact us. They can tell us what kind of event they’re having and how many people they’re expecting. It saves them from having to contact 20 different food truck owners.”

People also can find out where trucks are selling on a particular day and about special events by visiting the coalition’s website, bhmstreetfoodcoalition.wordpress.com, or its Facebook page.

“We want to bring high-quality food to Birmingham without brick and mortar stores,” Beiersdoerfer said.

He and his wife, Kimberly, do have an honest-to-goodness storefront: Heavenly Donut Co. at 4911 Cahaba River Road in Vestavia Hills.

But the company also has two food trucks.

“We opened our brick and mortar store first, in January 2013,” he said.

“We added the first truck three years later. We had it in mind from the beginning. Everything is cooked here at the store, and we load it up on bakery racks.”

Coalition members will gather Oct. 22 at Avondale Brewing Co. for the group’s first Fall Food Truck Rally.

“Last year in the spring, we had a food truck rally at Avondale Brewing, and it was a great hit with all the trucks set up in a square,” Beiersdoerfer said. “We try to do at least one event every quarter.”

While most of the coalition mem-

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Sam and Laudan Henderson.

Breakin’ Bread Birmingham Originals Annual Fundraiser Brings in the Bread

An abundance of food was served to guests at Sloss Furnaces on Sept.

24 for the Birmingham Originals’ 5th

Nick Zucco and Cait Alred.

annual Breakin’ Bread event.

In addition to food tastings, the event included craft beer and wine, a kid’s zone, live music and more.

More than 30 local restaurants participated in the event, with Little Savannah Restaurant and Bar’s chef Clifton Holt taking home the Best Bite award and a check for $500 for his blue crab cakes with roasted garlic

Megan Couture and Kristine Hutchins.

and lemon brown butter.

Participating restaurants included 5 Point Public House Oyster Bar, Avo, Bellini’s Ristorante and Bar, Bettola, Bistro V, The Bright Star, Cantina Tortilla Grill, Continental Bakery and Chez Lulu, DG, FoodBar, Homewood Gourmet, Hot and Hot Fish Club, Irondale Cafe, The J. Clyde, Jackson’s Bar and Bistro,

JoJo’s on Broadway, Mafiaoza’s Pizzeria and Neighborhood Pub, Moss Rock Tacos and Tequila, Nabeel’s Cafe and Market, Ocean, OvenBird, Revolve Kitchen and Brew, Serendipity Cafe, Sky Castle, Slice Pizza and Brewhouse, Sol’s Sandwich Shop and Deli, Ted’s Restaurant, Vecchia Pizzeria, Vino and The Wine Loft.

Brad and Jill Martin wth son Noah.

The Birmingham Originals is a coalition that supports local restaurants and increases awareness of contributions made by these restaurants to charities. Each year the organization picks a recipient for the fundraiser, this year’s being the Jones Valley Teaching Farm’s Woodlawn High School Urban Farm Project.

—Emily Williams

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

From page 25

• Follow the restaurant on social media – or ask your waitperson – to find out about the current “secret taco.” “It’s an insider secret and not promoted at the restaurant,” Rohrbacher said.

• You can use the Bartaco app for takeout orders.

• Check out the restaurant’s Party Packs for tacos (and more) to go. “We came up with this idea so that you can come by and pick up food for 10, 20 or 30 people,” Lawton said. “It works great for football – for tailgates or home viewing parties.” Instructions for reheating the food are provided.

Bartaco tries to make kids feel as comfortable at the restaurant as they

FOOD NEWS, From page 25

Food Café, The Cajun Cleaver, Bunch Bakeshop, Fried Green Tomato’s, Swamp Monster BBQ, Mark’s Bar and Grill at the Hyatt Regency BirminghamThe Wynfrey Hotel, Metro Diner, Jim ‘N Nick’s, Taziki’s, Spoon and Ladle, Newk’s Eatery, Gourmet Pantry Catering, Happy Catering, Savoie Catering, Five Star Catering, Kathy G and Co., the Jefferson State Community College Culinary Institute, International Wines, Back Forty Beer Co., Coca-Cola and Royal Cup Coffee.

Tickets are $50 for Aldridge Gardens members and $45 for nonmembers. To

do at the beach.

