Celebrating the communities of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County
MYLES MORGAN
IN THIS ISSUE
SOCIAL
4 | 65th Annual Ball of Roses
6 | Coronets Dance Club
7 | S’mores & Pours
8 | Oasis ArtCard
9 | Tee It Up Fore Life
10 | Hoover Belles
11 | ROAR the Cure James Bond Gala 2025
GIVING TREE
14 | The face of Picasso Pets is a different breed of superhero.
16 | Portraits of Hope helps women transition to fully independent lives.
17 | Beth Owens completes her Girl Scout Gold Award project.
MUSIC
18 | Myles Morgan is on the musical fast track.
HEALTH
20 | Martin Juarez and his PD Fight Club are waging war against Parkinson’s Disease.
HOME
22 | Children’s author Charles Ghigna— Father Goose—lives and works happily at home in Homewood. ABOUT TOWN
24 | Things to do, people to see, music to hear IN THEIR OWN WORDS
26 | 1st Graders at Homewood Park Summer Day Camp share their ways to savor summer. SPORTS
28 | Remembering Rubin Grant 1957-2025
THE MOUNTAIN JO U RNA L
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Publisher & Executive Editor: Lee Hurley
Editor: Barry Wise Smith
Design Director: Claire Cormany
Intern: Jordan Wald
Photography: Jordan Wald
Contributors: Nausicaa Chu, Solomon Crenshaw, Cathy DeLozier, Tally Reynolds Dettling, Brent Thompson
Account Executive: Julie Trammell Edwards
We would love to hear from you on any subject: lhurley@otmj.com
Vol. 34, No. 21 Over
In Memory...
The staff here at The Over the Mountain Journal was devastated by the passing of our venerable sports editor Rubin Grant on June 19. No one needed to tell us that Rubin was a legend, but nevertheless, in 2022, Rubin was recognized by the Alabama Sports Writers Association as one of 50 sports writing legends in the state. While I only worked with Rubin a short time (in the context of his long and legendary career), I was so taken by his positivity, thoughtfulness (he sent me a lovely Mother’s Day text that I will treasure) and professionalism.
The week of Rubin’s funeral services, I received a text from Dana Levering, whose daughter Emma Brooke, a standout runner for Homewood High School, was a frequent subject of his stories here in the OTMJ. She said, “We were so sad to hear of Rubin’s passing. He was so sweet to EB and sent her texts of congrats and encouragement even when he wasn’t doing a story with her. He sent me notes as well to let me know he was following her progress. We would say he’s a friend. He was so excited about EB going to Penn State, because his favorite animal was the lion, and he sent us a pencil sketch of a lion, that we admired.” This was the impact Rubin had. In this issue, his friend and colleague Solomon Crenshaw memorializes Rubin on the back sports cover.
In a world that is in desperate need of more good guys, Rubin exemplified someone who uses kindness and goodness and still gets the job done. And done well. Let us all take a page from Rubin’s book and treat people with respect and kindness and always leave them with a smile.
–BARRY WISE SMITH
VIEWS |
Denise and Lowen Abney celebrating Independence Day at the Homewood Street Festival on July 4th .
Photo by Jordan Wald
Rubin E. Grant
PHOTO BY SOLOMON CRENSHAW
Among the Parterre: An Evening in Bloom Dinner and Dancing Highlight Ballet Guild’s 65th Annual Ball of Roses
Sixty-six young women were presented during the 65th Annual Ball of Roses on June 7th at the Country Club of Birmingham.
Guests entered the ballroom greeted by a moss ballerina standing in a floral garden. Satin pointe shoes with delicate florals were displayed hanging at the entrance, serving as a graceful nod to the ballet. A custom green lattice arch adorned with seasonal blooms. Flowing fabric draped the ceiling, while columns throughout the room were wrapped in florals, greenery, and satin ribbon, creating an enchanting garden atmosphere. All floral design was done by the talented Sarah Norville Peinhardt. The floral arrangements, in shades of green, pink, and white, portrayed an elegant and romantic feel.
The evening began with the debut of this year’s presentees in a seated dinner for members and guests of the Men’s Committee, patrons of the Ballet Guild of Birmingham. Following dinner, the presentees were formally introduced in the ballroom, with the evening continuing in celebration and dancing among family and friends of the presentees.
Rebecca Crowther Stump served as the 2025 Ball of Roses Chairman, with Mary Virginia Grisham as cochairman.
The Men’s Committee Dinner was chaired by Stacey Summerville Ramsay, alongside Camilla Bryant Grisham.
Emily Eagan Cutt and Anne Traywick Lovelady served as greenery chairs, coordinating the gathering of greenery from the private gardens of Mountain Brook and greater Birmingham, continuing this meaningful tradition.
Carolyn Smith Lacy serves as the 2025 guild president.
Among those in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hardy Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wright III, Mr. and Mrs. John Brent Peinhardt, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Jolly, Mrs. Garland Smith, Mr. and Mrs. George Malcolm Taylor III. OTMJ
Chase and Carolyn Lacy, Rebecca and Templeton Stump
Courtney and Madeline Stephens
Russell, Frances and Adelaide Vandevelde
Wels Holman and Ann Derby Welden with Grandparents Louise and Edgar Welden
Betty McKewen, Alice and Betsy Byars
Mary Margaret Hendry, Ashelynn Falkenburg Smith, Sarah Peinhardt, Caroline Ezelle and Liz Pharo
happens Amazing
CORONETS DANCE CLUB
Members of the Coronets Dance Club enjoyed a poolside party at the home of Lynne and Joe Nicholson. Although rain was expected, it held off, so members were able to gather around the beautiful pool for cocktails, appetizers and conversation.
A buffet dinner was catered by Tré Luna, with a menu that included spinach and artichoke dip with pita points, mini biscuits with gouda, grilled Conecuh sausage, beef short rib sliders, grilled chicken skewers and mini twice-baked potatoes. Brownies and assorted cookies were served for dessert.
Members attending the event were Cindy and Jim Bartlett, Edna and Ken Alderman, Carolyn and Jim Delk, Judy and David Long, P.A. and Beaty Carmichael, Cathie and John Amos, Kathy and Bob Tracy, Joy and Steve Wilkes, Pat Garlikov and Jim Harrison, Marsha and Buford McCarty, Susan and Steve Dobbs, Lynda and David Moore, Jean and David Hendrickson, India and Bill kew, Tammy and Rick Towns, Dianne and Richard Horn, Ashley and Troy Carmichael, Patty and Wyn Echols and Lynne and Joe Nicholson. OTMJ
When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries taking place today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures – benefitting not only our patients and families, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.
