OTMJ 1.11.24

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

SPORTS

WEDDINGS | SPECIAL SECTION PAGE 16

This Magic MOMENT

Photo by Alex Pogorielov

Photo by Claire Hodges of CB Photography

Jack Royer and Lillian Askins Lalo’s Connections on TV News Led to Marriage

An American Dream

Ukrainian Couple Reopens Wedding Dress Atelier After Relocating to Birmingham

2 • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Inside

Guest Column

C PATS MARCHING ACROSS THE POND Sean of the South and Three on a String headline concert for Homewood High band trip PAGE 6

GROOVE KREWE Magic City Disco joins Disco Amigos in London parade PAGE 8

HERE’S YOUR FRESH START! New year, new attitude about nutrition PAGE 21

4 8 10

WEDDINGS FOOD SPORTS

16 21 24

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 January 11, 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: Solomon Crenshaw Jr., Madoline Markham Koonce, Susan Swagler Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd

Word of the Year

rotchety: Full of peculiar whims least a nutritious hot dog and drink are or stubborn notions; cantankerstill $1.50. ous; eccentric Artificial intelligence is next on my Next fall, I reach the mathematical hit list. Artificial is the key word here, of end of another decade. Let’s just say it is course. I had to get a credit card replaced one of the later decades. It seems I am recently. I called the 800 number and already leaning in to the Word of the never spoke to a real person. I must Year if you talk to my wife, children … admit the AI voice was very polite and OK, anyone who knows me. I’m not calm. After answering 10 questions and fighting the adjective. pushing most of the numbers on my keyI especially like that Mr. Collins pad to answer “his” questions, he said a chose cantankerous as a descriptor of new card was on the way. To be honest, RANDY ADAMY crotchety. You can look that one up on his service was better than some humans. your own if you don’t know what it The idea of unsubscribing is laughmeans. By the end of this column, you’ll able. Oh, boy. Have you noticed that probably have a good idea, so let me when a company gets your email address Service, or lack begin with some of my “peculiar whims you instantly get hounded with their marand stubborn notions.” You may recognize thereof, makes me keting? Yes, that was a rhetorical question. some of them in yourself.

You just hit “unsubscribe” and they go like one of the Seven away. Ha, ha and ha. I tried this with a Allow me to start with the Postal Service. Do they have a staffing shortage?

Dwarfs: Grumpy. certain neighborhood communication app My mailbox is usually empty until 8 p.m. and unsubscribed several times to no If my letter carrier is being forced to work avail. I enlisted my millennial daughter to 12-hour days, with the last three in the dig into the issue. She ended up having to dark this time of year, my heart goes out to him. I know unsubscribe from at least 30 choices of “do you wish to him by name and he is a great guy. It seems to me he is keep getting blah, blah blah.” Sound familiar? overworked. Has anyone considered turning the Postal Service, or lack thereof, makes me like one of the Service over to Amazon? Seriously, how do they get a Seven Dwarfs: Grumpy. Is my time worth nothing? product made in Vietnam to me the day after I order it Companies around the world have put the burden of serwhen a letter from family in Michigan takes four to seven vice back on the consumer during my lifetime. We pump days? Jeff Bezos, are you reading this? our own gas. We self-checkout at the grocery store. We How about the DMV? You can see where this column is talk to computers in the customer service (oxymoron) going, right? The average wait time from my experience is department of corporations. “Push one for … Push 18 for around 45 minutes. They have three rows of chairs that …” Geesh. must total at least 30 seats, so you know when you walk in When I die and my family calls the funeral home, I’m there is a long wait most of the time or they wouldn’t have afraid it will go something like this. chairs. Could we hand the DMV to Elon Musk? He may FH: Thank you for calling Morning Meadows Funeral give Tesla first priority, but the line would move much fast- Home. Push one if a loved one just died. er. Second option: Let Chick-fil-A take it over. You (Family pushes one) wouldn’t go inside, you would go through a drive-thru in 90 FH: We are sorry for your loss. Has the body been seconds or less. Even my personalized plate would be hand- picked up yet? If not, hang up and dial 911. If it has, push ed to me at the exit; LUVCHIK. two.