“With schools all around, we have a great kids’ menu and try to have things that kids like,” Rohrbacher said. “Mom and Dad can hang Executive chef Chris out with Harden has a surpristheir ing favorite: Bartaco’s friends, and chicken soup. the kids can play ring toss on the patio. We have plenty of high chairs and temporary tattoos and coloring books to keep the buy tickets, visit aldridgegardens.com.

M-Power Your Appetite: Taste of the Magic City Benefits Nonprofit

M-Power Ministries will host the seventh annual Taste of the Magic City from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at MAKEbhm, 4000 Third Ave. S., Birmingham.

The culinary event will support the efforts of M-Power Ministries, an Avondale nonprofit that helps break the cycle of poverty by providing education and health services to Jefferson County residents.

Taste of the Magic City will feature bites from culinary experts and restaurants from the Birmingham area,

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

BARTACO,

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 27

FOOD kids happy.”

In addition to special kid-friendly menu items, children can order their own mocktails. The Sunset has pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine. The Nojito has mint, lime juice and club soda.

“Everyone seems to be happy that we’re here,” Rohrbacher said. “People walk, ride their bikes – it’s a familyfriendly place, and we’re familyfriendly, too. But you can also bring your girlfriends or have a guys’ night.”

Lawton said he thinks Homewood is reflective of Bartaco’s clientele in other cities.

“There are lots of young families, and we like to be in a neighborhood,” he said. “This is a vibrant area like 12 South in Nashville and Buckhead in Atlanta. including B&A Warehouse, Bare Naked Noodles, Big Spoon Creamery, Black Sheep Kitchen, Cantina Tortilla Grill, Chicken Salad Chick, East 59 Café, Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes, Jim ‘N Nick’s, JoJo’s on Broadway, Little Savannah, Miami Fusion Café, Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Olivia’s Transit Café, Roots & Revelry, Saigon Noodle House, Serendipity Café, Taco Morro Loco, Taj India, The Abbey, The Bright Star, Tre Luna Catering, Tropicaleo, Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato, WaffleWorks and Yo Mama’s.

Tickets are $29 before Oct. 15 and $35 after that. To buy tickets, visit tasteofthemagiccity.instagift. com. For more information, visit mpowerministries.org. ❖

“We love the crowd. We love Homewood. One of our staff members said Homewood has some of the most beautiful children in the world – and that it’s fun to see them out on the patio playing ring toss.”

Bartaco is at 1017 Oxmoor Road in Homewood’s Edgewood neighborhood. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. until “late,” according to its website.

For more information, follow the restaurant on social media or visit bartaco.com. ❖

Southern Gourmet at it's Best LOCATED AT THE TOP OF SHADES MOUNTAIN ON HWY 31, BISTRO V OFFERS ONE OF THE FINEST CULINARY EXPERIENCES IN BIRMINGHAM!

Open Monday-Saturday 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm 521 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 • (205) 823-1505

To: From:

Emily Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: March This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Mar issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

28 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SCHOOLS

By Emily Williams

Creative Montessori students gathered Sept. 21 in the campus’ courtyard to celebrate International Day of Peace.

Photos special to the Journal

Creative Montessori students gathered Sept. 21 in the campus’ courtyard to celebrate International Day of Peace and the installation of a peace pole created by upper-elementary students.

The International Day of Peace is an initiative established by the United Nations in 1981 to promote a culture of peace throughout the world. The pole is a representation of the school’s participation in the International Peace Pole Project, popularized by Japan in the mid-1950s, and is a staple of many Montessori campuses around the world.

Christopher Schell, who joined the Creative Montessori faculty earlier this year, spearheaded the project.

“We had a sheet over the pole and the fifth-graders unveiled it,” he said.

“Then the students sang ‘Light a Candle for Peace’ and passed around a battery-operated candle.”

Hallmarks of the Montessori method include guiding students through their studies with lessons in respect and integrity, fostering inquiry and curiosity and placing great value in an individual’s responsibility to themselves as well as their community.

“We want peace to be a part of their normal choice,” Schell said. “We find ways to use lessons in peace as extensions of their core assignments.”

While fifth-graders chose translations of the word “peace” to have carved into the pole, they researched the countries that speak the chosen languages as a social studies project and gave presentations to younger students.

“Practical life lessons are something that have been taught in schools for hundreds of years,” he said.

His vision for the future of the program is to find a place for students to live on a farm, building on and tending the land while pursuing their core studies.

