OTMJ 2.22.24

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LIFE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

SPORTS

Find your 2024 OTMJ SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Photo by Hank Spencer

camp Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Royal Wonderland Bromberg Presides Over Deb Ball That Supports Museum of Art

K

ing Frederick Wilkinson Bromberg, a Birmingham businessman and krewe member for 26 years, and Queen Mary Evelyn Coleman, a student at Wofford College in South Carolina, presided over the 57th Beaux Arts Krewe Ball on Feb. 9 at

Boutwell Auditorium (pictured above). This year’s theme was “Queen of Hearts/Alice in Wonderland.”

Serving as the King’s dukes were Jeffrey Scott Beall, William Alfred Bowron Jr., Frank Hardy Bromberg III, Cecil Calvert Dodson See KREWE BALL, page 10

N

othing helps a kid meet new friends, learn new things, build confidence and make memories for a lifetime quite like summer camp. From traditional to notso-traditional, camp experiences these days are many and varied. Whether your young camper is interested in music, soccer, theater, horseback riding or any number of other activities, you’ll likely find information on an appropriate program in OTMJ’s 2024 Camp Guide beginning on page 18.

We encourage you to use the contact information provided to verify the exact options available. And our best advice? Register early.

2 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

OPINION/CONTENTS

Guest Column

I ALL IN THE FAMILY Nearly 75 years since its founding, The Pants Store is evolving under third-generation owners PAGE 6

DANCE ON Homewood grad achieves TikTok stardom with dance videos PAGE 8

‘BECAUSE WE CARE’ Children’s Harbor earns ACA Accreditation for its camp PAGE 18

HISTORY MAKING MB Dance Team earns its first national championship PAGE 29

ABOUT TOWN LIFE SOCIAL

4 6 10

CAMP GUIDE SCHOOLS SPORTS

18 30 32

otmj.com With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter.

Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area.

To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L February 22, 2024 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: June Mathews, Anne Ruisi Photographer: Jordan Wald Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Evelyn Byrne, Solomon Crenshaw Jr., Madoline Markham Koonce, Susan Swagler Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Gail Kidd Vol. 34, No. 14

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 2024 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.

My Gift From Summer Camp

admit it.

“I can hardly breathe.” I sneezed Now that my older kids are startagain. “Allergies, I think. Could I call ing to leave my home, I sometimes my parents to come get me?” I could hold on to my younger ones too tightly. almost taste the Tuscaloosa air.

In fact, when I receive information To my disappointment, she didn’t about registering them for summer budge. In fact, she turned out to be one camps, part of me wants to ignore it all of those problem-solving types because and just move through the summer all she said was, “Oh, that’s not necesbeside them like a family wolf pack. sary. We’ll just get everyone to clean Then I remember a gift I received in the cabin better in the morning. You’ll the summer of 1986. be fine. In the meantime, I’ll get you That was the summer my coolest cousin some Benadryl.”

KRISSIE ALLEN from the “big city” of Birmingham invited Everyone clean the cabin! I’ll be fine! her small-town cousin from Tuscaloosa Benadryl! I knew I was checkmated – and (me) to join her at a weeklong, sleep-away now my cabin mates were going to hate me camp. Because I wasn’t about to miss for inflicting unnecessary cleaning on the opportunity to cool myself up a them. All I could do was take my medIt was my first notch, I said yes – without considering icine and fall into a (deep) guilt-ridden palpable dose of how a 12-year-old who had never been slumber. maturity, of being away from home for more than 24 But by morning – like magic – the hours might handle it. By the end of fear of the unknown and the instinct to fully aware I had the first day, though, I knew exactly fly away lost its power. In fact, as I moved somewhere how I’d handle it: with camper’s watched my entire cabin enthusiastiremorse. cally get ready for the day, make jokes new, somewhere It wasn’t that I didn’t like camp and give the cabin an extra sweep and a little stronger, itself. I had a counselor who promised dusting without complaint (as only the to show me how to curl my hair, the coolest kids can), I didn’t even know inside myself. activities suited my high energy, the what I’d been afraid of: other campers seemed cool and friend• Of having a counselor who wantly, and there was a cute boy a few cabed me to stay? ins away I could see myself marrying.

• Of making friends with some pretty exceptional kids?

Still, as I lay in my bed that first night, the fear of • Of gaining a sense of myself apart from my parents? being away from my parents and facing a new experience • Of making some headway with that cute boy after alone overtook me. It must have triggered my flight all? instinct because all I could think about were ways to fly That’s when I received the gift. away without my own transportation. That’s when my It was my first palpable dose of maturity, of being performance started. fully aware I had moved somewhere new, somewhere a First, I let out a sneeze. Then a cough. Then another little stronger, inside myself. It was also a gift I probably sneeze. The last one was a doozy and got my counselor’s wouldn’t have received that summer if I had stayed close attention. By the time she made her way to my bedside to home. and put her flashlight in my face, I had even rubbed my So now when I start to hold my kids too close, I at eyes raw. least try and loosen my grip a little – and trust they will “You OK?” she asked. receive it too.

Over the Mountain Views

Hocus Pocus at the Museum

Dresses worn by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy in the movie “Hocus Pocus” are included in a new exhibition, “Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume,” a dazzling collection of iconic costumes worn by iconic Hollywood stars in live action Disney films at the Birmingham Museum of Art. See story on page 4.

Journal photo by Maury Wald

Inside

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 3

4 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

‘The Real McCoy’ Disney Costumes Featured in New Exhibition

By Anne Ruisi

Journal photos by Maury Wald

A new exhibition, “Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume,” is a dazzling collection of iconic costumes worn by iconic Hollywood stars in live action Disney films on show at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The art show, which opened Feb. 17 and runs through Aug. 18, presents 70 costumes from the Walt Disney Archives in Burbank, California, representing beloved movies, such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Cinderella,” and popular franchises, such as “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

“These aren’t facsimiles; these aren’t replicas, reproductions … . These are the real McCoy,” museum Director Graham C. Boettcher said.

Kelsey Williams, a curator with Walt Disney Archives, said one of the main reasons the archives collects the items is for historical purposes. “But we really want the public to get to see them and experience them in person.”

Exquisitely detailed ballgowns worn by Lily James in “Cinderella” and Emma Watson in “Beauty and the Beast,” the tricorn hat and pirate garb worn by Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, and the purple tunic with outrageously puffy upper sleeves sported by James Marsden as Prince Edward in “Enchanted” are among the displays. Some of the displays cleverly mimic motion, as the mannequins wearing costumes worn by the Beast (Dan Stevens) and

FEB 22 - MAR 7 Through March 31 Chip Ghigna Art Exhibit

An art exhibit featuring works by Homewood native Chip Ghigna is on display at Homewood City Hall.

Featured paintings are from Ghigna’s “Higher Realm” series. When: During regular City Hall hours. Where: Homewood City Hall Gallery

Fri., Feb 23 Glenwood Big Top Gala

The Glenwood Junior Board is celebrating the 20th anniversary of this event to support services for children with autism. Live music, a casino, a silent auction and a silent disco where guests can dance the night away will be featured. When: 8 p.m. Where: Haven in Birmingham’s Lakeview District.

Feb. 23-24 Sweet Repeats Consignment Sale Annual consignment sale proceeds used to support the church’s ShortTerm Mission Trips and other mission projects. When: Feb 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with no strollers allowed 9 a.m.1 p.m.; Feb 24, 9 a.m.-noon. Where: Mountain Brook Community Church

Feb. 23-25 Friends of the O’Neal Library Book Sale

The 56th annual book sale will feature

rare and signed books, as well as fiction and nonfiction books for all ages, puzzles, DVDs, audiobooks and much more. Donor preview party on Feb. 22. When: Feb. 23-24, 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m., Feb. 25, 2-5 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library

Giselle, with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Significant Romantic ballet tells the story of Giselle, an innocent girl who is misled into believing the words of her charming admirer. When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Where: BJCC Concert Hall.

Sat., Feb. 24 Unless U Got Talent Fundraiser

Come for the most entertaining night of the year as students from Unless U partner with local volunteers as they compete for the title of Unless U Got Talent Champions. When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Lyric Theatre

Dinner and Diamonds

Join the Vestavia Schools Foundation at the 18th annual Dinner and Diamonds event in support of the city’s schools. Event will feature dinner, entertainment, silent and live auctions. When: 7-11 p.m. Where: Vestavia Country Club

Mon., Feb. 26 500 Million Years of Alabama History

Dr. Bill Deutsch, author of “Ancient Life in Alabama,”qw presents a talk on

Gaston (Luke Evans), who has a club in his hand, are frozen mid-fight in a scene from “Beauty and the Beast.”

Props, accessories and details that make the difference or help define the characters are included, such as sparkling tiaras, and the intricate beading and gold accents on Princess Jasmine’s harem pants and cropped bodice in “Aladdin.” One of Cinderella’s glass slippers is featured, along with a set of molds showing the progression of the shoe from early plastic design to the shimmering finished product.

“We consider costume and fashion design part of the visual arts, and so for us it’s very much within our mission to present great art for the people in Birmingham,” Boettcher said.

Costumes aren’t only visual works of art, they enhance storytelling and the characters in a film. Mary Poppins in a negligee wouldn’t be the quintessential British nanny we know and love who wears a dark blue dress and carries a carpetbag and umbrella with a carved parrot on the handle. You can see an outfit worn by Emily Blunt in “Mary Poppins Returns” in the exhibit.

“Heroes and Villains” is a first for the museum in that it will be in Birmingham for 26 weeks, an “unprecedented” length of time, Boettcher said. Disney’s willingness to agree to an exhibition of this length is “exciting.”

“And I think it’ll get people excited, give a lot of people the opportunity to come and enjoy this,” he added.

Alabama’s part in Deep Time and its rich fossil legacy at the Birmingham Historical Society’s annual meeting, followed by a Fruity Cake Contest tasting and book signing. Event is open to the public. When: 7 p.m.

Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Thurs., Feb. 29 Restoring Hope Gala

This fundraiser for Blanket Fort Hope, a nonprofit Christian organization to help children who have survived sex trafficking. Live and silent auctions and games will be part of activities for the evening. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: The Club

Mozart and More

Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” better known as “A Little Night Music,” leads a program of the great Austrian composer’s works, plus Dvorak’s “Serenade for Winds.” When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Avon Theatre in the Lakeview District

AEIVA AI Trial Showcase: Featuring Andy Warhol

Addressing issues of fair use and appropriation of existing artworks that have repeatedly been at odds with the works of Andy Warhol, this showcase includes similar accusations brought against AI. The showcase will illustrate how artificial intelligence may be infringing on United States copyright law. When: 6 p.m. Where: Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts

The tricorn hat and pirate garb worn

by Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, left, and an outfit worn by Emily Blunt in “Mary Poppins Returns” are in the exhibit.

Feb. 29-March 3 The Dining Room

The Dining Room of a typical wellto-do household is the setting for this play. The actors change roles, personalities and ages with virtuoso skill as they portray a wide variety of characters, from little boys to stern grandfathers, and from giggling teenage girls to Irish housemaids.

Each vignette introduces a new set of people and events. The play is one of Homewood Theatre’s “After Dark” productions. That means if it was a movie, it might receive a PG-13 rating. When: Feb. 29-March 2, 7:30 p.m.; March 3, 2:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Theatre

Sat., March 2 Taste of Teal Gala

The Laura Crandall Brown Foundation will hold its annual Taste of Teal gala in support of gyn cancer research, awareness and patient support.

When: 6 p.m. Where: The Wynfrey Ballroom

For the Birds Charity Gala

Be part of an unforgettable night with dinner, drinks, music, casino games and a silent auction to help raise funds to support the Alabama Wildlife Center’s rehabilitation clinic and education programs. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: Regions Field

Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook Off

The Exceptional Foundation will hold its 20th annual Chili Cook Off, its

largest annual event. It’s a fundraiser to raise funds for the foundation’s programs, which serve individuals with special needs. When: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Brookwood Village

Eat Drink & Be Irish

Homewood Rotary Club’s annual fundraiser supporting Homewood High School scholarships includes signature drink special, live Celtic music from Hooley and live and silent auctions. When: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Where: The Valley Hotel

March 2, 9 & 26 Presenting: Super Cat and the Reptile Robot in the Tremendous Tickle Trouble

Cass and Ray are best friends who enjoy different things. Ray enjoys scary movies and smores. Cass prefers ice cream and comedies.

They even sometimes disagree on how to play their favorite game: The Adventures of Super Cat & Reptile Robot! Will their friendship survive? When: March 2 & 9, 10 a.m.; March 26, 11 a.m. Where: Birmingham Children’s Theatre

March 4-8 The Two Gentlemen of Verona

In a reimagined John Hughesmeets-Shakespeare world, things go comically awry when two high school pals fall for the same girl. Presented

by Theatre UAB. When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Alys Stephens Center

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 5

Tues., March 5 BBC Taste of Birmingham

Fri., March 8 Schoolhouse Rock for Cornerstone Schools

The Cornerstone Schools Junior Board presents an evening of live music, event games, giveaways and a silent auction at its 19th annual Schoolhouse Rock. All proceeds benefit Cornerstone Schools of Alabama. When: 6:30-10 p.m. Where: The Florentine

The Clean House

Directed by Sarah Ruhl and a drama finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize, “The Clean House” is a romantic comedy about loss, love, change and redemption. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Birmingham Festival Theatre

SAVE THE DATE Sat., March 9 Kiwanis Homewood-Mountain Pancake Breakfast

Join the Kiwanians for pancakes and family fun activities, with the tickets at $8 per meal available at the

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

This fundraiser for the Birmingham Boys Choir will feature local food and drink restaurants who bring samples to share while the choir entertains the guests. When: 6 p.m. Where: The Club

PUBLIX VILLAGE2VILLAGE 10K AND 7.5K RUN MARCH 9

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce will hold the Publix Village2 Village 10K and 7.5K Run through the city’s villages, beginning and ending at Lane Parke. After Party will include local fare, cold drinks and live music. When: 7:30 a.m. Where: Starts at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook door. When: 7-11 a.m. Where: The Exceptional Foundation

Hearts In Harmony Gala

James Spann, chief meteorologist at ABC 33/40 is the guest of honor at Guest of Honor at the 12th Annual Hoover Service Club fundraiser. This fundraiser is the club’s signature event and will feature dinner and an auction help the club carry on its legacy of helping others. When: 6

At last year’s V2V Run were Jennifer DeStefano, Audrey Freeman and Caroline Lafon.

p.m. Where: Hoover Country Club

Pink Palace Casino Night

At The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama’s 16th annual fundraiser guests will enjoy Vegas-style casino gaming such as Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, Craps, Slot Machines and silent auction. When: 7 - 10:30 p.m. Where: Soiree Event Gallery

cookmuseum.org

By Madoline Markham Koonce

C

FAMILY

Nearly 75 years Since Its Founding, The Pants Store is Evolving Under Third-Generation Owners

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Spring Fashion Trends

Here’s what to wear this season with tips from Katherine Sparks, women’s buyer for The Pants Store.