Lynne and Joe Nicholson
Pat Garlikov, Jim Harrison, Marsha and Buford McCarty
Ed Allen, Jim Bartlett, John Amos, Kathy and Bob Tracy and Cindy Bartlett
Steve Wilkes, Jim Delk, Jean and David Hendrickson, Carolyn Delk and Joy Wilkes
India Askew and Susan Dobbs
David and Judy Long, Steve Dobbs, Ken and Edna Alderman, Patty Echols, Dianne and Richard Horn
David Moore, Joe Nicholson, Lynda Moore, Troy and Ashley Carmichael, Beatty and P.A. Carmichael
Rick and Tammy Towns
S’mores & Pours
Over 600 attendees kicked off the summer at the 13th annual S’mores and Pours fundraiser at Avondale Brewing Company on June 5.
Community members enjoyed a fun evening of local brews, delicious food from Taco Mama, drawings and giveaways, local vendors, pop-up shops, talented artists and—of course—s’mores. The event featured live music from T.U.B—The UnKnamed Band. Proceeds from the fundraiser support BridgeWays, a non-profit organization dedicated to positive youth development. OTMJ
Aging in Place: Enabling Seniors to Maintain Independence at Home
Nearly 90% of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, according to AARP. But as mobility and strength decline, everyday activities can become difficult and even dangerous. Falls, experienced by nearly 30% of seniors annually, are the leading cause of fatal injuries among older adults, according to the CDC.
At TruBlue of Birmingham, we help seniors age in place safely and comfortably through targeted home modifications. Our services are designed to reduce fall risks, improve accessibility, and support independence.
We offer zero-entrance tub to shower installations, handrail and grab bar installation, and wheelchair ramp installation or removal. We also replace hard-to-turn doorknobs with easy-grip levers, widen doorways for mobility aids, and repair uneven walkways or entrances. We can even help you with keyless entry systems and additional lighting to provide added security and ease of access.
By addressing specific safety needs, we help change homes to adapt to
seniors’ changing lifestyles. Aging in place isn’t just about staying home; it’s about living well at home.
Let TruBlue be your trusted ally in creating a safe, supportive environment for the years ahead. Contact us today to learn how we can help you or your loved one live with dignity and peace of mind. Learn more about us at TruBlueCanDo.com or simply call us at (205) 839-3818. We actually answer our calls and we provide free estimates.
Follow the QR code link to read the story of how TruBlue helped change the
of a Birmingham family through an accessible bathroom makeover. Find out why the home owner said “it’s not just a bathroom, it’s freedom.” Learn more through the link.
TruBlue Home Service Ally Owner Benny Wink
Elizabeth Vann and John Evan Smelley
Mack Bozman and Baylee Dye
Millie Piggott and Chase Cammack
Sarah Robin and Todd Fuller
Hugh and Jennifer Morrow
Margaret Doody, Maggie Bundy and Lizzy Reed
Rachel and James Nelson
Sydney Lyn Howard and Rebecca Whitlow
NEXT UP AT RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE: WAITRESS
The snowflakes from RMT’s recent production of Disney’s Frozen have been swept up, and the scent of apple pie is wafting through the theatre. Waitress opens July 18, and local theatre fans are already buzzing about this Tony-nominated musical. Based on the movie of the same name, this sweet treat of a show has music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles. Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna feels she may have to abandon her dreams, until a baking contest and the town’s handsome new doctor offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. “This show has it all,” says RMT Executive Director Jennifer Jaquess, “Quirky characters, an amazing score, and a story that will resonate with anyone who has had to take a chance to get what they want out of life.”
Broadway director Monet is back in Birmingham
Broadway director Monet has returned to Birmingham to direct and choreograph the show. She made her directorial debut here in 2024 with RMT’s acclaimed production of The Color Purple, and is excited to tackle another show that speaks so deeply to individual courage. “I love this show for its heart, and I’m eager to dig even deeper into the characters to give them dimension and dignity,” she said. The cast stars Beda Spindola as Jenna, Jake Boyd as Dr. Pomatter, and a baker’s dozen of Birmingham’s favorite actors including Kristen B. Campbell, Juna Givhan, Dennis McLernon, Carl Dean, Caleb Clark and more.
Waitress runs July 18-August 10 at Red Mountain Theatre. Recommended for ages 13+ (adult themes). ASL Interpretation and Audio Description will be provided Saturday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. For performances and tickets go to redmountaintheatre.org.
2025 Oasis ArtCard
Oasis Counseling hosted its annual ArtCard fundraiser at its three Victorian homes on June 5. The event sold artwork from over 100 artists, including painters, sculptors and mixed-media artists. In addition to the art, attendees enjoyed live music, hors d’oeuvres catered by Cafe Iz and wine and beer from Good People Brewing Company. Proceeds from the market support Oasis Counseling, an organization that provides mental health care for women and children. OTMJ
Amber and Billy Brown and Aubie and Jamie Andrews
Emma Wells, Jessica Kribbs, Juliana Hubbard and Adelaide Copeland
Jill Canary and Betsy Harmon
Theresa Hickman and Babe Mobley
Charlotte and Harlan Winn
Griff and Jess Cooper and Logan and Henry Shook
Mary Stuart and Caroline Hughston
Tomeka Turner, Jasmine Sledge and Tyesha Howard
The American Cancer Society hosted its 33rd Annual Tee It Up Fore Life Golf Tournament at the Old Overton Club on June 16. The day of golf included unparalleled hospitality and lunch, a great bourbon raffle and an awards reception, honoring Gary J. Christian, a professional golfer and sports announcer.
Proceeds from the tournament fund the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in downtown Birmingham, providing free lodging for cancer patients during treatment. It is an initiative of the American Cancer Society, a national organization whose mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. OTMJ
TEE IT UP FORE LIFE
and Blue Shield of Alabama, you’ll enjoy:
• A partner dedicated to providing an easy healthcare experience — in 2024, our Blue Advantage plans received 5 stars for Health Plan Customer Service and 4 stars for Overall Star Rating1.
• Access to 90% of doctors and 100% of hospitals statewide1.