“There would be that boarding school concept, where parents can visit on the weekends and see what their kids are learning and creating,” Schell said.

It’s all about finding satisfaction in one’s own abilities and strengths, Schell said. He said that runs counter to trends he sees now of people molding themselves to fit into a certain career rather than finding a career that fits their strengths and abilities.

“It is our responsibility to help children find peace within themselves,” he said. “Then they can find a way to spread it.” ❖

Give Peace a Chance

Creative Montessori Celebrates International Day of Peace Students also helped sand and paint the pole, which is just a taste of the skills that Schell hopes to introduce to his students as a practical life instructor. For younger students, those lessons are similar to skills taught in a home economics course such as simple baking or tending to a growing plant.

Practical Lessons

The lessons teach children how to be more self-reliant, he said.

Schell has spent this year preparing for his role as adolescent program leader in the school’s inaugural program for 12- to 14-year-old students, which will kick things up a notch.

“We’ll be teaching them about gardening and growing your own food or learning how to use a saw,” he said.

The program will be introduced in fall 2018, and Schell has big plans inspired by his 17 years teaching at a Montessori school in Savannah, Georgia.

B I R M I NGH AM

FAL L PLANT SAL E SPONSORS

October 21 | 9-5 p.m.

October 22 | Noon-4 p.m.

BLOUNT PL AZA AT THE GAR D E N S Trees & Shrubs • Herbs • Perennials • Camellias • Fall Lettuces • Biennials • Natives • Winter Annuals • Bedding Plants • Daylilies

bbgardens.org/fallplantsale

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, center, met with the Mountain Brook Elementary PTO on Oct. 2 to announce a recent donation. With Faulkner are, MBE PTO President Bragan Petrey and school principal Ashley McCombs.

Rep. Faulkner Doles Out Money to Local Schools

Appointed to chair the Alabama Children’s Cabinet, created in 2016, Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, has spent the past year dedicating a portion of his schedule to identifying issues facing Alabama children in education, something that he said has always been at the forefront of his government work.

“Education is such a key factor that could solve a lot of our state’s problems - issues with jobs and prisons. That’s why you’ll always see me meeting with schools in

my district. I’m a big proponent of education,” Faulkner said.

Faulkner makes a point each year to not only request grants from the state for his schools, but prefers to personally present the donations.

“I request a little money from the state each year. I’ll give some to all of my elementary schools to help out with a project and I’ll give a some to the libraries,” he said.

His most recent donation was to Mountain Brook Elementary School, which he announced on Oct. 2 during a PTO meeting.

While there, the school presented a new program, Common Sense

Media, a digital citizenship curriculum that teaches students skills to protect themselves online and use the internet in a positive and beneficial way.

Other elementary schools in Faulkner’s district include Hoover’s Bluff Park Elementary, Mountain Brook’s Crestline Elementary and Cherokee Bend Elementary; and Homewood’s Edgewood Elementary.

Preferring to maintain a close relationship with students, Faulkner will meet with Crestline Elementary fourth-graders on a field trip to the state capitol in Montgomery.

Edgewood Librarian Wins State Lamp Award

Edgewood Elementary School Librarian Fran Woodruff has been recognized by the Alabama Library Expo as a recipient of its 2017 Herman Moore Library and Media Professionals Fran Woodruff award.

According to organization officials, the distinction is given to librarians and library media specialists who have provided exceptional service to the patrons, schools and communities they serve. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 29

SCHOOLS

Homewood High School kicked off its Sept. 22 homecoming game against Helena by recognizing its 2017-18 homecoming court.

Senior Caroline Condon was crowned the homecoming queen, accompanied on the field by a court including Katie Lummis, senior attendant; Haley Maness, senior attendant; Mary Lauren Burdeshaw, senior attendant; Gabby Bass, junior attendant; Caroline Hurry, sophomore attendant; and Reid Catherine Bunn, freshman attendant.

Homecoming festivities included a parade through downtown Homewood on Sept. 21 and a big win over Helena 30-7 on Sept. 22.

Photo special to the Journal

Homewood Celebrates Homecoming with Parade, Crowns Queen

From left: Gabby Bass, Caroline Hurry, Katie Lummis, Homewood High School Homecoming Queen Caroline Condon, Haley Maness, Mary Lauren Burdeshaw and Reid Catherine Bunn.