Athleisure

Athleisure is still trending. For pants, look for a flair leg instead of straight leg in a brand like Splits59.

Gold Hinge tennis skirts are still trending for teens and college students.

Sneakers

Fashion sneakers are less in now; instead look for New Balance or Hoka tennis shoes to pair with either athleisure wear or for a casual look with a dress. Neutral colored shoes are popular like the Dulce Vita Bubbles with its raffialike texture in an ivory palette, but you’ll also find shoes in fun colors like pinks and lime greens — but not so much stars.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

ustomers of The Pants Store in the 1950s might recall taking a bus from Birmingham to Leeds for founder Taylor Gee’s three-for-$10 pants sales. A few decades later, they likely would remember his son Mickey’s crazy sales and his TV commercials with the “Zip on down to the Pants Store” jingle.

Today, customers might know the apparel retailer from its tent sales and from trending on #bamarush on TikTok — a sensation that blew up its online sales by more than 600% in one week and continues to drive traffic each year.

“We have been around for so long that you find generations of people will have different memories (of) what The Pants Store was and is,” said Michael Gee, Taylor Gee’s grandson who now co-owns the retail company with his brother, John.

When Michael and John took over ownership of The Pants Store in 2008, it had two locaMichael Gee, who tions – in Leeds and downtown Birmingham serves as the chairman of the Alabama – and 22 employees.

Retail Association for Today, as it approaches 2024-2025, co-owns its 75th anniversary in The Pants Store.

2025, it employees 154 people at six locations and its online store.

To get there, the brothers have taken new approaches to retail, but they also have built on a strong foundation laid by their father and grandfather.

Taylor was born one of 18 children and left Mississippi during the Great Depression before starting the store in Leeds in 1950, originally as a business selling his pants out of his car.

“He came from nowhere and made something of himself,” Michael said.

Mickey, who taught entrepreneurship and retail at UAB, was known for his sales at The Pants Store – sometimes at midnight – and his magnetic charisma.

“Everyone thought they were best friends with my dad because that’s how he made you feel,” Michael said. “He was a great promoter and marketer and a great buyer. He knew how to spread the dollar and make money.”

As its name connotes, The Pants Store started off selling pants and then dressier menswear, but over time, it has evolved to focus on women’s clothing and shoes and to be more casual in the era of athleisure and more casual workplaces, all while growing to additional locations.

Women shoppers make up about 70% of the business today, with men shoppers making up about 30%.

After John and Michael took over the business from their dad in 2008, they decided to open a Crestline store since they’d grown up in the village, and that location has since expanded from three to five retail bays. Both brothers are University of Alabama fans and Michael studied marketing there, so Tuscaloosa was a natural next location to open a store.

From there, the college town of Auburn became an attractive retail location, and most recently they opened a Huntsville store and moved their Trussville one to Alabama 150 in Hoover. All the stores carry a similar selection of items, except the Tuscaloosa store carries only UA paraphernalia and the Auburn store

LIFE ALL in the

Dresses

The Pants Store has been known for its sales for generations. Michael and John Gee’s grandfather Taylor would bus shoppers in from Birmingham to Leeds, shown above, for their 3 for $10 pants sale. Brothers John and Michael took over ownership of The Pants Store in 2008.

ing season for customers is April to June each year.

Pivot During Pandemic

Courtesy The Pants Store

The biggest growth for The Pants Store in recent years has come in online sales — which were kick-started in spring 2020.

“When COVID hit and we were closed down, it was detrimental and I thought things were over with,” Michael recalled. “But it in a way it was a blessing because we focused on pantsstore.com and our Facebook VIP page and put a lot of time and energy into that to try to generate revenue while we were closed.

Pantsstore.com took off.”

Today, the Gees consider pantsstore.com their seventh location. Originally a one-worker operation, it is now a six-worker one, with a whole building in Leeds dedicated to its merchandise and shipping items to all 50 states.

“It’s our third best location, and we feel like in the next few years it will be our number one location,” Michael said. only Auburn paraphernalia.

The Pants Store also has a store on Amazon Speaking of, one of the biggest changes to and is constantly adapting to how the company since the brothers consumers shopping. took over is what Michael calls ‘It’s a blessing it sees “I really feel like (online sales the “Nick Saban effect,” which are) the future,” Gee said. “People took hold when Saban came to to work with to come in our stores and Alabama in 2007. At that time, my brother. We love touch and feel, but some people The Pants Store saw a large get along well just don’t have time to come and increase in the sales of game day Hoka is a huge brand for us clothing at all its locations. and have each shop. right now, and once a woman In a similar time frame, it also other’s back.’ knows she’s a size 8, she can just started selling more clothing for go online and see the new colors women going through sorority —MICHAEL GEE and styles and order size 8.” rush at Alabama and Auburn – Day to day, you can find the and now students all over the brothers engaged in all parts of the business country access its online store. The store starts from the Leeds office and warehouse. prepping for rush in January, and the main buy-

If you aren’t into athleisure, throw on a printed midi or maxi dress. Toile prints with a blue design on an ivory background are popular for all ages.

Colors

Neutrals are in with taupes and ivories trending, especially on denim. Black is not in this season. Outside of neutrals, colorful prints are in, small floral prints in particular, and a cheery sunkissed orange color too.

Courtesy The Pants Store

6 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Accessories

Don’t forget a bag in spring colors with a quilted or puffy fabric. Permanent jewelry bracelets are also popular. Select a bracelet (or a stack of them) in a variety of metals, and they get welded on your wrist for permanent wear (yes you can shower and swim in them).

Sometimes they are at a desk doing accounting, and others they are unloading UPS trucks and hanging and tagging clothes or going to shows to buy men’s clothing for future seasons.

“It’s a blessing to work with my brother,” Michael said. “We get along well and have each other’s back.”

Each of the brothers has two children in junior high and high school who have worked in The Pants Store’s retail stores or warehouse – making it a fourth-generation business. Time will tell whether they make their careers there as well, but they certainly would have a strong family foundation to build their business upon.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LIFE

Spring Fashion Forecast

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 7

Local Retailers on the Latest Trends

Bezshan Dolatabadi, B. Prince

Kathleen Roberts, Flip Flops & What Nots

Laurel Bassett, Town & Country Clothes

Beth Kazinec, Frances Valentine

Cami Krablin, Gus Mayer

Emily Grace Erwin, Gigi’s

Beth Keplinger, Ryan-Reeve

Katie Wade Faught, Applause Dancewear

TRENDS I really like seeing a return to some classics like blazers, trousers and cardigans with soft loafers or ballet flats.

We love some of the “watercolor” prints that we are seeing in blouses and dresses.

TRENDS I am excited to see color! - and return of espadrilles and wedges.

TRENDS I love the pink and orange combos that are out this spring! I’m also excited about the cool, flowy dresses, boho detail tops, and crop flare jeans for spring.

TRENDS Naturally, we’re excited for the return of color and bold statements.

We’re big on florals this spring (and every spring, really) and loving the resurgence of 90s styling.

TRENDS We are most excited about seeing the classic prep girl look come back in to style. This style includes pastel colors, satin bows, pleated skirts, and collared crewnecks!

TRENDS Wider leg pant and jeans. Tops are not as long.

Pieces that have a feminine or “Parisian” look.

TRENDS We are excited to see longer lines on two-piece sets this season.

Boatnecks are very popular and we have demand for more coverage.

DOMINANT COLORS/ PATTERNS Bright colors, always shades of pink. Lots of navy and ecru/sand.

DOMINANT COLORS/ PATTERNS This spring we really leaned into the red trend however, we’re seeing blue starting to vie for attention and included some great pieces in our upcoming March drop.

TRENDS We are so excited to see many wide leg pant styles in denim and trousers.

Classic staples like button downs are being worn more often along with a shift from midi skirts to maxi skirts. We’re loving all of the hardware details on clothing items like cargo zipper pockets, studs, and more edgy details.

DOMINANT COLORS/ PATTERNS Yellow is very important for this season…bright, sunshine yellow. We are also seeing sky blue, lavender and other pastels following trend.

FRESH STYLES Fresh styles include a fuller leg pant and in shoes, flats of all varieties. Nostalgic looks that we like are a return to an “80’s”feel with colored jeans, oversized jackets and belts.

SPRING MUST HAVE Everyone needs a great pair of “new” jeans and a great cotton shirt that can be accessorized with jackets, cardigans, scarves and cool new shoes.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH calls for easy dresses and dusters or kimonos over everything.

B. Prince 271 Rele St., Mountain Brook

Fresh styles include a fuller leg pant and in shoes, flats of all varieties.

DOMINANT COLORS/ PATTERNS Florals - colorful florals. But really color in general.

Brights in patterns and solids.

FRESH STYLES The hems and pant legs are fresh. Skinny jeans are now considered a classic style, but straight legs wide legs and cropped hems are on trend. and 2 piece-matching sets are inportant for spring. - crochet and flares are back but done in a new way.

SPRING MUST HAVE If you are talking clothing a colorful top is fresh. If you are talking shoes -a great pair of flip-flops!

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH My standard answer - a great pair of flip-flops, of course.

Flip Flops & What Nots, 4137 White Oak Dr., Vestavia Hills

The hems and pant legs are fresh.

Skinny jeans are now considered a classic style, but straight legs wide legs and cropped hems are on trend.

FRESH STYLES Cool ocean colors are also big for spring, like deep blue and turquoise, which pair well with white jeans.

Woven bags and crossbodies are also a big trend this season.

SPRING MUST HAVE Vertical stripes give a crisp clean look for spring, while funky florals add a retro touch to ruffle detailed tops and dresses. My wardrobe essentials for spring include cool cap sleeve tops and dresses for when the weather heats up, as well as a pair of crop or ankle length white jeans.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH I will be packing a Tin Marin beach bag and Vaneli wedge sandals.

Town & Country Clothes, 74 Church Street, Crestline Village

I love the pink and orange combos that are out this spring!

FRESH STYLES It seems like everything is referrencing the 90s, from structured shoulder bags to popcorn fabric. One thing that really stood out was built-in layering, like dresses that have the overthe-shoulder-sweater effect.

SPRING MUST HAVE A great pair of colorful jeans!

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH A fabulous hat (sun protection is a must!), chic and comfortable slide sandals, and a great cover-up.

Frances Valentine The Summit, Birmingham

It seems like everything is referrencing the 90s, from structured shoulder bags to popcorn fabric.

DOMINANT COLORS/ PATTERNS We’re seeing a lot of the color of the year – peach – along with pale yellows and other soft colors and metallics. Abstract patterns, detailed stitching, and sheer or net-like fabrics as well.

FRESH STYLES Some new styles include metallic details and fresh takes on wide leg pants and denim, but we definitely are leaning more towards classics with an emphasis on basic capsule-wardrobe type pieces.

SPRING MUST HAVE A denim maxi skirt! Dress it down with sneakers and a favorite t-shirt during the day and dress it up at night with a bodysuit or blouse and heels.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH Everyone is wearing AVIATOR NATION. These sweats pair perfectly separated as cover-ups or together for chilly nights on the beach.

We recommend JW Anderson nautical inspired totes.

Gus Mayer, The Summit, Birmingham

DOMINANT COLORS/ PATTERNS White, blue and pink are always huge in the spring season but we are seeing girls like more pastel floral patterns!

FRESH STYLES The prep girl look is definitely most nostalgic. Although, athleisure has been fresh on the scene, both styles have a past time crossover that allow each girl to style them their own way.

SPRING MUST HAVE Satin Bows!

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH Any type of knitwear! Crocheted cover-ups are very popular and are a great piece.

Gigi’s 3140 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills

The prep girl look is definitely most nostalgic.

Although, athleisure has been fresh on the scene ...

DOMINANT COLORS/ PATTERNS Bright colors, always shades of pink. Lots of navy and ecru/sand.

FRESH STYLES Monochromatic looks and sets are very traditional and are having a moment. A monochrome outfit can be jazzed up by adding a chic jacket or cardigan.

SPRING MUST HAVE A flattering pair of white jeans and a perfect white t-shirt.

SPRING BREAK AT THE BEACH A fun shirt dress in a kicky pattern or color paired with a smart sneaker or a luggage brown flat sandal.

Ryan-Reeve 3920 Crosshaven Dr, Vestavia Hills

Wider leg pant and jeans. Tops are not as long. Pieces that have a feminine or “Parisian” look.

The Lili Pad Celebrates 20 Years in Retail PAGE 9

DOMINANT COLORS/ PATTERNS We are seeing a push toward pastel and neutral colors, and lots of new floral patterns.

FRESH STYLES Dancewear has traditionally used a lot of floral patterns, but we are seeing fresh takes on these with paisley prints and color variety.

SPRING MUST HAVE For dance, the best selling spring item is clear, pocketed, garment bags. These are perfect to organize your costumes and accessories for spring recitals!

Applause Dancewear 1629 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood

We are seeing a push toward pastel and neutral colors, and lots of new floral patterns.

8 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LIFE

Homewood Grad Achieves TikTok Stardom With Dance Videos

Dance On

By Madoline Markham Koonce

Murphy Wright had no idea where his dance moves would take him when he and his friends performed a dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” at the Edgewood Elementary School talent show back in 2011 – or that an app called TikTok would even exist.

Fast forward to 2024, and the 2018 Homewood High School graduate has danced his way to nearly 830,000 followers on TikTok. The video pinned at the top of his @murphymwright profile, filmed on the front porch of

Courtesy

Murphy’s mostwatched video to date, posted in May 2022, amassed 2 million likes his house in Edgewood, has 20.5 million views. But it’s not just about numbers for Murphy.

“I love doing what I am doing, creating content and making these cool dances, putting it out there and seeing what happens,” he said.

Murphy’s most-watched video to date, posted in May 2022, amassed 2 million likes, and he was getting tagged right and left by other TikTok users posting videos of the dance at the time.

“I wanted to watch every single one of them, and I liked and commented on every one,” he said.

In early 2023, Taco Bell reached out to Murphy and asked him to submit a 15-second dance video to promote their Mexican pizza.