Will Ferrell and Keith Harrelson
Hallie North, Gary Christian and Jeremy Stephens
Andrew Thrash and Andrew Green
Ezell Webb and Gary Randall
The Hoover Belles honored its 2025 graduating seniors at a MotherDaughter Luncheon at the Riverchase Country Club on May 3. The event recognized the service and commitment of the Belles over the past two years.
In total, this senior class contributed 2,488 hours of community service—the most hours ever served by a class. Eight Belles served between 50 and 100 hours, and five Belles worked over 100 hours. Bailey Payne was recognized for serving the most hours, 188. Raina Valliani, Sofia Contreras and Anne Charles Sutton received the Hoover Belle Spirit Award, presented to the Belles who demonstrate the most devotion to serving others.
Sofia Contreras received the Kim Milling Memorial Scholarship—given in honor of a former Belle Committee member and community leader—recognizes academics, community service, school activities, and an essay.
The Hoover Belles serve as representatives for the city of Hoover. Each Belle is required to serve at least 40 community service hours over her two-year tenure. OTMJ
Hoover Belles
Hoover Belles
Hoover HIgh School 2025
Hoover Belles Board and Mayor Brocato 2025
Hoover Belles Spain Park 2025
The Community Service Award Winner Bailey Payne Hoover Belles John Carroll High School 2025
The Kim MIlling Memorial Scholarship Recipient Sofia Contreras
The Spirit of Service Award Winners Ann Charles Sutton, Sofia Contreras and Raina Valliani
ROAR the Cure James Bond Gala 2025
The 14th Annual ROAR the Cure James Bond Gala offered more than a great evening for those who attended—it raised $360,000 for UAB’s Department of Radiation Oncology.
ROAR President Mona Stephens, gala Chair Julie Kim and ROAR members presented the gala proceeds check during a luncheon at Greystone Country Club on April 17. The money raised will be matched by UAB physicians.
Other highlights of the event were remarks from this year’s gala honoree, Barry Buckner, and recognition of Dr. James Bonner, aoutgoing chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Corey Speers was introduced as the department’s incoming chairman. OTMJ
Kelly and Donna Konklin and Kay and Joey Moore
Kristie and Jon Seale Lewis Shi and Pan Pan
Jimmie and Mona Stephens and the Bonners Joey and Kay Moore, Julie and Robert Kim and Corey Speers
John Seale, Cory Speers, Jimmie Stephens, Robert Kim and Berry Buckner
GIVING TREE
Boo works in the lobby of the Harbor Family Center, located within Children’s of Alabama that supports the families of seriously ill children. He is also a regular visitor to the hospital’s outpatient clinics, the Jefferson County Family Court and Inverness Elementary School. “He very much enjoys it. He’s excited when it’s time to go on a visit,” says Jolly.
One day, Boo calmed a young girl with sensory difficulties who was disturbed by loud noises. Another time, he stole the show at a reading session with a young boy who seemed more interested in Boo than in the book.
Super Boo
The face of Picasso Pets is a different breed of superhero.
BY NAUSICAA CHU
Super Boo might not look like your typical superhero. He prefers getting pets to defeating enemies. He is more fluffy than frightening. And he likes to finish off chicken tenders rather than criminals.
But the 185-pound Newfoundland dog has more in common with superheroes than one might assume. After all, who else could receive a hero’s welcome at Children’s of Alabama?
Families greet him in the parking lot. The nursing staff collect his ‘business cards.’ Children surround him, giving rubs and braiding his long, black-and-white fur. Boo soaks in the attention with tail wags and smiles. He is used to the spotlight: as a therapy dog with Hand in Paw (HIP), a nonprofit animalassisted therapy organization, Boo regularly comforts children and adults with his warm, steady presence. “He’s a celebrity around there. The kids love him; the staff loves him,” says Michael Hansen, Director of Advancement for HIP.
Boo has another important job ahead. Boo is the official face of Picasso Pets, Hand in Paw’s 24th annual fundraising gala. The position entails raising publicity for the event and greeting guests—something that the big dog
is very good at. “He’s a big draw, so if we go to some other events and set up a table or tent, he will bring people to us,” says Hansen.
Boo is also a budding social media influencer. His happy smile and giant presence have racked up hundreds of likes on Hand in Paw’s Instagram page. But while Boo seems like he was made for this, his superhero journey was unexpected.
“It really just came about,” says his owner, Dr. Joe Jolly, a pediatrician at Children’s. “I’ve been aware of Hand in Paw for many years, but with our dogs, we just never had any that were quite the temperament.”
That changed after Jolly got Boo as a puppy in 2021. “From the beginning, he was a very sedate, calm, chilled-out dog who was sort of the caregiver for a lot of the other dogs in the house,” says Jolly. “If there was too much chaos going on, the little dogs all kind of flock around him.”
After watching his interactions in public, Jolly realized that Boo would make a good therapy dog. “He attracted a lot of attention just due to his size, especially around children. He was a natural with them. He was very gentle with them and would let them come up to him and rough house with him and pet him,” says Jolly.
If being a therapy dog is his day job, Boo also has a night job to look forward to. On August 23, Boo will shed the yellow bandana of a therapy dog for the cape and mask of a super-dog, transforming into Super Boo.
Jolly won the opportunity for Boo to be the Face of Picasso Pets at the previous gala’s live auction. He also selected the theme of the night, “Paws of Valor.”
Jolly wanted to honor HIP’s contributions to healthcare. “I see the work that the Hand in Paw staff and volunteers do as very much the work of superheroes in their community, because they truly do work miracles with the people that they visit on a day-to-day basis,” says Jolly.
The gala will feature artwork by local artists that incorporates the pawprints of dogs, ranging from chihuahuas to 150-pound canines. It also has a wine pull, silent and live auctions and a parade of HIP Therapy Teams. The Renal Care Center at Children’s of Alabama will receive the Tweety Lasker Program Partner Award, recognizing an outstanding program partner. “I am deeply honored to support an organization that harnesses the incredible bond between people and animals to bring comfort, healing and connection to those in need,” says HIP Board President Laura Needham, also the Division Director of Inpatient Nursing Services at Children’s of Alabama.
After the gala, Boo and Jolly have no plans to pause their busy schedule. The team is being certified to work at UAB. Boo will also be featured in an illustrated children’s book about his hospital adventures called Boo’s Special Day, with proceeds going to HIP.
Super Boo might not look like your typical superhero. But it turns out, being a lover of rubs, curator of fluff and connoisseur of chicken tenders makes for a joyful, patient therapy dog.