Where Faith and Reason Flourish

ADMISSIONS OPEN

Now accepting applications for the 2018-2019 school year!

Apply online at www.jcchs.org Journal photos by Jordan Wald

High School Placement Test for all incoming freshmen will be held on November 11 at 7:30 a.m.

For more information email admissions@jcchs.org or call 205-949-2400 ext. 233

JOHN CARROLL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 300 Lakeshore Parkway | jcchs.org

To: From: Date:

Julie Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 September 29

A large crowd gathered in downtown Homewood to enjoy the annual homecoming parade. Top, members of the Homewood marching band. Above, from left: Andrew and Haley Cox; Karla and Annel Botello; and Hannah, Luke and Michael Miller.

Oak Mountain to Host Ninth Annual Fall Fun Fest

The Oak Mountain Elementary School’s Parent‐Teacher Organization will be hosting its 2017 Fall Fun Fest event Oct. 14.

The annual school fundraiser will be held at the school and includes familyfriendly festivities such as inflatables, crafts, silent auctions, face painting, cake walks, hay rides, a pumpkin patch and more. In addition, Steel City Pops and Kona Ice will be serving frozen treats, a local animal organization will provide pet adoptions and large screen televisions will display college football games.

Festival hours will be from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and admission is $13 for pre‐paid wristbands or $15 at the door.

All proceeds from the Fall Fun Fest go toward education improvements.

Past funding has helped fund playground equipment, an awning and classroom supplies.

For more information, visit the “OMES

PTO & Parent Connection” Facebook page.

New VHCSF Executive Director Welcomes Annual Luncheon

The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation hired a new executive director over the summer, Tait Stoddard.

The foundation exists to provide perpetual financial support to each Tait Stoddard of Vestavia Hills’ schools, while also taking time to foster a higher standard of academic excellence - a cornerstone of the Vestavia Hills community, according to Stoddard.

Stoddard entered the position with

extensive experience working with the school system through her own family, as her three children attend Vestavia Hills City Schools. She has served as a classroom mother, volunteered her time for school fundraisers and has previously served as a substitute teacher and Pizitz Middle School paraeducator.

On Oct. 3, she celebrated her first Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation annual luncheon in her new position, which featured keynote speaker Mike Lutzenkirchen, father of Auburn football legend Philip Lutzenkirchen who died in a tragic single vehicle accident at just 23 years old in 2014.

“By investing in the Foundation, you are providing funds that will continue to help provide the schools with additional educational opportunities and resources,” said Stoddard in a released statement Proceeds generated from the event support the VHCSF. For more information, visit vestaviafoundation.org. ❖

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Oct. 5th issue. Please email approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

THE BOOK OF GOLDFARB Former BSC Coach Keeps Writing Chapters Past Retirement

When Preston Goldfarb coached his last soccer game as a BirminghamSouthern Panther during the fall of 2015 then said goodbye to his worldclass soccer camp the following summer, everyone assumed the book was closed on the legendary coach’s career.

But another incredible chapter was yet to come.

In June, Goldfarb traveled to the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel to coach the Maccabi USA Open Men’s Soccer Team, his fourth stint coaching in an international event. He previously coached in the 18th Maccabiah Games in 2009, the Maccabi Australia International Games in 2010, and the 19th Maccabiah Games four years ago.

The Maccabiah Games, often referred to as the Jewish Olympics, is a multi-sport event held every four years in Israel. The 2017 games brought together 10,000 athletes from 85 countries to compete in 45 sports, making it the third-largest event of its kind in the world.

In the 2013 games, the USA team became the Impossible Dream Team by winning the first ever gold medal for a USA open men’s soccer team.

This year, for the second time in a row, the USA team brought home the gold again – an unprecedented feat, since no other soccer team had ever won back-to-back championships in Maccabiah Games. For that achievement, they became known as the Forever Team.

But it was also a notable win for other reasons.

“It takes a special group of young men to be able to come together without ever playing as a team, with each other in only seven short practices, and make the kind of run we did to win it all,” said Goldfarb.

Though the members of the USA team were named in late April, they didn’t meet until June 25, at the airport in Newark, New Jersey, on their way to Israel. Only 3½ weeks later, they had collectively become a super-efficient soccer machine capable of taking on some of the best teams in the world and winning. Their final game was with what Goldfarb termed “a very good Great Britain team” that had beaten the USA team in group play.