Also of note, JoJo Siwa, a popular singer, dancer and YouTube star, posted videos of Murphy’s viral dance twice. She didn’t tag Murphy, but his friends saw it and were sure to let him know.

Dancing Since Childhood

Murphy’s passion for dancing started young. “As soon as I was walking, I was dancing,” he recalled.

He was in the show choir at Homewood Middle and High School, and after high school he started taking hip-hop classes and later ballet, jazz and contemporary dance at Linda Dobbins Dance in Mountain Brook as well as performing solos in dance competitions with the studio.

But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, dance classes moved to Zoom and Murphy got curious about an app called TikTok his friends had been using to make and post videos. He was skeptical at first but decided to give it a try, learning trending dances and posting videos that lasted about 15 seconds each.

A month later, he decided to try choreographing a dance himself and posting it. Before he knew it, that video had more than 100,000 views and more than 10,000 likes.

“That felt pretty good,” he recalled. “I want to keep going.”

And keep going he did. By the time people were starting to get the COVID vaccine a year later, he hit a milestone of 10,000 followers after a

video blew up with more than 500,000 views. At that point, he was able to sign up for a creator fund on TikTok and earn 1 cent for every 1,000 views his videos got until that program ended in May 2023.

From there, Murphy started posting one dance video a day, some original and some with dances that already had been trending. He estimates that it only takes him 10 to 15 minutes to learn a new dance from the app. By that summer, he’d reached 50,0000 followers; by October, he’d reached 100,000; and by the end of 2022, he’d reached 500,000. The numbers kept climbing, too.

“I gotta keep going,” Murphy remembers thinking. “It felt really good,” he said. “I never thought there’d be a platform where I could show my talent for dancing.”

After Murphy turned 21, he ran into a friend from elementary school who’d become a DJ at Zydeco, a bar and music venue near Five Points, and before long he had teamed up with DJ Ryan Respinto as the “hype man” for his DJ jobs at bars and UAB formals. Around that time, people started recognizing him in public from TikTok, too.

In early 2023, Taco Bell reached out to Murphy and asked him to submit a 15-second dance video to promote their Mexican pizza, and his submission ran in a grid of dance videos as a part of their campaign. Asics See MURPHY, page 9

Birmingham Museum of Art Feb 17–Aug 18

now open! presented by

Presented by PNC, with generous support from the Alabama Power Foundation, Vulcan Materials Company, the Warner Foundation and Protective Life Foundation.

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume is curated by the Walt Disney Archives.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 9

LIFE

The Lili Pad Celebrates 20 Years in Retail

The Lili Pad will kick off its 20th year as one of the premier children’s retailers in Alabama during celebrations Feb. 22 and Feb. 24.

The festivities begin with a reception held by The Lili Pad and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Feb. 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It continues with a childfocused celebration Feb. 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., which will feature a balloon artist, face painting, free T-shirts and discounts.

Both events will be at the store, at 3138 Heights Village.

The Lili Pad, run by sisters Susan Day and Katherine McRee, started in 2004 with 1,700 square feet and through the years has expanded to 5,000 square feet. In 2007, the business expanded to open GiGi’s, a tween girls’ store.

It has become a staple in Vestavia Hills and has won many awards over the years, such as Alabama Retailer of the Year 2008,

Vestavia Hills Business of the Year 2017, Best of Vestavia, Birmingham’s Best and, most recently, The Dr. Charles A. “Scotty” McCallum Leadership Award for its dedication to Vestavia Hills.

The company also is involved in the area’s philanthropic scene and partners with various charities, such as the Junior League of Birmingham, Grace Klein and the King’s Ranch.

Courtesy

Sisters Susan Day and Katherine McRee, opened The Lili Pad in 2004.

MURPHY From page 8

has also reached out to him and sent him shoes and merchandise to wear in his videos.

Kelly Roth, Murphy’s neighbor who was also his ninth-grade biology teacher, often sees him filming TikToks outside when she walks her dog past his house.

“I just love it,” she said. “I always tell him to keep dancing. He’s such a fun, spirited, happy human, and he brings a smile to your face.”

Her son Thatcher, who is 10, and other neighbor kids are also in awe of Murphy’s dance moves, she said, and Thatcher and two other boys danced in the background of a video Murphy filmed on their street and posted in June 2023. Today it has 163,700 views.

“They thought it was so neat,” she said. “Thatcher was excited to see it.”

Murphy’s mother, Amy – whom he calls his number one supporter – said she’s enjoyed seeing what a delight this journey has been for him and the self confidence and community he has gained through it.

“I think more than anything it’s been a positive thing,” she said. “We

all think of the internet as being an evil and dark place, but 99 percent of the comments Murphy has gotten have been super positive and you watch videos of little kids doing his dances.”

Still at It

Today Murphy continues to film videos daily after spending his days working in the patient transportation department at UAB Hospital.

He’s hoping to get up to 1 million followers on TikTok by the end of 2024, although he found his follower count plateaued at the end of last summer, like many other people he knows on TikTok. Still, he is always studying his account’s analytics to determine the best time to post videos, experimenting with hashtags and keeping his eye on new trends.

This year Murphy also wants to travel to Los Angeles and New Zealand to meet and collaborate with other TikTok dancers he has become friends with through the app. As he has learned, you never know what might happen in the TikTok world.

“Anything is possible,” he said.

“You keep putting things out there, and it can just blow up. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s very rewarding.”

SAME QUALITY CARE

NEW ADDRESS Macy C. Smith Jr., M.D., has joined Grandview Medical Group.

Macy C. Smith Jr., M.D. Cardiology/Electrophysiology

NEW ADDRESS 3680 Grandview Parkway Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 Macy C. Smith Jr., M.D., is now a part of Alabama Cardiovascular Group, an affiliate of Grandview Health. For patients of Dr. Smith at his previous location, he looks forward to continuing your care.

Transferring your medical records is easy – just give us a call and we can help.

To request an appointment or for more information, call 205-946-1596, visit AlabamaCardiovascularCare.com or scan the QR Code.

Murphy Wright continues to film videos daily after spending his days working in the patient transportation department at UAB Hospital.

Dr. Macy is an employee of Affinity Physician Services, LLC d/b/a Grandview Medical Group.

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

10 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

John, Evelyn, Beaty and Ann Coleman

Jim and Murray Priester, Jenny and Jefferey Beall

Krewe Ball From Page One

III, H. Huey Gardner Charles Louie Grizzle Jr., James Louis Priester and William Shelton Pritchard III. The Queen’s guards at the event were Charles Laurence de Berniére Crommelin III, Ogden Shropshire Deaton, Anton Henry Gaede III, George Harold Garzon, John Richard Miller IV, Joseph Pegues Bill, Nicole and Fagan Lietner Patton, William Spencer South and John Miles Williams.

King Frederick’s trainbearers were Zoë Dylan Bromberg, Charles Clayton Bromberg, Louis Knox Cole, Mary Matthews Cole and William Hutchins Cole IV. Queen Mary Evelyn’s trainbearers were Anne Elizabeth Alexander, Mary Ella Alexander, George Chapman Evans, Henry Garrison Evans, Mary Elizabeth McNair, Seldon Walter Nix and Virginia Louise Norwood.

Billy and Nicole Reed The ladies-in-waiting were Francis Eleanor Hagan, with her escort, Turner William Hal Martin, Cedric Welsh, and Liles Bridges Elizabeth Anne Morton, with her escort, Myles Wilkinson Crommelin Faulconer Mascotte. Their trainand Allwin Earl Horn bearers were Madeline Adams Metz V, Anne-Marie Harris and Charles Marion Shaw.

Dunn and Dylan Krewe princesses and their Michael Fraser, Mary escorts at the ball were Margaret Douglass Evans and Jim Andrews, with his grandchildren Armstrong Belden and John William Calvin Seldon Nix and Mae McNair Robert Richardson, Ellie McRae Wilbanks, Payton Benck and John Barry Mears Jr., Elizabeth Flynn and Carolyn Campbell Boyd and William Partlow Harris, and Sarah Caroline Kracke and Connor Theodore Franklin Simonton, McCarty Huddle and John Walker Alexander Greenberg, Fagan Katherine Wade Bradford and Starling.

Wetherbee Leitner and James John Fletcher Brown, Sally Patton Also serving as princesses and Gary Nichols, Sarah Bibb Petznick Bussian and Peter Lansing Moore, their escorts were Lily Anna Joyce and Luke Colorado Cackett, Mary Katherine Hilda Caine and and John Braxton Wetzler, Mary Carolyn Sink and Charles Walton

George, Katherine and Lois Bradford

Charles Crommelin, Elizabeth, Elizabeth Anne and David Crommelin

Redden Jr., Olivia Ann Sproule and William Robb Grant, Evelyn Frances Stutts and Michael Edward Hollingsworth III, Lydia Catherine Styslinger and Benjamin Byington Belden Il, Danielle Worthen and Robert Jack Lukens, Katherine Noble Yelverton and Matthew Harris Buckalew.

The pages were Ann Evans Allen, Kathryn Pritchard Allen, Mary Carolyn Wittichen Anderson, Cecelia Milligan Badham, Virginia Grace Blair, Violet Dumas Bond, Hattie Elizabeth Buck, Charlotte Ann

Chambliss, Clara Jane Coble, Evelyn Palmer Davis, Livia Rast DeBuys, Marian Elizabeth DeBuys, Juliet Hamilton Girvin, Margaret Bibb Girvin, Caroline Moss Goodrich, Jane Briggs Harrell, Jane Ellis Karpeles, Lacy Kay Karpeles and Juliana Elizabeth Little.

Also serving as pages were Virginia Wallace McCoin, Eleanor Gresham Nelson, Emily Hughston Nichols, Carolyn Hill Noble, Julia Katherine Parsons, Meredith Joan Porter, Barbara Wallace Rich, Phoebe-Grey Crist Robinson,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

SOCIAL

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 11

Andy, Mary Carolyn and Laura Sink

Photo by Hank Spencer

Willis, Frances, Mary Inzer, Melissa and Cobb Hagan

George and Kathleen Petznick, Bill and Dena Lietner

Krewe Ball pages

Caroline Reid Samuels, Catherine Forman Samuels, Margaret Ann Spann, Emma Catherine Sullivan, Sarah Frances Sullivan, Stephanie Ann Terrell, Elizabeth Thames Thuston, Emily Hartman Tomlinson, Harper Bell Trimmer, Dupree Ella Williams and Sally Comer Worthen.

The Krewe was created to benefit the Birmingham Museum of Art and has been instrumental in supporting it, including donations to the Krewe Acquisition Fund. These contributions have allowed the museum to spend more than $1 million to buy important European paintings, sculptures and drawings. ❖

36 ACRES (+/-)

with Executive Residence Jack F. Granger, CAI, 873

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f rom the estate of a founder of Southern Living 3850 River Run Trail Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 Private and Convenient Retreat on the Cahaba River Thursday, Febr uar y 29, 1 PM TOUR DATES, PHOTOS & MORE! GTAuctions.com or 205-326-0833

“The Gift of Time” was the theme for the 37th annual Birmingham Heart Ball on Feb. 10 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook.

More than 300 people came out for Spring is busting the elegant evening, which began with Acrylic on canvas

by Maya Eventov out with rabbits a cocktail reception and music by a trio of jazz students from the and sheep University of Alabama at Tues.-Sat. 10-4:00 Birmingham. They performed 1920s 5620 Cahaba Valley Road jazz standards in honor of the 991-6887 American Heart Association’s centennial year. Later, more live entertainment was provided by Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos.

UAB’s distinguished professor of medicine, Dr. Suzanne Oparil, was the Birmingham Heart of Gold honoree. A pioneer in the field of cardiovascular research, Oparil has served as president of the American Heart Association, the American Society of Hypertension and as the first female president of the American Federation for Medical Research. She has received numerous awards and honors Acrylic by Maya Eventov for her contributions to academic medicine, including the 2022 American Heart Association Distinguished Scientist Lecturer Award, which recognizes those who have made extraordinary contributions to cardiovascular and stroke research.

Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Emcees for the evening were Guy Rawlings and Sheri Falk of WVTM6 109 Hilltop Business Drive 13. Program speakers included American Heart Association board Pelham PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL the Cox, board President Chairmanfor David www.GriffithArtGallery.com 2022 issue. Please fax approval or changes toJames 824-1246.

Davies and city of Birmingham 205.985.7969 Fire Chief Cory Moon. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

12 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

Kendra Watson, Suzanne Oparil, Paulene and John Scott

The Gift of Time Heart Ball Brings Attention to Heart Disease

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

Caroline and Lee Hammonds

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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.

hank you for your prompt attention.

Adam and Jenna Witcher, Rob Sorabella

Kathryn Dalessio, Brittany Blackwood

Handyman Service on Call The Average Home Needs 27 Repairs How about yours?

Call Us to Schedule 205-839-3818 Sheetrock, Paint, Railing, Decks, Fences, Glass, Grab bars, Bath cutouts, Fan Light Fixtures, Updates & Small Renovations too!

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 13

SOCIAL

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14 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

SOCIAL

DO YOU NEED HELP

Locating a Licensed REALTOR, Buying or

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Audubon Nod

Cedar Waxwing Announced Bird of the Year During Audubon Gala

Alabama Audubon held its inaugural Bird of the Year reveal at The Clubhouse on Highland on Feb. 2.

I'll refer you to one.

Named as Bird of the Year is the cedar waxwing. It’s a native bird spe40 years programming.. cies often observed in the state, either Training U-with Word year-round or through regular migration.

I repair desktop PCs The gala celebration included live Vintage Interiors music by the Voodoo Saints, cocktails I make house calls.

Antiques & Vintage Wares and hors d’oeuvres by The Happy for the Home & Garden Catering Company. ❖ Larry Taylor & Assoc.

Selling real estate

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To: Dean FLIPFLOPSANDWHATNOTS.COM From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646 4137 White Oak Drive, Cahaba Heights Date: Dec. 8, 2023

To: Larry Taylor MON.-SAT. 10AM - 6PM 205.967.7429 LOOK FOR US LIVE This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the From: Over the Mountain Journal ON FACEBOOK Dec. 823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax14, 2023 issue. Please email approval or changes.

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Now Accepting

This is your ad proof for the MOUNTAIN BROOK CHAMBER PUBLICATION for the January 11, 2024 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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Merchandise

flipflopswhatnot@bellsouth.net Thank you for your prompt attention.

Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, Barbara Royal, Anne Mitchell February This is February 22nd issue.