What could be more heroic than that? OTMJ
This year’s Picasso Pets Paws of Valor event is August 23rd at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. For more info, picassopets.com
Super therapy dog Boo Jolly is the official face of Picasso Pets, Hand in Paw’s 24th annual fundraising gala. Photo by Connie Collum
Paintings on display are created by talented local artists working with their equally talented pets. above: John and Kelly Harbert admire a painting by Carol Carmichael. below: “I Dream of Weenies” by Rosemary and Greg Greaves.
Portraits of Hope Helping women transition to fully independent lives.
BY NAUSICAA CHU
Within a 30-minute radius in the Birmingham region, there are 99 times more jobs available by car than by transit. In a 20-minute radius, that number climbs to 144. In a 10-minute radius, 128.
These statistics, from a 2021 Brookings Institution report, point to an undeniable conclusion: having a car greatly increases one’s chances at finding a job in Birmingham. But for many women who have been incarcerated, addicted to drugs or victims of abuse, a car— which costs thousands of dollars—can be unattainable.
Empower Women and Inspiring Hope Join Us in Making an Impact
A meaningful and beautifully packaged collection of items that tell a story of strength, hope, and renewal!
Each Gift Bag Includes:
Portraits of Hope Coffee Table Book
Retail Value: $55
Hope Mug
Retail Value: $22
Candle (hand poured by Lovelady graduates)
Retail Value: $12
Cross Ornament
Retail Value: $14
Items are made by Lovelady Graduates and support them to overcome financial barriers
35% OFF when purchasing a Gift Bag, $75.
Portraits of Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps graduates of the Lovelady Center transition to fully independent lives, aims to change that. Their “25 Women, 25 Cars in 2025” campaign has raised enough money to provide 25 women with $2,000 for a used car. Having a vehicle of their own is a game-changer for the women, who gain access to jobs—as well as schools, hospitals and their families.
“Through Portraits of Hope I was able to purchase a vehicle!” says Amy Ray, a recipient of a Portraits of Hope financial grant, in a letter
to the organization. “I can now confidently commute to work at my new job, visit my daughter who lives out of town and serve the Lord in whatever He calls me to do.”
Portraits of Hope was founded to assist graduates from the Lovelady Center, a residential program that provides housing, job training, and counseling services to women. During their nine- to 12-month stay at the center, the women—many of whom were involved in substance use and criminal activities, or experienced domestic violence— receive unparalleled levels of support. But after their graduation, the transition into the outside world can be difficult.
“Being a single mom is hard, and it is especially hard when you do not have help,” says Jennifer Kieffer, a grant recipient, in a letter to Portraits of Hope.
Like Kieffer, many Lovelady graduates go from living in an insulated community to living alone, practically overnight. They need to find new housing, obtain a new job and pay for their childrens’ education. However, without a safety net, some return to the center—a cycle that can repeat, over and over.
“Some of them have gone through five
Sales from the updated and expanded Portraits of Hope coffee table book support Lovelady graduates in a variety of ways from education to transportation and beyond.
Beverly McNeil (left), Portraits of Hope Founder and Chairman of the Board, and Marne Wood, Executive Director helping with the 2025 Fun Run where money was raised to help buy cars for graduates of the Lovelady Center.
Portraits of Hope Helping women transition to fully independent lives.
BY NAUSICAA CHU
Within a 30-minute radius in the Birmingham region, there are 99 times more jobs available by car than by transit. In a 20-minute radius, that number climbs to 144. In a 10-minute radius, 128.
These statistics, from a 2021 Brookings Institution report, point to an undeniable conclusion: having a car greatly increases one’s chances at finding a job in Birmingham. But for many women who have been incarcerated, addicted to drugs or victims of abuse, a car— which costs thousands of dollars—can be unattainable.
Empower Women and Inspiring Hope Join Us in Making an Impact
A meaningful and beautifully packaged collection of items that tell a story of strength, hope, and renewal!
Each Gift Bag Includes:
Portraits of Hope Coffee Table Book
Retail Value: $55
Hope Mug
Retail Value: $22
Candle (hand poured by Lovelady graduates)
Retail Value: $12
Cross Ornament
Retail Value: $14
Items are made by Lovelady Graduates and support them to overcome financial barriers
30% OFF when purchasing a Gift Bag, $75.
Portraits of Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps graduates of the Lovelady Center transition to fully independent lives, aims to change that. Their “25 Women, 25 Cars in 2025” campaign has raised enough money to provide 25 women with $2,000 for a used car. Having a vehicle of their own is a game-changer for the women, who gain access to jobs—as well as schools, hospitals and their families.
“Through Portraits of Hope I was able to purchase a vehicle!” says Amy Ray, a recipient of a Portraits of Hope financial grant, in a letter
to the organization. “I can now confidently commute to work at my new job, visit my daughter who lives out of town and serve the Lord in whatever He calls me to do.”
Portraits of Hope was founded to assist graduates from the Lovelady Center, a residential program that provides housing, job training, and counseling services to women. During their nine- to 12-month stay at the center, the women—many of whom were involved in substance use and criminal activities, or experienced domestic violence— receive unparalleled levels of support. But after their graduation, the transition into the outside world can be difficult.
“Being a single mom is hard, and it is especially hard when you do not have help,” says Jennifer Kieffer, a grant recipient, in a letter to Portraits of Hope.
Like Kieffer, many Lovelady graduates go from living in an insulated community to living alone, practically overnight. They need to find new housing, obtain a new job and pay for their childrens’ education. However, without a safety net, some return to the center—a cycle that can repeat, over and over.
“Some of them have gone through five
Sales from the updated and expanded Portraits of Hope coffee table book support Lovelady graduates in a variety of ways from education to transportation and beyond.
Beverly McNeil (left), Portraits of Hope Founder and Chairman of the Board, and Marne Wood, Executive Director helping with the 2025 Fun Run where money was raised to help buy cars for graduates of the Lovelady Center.
times,” says Beverley McNeil, founder and Chairman of the Board of Portraits of Hope.
“But every time you go back, it’s one more failure, one more time you’ve disappointed your children or your family or you left a job. They get beat down a little bit each time, so we find ways to help them.”