But when it mattered, the USA team

Photo special to the Journal

By June Mathews

In June, Goldfarb traveled to the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel to coach the Maccabi USA Open Men’s Soccer Team.

prevailed.

No one expected the USA team to win again this year, rendering victory even sweeter.

“No one gave us a chance to repeat,” said Goldfarb. “We were the only ones who believed in what we could do, and we did it with our backs against the wall in every game, not unlike what we did in 2013.”

At that exhilarating moment, Goldfarb’s coaching career was over.

“I can’t help but pinch myself to make sure this journey is now complete,” he later wrote in a blog. “But what a way to end.”

That doesn’t mean, however, there’s not an afterword to follow – a little icing on the cake, so to speak.

And that is, indeed, the case with Goldfarb’s story.

On Oct. 13, he’ll be inducted into the Birmingham-Southern Hall of Fame, and next April, he’ll join the likes of football great Ron Mix and basketball player-turned-team-owner Ernie Grunfeld in the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in New York.

In the meantime, Goldfarb will finally be kicking back and enjoying retirement, walking his dogs every morning and working on a book about his youth.

“That’s about it for now,” he said.

For a guy who has spent the past 3½ decades hustling up and down soccer fields, he seems perfectly pleased with the pace.

To read more of Preston Goldfarb’s blog about the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel and to see more photos of the journey, visit pgoldfarb47.blogspot. com. ❖

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Vestavia Hills CrossCountry Teams Start the Year Off with High Marks

Photo by Todd Thompson/Rivercat Photography

30 • Thursday, October 5, 2017

By Blake Ells Vestavia Hills’ boys, girls and junior varsity cross-country teams each kicked off their new seasons with third-place finishes at the Panther Prowl in Huntsville.

The boys finished in a tie for second. But a tiebreaker, which was decided by the times logged by the sixth-place finishers, dropped the Rebels to third.

“That was a good lesson for our sixth and seventh runners about how important they are,” said coach Brett Huber.

The boys team is led by senior James Sweeney, who finished with a 15:32 at the Panther Prowl, good enough for a win. He finished second at the Chickasaw Trails Invitational in Oakville earlier in September, behind Homewood’s Will Stone. Sophomore John Ingram notched a 24th place finish at Chickasaw.

The girls team is led by senior Sasha Allison, who finished in the top 25 in each of the first two meets, and junior Cat Yielding.

Both teams now turn to the Jesse Owens Invitational in Moulton this weekend. The event serves as an early season measuring stick not only for teams from Alabama, but across the

VH

FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

Briarwood 25, Mortimer Jordan 17

Class 5A No. 1 ranked Briarwood Christian, led by quarterback Michael Hiers, came out on top over the Mortimer Jordan Blue Devils last Friday, 25-17 in a non-region game.

Hires was 14 of 18 for 214 yards and two touchdowns. Also contributing to the win for the 5-0 Lions was defensive back Cade Dickinson who had two key interceptions of the night.

The Vestavia Hills boys cross-country team is led by senior James Sweeney, above, who finished with a 15:32 at the Panther Prowl, good enough for a win.

Southeast. Huber said it’s the secondbiggest meet in the region behind Charlotte’s Foot Locker Regional, boasting 5,000 athletes a year ago.

“At least three or four states will be represented,” he said. “Teams come from out of state to see where they are compared to Alabama teams. And among those out-of-state teams will be championship teams.”

The boys team won the 6A state championship under Huber’s direction in 2012, and in 2013 it just missed repeating at the 7A level by eight points. The girls team finished second in 2005. While Huber is still learning about his teams, he believes they can achieve the goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the season.

Huber said the boys team goal was to qualify first out of its section.

“Our section is the hardest in the

state by far,” he said. “If that goes well, we hoped to be one of the best teams in the state. And based on last week’s rankings, we were the second-best out of all classifications. So we’re where we were hoping to be and we’re still working toward being among the best teams in the state.”

He’s equally optimistic about the girls team achieving its goals.

“Our goal is to qualify and get as many girls to represent Vestavia as we can,” he said. “Every year you graduate kids and you have new kids come in.

The kids we have are working hard to be in a good position to help their team.”