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

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.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 15

SOCIAL

Strawberries Are Red …

Coronets Dance Club Members Celebrate the Holiday With Sweetheart Luncheon

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Members of the Coronet’s Dance Club gathered Feb. 2 for a business meeting and luncheon at the Vestavia Country Club, shaking off winter doldrums with festive Valentine centerpieces created by member Patty Clay.

The election of new officers was carried out by Carol Powell, current club president. New incoming officers include Cathie Amos, president; P.A. Carmichael, vice president; Kathy Tracey, secretary; Nelle Freeman, treasurer; and Carol Powell, parliamentarian.

PA Carmichael, Susan Dobbs, Edna Alderton, Linda Bachus

LiAnne Koczur, Eva Ledvina

After the business part of the meeting was over, Jo Anne Clower, a AAA travel adviser, presented a program highlighting upcoming travel opportunities.

Members were served a salad-trio lunch plate prepared by the country club’s chefs, featuring fresh strawberry cake to complement the luncheon’s Valentine theme.

Other members in attendance were Edna Alderman, Cindy Bartlett, Linda Bachus, Redonda Broom, Cheree Carlton, Susan Dobbs and Pat Garlikov.

Also attending were Linda Gooldrup, Martha Hire, Diane Horn, Nell Larson, Lynn Nicholson, Joyce Talbot, Shelley Watkins and Rebecca Wingett. ❖

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Mary Charles Robbins Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax May 2010

More More than than 11 million million hours hours of of service service provided provided over over the the past past 10 10 years. years.

Date:

To: Mary Charles This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOU From: Over the Mountain JuneJournal 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or ch 823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax Date: Nov 2018 we Please “The sitters have gotten make sure all informatio

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They are truly wonderful Thank you for your prompt have not heard from you by 5 pm of the friday before thea They areIf we truly wonderful individuals with a Thank lot of you for your prompt individuals a lot experience with caring for of the experience caringa for elderly ... It takes lot the of elderly ...

It takes a lot of ” burden off of my shoulders. burden off of my shoulders.”

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This is your ad proof for the OTMJ for the November 15, 2018issue. Pleas possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax a

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Mary Charles Robbins Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax May 2010 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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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.

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16 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

SOCIAL

FDJ & Renuar

SPRING SHOPPING EVENT

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Voodoo at The Florentine

Entrepreneurs Organization Members Boogie to Swing Band

Thursday, February 29 - Saturday, March 2nd

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

New arrivals from both lines, sent in just for the event plus giveaways and refreshments served!

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Daily to Brighten Up

Members of the Entrepreneurs Organization welcomed Los Angelesbased swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to an event at The Florentine on Feb. 10.

This is your AD PROOF FOR OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Feb. 22, 2024 issue. Please contact your Many guests at the event were sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes. dressed in ‘40s swing dance attire.

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EO board members include Mike Orr, president; Alex Seligson, president-elect; and Michael Weber, Emma Nelson is Betsy McAtee, Chuck Gault, Glen wearing Capezios Jacobson, Rob Evans, Ron Shoe, London legging, Justin Hardy, Scott Walton, Patrick $31; Rio crop top, Gray and Jonathan Turman. $27 and Hanami EO’s longtime strategic partners turning shoes are Synovus, Warren Averett and in Nude, $24 Hand Arendall Harrison Sale. ❖

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Dancewear

Celebrating 43 Years In Business - Family Owned & Operated

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 17

SOCIAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Far left: Becky Reese, Bishop Reese, Kaitlin Reed, Michelle McIntyre Left: Claudia Edell,Thomas Key

Let the Good Times Roll Easterseals Celebrates With Mardi Gras on the Mountain

The spirit of laissez les bon temps rouler (Let the good times roll!) set the tone when Easterseals of the Birmingham Area celebrated at Mardi Gras on the Mountain on Feb. 10 at The Club.

The fundraiser began with a silent auction during the cocktail hour, followed by a New Orleans-inspired seated dinner. A live auction began after dinner and a nine-piece live band provided the entertainment.

Easterseals of the Birmingham Area’s mission is to create solutions that change the lives of children and adults with disabilities and other special needs and their families. ❖

Banks Academy presents the

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18 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

CAMP GUIDE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Summer 2024

2024 OTMJ Summer Camp Guide

Find your

camp ACADEMICS/ENRICHMENT

Courtesy Children’s Harbor

ADVENTure Camp at Advent Episcopal School ‘There’s a sense of community when these families come together, and a lot of friends are made,” said Vicki Tuggle, chief operating officer for Children’s Harbor.

‘Because We Care’ Children’s Harbor Earns ACA Accreditation for Its Camp

By June Mathews

A

dream came true in 1990 for Ben and Luanne Russell with the dedication of Children’s Harbor. They had long hoped to provide a place of respite at no cost for seriously ill children and their families, and a picturesque spot on the shores of Lake Martin was the perfect setting.

Three-and-a-half decades later, hundreds of families have benefited from the support and care Children’s Harbor provides, not only at Lake Martin, but at its sister facility, The Harbor Family Center at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham.

As Children’s Harbor marks its milestone 35th year in operation, the Lake Martin facility also will be celebrating a milestone of a different kind: This is its first year as an American Camp Association-accredited camp.

“Becoming an ACA-accredited program proves Children’s Harbor’s commitment to providing the absolute best and safest camp experience to the children and families we serve,” said Vicki Tuggle, chief operating officer for Children’s Harbor. “The ACA accreditation is completely voluntary. We didn’t have to do it, but it shows a level of commitment to quality programming.”

The only national accrediting body for camps focused on health, safety and risk management, ACA serves as a community for camp professionals who share their knowledge and experience with one another in the interest of ensuring the quality of camp programs. Accreditation is administered through

a peer review process.

The entire accreditation process, Tuggle said, took just more than a year.

“We didn’t think we were ready for it, but ACA encouraged us to go ahead and try,” she said. “So we started working on it in the fall of 2022, and we were notified that we made it in the fall of 2023. We passed with flying colors, so we’re excited about that.”

ACA accreditation, however, isn’t just a one-time thing. Accreditation is maintained through visits by peer reviewers every three years and annual reports submitted by the camp to confirm that they continue to abide

by ACA standards. But the benefits of accreditation are more than just a designation.

“It’s no secret that we live in a litigious society, and liability insurance is very expensive,” said Tuggle. “Our insurance carriers were quite pleased with the improvements we made going through the ACA accreditation process, and it actually gave us a bit of a discount on our liability insurance. That’s just more money we can allocate to spending on the families.”

The accreditation also gives the Children’s Harbor staff greater confidence in providing the safest and most exceptional experiences for the Children’s Harbor Mission and community partners, including Smile-A-Mile, Camp Bridges, Magic Moments and several others.

“We act as the host for these groups,” said Tuggle. “They bring their different populations of medically fragile children to Children’s Harbor for their camps, and we can

take care of a lot of things on the campus while they concentrate on being with their kids and families, depending on what kind of camp they want to do.”

Family Retreats, Too

Children’s Harbor has its own camp program, too.

“We realized during COVID that there are a lot of populations that aren’t currently being served,” Tuggle said. “Rare disease is a good example. There are so many of them that you’re not going to find a camp for certain illnesses or diagnoses. So what we’ve done is created something we call Harbor Family Retreats.”

Families dealing with a mix of lifelong diagnoses are invited to come to Children’s Harbor to relax, enjoy some fun activities and spend some time with other people in situations similar to theirs. Those invited may include single-parent families, grandparents raising their grandchildren, or other non-traditional family units. In some cases, even foster families have come.

“Families look quite different than they used to,” said Tuggle. “But we don’t care who it is. We’re just looking for whoever is a caregiver for this child and to do our best to make sure nobody feels left out or alone.

There’s a sense of community when these families come together, and a lot of friends are made. The family retreats have been very popular.”

But many of the family members find it hard to believe that the retreats are free.

Some, in fact, want to know “the catch,” and, like one 8-year-old sibling of one of the patients, they’ll ask outright, “Why do you do this for free?”

For Tuggle, the answer is simple: “Because we care about you.”

Visit Children’s Harbor online at childrensharbor.com.

Advent Episcopal School offers a variety of programs to engage, enrich and entertain students of all ages during summer break. PreK-4th grade students experience an engaging day camp format; 5th-10th grade students become Counselors-in-Training as they learn leadership skills while supporting the counselors and teachers of ADVENTure Camp.

Telephone: (205) 252-2535 Address: 2019 6th Ave. N., Birmingham Email: summer@adventepiscopalschool.org Website: adventurecampbham.org Dates: June 10 - July 26 (Closed: June 19, July 1 - 5) Ages: Rising pre-K through rising 10th grade

Alabama School of Fine Arts Summer Programs

Make your summer count with a variety of camps at ASFA, including creative writing, video game design, Android app programming, drawing and printmaking. ASFA also offers 3-week intensives in pre-algebra or Algebra 1 for those looking to get ahead in math or simply brush up on their math skills. Camps are taught

by ASFA’s expert faculty members.

Telephone: (205) 252-9241 Address: 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham Email: jlittle@asfaschool.org Website: asfaschool.org Dates: June 5-23 Ages: Grades 5-8

Camp SVS

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CAMP GUIDE

ART/CRAFTS

Camp SVS

Camp classes and activities are facilitated by Spring Valley faculty who are specially trained in a multi-sensory, whole-child approach to learning which accommodates all learning styles and strengths. Days will be filled with writing/reading, multi-sensory math, executive functioning, art, STEAM, and sports / games.

Camp SVS is open to all kids, rising 1st - 8th, not only those with learning differences.

Telephone: (205)-423-8660 Address: 2701 Sydney Drive - Birmingham Email: info@springvalleyschool.org Website:.springvalleyschool.org/campsvs Dates: June 10-14 and June 17-21 Ages: Grades 1-8

ArtPlay Discovering the Visual Arts Camp

ArtPlay’s award-winning visual arts camp offers classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts and more. Each day offers a new discovery, with an art show at the end of camp.

Telephone: (205) 975-4769 Address: 1006 19th St. S., Birmingham Website: alysstephens.org/connect/classes/ discovering-the-visual-arts-camp-b/ Ages: 7-12 Dates: July 16 - 20, 9:30 am - 3 pm

Birmingham Museum Art Camp

Summer at Altamont

Summer is the perfect time to try something new, dive deeper into special interests, finetune academic skills or earn course credit in a relaxed environment.

Address: The Altamont School, 4801 Altamont Rd., Birmingham Email: summer@altamontschool.org Website: altamontschool.org/academics/ altamont-summer-programs Dates: May 28-July 12

Highlands Summer Camp

Highlands summer camp offers challenging activities, talented teachers, and the same great variety of camps you’ve come to expect from Highlands School. Traditional day camp for kids in grades K through 6 combines fun activities with enrichment. Camps like Dino Camp, Lego Camp, and Play-Scribble-Write Camp are geared solely toward 4K and 5K. For rising 7th and 11th graders, the Counselor-in-Training program teaches leadership skills. Throughout the summer program, kids continue to learn

ADVENTure Camp at Advent Episcopal School while having a good time!

Telephone: (205) 956-9731, Ext. 606 Address: Highlands School, 4901 Old Leeds Rd., Birmingham Email: lcamp@highlandsschool.org Website: highlandsschool.org Ages: Grades K-8 (some for 4K and CIT for 7th-11th Grade) Dates: June 3-July 26 (Closed June 19th for Juneteenth and the week of July 1-5 in observance of Independence Day.)

Summer@Springs

Summer@Springs is a program of Indian Springs School, an independent, coeducational day and

boarding school serving a vibrant community of 300 students in grades eight through 12.

Summer@Springs courses are taught by the school’s award-winning faculty on its inspiring, 350-acre campus located off Interstate 65 near Pelham.

Telephone: (205) 988-3350 Address: Indian Springs School, 190 Woodward Dr., Indian Springs Email: summer@indiansprings.org Website: summeratsprings.org Ages: Grades 3-12 Dates: June 3 - July 26 (20+ courses)

Education is fundamental to the mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). We seek to provide quality art learning opportunities throughout the greater Birmingham area, improving the cultural and social wellbeing of our community. The BMA is excited to bring back our enriching summer art camp series this year to continue to nurture the youth in our area and encourage creativity, exploration, innovation, and imagination.

Telephone: (205) 254-2565 Address: 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd, Birmingham Ages: Rising 1st - 9th graders Dates: June 3-7, June 10-14, grades 1-3; June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19, grades 4-6; July 22-26, grades 7-9 (6 Sessions).

Samford Art Studio for Teens & Samford Bulldog Art Camp

At Art Studio for Teens students will plan their work and create 2D and 3D projects in paint, pencil, and clay. Students will be encouraged to develop their own styles and to experiment with different methods to hone their art skills, as well as work with paint, graphite, clay, paper,

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CAMP GUIDE

Samford Art Studio for Teens & Samford Bulldog Art Camp (continued)

Camp Grow at The Center for Food Education

and more to make works of art. Campers will learn about visual components of color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value while experimenting with different mediums.

Telephone: (205) 726-2739 Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Homewood Email: academyofthearts@samford.edu Website: samford.edu Dates: Art Studio for Teens, grades 6 - 8, June 3-7. Bulldog Art Camp, grades 1- 5, Session I: June 17-21; Session II: June 24-28; Session III: July 15-19

Camp Grow at the Jones Valley Teaching Farm will provide an educational and interactive learning opportunity for students who are curious about food, farming and the culinary arts. Campers will explore the natural and culinary worlds through inquiry, experimentation, and hands-on activities at The Center for Food Education.

Address: 701 25th St N, Birmingham Email: info@jvtf.org or rcamps@jvtf.org Website: jvtf.org/center-for-food-education/ camps/ Ages: 2nd -8th Dates: Rising 2nd - 5th, Plant to Plate: June 3-7; Cultivate & Create: June 10-14; Kitchen Champs: June 24-28; Plant It Forward: July 8-12.

Rising 6th - 8th, Kitchen Champs: July 15-19; Plant It Forward: July 22-26.

Space One Eleven Summer Art Camps

Rising 2nd through 5th graders paint, draw, and sculpt to create works of art influenced by artists from Alabama in “I’m an Alabama Artist, Too”. Rising 6th through 12th graders can select from a variety of camps in the medium of their choice including drawing, sewing and fashion, printmaking, digital art, architecture, portfolio development, and more! These camps give young artists ample time to dive into their projects, make friends, and create finished pieces of work. All camps are taught by practicing artists in Space One Eleven’s professional art studios.