Portraits of Hope was initially centered around its namesake—portraits. McNeil owned a company now called Portraits, Inc. that represented leading contemporary portrait
BETH OWENS COMPLETES HER GOLD AWARD PROJECT
Beth Owens, a junior at Mountain Brook High School, replaced the wheelchair ramp outside the Girl Scout House in Crestline as part of her Gold Award project (equivalent to the Eagle Scout) with GS Troup 312. Beth is also trying educate her peers about the Americans with Disabilities Act and why it’s important for everyone to have equal access to buildings and other spaces. She also helped create a Girl Scout Museum at the Girl Scout House with other members of her troop for her Silver Award, as well as helped put up a flag pole at the GS House for her Bronze Award.
artists and asked those portraitists to paint Lovelady graduates for a coffee table book. The result, Portraits of Hope, is now in its second, expanded edition, with the proceeds going to Lovelady graduates.
The organization has since expanded to provide mentoring and financial assistance to the women, as well as a strong community of Lovelady graduates who regularly come together for sewing groups, dinners, and workshops.
“They have restored my faith that there are
people who still care and want to help,” says Kieffer. “I will forever be grateful for Portraits of Hope lending a helping hand.”
The “25 Women, 25 Cars in 2025” campaign is one of the organization’s most ambitious initiatives, with Portraits of Hope providing $500 more in funding than usual. In addition, the women themselves raise $2,000, and First Fruits Ministries provides more funds as needed. So far, the campaign has obtained around 10 used cars for the women.
“Not having a dependable car has slowed the bonding of my children and immediate family,” says Fallon Cook, a grant recipient, in a letter to the organization. After obtaining a car, she has visited her family in Georgia and has plans for a family vacation.
“I am so excited for the future!” she says. OTMJ
For more information or to buy the expanded Portraits of Hope coffee table book, visit portraitsofhope.charity
MUSIC
Tuscaloosa to Tennessee Myles Morgan is on the musical fast track.
BY BRENT THOMPSON
Myles Morgan had an idea that quickly turned his music career’s spark into a flame.
“The whole reason I started producing my own music and my career was because of a concert I went to at Iron City in Birmingham last February,” the singer/guitarist recalls, speaking by phone from his Orange Beach home. “I went to a Larry Fleet concert—he’s a country artist— with my girlfriend for a late Valentine’s Day present. I brought a sign with me that said, ‘Can I play “Where I Find God” with you? I wrote it on a poster board, and it was his most popular song.”
Fleet acknowledged Morgan but didn’t bring him on stage to play the song. What he did do was get his photographer to take Morgan
backstage after the show to meet him. “I talked to Larry for a while and stayed in touch with him,” Morgan says.
Neat story, right? Well, it doesn’t end there.
“His photographer turned out to be Matthew Paskert, who is Morgan Wallen’s photographer,” Morgan continues. “I stayed in touch with Matthew and told him I was playing a festival in Tuscaloosa over the summer and asked him to come shoot it for me.” Paskert was going on tour with Wallen but connected Morgan with a videographer named Alex Ayala who worked with Niko Moon.
Ayala then connected Morgan with Dalton Wixom and Clayton Collins, Nashville producers who worked with Wallen and other artists. “I went and met them and they produced my first song on my birthday, May 7, 2024,” Morgan
says. Wixom and Collins introduced Morgan to their friend Dominic Frost, who is Wallen’s lead guitarist. “They got Dom playing on all my songs,” he says. “To this day, I get to work with them every time I make music. Dom is a good friend of mine now, and he plays on all of my records. It was crazy, divine intervention.”
It should also be noted that in addition to navigating a career that is on the fast track, Morgan is also currently a student at the University of Alabama. And, not so long ago, music wasn’t his primary focus or even in his plans. “I was born and raised in Birmingham,” he says. “We lived in Hoover, and I went to Spain Park High School. I was a baseball player and thought that was what I was going to do with my life. In my junior year of high school, I picked up a guitar for the first time and started
learning how to play a couple of songs. We moved to Orange Beach for my senior year of high school, so I graduated high school from Orange Beach, and I was still picking and learning how to play [guitar] over that senior year.”
Before long, Morgan’s fascination with the guitar became his ticket to summer employment. “My dad told me, ‘You need to get a job—you’re about to go to college,’” Morgan recalls. “So, I asked if I could get a job playing guitar. He said, ‘If you can figure it out, then sure.’ I went around to a bunch of different restaurants and asked to play. Eventually, one of them called Ginny Lane let me play. It’s at [shopping and entertainment complex] The Wharf. I started playing there and a few more restaurants over the summer, and that was when I got the opportunity to play at the Flora-Bama before I went off to college.”
Morgan’s next stop was Tuscaloosa, where he enrolled as a freshman and put music on the backburner. “I joined a fraternity at Alabama (Phi Gamma Delta), and I had to put a pause on music because of pledgeship,” he says. “Finally, I finished and got a few gigs in Tuscaloosa. I came back after that year and started playing more at the Flora-Bama—they took me in and treated me like family.”
So, the obvious question must be asked: How does Morgan juggle student life and a burgeoning music career? “Luckily, it’s died down recently because of summertime, and we’ve been able to spend more time in Orange Beach,” he says. “But it is a challenge. You go from Nashville to Tuscaloosa to Orange Beach. I’ve managed to keep the grades pretty good so far, but it’s going to get harder with more touring, so I may look into online options.”
And of touring, Morgan is eager to share some recent career news. “I just signed with WME [William Morris Endeavor], the top talent agency in the world,” he says with excitement. “So, we are about to start getting real busy, real soon.” With a history of more than 100 years,
explains. “They like to hear your music, obviously, but on places like TikTok and Instagram you can post your daily life and get people to like you for who you are. They’re great outlets to show your personality and get people to know you—plus it’s a fun thing to do.”
But among the tours, press requests (including the one he received from us), and
“When writing songs, I think, ‘What is most relatable? What do people want to hear in a song?’ And see where that takes me.” –myles morgan
WME represents musicians, actors, athletes and digital creators among others. In addition, Morgan will headline a show at Iron City on Friday, July 18.
Morgan is also excited to be forging his career in an era that allows artists easy access to new listeners and existing fans alike. Social media outlets like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and others have removed barriers between artists and the public. But, beyond his musical content, Morgan wants his followers to know him as a person.
“It definitely makes it easier because people can connect with your personality,” he
his other commitments, Morgan knows the primary focus is writing and creating. To that end, he explains his process that places him in the listener’s shoes.
“Sometimes inspiration does strike, and those are arguably the best songs,” Morgan says. “But there’s nothing wrong with sitting down and saying, ‘What do we want to write a song about?’ I’ve sat on my back porch and just brainstormed from past experiences I’ve dealt with—happy things and sad things.