After the Jesse Owens Invitational, both teams will take a week off and get ready for Sectionals at Veterans Park, an event that will be hosted by Hoover. ❖

Briarwood’s J. R. Tran-Reno picks up yardage Friday against Mortimer Jordan.

The junior running back caught seven passes for 103 yards in the Lions win over the Blue Devils.

More photos at otmjsports.com

Photo courtesy William L. Irons

Moody 17, JOHN CARROLL 6 VESTAVIA HILLS 14, Helena 0 Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain and Spain Park did not play.

Mountain Brook Runners Recognized

William L. Irons, center, with the 2017 Colonel George V. Irons Distance Award winners, from left, Charlie Slaughter and Anna Grace Morgan. The award was established to honor Dr. George V. Irons Sr. who was captain of the University of Alabama distance teams in the 1920s. Each year the award is presented to two members of the Mountain Brook High School track team who have excelled in scholarship, leadership and service.

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

St. Clair County at BRIARWOOD HOMEWOOD at JOHN CARROLL OAK MOUNTAIN at HOOVER MOUNTAIN BROOK at Tus. County SPAIN PARK at Huffman Thompson at VESTAVIA

They Pulled Him Back In Patriots’ Jones Just Can’t Get Away From Coaching

By Rubin E. Grant

YANCEY, From page 32

“We were playing a team called Rossville,” said Yancey. “We beat them 8-7 in overtime. It was a fun win then … . Anytime you can win a game it feels great, and when you lose it hurts for a little while.”

Over the years, Yancey has trained athletes who have gone on to play at higher levels. Former Alabama standouts Tim and Simeon Castille were high school All-Americans for Yancey at Briarwood Christian before spending some time in the NFL. Andy Davis and Yancey’s son Bart each enjoyed success at Samford. Former Auburn offensive lineman Andrew McCain honed his skills on one of Yancey’s teams. Walker May served as a captain at Vanderbilt. Before he became the offensive coordinator at SMU, Joe Craddock played quarter-

The Information Age

During his time, Jones has witnessed several changes in the game.

But the biggest, he said, is the amount of information readily available about teams.

“The main thing that’s true in all sports and is true in football is there’s so much knowledge about teams and you can get it twice as fast. So no matter what you’re doing, there are no secrets,” Jones said.

“When I started you had 16mm film and there was no such thing as an end zone shot. Now you get end zone shots and all the sideline angles, and it’s so easy to exchange film. You don’t have to go meet somebody to get their film. All you have to do is push a button on your

‘Coach Wooden said that you should never ask kids to do things they can’t do. You have to focus on what they can do.’

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

David Jones figured his coaching career had ended when he retired in 2011 after more than 40 years in the business.

But then his granddaughter Autumn Carpenter entered high school at Homewood, and Jones once again found himself in the Patriots’ football film room and on the sidelines.

Jones initially retired to spend more time with his family, especially Autumn, who at the time was his only grandchild. He had lived in the Hollywood community of Homewood for many years and walked Autumn to school when she attended Shades Cahaba Elementary.

He continued to take Autumn to school when she started attending Homewood Middle School and when she moved up to the high school.

When Ben Berguson took over as the Patriots’ head football coach in 2014, he asked Jones if he would return as an assistant, coaching running backs. Jones agreed.

“I was coming up here to the high school twice a day anyway to take my granddaughter to school and to pick her up,” Jones said. “That made it convenient for me to be here, or I should say it wasn’t inconvenient.

“Besides, coaching running backs is easy because they already know how to run. But you might have to teach them how to block,” he added with a laugh.

Autumn, a swimmer, is a junior now and driving herself to school, but Jones is still around, although he’s no longer the Patriots’ running back coach. He’s back in his familiar role as the team’s offensive coordinator.

“When Jamie Williams, who was the offensive coordinator, took the job as head coach at Gulf Shores two years ago, Berg (Berguson) asked me to move to offensive coordinator, so I

Thursday, October 5, 2017 • 31

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Except for his three-year hiatus, Jones has coached in some capacity at Homewood since its first season in 1972.

did,” Jones said.

Except for his three-year hiatus, Jones has coached in some capacity at Homewood since its first season in 1972. He had a hand in each of the Patriots’ six state football championships.

This season the Patriots are off to a 5-0 start and ranked No. 7 in Class 6A, heading into their Region 5 contest at John Carroll Catholic on Friday.