Telephone: (205) 328-0553, Ext. 124 Address: 2409 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham Email: info@spaceoneeleven.org Website: spaceoneeleven.org Ages: Grades 2-12 Dates: June 3 – July 26

The Art House

Meagan Robichaux, owner and instructor, incorporates a modern twist to art history and classical techniques into her lessons while encouraging her students to have fun. Art

DANCE Alabama Ballet

Summer at Altamont lessons and art parties are available for ages toddler to adult. Camps include Petite Picasso for age 5 to rising 2nd grade; Mini Masters for rising 3rd to 7th grade, Fashion + Art Camp for rising 2nd grade and up, and Princess Art Camp for ages 4 and up.

Telephone: (334) 507-3972 Email: meagan@theARThousebhm.com Website: theARThousebhm.com Dates: June 3-August 2

COOKING/FOOD Samford Cooking Camp for Teens

Cook alongside registered dietitian nutritionists

HAPPY CAMPERS

WE'VE BEEN CREATING FUN AND UNIQUE CAMP CARE PACKAGES FOR OVER 50 YEARS!

and learn how to build delicious and nutritious plates for meals and snacks with the goal of developing a positive relationship with food and cooking. Space is available for 16 students.

Telephone: (205) 726-4672 Address: Samford University College of Health Sciences, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Homewood E-mail: cdarling@samford.edu Website: samford.edu/publichealth/communityprograms/nutrition-and-healthy-cooking Ages: 11 to 16 years old Dates: Camp 1: June 17th -21st (9am-1pm daily) Camp 2: June 24th - 28th (9am-1pm daily)

With its state-of-the-art studios and superb instructors, the Alabama Ballet seeks to promote and foster the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high-quality performances, dance education and community outreach.

Telephone: (205) 322-4300 Address: 2726 1st Ave. S., Birmingham Email: nataliehunt@alabamaballet.org Website: alabamaballet.org Ages: Junior Camp (ages 8-12, one two-week session); Tutus & Tiaras (ages 4-7, two oneweek sessions with option for one or both weeks); Intensive ( ages 11-19, one four-week intensive workshop) Dates: June 3-July 26

ADVENTURE CAMP at Advent Episcopal School Whether it is exploring art, science, stories, sports, or games a day at ADVENTure Camp is filled with fun activities that will keep students engaged and challenged all summer long!

SERVING RISING PRE-K THROUGH 4TH GRADE

ADVENTURECAMPBHAM.ORG

2830 18th Street South • Homewood, AL 35209 205-879-3986 • Mon.-Sat. 9:30 - 5:30

205.252.2535

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CAMP GUIDE

The Dance Foundation

Dates: Improv Camp, May 27- 31; Harry Potter Mini Camp, June 10 -13; Disney Kids Show 101 Dalmatians Production Camp, June 17 28; Disney Mini Camp,July 1- July 3; Musical Theatre Boot Camp, July 8 - July 12; The Wizard of Oz Production Camp, July 22 - August 2

Camps for ages 4 and up include Once Upon a Fairytale for 4K and 5K, Once Upon a Ballet for entering Grades 1-3, Adventures in Enchanted Lands for entering Grades 1-3, Dance Exploration for entering Grades 3-6, and Dance Workshop for entering Grades 6-12. Weekly classes for ages 1 to adult are also available.

The Dance Foundation has been a gathering place for learning through dance for more than 40 years.

Telephone: (205) 870-0073 Address: 1715 27th Court S., Homewood Email: shellie@thedancefoundation.org Website: thedancefoundation.org Dates: June 3-August 3

Red Mountain Theatre

Dawson Ballet School

This camp is suited for all skill levels, whether your dancer is a first-time ballerina or has experience. Snacks will be provided, and craft time gives those little feet time to rest. Parents will enjoy a recital at the end of the week to see what their little ballerinas have learned in camp.

Telephone: (205) 879-1758 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood Email: slong@dawsonchurch.org Ages: 4 years to grade 2, completed Dates: June 17-21

DRAMA Acting Out! Academy

Acting Out, Alabama’s premiere on-camera acting academy, offers two great camps in the summer. Movie Camp, where students film a short film during the week and premiere it at a red carpet event for friends and family and our Summer Film Acting Academy.

The Summer Film academy is a week-long intensive training program that hosts industry

Alabama School of Fine Arts Summer Programs professionals as teachers from all over the country. Students take classes in on-camera technique, commercial acting, stunts, voice over, dialects and much more. The week ends with a showcase for talent agents, managers and casting directors .

Telephone: (818) 231-4065 Address: 2531 Rocky Ridge Rd., Suite 125, Vestavia Email: meg@actingoutacademy.com Website: actingoutacademy.com Dates: Summer Film Acting Academy: June 1721 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Movie Camps : 3 different weeks 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. June 3 - 7, June 24- 28, July 15 - 19

Homewood Theatre Summer Camp

This summer theatre camp gives campers (rising 2nd graders through rising 12th graders) an opportunity to experience a working theatre environment resulting in performances after the final days of camp. Over the two-week camp, participants will put together a full production and perform the finished product when camp concludes. Campers will be introduced to all the “moving parts” that are necessary to get a theatrical production on stage.

Telephone: (205) 873-1816 Address: 1831 28th Avenue South, Suite 160, Homewood Email: kyle@homewoodtheatre.com Website: homewoodtheatre.com

RMT Summer Camps give kids an outlet to use their creativity in dramatic ways, at all ages and skill levels. Opportunities include Play Making sessions for ages 4 to 6; Summer Sprouts sessions for ages 7-8; Theme Camps for ages 7-12; and Blast Camps for ages 9-14. A typical day includes training in singing, dancing, and acting, along with lots of fun. Most camps end in a short performance for family and friends.

For students aged 9-18, RMT offers intensive musical theatre camps and college prep. Pricing starts at $195 for half-day camps, and $350 for full-day camps; financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Telephone: (205) 324-2424 Address: 1600 3rd Avenue South Birmingham Email: education@redmountaintheatre.org Website: redmountaintheatre.org Ages: 4-18 Dates: May 28 – August 2

Virginia Samford Theatre’s Camp VST

This summer theatre camp gives young performers the opportunity to explore all aspects of working in live theatre. Camp VST is open to beginner and intermediate theatre students aged 7-15 and will explore dance, voice, acting, playwriting, Shakespeare, design, and more. STARS Summer Studio will engage more advanced students aged 12 -18 in workshopstyle masterclasses to take their theatre knowledge to the next level. Camp tuition is $300 - scholarships and sibling discounts are available.

Register Today Birmingham Museum of Art artsbma.org

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Virginia Samford Theatre’s Camp VST (continued)

Beginners” - delete) for ages 10-15; Rock Band Camp: Performance Edition for ages 10-18; and Rock Band Camp: Recording Edition for ages 10-18. Camps offered vary by location.

Address: 761 Shades Mountain Plaza, Hoover, (205) 582-2238; 2903 Cahaba Rd., Mountain Brook, (205) 874-9596; 3187 Cahaba Heights Rd., Vestavia Hills, (205) 908-7059; 5406 Hwy. 280 E, Suite B103, North Shelby, (205) 874-9800 Email: programs@masonmusic.com Website: masonmusic.com/music-camps/ Ages: 3-18 Dates: May 28-August 2

Address: 1116 26th St. S., Birmingham Email: stars@virginiasamfordtheatre.org Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org Dates: Session 1: June 3 - 7; Session 2: June 10 - 14

LANGUAGE/WRITING Ada Long Creative Writing Workshop

This camp is for high school students interested in creative writing. With the guidance of nationally recognized authors, they will draft, edit and publish their work while exploring Birmingham’s rich culture and history.

Telephone: (205) 934-8573 Address: 1190 10th Ave. S., Birmingham Email: tmharris@uab.edu Website: uab.edu/cas/english/events/ada-longworkshop Ages: Grades 9-12 (rising) Dates: June 10-June 28

MUSIC Adventures in Music Camp at Samford

Adventures in Music is a fun and educational week-long day camp open to students interested in continuing their studies in piano.

Activities include classes in music literature, theory, and ensemble, four private 30-minute lessons, practice time, and solo and ensemble recitals on the final day of camp. Violin Camp is a week-long camp for violin students to learn and perform music with other musicians. Piano Camp students must have taken 3 months of lessons minimum. Explorations in Music is a new beginner music camp tailored for ages five through nine.

SCIENCE/NATURE/TECHNOLOGY Aldridge Gardens

Samford Cooking Camp for Teens Telephone: (205) 726-2739 Address: Samford University Academy of the Arts, Homewood Email: academycamps@samford.edu Website: samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/ Ages and Dates: Explorations in Music, ages: 5-9; June 10-14; Adventures in Music, Piano, grades 1-12, July 8-12; Strings Camp, grades 1-8, July 22-26

6-10 campers who possess similar musical skills.

Telephone: (205) 871-7324 Address: 1114 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood Email: dma@dawsonchurch.org Website: dawsonmusicacademy.org Ages: Grades 4K-5, completed Dates: July 8-12

Dawson Music Academy Summer Camp

Mason Music’s 2024 summer camps include Singing Safari Preschool Music Camp for ages 3-5; Beginner Music Camp for ages 6-9 (addition); Guitar Camp for Beginners for ages 10-15; Ukulele Camp for Beginners for ages (6-10); Vocal Performance Camp (“for

Preschool and elementary campers enjoy a week of hands-on musical fun. Elementary campers explore the instrument of their choice (guitar, piano, percussion, ukulele, violin or voice) in small group instrument sessions with

Mason Music

Camps include American Girl Doll camps, STEAM - All Things Creative and STEAM Engineering Design Process Contraptions camps, Art in the Gardens camps and more!

Campers will enjoy socializing with others with similar interests, creating art, building things, playing games, feeding the animals and more!

Telephone: (205) 739-6558 Email: ryan.cavender@hooveralabama.gov Address: 3530 Lorna Rd., Hoover Website: aldridgegardens.com Ages: Grades 5K-3 (Completed) Dates: June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21 and June 24-28 (9am-12pm Monday-Friday)

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Design Camp

Experience a week of discovery and fun in an exhilarating setting at the world-famous Barber Museum and Motorsports Park. Barber Design Camp offers students entering 4th, 5th and 6th grade an opportunity to engage in the Engineering Design Process including using Computer Aided Design (CAD), Virtual Reality

ALTAMONT SUMMER May 28July 12

2024 June 3-7 Teen Art Studio June 10-14 Explorations in Music June 17-21 Bulldog Art Camp I June 24-28 Bulldog Art Camp II July 8-12 Adventures in Music

Save the dates for your exciting summer at The Altamont School, with options in athletics, arts, academics, special interests and day camps!

July 15-19 Bulldog Art Camp III July 22-26 Strings Camp

Scan the QR code to learn more and register today.

www.altamontschool.org

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CAMP GUIDE

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Design Camp Design Spaces, Mechanics, Robotics, and the Restoration process. Get STEAM’D at Barber’s Motorsports!

Telephone: (205) 702-8729 Address: 6030 Barber Motorsports Pkwy, Birmingham Email: Education@BarberMuseum.org Website: barbermuseum.org/facility/design-camp/ Ages: Rising 4th, 5th and 6th graders Dates: June 17-21

Birmingham Zoo Camp

K-5 Birmingham Zoo Camps and the Summer Teen Leadership Experience at the Birmingham Zoo are set to inspire conservation to protect the natural world. While the Zoo’s K-5 camps

encourage active learning through games, crafts, and age- appropriate explorations, the Zoo’s Teen Leadership Experience fosters social and emotional learning, leadership soft skills development, and sparks interest in environmental careers with special encounters with a variety of our resident animals and staff teams. Rich in STEM-based explorations, Zoo summer programs engage the natural curiosity of a child and allow ample opportunity for teens to practice critical emerging science skills.

Telephone: (205) 397-3877 Address: 2630 Cahaba Rd., Birmingham Email: education@birminghamzoo.com Website: birminghamzoo.com/education/ zoocamps/ Ages: Grades K-12

CAMPS

WEEKLY CLASSES

Once Upon a Fairytale

JUNE 3-AUGUST 3

4K & 5K

Moving Together

Once Upon a Ballet 1st-3rd grade

12-24 months with a grown up

Movement-to-Music ages 2-4 with live piano accompaniment

Adventures in Enchanted Lands 1st-3rd grade

Dance Exploration

Dance for Adaptive Learning ages 5-15: Movement-to-Music, Ballet/Modern

Young Dancer Program entering K-2nd grade: Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop

3rd-6th grade

Dance Artist Program

Dance Workshop

entering 3rd-12th grade: Ballet, Pointe, Repertory, Modern Dance, Tap, Hip Hop

6th-12th grade

VISIT US ONLINE FOR • camp & class descriptions • registration • birthday parties • adult classes

thedancefoundation.org | 205.870.0073 1715 27th Court South, Homewood

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Birmingham Botanical Gardens

swimming, field trips, and more. Admission interview required.

Telephone: (205) 870-0776 Address: 1616 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood Email: mbarcroft@exceptionalfoundation.org Website: exceptionalfoundation.org/youthparticipants Ages: 5 and up Dates: June 3-July 26

BBG’s programs actively promote your child’s natural sense of curiosity and creativity with fun learning experiences in the unmatched setting of the Gardens. This summer, BBG offers exciting opportunities to grow and discover through daily explorations of the Gardens, STEM and literacy activities, and learning in our new garden lab. Camp offerings include: Enchanted Forest, Nature’s Kitchen, Nature & Survival Skills, Around the World, Backyard Wildlife, Superhero Training Academy, Water Wonders, and Art in the Gardens.

Telephone: 205-414-3950 Address: 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham Email: ehardy@bbgardens.org Website: bbgardens.org/summercamps Ages: 4 to rising 6th grade Dates: May 28–July 26, 2024

SPORTS CAMPS Birmingham United Soccer Association Summer Camps

Fresh Air Family’s Vulcan Gross Out Camp

This is an award-winning, hands-on field biology science camp where kids have an opportunity to explore the nature around them in a safe environment.

Telephone: (205) 540-6642 Address: Vulcan Park and Museum, McCallum Park in Vestavia Email: programs@FreshAirFamily.org Website: freshairfamily.org/gross-out-camps Ages: Grades 1-4, rising Dates: May 28-August2 (weeklong sessions)

The Dance Foundation Telephone: (205) 714-8351 Address: 200 19th St. N., Birmingham Email: pchowning@mcwane.org (for questions) Website: mcwane.org Ages: 4-13

SPECIAL NEEDS

McWane Science Center

Campers bring your curiosity and sense of wonder for hands-on, minds-on, science, learning, and fun to McWane Science Center this summer. Campers will dive into ocean learning, journey back in time to discover dinosaurs, build robots, create some chemistry, build the next great invention and more.