I think, ‘What is most relatable? What do people want to hear in a song?’ And see where that takes me.” OTMJ
above: Morgan performing at the Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood, New Jersey. below: Morgan recently signed with WME, the largest talent agency in the world.
Punching Back
Martin Juarez and his PD Fight Club are waging war against Parkinson’s Disease.
BY CATHY DELOZIER PHOTOS BY JORDAN
WALD
Unlike the famous quote from the 1999 movie Fight Club, “The first rule of fight club is: you don’t talk about fight club,” the PD Fight Club’s rule is: “HAVE FUN!” says Martin Juarez, owner and coach at Juarez Boxing in Irondale. During six weekly classes, more than 100 Parkinson’s boxers—deliberately not called patients— work out strenuously for an hour and 15 minutes supervised by the always-smiling, encouraging and exuberant Juarez.
A retired, second-generation professional boxer, Juarez has been instructing boxers of all fitness levels for more than 20 years and added the PD Fight Club in 2018 after learning from a friend that recent studies had shown that non-contact boxing workouts could slow
the progression of Parkinson’s disease and reduce symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and rigidity. “I love all my boxers and all my classes, but the PD Fight Club is my baby,” he says, nodding enthusiastically. That baby has grown so much—along with his other classes—that he moved into his current 6,000-square-foot location on Crestwood Boulevard seven years ago to accommodate the ever-growing groups. PD Fight Club boxers attend one to three classes each week with sizes averaging 18 to 25 boxers, sometimes as many as 32. New members attend an orientation and assessment before they begin and are given a cinch bag, boxing gloves and wraps. Many opt to buy a black PD Fight Club tee shirt that has a graphic design of two fists with PD Fight Club written
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
–muhammed ali
McElroy, “because I wreck the schedule!” He explains that he was one of the ones who used to show up too early and attended four times each week. “But I’m down to three times, now. I think this is the best thing in the world,” he says. “It may be just an endorphin high, but afterwards, my hands don’t shake as bad, and my feet start to cooperate. I will not let this disease own me. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured. I have Parkinson’s, but I’m not dead!”
below and Determination is One Punch Away—DOPA—a reference to dopamine, whose deficiency is responsible for most Parkinson’s symptoms.
On the back of the shirt is a quote from Muhammed Ali: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” The risk-takers, some using walkers, canes, wheelchairs and even motorized wheelchairs, start arriving about 15 minutes before class starts to put their equipment away, wrap their hands and put on their gloves. Jaurez says he had to implement a policy of opening the doors only 15 minutes before class because some were so eager to get out of the house and work out, they were showing up 45 minutes early.
“I’m called, ‘The Wrecker,’” says Dave
Nicknames are rich in boxing culture, usually reflecting a boxer’s style or personality. Juarez assigns the nicknames to everyone in the club and uses them throughout the sessions, calling across the room to Hank the Tank, the Silver Assassin, Rob the Rock, Bombs Away Beth, and Ruthless Ruth to keep up the good work. There is even a Second to Nun Sister Mary who works out in her habit. Parkinson’s patients can feel isolated and depressed, and these workouts not only give them a chance to physically feel better, but emotionally and psychologically as well. While the classes can be a type of de facto support group and encouraging community, there is no chit chat or socializing during class; there’s no time.
Classes start with a group warm-up, including memory exercises in which Jaurez,
wearing his ever-present smile and wireless headset, asks the boxers what the five memory words were from the previous day’s session. Shouting and talking loudly rule the entire work out, as participants are encouraged to shout answers, count down from 10 at the beginning and end of each 45-second station, as well as the beginning and ending of each class. This exercise is to combat hypophonia, a symptom in which the muscles used in voice production are weakened by the disease.
After stretching with five-foot-long, lightweight PVC poles with rubber stoppers on the ends, the boxers take off in groups of two or three at each of nine stations around the room. Participants bob and weave their heads, punch speed bags, heel-toe walk a straight seam in the concrete floor and do drills and foot work for as many sets as they can, as fast as they can, for 45 seconds, before taking 15 seconds to run to the next station and start. Shouts of, “Ten, nine, eight, seven…” continually ring out throughout,
along with the occasional, “War Eagle!” or Motivational music from the 50s, 60s and 70s is piped through the speakers to help keep everyone’s energy up and on track. All the while, Jaurez and his four coaches and volunteers—ushers with a smile, he calls them—are shouting encouragement, fist pumping and calling everyone by their
To end class, Juarez leads the group in a cheer in which he shouts the words and the
George Forman was a
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“Much of my initial inspiration and ideas come from the real and imagined visions I see along my daily walks through the hills of Homewood.”
–charles ghigna
Father Goose and the Treehouse
Children’s author Charles Ghigna—Father Goose—lives and works happily at home in Homewood.
BY BARRY WISE SMITH
When Charles Ghigna and his wife Debra moved into their 100-year-old English Tudor cottage in Homewood in 1976, Charles, affectionately known as Father Goose for his prolific children’s literature career, gravitated to a cozy attic space that he turned into his writing room. “The house became our forever storybook home, and the attic quickly became my favorite writing room,” Ghigna says.
Called the “Treehouse,” Ghigna’s attic writing space and the classic cottage have always been central to his creativity. “Our little storybook house immediately felt like home to us and has brought us much peace, joy, and inspiration over the years,” he says. “When I travel out of state and out of the country, people often ask where I live. I proudly tell them, ‘I live in Homewood,
Alabama.’ They sometimes look surprised and say, ‘But you’re an author who can live anywhere.’ I say, ‘I know. That’s why I live in Homewood.’”
In the past almost 50 years, Ghigna has written more than 100 books and 5,000 poems in the Treehouse, while also hosting notable names like Eric Carle, Kathryn Tucker Windham, James Baldwin, Rita Dove, R.L. Stine, Clive Cussler, John Updike, Madeleine L’Engle, P.D. James, and a host of others.
BECOMING FATHER GOOSE
Ghigna was working on his PhD in English and creative writing at Florida State University when he first started writing poems. One of those poems, “The Alabama Wiregrassers,” was published in Harper’s Magazine in 1974. Other poems followed in The New Yorker and other publications, and university presses published some of his first books
words to life,” he says. Over the years, Ghigna has also brought some local talent to the table to illustrate his projects. “I especially like to show my publishers the work of some of my favorite Alabama artists such as Michelle Hazelwood Hyde.” Ghigna allows illustrators the freedom to create images they think make sense with his words. “I always like to give them [illustrators] as much artistic freedom in creating the images as I had in coming up with the idea and the text,” he continues. “I tell them to take the words and let their own instincts and imaginings guide them. I’m always overwhelmed by their wonderful work!”