“When I retired, I didn’t think I’d ever get involved in coaching again,” said Jones, who turned 69 on Sept.

24. “I still enjoy coaching. I’ve been in it a long time.” back for Yancey; and before he spent time on the staffs of the St. Louis Rams and now at North Carolina, former Auburn quarterback Barrett Trotter played the position at Briarwood.

The latter two still lean on their high school coach for advice, however modest he may be about the relationship that they maintain.

“When they come to town, they come by Briarwood and we sit down and I let them teach me now,” he said.

“They do a great job of keeping us on the cutting edge of what’s going on in the college football world with offensive schemes.”

Technology is the thing that’s changed the most in 40 years, he said.

The people haven’t.

“Every year’s the same, but every year is different,” he said. “The kids have been great to work with from the time I got here until now. They’ve

computer and you’ve got it. So, it’s hard to stay one step ahead of your opponents.”

The Patriots are averaging 24 points per game, utilizing a spread offense that Jones installed 17 years ago. That offensive attack is now prevalent throughout high school football.

“In 2000, we started using zone read stuff and the no huddle, and nobody else was doing it except Hoover,” Jones said. “Now, everybody’s doing it. But no matter what offense you use, it still comes down to blocking and tackling.”

Another change, Jones said, is the expectation to win a championship every season. The Patriots haven’t won a state football title since 2005.

“The problem isn’t the pressure to win,” he said. “Everybody wants to taken great pride in being good citizens who are also good students, who are also good football players.”

win, but now you’re expected to win championships. And if you’re winning and not winning the right way, they want to get another coach. So, it’s the level you’re winning at.”

Despite the changes, Jones stills enjoys working with players and still goes by the philosophy he learned reading a book by legendary UCLA coach John Wooden, “They Call Me Coach.”

“Coach Wooden said that you should never ask kids to do things they can’t do,” Jones said. “You have to focus on what they can do.

“Kids today aren’t any different than when I first started. There are just many more distractions, but

BEN, From page 32

“Ben is the all-American kid, the classic example of a student-athlete,” Cole said. “I coached him in youth ball and grew close to his family.

They have been extremely generous and helpful in the community. We are doing now for the Abercrombies exactly what they would have been doing for us.”

Hoover principal Don Hulin and the school’s athletic department organized a fundraiser that raised $4,177 before Hoover’s 63-0 homecoming win against Tuscaloosa County on Sept. 22.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family and we’re just praying for improvement,” Hoover coach Josh Niblett said after the game. “He’s like a child to me.”

The following Monday, Beef O’Brady’s restaurant in Hoover held an auction that raised more than $7,000 for the Ben Abercrombie Fund. More than 50 businesses in Greater Birmingham donated 10 percent of their sales that day to the fund.

Thompson High School passed around buckets for contributions before its home game against Pelham on Sept. 29. The Jefferson-Shelby Youth Football League also held a fundraising campaign.

‘Amazing’ Support

“It’s been an amazing outpouring

ing great leaders, strong men and good family guys. And the Lord’s

that’s true all across society. What has changed is kids are so much more concerned about their individual accomplishments than the team, but that’s a reflection of real life, too.

They are so much more focused on how they’re doing instead of sacrificing for the team.”

Jones doesn’t know how much longer he will coach. He joked he will continue as long his wife, Mickey, will put up with it. They have been married 40 years and have three daughters and three grandchildren.

“I’m not making any predictions,” Jones said with a smile. “I’m here this afternoon.” ❖ of support,” Hoover athletic director Andy Urban said. “It gives me chills talking about it.

“A lot of times Hoover is thought of as being a big city, but when something like this happens it shows the small town feel we have.”

Others also have reached out to the family. Marty Abercrombie wrote on Ben’s CaringBridge page that Ben had received a phone call from Alabama football coach Nick Saban.

“He let our family know that everyone back in Alabama is thinking of us and ready to assist us during Ben’s recovery,” Marty Abercrombie wrote.

The Abercrombies also have received tremendous support from Harvard and the New England Patriots. Representatives of the Patriots have regularly visited the family.