Camp WheezeAway

Kids suffering from moderate to severe asthma can apply for this FREE summer camp where they can experience all the fun of summer camp while learning confidence-building skills in asthma management from medical

professionals.

Telephone: (334) 799-3449 Address: Camp held at YMCA Camp Chandler on Lake Jordan, Wetumpka Email: brendabasnight@yahoo.com Website: ymcamontgomery.org Ages: 8-12 Dates: May 26 - May 31

The Exceptional Foundation Summer Camp

The Exceptional Foundation offers an eightweek summer camp for school-age individuals with special needs. Activities include art, music, dance, cooking, karate, adaptive P.E., frequent

BUSA’s goal is to teach players to empower, enrich and excel within the community and to use the life skills learned through soccer to leave the world a better place. Summer offerings include ACL Prevention, Finishing & Goalkeeping Camp, Technical Camp, Pre-Tryout Camp, ECNL Combine and more.

Ages: 5-17 Dates: May 30 - August 4 Website: birminghamunited.com/camps_clinics/ camps/ Telephone: (205) 977-9038 Address: 3578 East St., Birmingham (Camp locations vary)

Briarwood Ambassador Soccer Camp, A Ministry of Quest Recreation A great soccer camp for all levels of play.

Telephone: (205) 776-5237 Address: 6255 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham Email: Soccer@Briarwood.org Website: Briarwoodsoccer.com Ages: Boys and girls 7-14 Dates: June 10-14, 2024, 8:30am-noon

Why Camp SVS?

All camp classes and activities are facilitated by Spring Valley faculty who are trained in a multi-sensory, whole-child approach to learning which accommodates all learning styles and strengths!

Days will be filled with writing/reading, multi-sensory math, executive functioning, music, art, STEAM, and sports / games.

Camp is open to ALL kids, rising 1st - 8th, not only those with learning differences.

For more information please email Maggie Raburn, Co-Camp Coordinator: mraburn@springvalleyschool.org, Rebeccah Carroll, Co-Camp Coordinator: rcarroll@springvalleyschool.org or call Spring Valley School (205) 423-8660 SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL FAST FACTS • K-12 School • 6 Certified Academic Language Therapists • 14 Orton-Gillingham trained faculty • 50 minutes of daily reading intervention • 6-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio

• 4 team sports • 10+ electives/fine arts • 100% graduates employed or enrolled in higher-ed upon graduation • Up to 12 hours college credit available through Dual Enrollment • Serving 46+ zip codes

Children’s Summer Camps AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

FOR AGES 4–12

MAY 28–JULY 26, 2024 Give your child a chance to explore the Gardens’ summertime wonders. With fun themes like Nature’s Kitchen, Art in the Gardens, Water Wonders, and more. Our half-day summer camps are designed to promote creativity and the joy of discovery in the beautiful setting of Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

bbgardens.org/summercamps SPRINGVALLEYSCHOOL.ORG | (205) 423-8660 | 2701 SYDNEY DRIVE - BIRMINGHAM

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Homewood Theatre Summer Camp

Cheer Camp, A Ministry of Quest Recreation

camps to improve your skills. Events will take place at Jerry D. Young Memorial Field at the University of Alabama Birmingham.

Address: Jerry D. Young Memorial Field: 1720 University Blvd, Birmingham Website: dunnbaseballacademy.com Ages: Grades K-12 Dates: Youth Camps: UAB-June 17-20; Gardendale-June 24-27; Vestavia Hills-July 8-11; UAB- July 15-18

Dunn Baseball Academy

Rock Climbing Summer Camps at High Point Climbing & Fitness

Have the time of your life cheering with friends this summer.

Telephone: (205) 776-5237 Address: 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham Email: Quest@Briarwood.org Website: QuestRecreation.org Ages: Rising K5-4th grade girls Dates: July 8-12, 9 a.m. - noon Join University of Alabama Birmingham Head Baseball Coach, Casey Dunn, and the UAB baseball coaching staff as they host baseball

This camp will introduce kids to the sport of rock climbing. Enthusiastic coaches will support your

JUNE 3-21

MAKE SUMMER COUNT With S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) summer camps at Alabama School of Fine Arts!

ASFAschool.org/summer-camps

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 25

26 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

CAMP GUIDE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

High Point Climbing & Fitness (continued)

horseback riding and a high ropes course.

Telephone: (205) 776-5237 Address: Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham Email: Quest@briarwood.org Website: campbriarwood.org Ages: Rising Grades 3-10 Dates: June 26-July 1, June 28-July 1, July 10-15, July 17-22

athlete in learning the basics of climbing as they gain confidence in themselves.

Telephone: (205) 981-9190 Address: 4766 Highway 280, Birmingham Email: jaid.webb@highpointclimbing.com Website: highpointclimbing.com/birmingham Ages: 5-14 Dates: Memorial Day week through the week of August 5th

Camp Juliette Low (Residential)

Inverness Junior Tennis Academy

It’s always a fun time at IJTA! No matter your child’s level or goals, they will have some fun in the sun and on the court this summer at Inverness Junior Tennis Academy. All levels (ages 5-12) are welcome and IJTA guarantees no matter what, your camper will learn something new. Half day and Full day options are available.

Telephone: (205) 991-8612 Address: 300 Inverness Parkway, Birmingham, Email: Joeyftennis04@gmail.com Website: invernessjuniortennisacademy.com Ages: 5-12 Dates: Camp 1: June 3-6; Camp 2: June 24-27; Camp 3: July 29-Aug. 1

Mike Getman Soccer Camp

Over 30 years of conducting soccer camps in the Birmingham area. This camp offers sessions for all ages and levels of ability. Camper-to-staff ratio approx. 7 to 1.

Telephone: (205) 216-3883 Email: info@mikegetmansoccercamp.com Website: MikeGetmanSoccerCamp.com Ages: 5 and up, Boys and Girls Dates: June 3-7, June 10-14, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 19-21, July 22-26

Red Mountain Theatre

Samford University’s Bucky McMillan Basketball Camps

The Bucky McMillan Basketball Camp’s goal is to see every camper improve fundamentals of the game: dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding, and defense, while also learning the importance of sportsmanship and how to play as a team. Every camper will leave the gym with a greater love for the game of basketball.

Telephone: (205) 538-8493 Address: Pete Hanna Center, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Homewood Email: buckyballsu@gmail.com Website: buckymcmillanbasketballcamp.com Ages: Boys, 5-14

BASEBALL

TONY DAVID BASEBALL CAMPS 2024

YOUTH BASEBALL CAMPS

June 10-13, June 24-27, July 8-11, July 15-18 and July 29 - August 1st Grades entering K-7, $200, check in from 8:30-9:00 a.m., camp from 9 a.m.-noon

All youth camps are from 9:00 to 12:00 each day and from Monday through Thursday.

The cost of each camp is $200.00 and includes $5.00 towards the “Snack Bank” for the week during camp breaks, a Samford Water Bottle, and camp t-shirt. Instruction: Campers will be filmed hitting & have their swing analyzed.

The camp will cover fundamentals of throwing, hitting, fielding, pitching, and base running.

Groups: Campers divided by age into small groups, keeping the coach to player ratio low. They will have the opportunity to be placed with friends at camp. • Games: on days 2, 3 and 4 the campers will participate in scrimmage games. The games will include age & ability specific instruction from staff • Weather Issues: Our State-of-the-Art Indoor hitting facility will be used to battle both heat and precipitation this summer.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADVANCED CAMP

May 28th - 29th, 6th to 8th graders, $200, check in begins at 8:15 on May 30, camp from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The camp is designed for campers at a higher level than the youth camps with a more advanced and technical level of instruction for the players. Each player will receive detailed instruction on hitting, hitting for power, fielding, and throwing. Individual defensive instruction at each position will also be provided for each. Every player will have their swing filmed and analyzed. The camp will also focus on leading off and pick plays as this age group transitions from the youth baseball world. Players will be divided into separate groups by age. We will play scrimmage games on the full field at Samford. The Samford coaches will coach the teams in the games and provide instruction. There are no meals involved with the camp. Each camper will receive a camp Tshirt as well as Camp Water Bottle. Limited number of Participants.

HIGH SCHOOL ELITE CAMP

July 22-23 • Entering 9th graders through recent 2024 graduates Day 1 (22nd) - check in begins at 12:30, camp from 1 - 7 p.m., Day 2 (23rd) - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. • $295

This instructional camp will be taught at a college level to help each individual player get better and provide tools and drills for beyond the camp. The Samford Coaching Staff will be joined by college coaches from other programs to coach and evaluate the players. Addition of Trackman and video board will greatly enhance the camp experience. Players will be placed on teams by position and will participate in scrimmage games as well. All swings will be filmed analyzed. Defensively, players will be coached at specific positions with an opportunity to receive instruction at a secondary position.

There are no overnight accommodations on campus for the camps. Lunch day 2 is included.

BRING: baseball glove and hat • baseball cleats and tennis shoes baseball pants and shorts • a willingness to work hard and get better The camp is open to any and all registrants. Registration information can be obtained online at

www.subaseballcamps.com or call 205-726-4294

Dates: Camp 1: May 28-31; Camp 2: June 3-6; Camp 3: June 24-27; Camp 4: July 15-18

Samford University Tony David Baseball Camps (day and residential)

These age-appropriate baseball camps maximize the camp experience so campers enjoy the game and become better players.

Sessions led by the Samford baseball staff, current and former Samford players, as well as other college players, college coaches and high school coaches.

Address: Samford University Website: subaseballcamps.com Ages: Grades K-12 Dates: Youth Camps (Grades K-7) – June 10-13, June 24-27, July 8-11, July 15-18, and July 29-August 1; Middle School Advanced Camp (Grades 6-8) – May 28-29; High School Elite Camp (Grades 9-12) – July 22-23

Samford University Volleyball Camps (day and residential)

Samford coaches, staff and players, will help campers train, compete and improve in individual skill development, offensive and defensive systems and knowledge of the game.

Campers will get an edge on the competition and have fun with the Samford Volleyball team.

Address: Samford University Website: subulldogvolleyballcamps.com Ages: Grades K-12 Dates: July 8-20

Vestavia Hills Soccer Club

The VHSC will offer soccer camp opportunities all year. This summer, the club will offer camps for all levels of players, boys and girls.

Telephone: (205) 978-0182 Address: 1973 Merryvale Rd., Vestavia Hills Email: info@vestaviasoccer.com Website: vestaviasoccer.com/camps Dates & Ages: Pre-Tryout Camp – May 6-8 (Ages 8-19); Half Day Camp 1 – June 10-14 (Ages 5-12); Half Day; Camp 2 – July 22-26 (Ages 5-12); Goal-Keeper/Striker Camp – July 19-21 (Ages 10-18)

TRADITIONAL CAMPS Camp Briarwood Overnight Camps

Camp Briarwood is a ministry of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Camp is held in Wetumpka at YMCA Camp Chandler. Each session offers activities including canoeing, sailing, skiing, riflery, archery, arts and crafts,

Through outdoor living, campers get to experience nature, gain self-confidence, and learn leadership skills. Campers live in platform tents and get to take part in a variety of activities, including archery, canoeing, horseback riding and rock climbing. Campers can register for Mini-Camp, a one-week session, a two-week session, or a mix.

Telephone: (770) 428-1062 Address: Cloudland, GA Email: info@cjl.org Website: cjl.org Ages: Campers - 8-15; Counselors-in-Training – 16-17 Dates: June 2-July 28

Camp Merri-Mac (Residential)

Camp Merri-Mac is a girls’ Christian summer camp located high in the mountains of Western North Carolina, providing a summer of growth through friends and adventure.

Telephone: (828) 669-8766 Address: Black Mountain, NC Email: mail@merri-mac.com Website: merri-mac.com Ages: Grades 1-11 Dates: June 3-August 8 (7 sessions)

Camp Nakanawa (Residential)

Located on the Cumberland Plateau in Crossville, Tennessee, Camp Nakanawa provides an overnight summer camp to educate girls and young women through outdoor experiences to gain confidence and reach their full potential.

Telephone: (931) 277-3711 Address: Crossville, TN Email: campnak@campnakanawa.org Website: campnakanawa.com Ages: 8-17, girls Dates: Two week session: June 16 - June 28 Four week session: July 1 - 27

Summer Camp Experiences at Sumatanga Campers enjoy age-level activities that include swimming, hiking, creek studies, canoeing and archery. They can participate in spiritual formation through creative worship, intentional fellowship and small group discussion.

Sumatanga offers Day Camp, five-night Elementary Camp, Mid-High Camp and Senior High Camp experiences.

Telephone: (256)-538-9860 Address: 3616 Sumatanga Rd., Gallant Email: summerdirector@sumatanga.org Website: sumatanga.org Ages: Rising 1st through 12th graders, rising Dates: June 9th - July 12th

Summers At Southern (Residential)

Summers At Southern in Camp Hill, AL, is an overnight camp for boys in rising 6th-12th grades. Less than 2 hours southeast of Birmingham, Summers at Southern features whitewater rafting, aviation, firearms safety education, catfishing, paintball, and more!

Hosted by Southern Preparatory Academy.

Phone: (256) 790-9202 or (256) 496-8864 Address: 174 Ward Circle, Camp Hill, AL 36850 Email: admissions@southernprepacademy.org Website: summersatsouthern.org Grades: Rising 6th-12th (boys)

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 27

CAMP GUIDE

with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) camp at Living River is a place where all are welcome and accepted and where spiritual learning is grounded in questioning and wonder.

Scholarship is available.

Telephone: (205)208-0035 (leave a voicemail) Address: 2000 Living River Pkwy, Montevallo, AL 35115 Email: office@livingriver.org Website: livingriver.org Ages: 4 years old-12th grade (graduated seniors still welcome) Dates: 4 sessions, June 9-30

Dates: June 16-June 22, June 23-June 29, July 7-July 13, July 14-July 20 (week long sessions or bundle and save)

Camp Timberlake (Residential)

A residential boys’ Christian summer camp located in the mountains of Western North Carolina provides for a summer of growth through friends and adventure.

Telephone: (828) 669-8766 Address: Black Mountain, NC Email: email@camptimberlake.com Website: camptimberlake.com Ages: 6-16 Dates: June 3-August 8

YMCA Camp Cosby (Residential)

Camp Walkabout at The Baylor School (Residential)

Walkabout summer campers will kayak, canoe and paddleboard through the Tennessee River Gorge, hike to remote waterfalls and swimming holes, rock climb on the world-renowned sandstone known as the Tennessee Wall, head underground to explore the vast network of local caves, sleep under the southern stars and experience exhilaration they can’t find anywhere else.