When Ghigna isn’t traveling to speak at schools, libraries, and book events, he can be found in the Treehouse writing all day long and late into the night. “I write early in the mornings and at night,” he says. “I often have three or four book projects going on at once and move from one to another as the muse calls. Between bursts of inspiration, I look out the window of my tree house and daydream.”
TRUE INSPIRATION
After so many published works, what does Ghigna turn to for inspiration? “I’m inspired by little things, quiet moments,” he says. “Much of my initial inspiration and ideas come from nature, children, pets, animals, family, friends, and from the real and imagined visions I see along my daily walks through the hills of Homewood.” Ghigna also derives inspiration from his grandchildren, Charlotte Rose and Christopher, who are referenced on the dedication pages of many of his latest books, and his son’s art. (See samples of Chip Ghigna’s paintings at ChipGhigna.blogspot.com.)
of poetry. “Then my beloved wife, Debra, suggested I might also enjoy writing for children,” Ghigna remembers. “And she was right! She and our newborn son (Chip, 36, an artist) became the inspiration for many of my early poems for children.”
Ghigna’s stories and poems for children have been published in Highlights for Children, Cricket, Ranger Rick and other magazines. His first four books for children, Tickle Day: Poems from Father Goose, Riddle Rhymes, Good Dogs Bad Dogs, and Good Cats Bad Cats, were published by the Walt Disney Publishing Company. He was also published by Random House, Scholastic, and Simon & Schuster.
Ghigna has worked with numerous illustrators over his career to help bring his stories and poems to life. “I’ve been lucky over the years to have many talented illustrators from all over the world bring my
Never one to rest on his laurels, Ghigna is getting ready to release six new books, three for children and three for adults: The Hungry Caterpillar’s First Poems with artwork by Eric Carle; Kids Love Coins: An Introduction to Coin Collecting; Sweet Dreams: Moon Poems for Bedtime, which received the 2025 International Book Award; Puns Not Guns: Humorous Light Verse; The Lost Book of Life: New & Selected Poems, ) a 50-year retrospective of 235 poems; and Southern Bred: A Memoir of Gothic Poems. He also recently hosted his second Father Goose Poetry Festival for Kids at the Homewood Public Library.
And when he’s not writing, what does Father Goose do to relax? “I always have a stack of books on my nightstand,” Ghigna says. “My wife and I like to read in bed at night. Sometimes we read aloud to each other. My favorite reading for pleasure books are poetry books for children and adults, especially books by author friends I meet at conferences and book fairs.” OTMJ
Ghigna will do a reading and signing of Southern Bred: A Memoir of Gothic Poems at the Alabama Booksmith on Tuesday, July 15, at 4 p.m.
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ABOUT TOWN
Thurs., July 10
WINE TASTING FUNDRAISER
Taste a variety of wines and benefit the students, educators and staff of Jefferson County Schools. Enjoy your sips with free food and music.
WHEN: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Wine Loft
Tues., July 15
BUILDING A BEE HOTEL
Bee boxes, or bee hotels, can attract pollinators to your garden and promote
biodiversity. In this informative hands-on workshop, learn about the guidelines for constructing and maintaining an attractive nesting site for several varieties of solitary bees, which, unlike honeybees, do not rely on hives for nesting.
WHEN: 1-3 p.m. WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
July 17-Aug. 3
BIG RIVER
Mark Twain’s timeless tale of humanity and redemption forms the basis of this Tony Award-winning musical based on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. WHEN: Various showtimes WHERE: Virginia Samford Theatre
July 18-Aug. 10
WAITRESS
The Tony-nominated musical Waitress offers a special recipe for finding happiness in unexpected places. WHEN: Various showtimes WHERE: Red Mountain Theatre
Sat., July 19
MOUNTAIN BROOK MARKET DAY
Check out the sales at Mountain Brook Market Day in Mountain Brook Village and Lane Parke. Some of the most elevated boutiques with the lowest prices you will find all year long.
WHEN: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: Mountain Brook Village and Lane Parke
Sat., July 19
SCIFI/FANTASY FEST
Venture to the library for SciFi, fantasy and fun for all ages featuring discussion panels on fandom favorites, a costume contest, fabulous vendors, open gaming, an interactive movie experience and crafts! Bring the kiddos for a KidCon inspired by those mischievous yellow Minions! Learn more at events.hooverlibrary.org. WHEN: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
WHERE: Hoover Public Library
BUILDING A BEE HOTEL, JULY 15
Sat., July 26
DOWNTOWN HOMEWOOD SIDEWALK SALE
Shop local with the merchants of Downtown Homewood for the 15th annual Sidewalk Sale! Merchants will line the sidewalks in front of their shops with merchandise discounted up to 75%.
WHEN: During business hours
WHERE: Downtown Homewood
Sat., July 26
10TH ANNIVERSARY SUMMER CONCERT AND AWARDS BANQUET
Celebrate 10 years of music education, creativity and student achievement featuring performances by students and notable guest artists. Tickets are available at piamistry.com.
WHEN: 5 p.m.
WHERE: Brock Recital Hall, Samford University
Thurs., July 31
MAGIC CITY COCKTAIL CHALLENGE
Sample drinks, and vote for Birmingham’s Best Cocktail at the annual Magic City Cocktail Challenge! Guests sample drinks created by the area’s best mixologists, whose liquid creations test their skill and creativity. Live entertainment and activities round out the evening, which is a benefit for the American Cancer Society.
WHEN: 7-10 p.m.
WHERE: Iron City Birmingham
Sat., Aug. 2
BIG MACHINES PETTING ZOO
It’s not your typical petting zoo—instead of animals, visitors young and young at heart can check out machines ranging from giant construction equipment to safety machines at the Birmingham Zoo. The machines
will be set up in the zoo’s parking lot, and the “petting zoo” is free to visit.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: Birmingham Zoo
Thurs., Aug. 7
TOMATO TASTING IN THE GARDENS
Swap tomato-growing tips, and participate in the second annual tomato tasting by bringing homegrown tomatoes to sample, and cast your vote for this year’s best-tasting variety!