“Coach (Tim) Murphy at Harvard calls us every day to encourage us and to ask Sherri and me what we need while we are away from home,” Marty Abercrombie wrote. “Pete Brock from the Patriots’ alumni group stopped by again today to motivate Ben and gave him a package of gifts from the Patriots. Ben received inspiration from a video coach Niblett shared of a special prayer for Ben at the Hoover Bucs Men of Will prayer group.

“God bless everyone for caring so much about Ben and our family to write the wonderful posts and letters.” ❖ using the game of football in the lives of a lot of people.” ❖

Faith First

His faith remains his priority. It’s what he followed across the Deep South to connect with his family and football for 40 years.

As his team continues what they hope will be a march toward a fourth state championship under Yancey’s watch, which would be the school’s sixth championship in total, it’s a bigger picture that still drives Yancey.

“The Lord’s in control and he has a great plan for each and every one of us,” he said. “I think football is the way that He allows a lot of our boys to grow up. Football isn’t the only way for a young man to grow up; but it’s a great way.

“At Briarwood, football has been a real important venue for kids becom-

S

CIALIZING I N PE

Convertible Tops Sunroofs Leather Interiors facebook.com/AlabamaAutoTop

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2017

SPORTS

Patriots’ Jones Just Can’t Get Away From Coaching PAGE 31 Former BSC Coach Keeps Writing Chapters Past Retirement PAGE 30

THE BIG PICTURE

As his team continues what they hope will be a march toward a fourth state championship under Yancey’s watch, which would be the school’s sixth championship in total, it’s a bigger picture that still drives Yancey.

Briarwood Coach Hits Rare Milestone While Keeping Priorities Straight

By Blake Ells

B

Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

riarwood Christian School football coach Fred Yancey inked his name in the record books last month when he scored his 300th victory as a high school coach with a 23-6 win at Fairfield.

The Sept. 22 win, Yancey’s 259th in the state of Alabama, ranks him fifth among active coaches for victories in the Alabama High School Athletics Association.

But Yancey’s path to the record books was not a linear one.

He began his career at Towering Oaks School in Memphis, where he served as the head coach for three years, and he moved on to Gatewood School in Eatonton, Georgia, for three more. He then chose an unusual path for a coach who has compiled an accomplished resume; he stepped back into an athletics director role for nine years, serving as the coach for the freshman team. Those were victories not counted in his record.

“I wanted my children to get a Christian education,” Yancey said. “I couldn’t see myself coaching anywhere but at the high school level, but more than anything, we wanted our children to get a Christian education. So we bit the bullet and went to Evangelical Christian School in Memphis, and I coached at the freshman level for nine years. When Bart, my son, was going into his junior year, we were in touch with Dr. Byrle Kynerd at Briarwood. They were making a coaching change, and one thing led to another and we ended up here.”

That was 27 years ago.

Now the Memphis native trails only four coaches – Buddy Anderson at Vestavia Hills, Danny Horn at Benjamin Russell, Terry Curtis at UMS-Wright and Dale Pruitt at Albertville. – for wins by active coaches in the AHSAA He remembers the first win in Memphis as vividly as the 300th one.

See YANCEY, page 31

Hoover Rallies to Abercrombie After Serious Football Injury

By Rubin E. Grant Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry

Playing as a freshman cornerback for Harvard, Abercrombie sustained a serious neck injury Sept.

16 in his first college football game, at Rhode Island.

Chris Cole is not surprised by the outpouring of support for former Hoover High School football player Ben Abercrombie.

Playing as a freshman cornerback for Harvard, Abercrombie sustained a serious neck injury Sept. 16 in his first college football game, at Rhode Island.

He was making a tackle on the sideline

when he fell to the ground and did not get up.

Abercrombie was rushed to the hospital in Providence, Rhodes Island, and had emergency surgery to repair a fracture and get the pressure off his spinal cord. He had some paralysis and was placed on a ventilator to help him breathe.

As of late last week, Abercrombie was being weaned off the ventilator in

hopes he would breathe on his own.

He also had regained some feeling in

‘Ben is the all-American kid, the classic example of a student-athlete.’ his arms and legs.

Abercrombie was a part of three state championship teams at Hoover,

two in football and one in baseball, before graduating in the spring. In the wake of his injury, Hoover and the surrounding community have rallied around Abercrombie and his family, including parents Marty and Sherri.

The show of support is something Cole, a close family friend whose son Devin played baseball with Abercrombie, expected.

See BEN, page 31