Telephone: (423) 757-2515 Address: Chattanooga, TN Email: badams@baylorschool.org Website: baylorschool.org Ages: Ages 8-16 Dates: June 3-July 12

Camp Winnataska (Residential)

For over 100 years, Camp Winnataska has been inspiring campers to become like “knights in the days of old.” With a reputation for Christian camping at its best, Winnataska beckons a new generation of campers to come take part in unique traditions, grow in their faith, cultivate

Mason Music friendships and experience new high-adventure programming.

Telephone: (205) 640-6741 Address: 260 Winnataska Dr., Pell City Email: info@winnataska.org Website: winnataska.org Ages: K-9, completed Dates: May 29-July 27 (8 sessions)

dance, crafts, canoeing, archery, and more!

Telephone: (423) 472-6070 Address: Cloudland, GA Email: chloe@campwoodmont.com Website: campwoodmont.com Ages: 6-15 boys and girls Dates: May 26 - July 26 (One- or two-week sessions)

Camp Woodmont (Residential)

Living River (Residential)

Camp Woodmont on Lookout Mtn. in northwest Georgia, is an overnight camp for boys and girls, ages 6 to 15. Just 2 hours north of Birmingham, Camp Woodmont features horseback riding, high-ropes/climbing, sports,

In a unique location on 4.5 miles of the Cahaba River, overnight camp at Living River includes recreation, environmental education, and spiritual exploration. Campers get to fish, canoe, swim, fossil hunt, and more. Associated

Independence, joy, excitement and life-long friendships are what you’ll find at YMCA Camp Cosby. Situated on 135 acres on the shores of beautiful Lake Logan Martin, this weeklong sleepaway camp offers the perfect camp atmosphere.

Telephone: (256) 268-2007 Address: 2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine, AL 35014 Email: cosby@ymcabham.org Website: campcosby.ymcabham.org Ages: 6-16 Dates: June 2 - July 26

VARIETY/SPECIALTY CAMPS Camp Adventure

Centered at the wooded campus of Shades Mountain Community Church in Bluff Park, Camp Adventure is eight weeks of fun for campers offering all day, early and late programs.

Ages: Grades K3-8th Dates: June 3-July 26 (8 sessions) Website: thecampadventure.com Email: administrator@thecampadventure.com

Samford Cooking Camp

eens for TCamp 1: June 17–21

Learn how to create delicious and nutritious meals and snacks!

Open to ages 11 to 16.

(9 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily)

Camp 2: June 24–28 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily)

Scan QR code to sign up or visit samford.edu/go/WellnessKitchen

28 • Thursday, February 22, 2024 Camp Adventure (continued)

Telephone: (205) 978-9308 Address: 2281 Old Tyler Rd., Hoover

Camp Briarwood Day Camp

Campers travel from Briarwood Presbyterian Church to Camp Kanawahala in Chelsea every day for hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, canoeing and more. Bible stories and songs help children grow in their relationships with each other and God. Lunch and snacks are provided each day.

Telephone: (205) 776-5237 Address: Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham Email: Quest@briarwood.org Website: campbriarwood.org Ages: Rising grades 1-3 Dates: June 17-21

Camp Dawson Day Camp

Day camps are held at the beautiful, wooded Camp Dawson near Calera, just the place for a summer adventure. Each morning, campers will meet at the Family Recreation Center on Dawson’s campus and travel by bus to camp. A variety of activities with something sure to satisfy every camper, including archery, swimming, BB guns, recreation, crafts, high ropes course and rock wall climbing.

Telephone: (205) 879-1758 Email: bhuff@dawsonchurch.org Website: dawsonchurch.org Ages: Grades 1-5, completed Dates: Camp I, June 10-13; Camp II, June 24 June 28

Camp Fletcher Summer Day Camp

Camp Fletcher is more than just a summer camp offering a broad range of outdoor challenges and

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

CAMP GUIDE activities in a 300-acre woodland preserve. It’s an experience that young people, from literally all walks of life, remember. In its Summer Day Camp program, young people ages 5 - 15 enjoy a broad range of experiences and challenges, making friends and spending time in The Great Outdoors — all in a safe and secure environment.

Telephone: (205) 584-6033 Address: 5150 Fletcher Rd., Bessemer Email: Camp.Fletcher@BridgeWaysAL.org Website: bridgewaysal.org Ages: 5 – 15 year olds Dates: May 28th - August 2nd

Kidcam Camp @ Oak Mountain

Kidcam offers 10 weeks of summer fun with all the best activities offered at Oak Mountain State Park. Purchase only the weeks you need and build your summer around you!

Telephone: (877) 454-3226 Address: 200 Terrace Dr., Pelham Email: rocky@kidcamcamps.com Website: kidcamcamps.com Ages: 5 to 13 Dates: May 28 - August 2

Levite Jewish Community Center’s J Camp A tradition since 1952, the LJCC’s summer camps are filled with opportunities for children to play, explore and experience all that camp has to offer.

Program includes indoor and outdoor activities, singing, dancing, sports, swimming, fields trips and more.

Telephone: (205) 510-9028 Address: 3960 Montclair Rd., Birmingham Email: gillianm@bhamjcc.org Website: bhamjcc.org Ages: Grades K-8, rising Dates: May 28 - August 9

Get STEAM’D with Us!

The Exceptional Foundation Summer Camp

SHE Camp

SHE Camp for ages 9-12 is designed to empower girls to make confident choices, encourage team work and inclusion, a positive self-image and teach leadership skills. Activities include improvisation, storytelling, dance, crafts and hands-on activities, group discussion and plenty of laughs. SHE Camp for Teens 13-16 is dedicated to empowering young women who are navigating the middle school and high school years to make confident choices in their lives. Over the course of the week, they will learn improvisation, sketch comedy, and stand-up comedy accompanied by dance, crafts and hands-on activities, group discussion, and plenty of laughs.

Telephone: (205)999-1660 Address: Artplay,1006 19th Street South, Birmingham Email: kristen@girlspring.com Website: girlspring.com/summer-camp/ Dates: July 22-26 (*Two sessions — Girls 9-12 and Girls 13-16) $285, includes GirlSpring t-shirt, lunch, and snacks

Conservatory of the Arts Camps at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church

Registration now open! Call 205-702-8729 www.barbermuseum.org

For campers who prefer to take a more “artsy” approach to summer, the Conservatory of the Arts at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church might be just the ticket. Art camp, piano camp, and musical theater camp.

Telephone: (205) 769-0141 Address: 2061 Kentucky Ave., Vestavia Hills Email: coa@vhumc.org Website: coa.mymusicstaff.com

VHMC’s Summer Days

There’s something for everybody – including mad scientists, Lego/Barbie/American Girl Doll lovers, Game Players, Wet- N-Wild -Get Wet week, PE Escape Rooms, and Pay it Forward/ Serve Camp – at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church’s Summer Days camps. Each week is a different theme! Keep your kids busy for part or all of the summer or with a variety of weeklong adventures. Camp sessions are from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., with lunch and extended care options available (7 a.m. 5:30 p.m.). Many weeks include exciting field trips.

Address: 2061 Kentucky Ave., Vestavia Hills Email: SummerDays@vhmc.org Website: vhmc.org Dates: May 28-August 2

YMCA Summer Day Camp

At YMCA Summer Day Camp your kids will find a place where they can be themselves, try new things, learn new skills, make friends and be part of something great. With locations across Jefferson and Shelby counties, YMCA camp is convenient and affordable. Financial Assistance is available and all levels of need are considered. Register now for a A Summer To Remember at the YMCA, a trusted name in day camp and safety.

Address: Business office: 2401 20th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35223.

Email: childcare@ymcabham.org Website: bhamycamp.org Ages: 6-14 Dates: June 3 - August 2

enjoy your summer!

Homewood Theatre Summer Camps!

To: From: Date:

Barber Motorsports Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Feb. 2023

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! homewoodtheatre.com/education-2/

MB Dance Team Earns National Championship

Courtesy

The Mountain Brook Dorians dance team was named a national champion for the first time during the Universal Dance Association’s National Dance Team Championship, held earlier this month in Orlando.

The team won in the ‘Large Varsity High Kick’ division and finished in eighth place in the ‘Large Varsity Gameday’ division.

“As a former Dorian, I am so proud of what these girls have done for this program,” head coach Anna Scofield said in a statement. “As the former seventh grade dance coach who has coached the majority of this team before, I’ve loved watching them grow and become masters of their craft. And lastly as this team’s coach, I am completely honored.”

The program has participated in the event in years past with numerous top 10 finishes, including fourth place in 2023.

“On behalf of Mountain Brook High School, I want to congratulate these girls and their coaches and

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 29

SCHOOLS/SPORTS

sponsors,” MBHS Principal Carrie Busby said in a statement. “They have worked tirelessly, and it is so special to see not only their success

but their joy as a result of their years of hard work.”

More than 6,000 students compete annually at UDA Nationals,

representing 403 teams. A total of 981 coaches lead these programs, which hail from 35 states.

2023-24 Dorian team members include: Polly Allbritton; Eva Andrews, co-captain; Marianna Averyt; Mary Carleton Baynes; Ann-Massey Bowman, co-captain; Katie Burns; Mary Mack Colvin; Katherine Dean; Amelia Fulton; Kathryn Gabberty, co-captain; Lauren Hassig; Audrey Irby; Amelia

Jordan; Marie Claire Kampakis; Abby Norris; Ivey Patton; Anna Prelipcean, captain; Emily Anne Read; Eliza Rice; Anna Kate Russom; Frances Scott; Maggie Simmons; Ann Everett Simon; Frances Townsend; and Bergen Wilkinson, manager.

Caroline Carmichael is the faculty sponsor of the team, which is led

by Scofield as head coach and Courtney Zajic as assistant coach.

Vestavia Top Gun 2nd Grade Team Wins Flag Football State Championships

and Micah Phillips. In the back row are Wilson Sneed, Levi Rives, Davis Young and Sid Barnett. The team of second graders beat Arab in the championship game on a score of 38-14, ending the season with a 14-3 record.

The Vestavia Top Gun team recently won the Alabama Recreation and Park Association’s 8U Championship in flag football. “Coach (John Mark) Rives and I had the honor of leading a tremendous group of young men,” said coach Chris Brewer (pictured).

“The team is full of great competitors who positively impacted one another while representing our community with class.

We are really proud of Vestavia Top Gun and their accomplishments, including the ARPA 8U State Championship. Go Rebels!” Shown in the front row are Sam Brewer, Dow Handey, Lawson Neese

PUBLIX VILLAGE2VILLAGE RUN 2024 MARCH 9TH

For Registration and Information Visit: www.village2village10k.com

Courtesy

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Johnson Maintaining Standard of Hoover?

Johnson: I would consider this season to be one of my most Success for Hoover Girls Basketball challenging seasons at Hoover.

At press time, five Over the Mountain schools were set to play in regional championship games Tuesday with a chance to reach the state tournament Feb. 26-March 2 at the BJCC Legacy Arena.

The defending Class 7A champion Hoover boys and girls were in the Northwest Regional finals at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, with the boys taking on Thompson and girls playing Bob Jones. The Mountain Brook and Homewood boys squared off against each other in the Class 6A Northeast Regional final at Jacksonville State University. And the Altamont boys were in the Class 2A Central Regional final against Locust Fork at Birmingham’s Bill Harris Arena.

The Hoover Lady Bucs (25-7) defeated James Clemens 58-46 in the regional semifinals to advance to their 10th consecutive regional final and the 28th in program history. The Lady Bucs have won nine state titles, including five of the past seven, and were seeking their fourth consecutive 7A championship.

Over The Mountain Journal Sports Editor Rubin E. Grant talked with Hoover girls coach Krystle Johnson about the Lady Bucs’ remarkable success.

Johnson, in her eighth season at the helm of the Lady Bucs, is a 2001 Hoover graduate and was an All-State player while helping the Lady Bucs win their first state championship her senior year, making the winning free throws in a 42-40 win over Decatur. She has more than 300 career victories, including a stint at Huntsville, and had an astounding 248-24 coaching record at Hoover, entering the regional final. She was the 2023 USA Today High School Sports Awards national girls Coach of the Year.

OTMJ: Hoover already had a successful program when you took over as head coach. What have you done to put your imprint on the team?

Johnson: I think I brought about a more mentally tough team. We work our girls pretty hard so that there’s no obstacle that seems too big to overcome. We put them in situations where they have to think on their toes! We have a lot of offenses, a lot of defenses and a lot of things they have to remember in order to be successful in this program.

OTMJ: In the past few years, you have had highly recruited players, such as Reniya Kelly and Aniya Hubbard, lead your team. How have you navigated this season without one?

Johnson: A common misconception about this team is that the players on this team are not being recruited. Two

WRESTLING From page 32

als, which is a national tournament I’ll be competing in soon.”

Williams Refused to Lose

Williams had two pins and an injury default victory en route to winning his title. He beat Opelika junior Denarvious Anderson (48-9) with a pin coming at 1:51 in the match.

Williams was voted Class 7A most outstanding wrestler.

“I really kind of had the mentality that I can’t lose,” Williams said. “The more I won during the season, the more I tried my hardest not to lose.

“I had placed second the last three years, so I was really hoping to finally win it and go undefeated.”

His pin in the championship match was his 100th career pin.

“I had tried to get it a few times and I had gotten a bit worried,” Williams said. “I wanted to get it in the semifinals, but the guy (Huntsville’s Jay Colebaugh) got hurt.

I was happy to get it in the finals, so I

of our four seniors have at least one scholarship offer; one of them has almost 15 offers to play at the next level. Two of our juniors have already received a scholarship offer. Of our two sophomores, one just received an offer from Mississippi State and is being recruited by several Power 5 schools.

Then we have a seventh grader who has three SEC offers (Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State), and I’m sure she will be one of the most recruited players in the 2029 class when it’s all said and done. So yes, we lost a lot over the years losing those two, but we have always had talent in the gym. If you haven’t been keeping up with us closely, you may not know their names, but we have a lot of good players in this program year in and year out.

OTMJ: Would you consider this season to be your best coaching job at

didn’t have to wait until next season to get it.”

Williams won 38 of his 54 matches this season by pin, bringing his career record to 185 wins. He relished the undefeated season but is eager to attempt to do it again.

“It means a lot and motivates me to work even harder and try to go undefeated next season,” Williams said.

Mountain Brook Triumphs

Mountain Brook didn’t have any individual champions, but the Spartans still won the Class 6A title decisively.