WHEN: Noon-1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Hayden & Mike
Sat., Aug. 9
MITCHELL’S PLACE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Please join us for a nice summer day, some friendly competition, a kids’ zone, food trucks, autism information, merchant market, cocktail contest sponsored by Titos, music, and more! This is the 5th annual event to benefit Mitchell’s Place, which works to improve the lives of children affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. Learn more at mpdragonboats.swell.gives.
WHEN: Begins at 8 a.m.
WHERE: East Lake Park
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1st Graders at Homewood Park Summer Day Camp share their ways to savor summer.
BY TALLY REYNOLDS DETTLING PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD
What is your favorite thing to do at summer camp?
As both a camper and a camp counselor myself eons ago in Mobile, Alabama, summer was my favorite time of year. When given the opportunity to visit Homewood Park Summer Day Camp to interview the 1st Grade campers and counselors, it was obvious camp season is a favorite time of year for these kids too! They had a lot of different opinions about their favorite part of the week, but all agreed that camp is a lot of FUN!
“Eat lunch!” MAX “I like to swim and hang out with my friends.” —JORDAN
“I like to go to the playground.” —JOSIE
“When we go on field trips, like to the McWane Center and Edgewood Creamery.” —SAVANNAH
“I love to play with my friends at camp.” —LEYTON
“Go to the pool!” —ANNIE
“I like that we get to go on a lot of field trips!” SAM “My favorite thing to do at camp is play with Play Doh!” CLARA MAE
“I love to play in the gym!” —LEO
“I enjoy helping with our different theme days each week!”—JASIAH (Freshman at UAB)
“My favorite thing is interacting with all the kids and getting to know them on a one-on-one basis.” —MICHAEL (Sophomore at University of Alabama)
SPORTS
Thursday, July 10, 2025
REMEMBERING RUBIN
BY SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
MATTHEW 5:16
Rubin Earl Grant was the very embodiment of letting his light shine.
Rubin’s stories about high school sports graced this space in Over The Mountain Journal—first as a freelancer and for the past eight years as sports editor. He spent his professional journalistic career shining a light on others, often for their exploits on the court or the field, but in other areas as well.
On Thursday, June 26, at Mountain Brook Community Church, the light was shone on Rubin as a sanctuary full of colleagues, friends and relatives bid him farewell.
Rubin died on June 18, 2025. He was 67.
As parishioner Carol Smith made her way to greet his family, she glanced to her left to a pew about six or seven rows from the front of the sanctuary. That, she said, was where Rubin could be found every week, cheering on the preacher of that day with hearty “Amens.”
“He was a great man,” she said, “and a great friend.” No one in attendance would have argued either observation.
Born in Montgomery on August 3, 1957, Rubin was an outfielder on Montgomery’s George Washington Carver High School baseball team and wanted to be the next Willie Mays. “He realized he would have more longevity in a career as a writer,” Kevin DeLaney said as he opened the service. “Aren’t we all thankful for that.”
Rubin would go on to cover the Birmingham Barons and was inducted to the Barons Hall of Fame, one of several such honors bestowed on him.
Rubin stood out as a student at the University of Alabama, becoming the first Black sports editor of the Crimson White student newspaper. He told the truth in his writings there, writing in his first column his senior year that legendary coach Bear Bryant should retire.
“You can imagine,” Rubin’s Birmingham Post-Herald colleague Ray Melick said, “he was the first sports editor of the Crimson White to get left off the team plane.”
Melick recounted that Rubin earned the nickname Rue The Prep Guru because of his knowledge of high school sports and his wonderful ability to deliver stories about it. High school athletes whose names would become household words were introduced to the world through Rubin’s writings.
“He was the first to write about a guy from Bessemer named Bo Jackson,” Melick said. “Rubin got Bo Jackson
RUBIN E. GRANT 1957-2025
in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd, the first national exposure for Bo Jackson before anyone else knew about him.”
Rubin introduced other future stars to his Post-Herald readers, including a future Heisman Trophy runner-up in David Palmer, a future NFL linebacker in Cornelius Bennett and an amazing point guard out of Phillips High School named Ennis Whatley.
“Enimo,” as many knew him, remembered that Rubin’s story was his coming out party during his freshman year with the Red Raiders. “He wrote a real nice article on me,”
He was a man who ran deep— deep in his faith, deep in his knowledge of scriptures, deep in his love for people. You were immediately just drawn into that love. —pastor tim kallam
Whatley, now an ordained minister, said in a phone conversation from his home in Howard County, Maryland. “I always speak in these terms from a spiritual standpoint. He was one of the guys that I met early in my career, and he took care of me and just really wrote very nice articles about me.”
Cary Estes, another former Post-Herald staffer, recalled the chaos of collecting and compiling high school football reports on Friday nights in the fall.
“You’re taking phone calls, and half the people you’re talking to on the phone don’t have all the facts and stats, and I’m frustrated,” Estes recalled. “Then Rubin comes in after he’s covered his game, with a smile on his face. ‘Hello, Mr. Estes, how you doing?’”
“He was calm in that sort of chaos,” Estes recalled of Rubin.
Tim Kallam, senior pastor at Mountain Brook Community Church, delivered a fitting eulogy of Rubin. After the service he reminisced about his friend who “had not gone from life to death…but life to life.”
After 18 years at the church, Kallan couldn’t remember his first encounter with Rubin, “but very quickly I was drawn into a really deep love and respect for him, his big smile and his hug and embrace,” the pastor said.
“One thing that really struck me is he wasn’t here long before he was standing at that door greeting people as they came in the door.”
Kallan continued, “But the thing that I realized quickly is that he was a man who ran deep—deep in his faith, deep in his knowledge of scriptures, deep in his love for people. You were immediately just drawn into that love.”
Likely many of Rubin’s readers didn’t know about his other calling, as a licensed Baptist preacher. But many were blessed with the morning devotionals— Do You Know What Time It Is?—that he distributed via email.
But even to those who didn’t receive those emails, Rubin’s light was evident. Melick apologized that his talk at Thursday’s service was supposed to be about Rubin’s work as a journalist. “But here’s the thing,” he said, “you couldn’t separate Rubin the sports writer from Rubin the child of God. They were the same. In a business filled with doubters, Rubin’s faith was obvious. It wasn’t in your face, but everyone knew what he believed.” Rubin Earl Grant let his light shine, not to bring attention to himself but, as Matthew 5:16 said, to glorify his Father in heaven. OTMJ