The Spartans clinched their first state crown with 184 points through the consolation round in the morning of the final day of the three-day tournament. Mortimer Jordan was second with 165 points and Homewood third with 138.5.

“Our wrestlers were lights out,” Mountain Brook coach Justin Ransom said. “We led all divisions in pins with 17. They went above and beyond what we expected them to do.

“We had everybody healthy but

They’re coming off a three-peat season in which we lost seven seniors, one of them (Kelly) being the best player to ever play at Hoover High. So, the expectations for them were high and not many of them did anything to warrant the target that is on their backs.

We try to tell them all the time, the word HOOVER on your chest is why the target is so big. Once you step into those leadership roles, you learn to embrace it. But we had players that were role players until this season.

So it has taken some getting used to to get them to understand how hard they have to play night in and night out. That’s why we had to make the schedule harder this year. They needed to face adversity before the area/playoff season started.

OTMJ: Is there anyone on this team who you believe will be sought after by colleges?

Johnson: Right now, Khloe Ford (sophomore) and Kristen Winston (seventh grader) are the ones getting the most attention. Both have an offer from Mississippi State and Kristen also has offers from Auburn and Alabama.

But we have a list of others that could 100% play at the collegiate level. If these coaches haven’t learned anything by now, our players come in ready to play. They don’t need a huge adjustment period because we run this program like a college program.

OTMJ: What does it mean to you as a former Hoover player for your program to be contending for state championships year in and year out during your tenure as head coach?

Johnson: It’s the standard! And that standard was created when I was a player. So, it means a lot to me to be able to lead the program that I helped build. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

one. Bill Bradford, our 144-pounder who was the No. 3 seed, had to withdraw because of an injury.

“We clinched in the morning with two pins in the consolation finals. We won all our semifinals and got to those third- and fourth-place matches.”

The Spartans had five runner-up finishers: Stephen Springfield at 120 pounds, Jude Smith at 157 pounds, Stuart Andrews at 165 pounds, Sam Carroll at 190 pounds and Daniel Ellis at 285 pounds.

“I was hurt as a coach not seeing them achieve their goal,” Ransom said. “We had one senior (Carroll) and you would have liked to see him with his hand raised. But we had five in the finals and nine on the podium.”

Mountain Brook joined Class 7A Huntsville, Class 5A Scottsboro and Class 1A-4A Weaver as champions of both the state Duals title (held in January) and the traditional state tournament this season. It’s the first time in AHSAA wrestling history that the Duals champions all repeated as state champs in the same season. The Duals tournament began in 2017.

Vestavia Hills Cheer Teams Score Big at National Championships The Vestavia Hills High School junior varsity cheer team recently won the Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championship, its second year in a row to take home the title, and the varsity team finished No. 8 in the country.

The junior varsity team (above) finished first out of 12 schools that participated in the national competition Feb. 9-11 in Orlando.

The varsity team came in eighth in competition against 58 teams that participated. This year was the first time a Vestavia Hills varsity team ever advanced straight from the preliminary

round to the finals, bypassing the semifinal round because of their strong showing in prelims.

The Vestavia cheer teams are coached by Leslie Coleman, who is assisted by Madison Sullivan and Shelly Sumner. Alex Evans serves as stunt coach.

The victories came after the teams won Alabama High School Athletic Association 7A state championships during play in the Bill Harris Arena at the Birmingham Crossplex on Dec. 12.

This was the first state championship for the Vestavia Hills varsity squad since 2017.

Courtesy

By Rubin Grant

Courtesy

30 • Thursday, February 22, 2024

The Vestavia Hills High School varsity cheer team, front row: Lucie Reid, Mallory Fore, Kennedy Vincent, Brennan Martin and Evey Hill. Back row: Emma Traylor, Cate Marek, Eliza Thornton and Blakely Williams.

“It’s pretty rare,” Ransom said. “It always had been that Mountain Brook had never won the state. We won the Duals two years in a row, but the traditional was always hanging out there and now we’ve won that.

“We changed what we were doing after the Duals. All the boys did everything to perfection in the sectionals and the state, getting their bodies right and their minds right.

Being able to win the traditional after winning the Duals makes it sweeter.

You can enjoy the moment longer.”

OTM Wrestlers AHSAA State Championship Match Results CLASS 6A

120 pounds: Caleb Wright, Mortimer Jordan (40-3), Sr. def. Stephen Springfield, Mtn Brook (30-6), Jr. (dec.

5-4) 132 pounds: Noah Smith, Wetumpka (37-2) Sr. def. Moeeh Almansoob, Homewood (50-6), Sr. (dec. 6-2) 157 pounds: Cody Kirk, Pike Road

(50-2), Jr. dec. Jude Smith, Mtn Brook (30-6), Jr. (maj. dec. 9-1) 165 pounds: Daishun Poe, Gardendale (44-4), Sr. def. Stuart Andrews, Mtn Brook (19-3), So. (tech fall, 25-10) 190 pounds: Oliver Howard, Decatur (40-0), def. Sam Carroll, Mtn Brook (36-7), Sr. (dec. 4-2) 285 pounds: Willie Cox, Wetumpka (47-2), Sr. def. Daniel Ellis, Mtn Brook (17-5), Jr., (dec., 8-4)

CLASS 7A

106 pounds: Jameson Thomas, Oak Mountain (39-3), Fr. def. Matthew Campbell, Vestavia Hills (13-5), Fr. (dec. 6-0) 144 pounds: Bradley Williams, Spain Park (45-0) pinned Denarvious Anderson, Opelika (48-9), Jr. (fall, 1:51).

165 pounds: Andrew Sullivan, Vestavia Hills (28-2), Jr. def. Brock Fields, Huntsville (29-5), Sr. (dec. 3-0) 215 pounds: Kyle Oliveira, Spain Park (53-0), Sr. def. Blake Christian, Tuscaloosa Co. (48-11), Jr. (dec. 7-2) Most Outstanding Wrestler: Bradley Williams, Spain Park

Thursday, February 22, 2024 • 31

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Burgess Returning Home to Coach Homewood Volleyball Team

By Rubin E. Grant

LEVERING From page 32

Levering.

“I’m incredibly proud of her,” McNair said. “‘E.B. is most deserving of this prestigious award. She embodies the athletic, academic and character excellence that this award represents. We at Homewood are so happy for her.”

Levering is the second girls crosscountry runner from Homewood to earn the award. The Patriots’ Lainey Phelps was the player of the year in 2019-20.

The award celebrates the nation’s top high school athletes for excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

“Continuing her storybook career, Homewood High School junior Emma Brooke Levering rose to new levels during the postseason,” Rich Gonzalez of PrepCalTrack said in a news release. “The Class 6A state champion, she not only had the fastest time among all classes at the state meet, but then (she) shined as the state’s top finisher at both the Foot Locker South and RunningLane Championships meets. No runner from the Heart of Dixie enjoyed more success during the fall season.”

Off the Track

Levering also plays tenor saxophone in the Homewood Patriot marching band. She has volunteered locally with Peer Helpers, which promotes safe and healthy drug and alco-

Burgess earned her bachelor’s degree in education from LaGrange and her master’s degrees in collaborative education and school counseling from the University of Montevallo.

Throughout her career, she has served as a special education teacher and independent sports counselor.

Before going to Oak Mountain, Burgess contributed to the success of Thompson’s volleyball program, serving as both the junior varsity coach

and assistant coach for the varsity team. She helped lead Thompson to the super regionals and Elite Eight.

“We are excited to have coach Burgess back with us, leading the Patriots,” Homewood athletics director Doug Gann said. “She has an extensive knowledge of volleyball and a strong connection to our school community. We look forward to having her guide our student-athletes both on and off the court.”

Courtesy

Grace Burgess is going home.

Burgess will be the new head volleyball coach at Homewood High School, her alma mater and where she was a student-athlete, playing volleyball and softball before graduating in 2005. She will take over as the Patriots’ volleyball coach on Feb. 27.

“I am super excited,” Burgess said. “I feel really honored that they have chosen me to come back, and I am excited to give back to the community who made me who I am.”

Burgess replaces Andie Freedman, who left in January to take the head volleyball coaching job at HewittTrussville. Freedman had served as the Patriots’ head coach since 2020, leading Homewood to a 12-22 record and super regional appearance in 2023.

Burgess spent the past four years as Oak Mountain’s head coach, leading the Eagles to multiple appearances in the super regional tournament.

She was named the 2023 Shelby County Coach of the Year after leading the Eagles to a 27-16 record, the Class 7A, Area 6 regular-season area championship with a 6-0 area record and a berth in the super regionals. She also was the 2022 All-South Metro Coach of the Year.

“It was definitely a difficult deci-

be in more of a counseling role and that’s something I am passionate about.”

After she graduated from Homewood, Burgess excelled on the volleyball court at LaGrange College, earning such accolades as first team All-Conference and defensive player of the year in the Gulf South Athletic Conference. She also set records at LaGrange, including career statistic leader in total digs.

After she graduated from Homewood, Burgess excelled on the volleyball court at LaGrange College.

sion to leave Oak Mountain,” Burgess said. “What we had done the last four years was awesome. I think the returning kids have the potential to have a good season next season and I am sure the administration will find a good person to coach them because they care about volleyball.”

Burgess said her educational career factored into her decision to return to Homewood.

“It’s really the next step in my career path,” she said. “I am going to coach volleyball, but they are taking me out of the classroom. I’m going to hol prevention, and with Best Buddies, mentoring special needs students. She also has donated her time to multiple community service initiatives through her church.

Levering has maintained a 4.18 weighted grade point average in the classroom.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track and field. It awards one National Player of the Year in each sport.

The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which leverages experts – including coaches, scouts, media and others – as sources to help evaluate and determine the state winners in each sport.

Levering joins recent Gatorade Alabama Girls Cross Country Players of the Year Reagan Riley (2022-23, Mountain Brook), Crawford West (2021-20 and 2020-21, Vestavia Hills) and Phelps (2019-20, Homewood) among the state’s list of former award winners.

As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. To date, Gatorade Player of the Year winners’ grants have totaled more than $4.9 million across more than 1,600 organizations.

Dajialyn

Heart Transplant Survivor

The path to mending her heart began Dajialyn was born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and at 3 months old was placed on the waiting list for a heart transplant.

When her foster parents got the call to care for her, they never hesitated – and in July 2021, they received the call with the news she would get her new heart. Within hours she was at Children’s of Alabama in surgery. Her transplant was a success, and Dajialyn is walking, talking and doing all the things that keep parents of any toddler on their toes.

ChildrensAL.org/heart 1600 7TH AVE. S.

|

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233

CV-0011_Heart_Month-Dajialyn_OTMJ-Newsprint-6.15x10.25-PROD.indd 1

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205-638-9100

1/9/24 1:28 PM

SPORTS

Thursday, February 22, 2024 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Vestavia Hills Cheer Teams Score Big at National Championships Page 30

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

MB Dance Team Earns National Championship Page 29

Homewood’s Levering ‘Truly Honored’ to Receive Gatorade Cross Country Award

By Rubin E. Grant

TAKEDOWN

Spain Park’s Oliveira, Williams Complete Undefeated Wrestling Seasons; Mountain Brook Claims Class 6A title

By Rubin E. Grant

AHSAA Girls State Tournament, finishIn the first 22 ing with a 21-0 years of the Spain record.

Park wrestling proKyle Oliveira has gram, only two wresmixed feelings about tlers completed undeending his high feated seasons. school career in simiThat number doular fashion. bled Saturday when “Closing out the senior Kyle Oliveira final chapter of wresand sophomore tling at Spain Park Bradley Williams has been a wonderful accomplished the feat but sad experience in the 69th AHSAA because even my State Wrestling State goal to be undefeated Championships at the and win a state title Von Braun Center in was accomplished, Huntsville. the family and Kyle Oliveira (53coaches I’ve met 0) won the Class 7A along the way have 215-pound title and been a great impact Williams (54-0) in my life and I wish claimed the 144it could last forever, pound crown. but I must move on For Oliveira, it to bigger and better was the culmination things,” he said. of a long journey.

For the season, “I came in this Oliveira totaled 35 season with a goal to pins, finishing his career with 140 wins, end my high school 87 by pin. He hopes year with a great to wrestle in college statement in front of as his sister is doing a lot of people as a sophomore at who’ve seen me grow Spain Park’s Kyle Oliveira (53-0) celebrates winning the AHSAA State Wrestling Championship in Class 7A King University in up with this sport,” 215-pound at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. Teammate Bradley Williams claimed the 144-pound crown.

Bristol, Tennessee.

Oliveira said. “State “So far, my colhas always been the Christian 7-2 in the championship lege has not been decided yet, but I’ll ultimate goal ever since I started Oliveira, who finished second at match. announce it after I thoroughly take wrestling in high school.

195 pounds in 2023, didn’t let the He joined his sister Yasmine my visits,” Kyle Oliveira said. “But “I felt tons of pressure as I felt the pressure affect his effort on the mat.

He had a pin, a major decision, and Oliveira as an undefeated Spain Park that announcement will probably expectations of people to be big on two decisions in the tournament. He wrestler. As a senior in 2022, she won come after NHSCA wrestling nationme, so the way I performed at state defeated Tuscaloosa County’s Blake See WRESTLING, page 30 the 147-pound title during the 2022 was very nerve-racking to me.”

See LEVERING, page 31

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Mountain Brook joined Class 7A Huntsville, Class 5A Scottsboro and Class 1A-4A Weaver as champions of both the state Duals title (held in January) and the traditional state tournament this season.

Emma Brooke Levering couldn’t hold back her enthusiasm.

That’s because the Homewood junior runner had trained for many years and her diligence finally paid off in January when she was selected as the 2023-24 Gatorade Alabama Girls Cross Country Player of the Year.

“It means the world to me and I am truly honored,” Levering said.

“It’s really fulfilling to put all your effort into running and then receive the Gatorade award, so it’s definitely exciting.

“I feel so grateful to those who helped me to receive it, as I really couldn’t have done it without my coaches and teammates. Overall, it’s just this amazing feeling of gratitude to everyone who helped me get to where I am and to Gatorade for choosing me.”

The 5-foot-2 Levering won the 2023 AHSAA Class 6A state meet last fall with a time of 17:46.27, breaking the tape more than 8 seconds faster than any other class winner and leading the Patriots to a third-place finish as a team. A four-time All-State selection, Levering also won the Spain Park Invitational and placed 49th at the RunningLane Championships. She crossed the line in 56th at the Foot Locker South Regional.

Homewood coach Kelly McNair was thrilled that Gatorade chose

Emma Brooke Levering