What’s with clothing sizes? I am short and weigh 130 (Family pushes two) pounds. Now that America has been supersized by fast FH: Good. We don’t pick up dead bodies. Now how food, I can no longer find clothes that fit unless I shop in may we assist you? Push three for coffin choices. Push the little boys’ department. What used to be a medium is four for urn choices. Push five for a pine box. Push six for now a small. A large is now a medium. I guess that makes music choices during the service. Push seven if you don’t shoppers feel better. Costco knows how big America is. Try have enough pall bearers. Push eight if you wish the hole to find a small in any of their piles. They start with waist to be deeper than two feet as we charge by the foot. sizes at 32” and shirt sizes go medium to XXX large. At Lord, take me now.

Over the Mountain Views Santa Stops By For Breakfast in Vestavia Hills

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

A WHOLE NEW WORLD Vestavia grad Nicole Lamb swings onto the stage in ‘Aladdin’ PAGE 4

ABOUT TOWN LIFE SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

Vol. 33, No. 11

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.

Pancakes galore with the Jolly Old Elf were on the menu at Breakfast with Santa at the Vestavia Civic Center on Dec. 9, 2023. Children could get their photos taken with Santa and let him know what they wanted under the tree.

Breakfast was sponsored by the City of Vestavia Hills as part of the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday in the Hills series of events. Santa’s helpers included, from left, Ella Bush, Ellison Sizemore and Catelyn Owens. Right, Oaklyn Philips talks with Santa about what’s on her Christmas wish list.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 3

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

As a student at Vestavia Hills High School, Nicole Lamb performed on the Rebelettes dance team. Now, she’s taken her talents to the professional level and will return to Birmingham with the cast of Disney’s “Aladdin.”

The show runs Jan. 24-28 at the BJCC. Lamb is what’s known as a “swing” in this production. These performers are important members of the company; they understudy several roles and have to be ready to perform

‘Birmingham is full of so many young and talented artists, so I hope those who come to see the show are inspired to not give up on their dream.’

NICOLE LAMB

onstage at short notice.

When Lamb was just 3 years old, she began lessons at the Jackie O’Neal School of Dance, dancing competitively with her sisters for many years. At Pizitz Middle School, she was on the dance team as a member of the girls’ choir.

She joined Birmingham’s Red Mountain Theatre at age 9 after attending its summer workshop. She started out in RMT’s mainstage

A Whole New World

Vestavia Grad Nicole Lamb Swings onto the Stage in ‘Aladdin’ production of “Annie” as When she started theMolly and ended up ater, she began voice lesspending a decade with sons at the Amy Murphy RMT in its conservatory Studio in Mountain as well as performing in Brook. Lamb calls many other productions.

Murphy her “vocal Some of her favorite mama” and said Murphy roles include Jo March in has been by her side for “Little Women,” Olive many auditions, includOstrovsky in “The 25th ing helping prep her Annual Putnam County audition material for Spelling Bee,” and “Aladdin.”

Eponine in “Les Growing up in Misérables.”

Birmingham, Lamb was Now that she’s a proan enthusiastic audience fessional, her credits member at many shows include: Off-Broadway – and concerts at the BJCC “Relapse;” international/ and said she dreamed of national tours – “SIX” being an actor. That (Katherine Howard) and makes being part of Nicole Lamb “Junie B. Jones” (Junie “Aladdin” performances B.); and TV and film – in her hometown espe“The First Lady,” “Legacies” and “Son of the cially meaningful.

South.”

“Birmingham is full of so many young and Lamb said she’s very grateful to Keith talented artists, so I hope those who come to see Cromwell, executive director of Red Mountain the show are inspired to not give up on their Theatre, and the guest directors and choreogradream,” Lamb said. “If I can do it, so can you.” phers she was able to learn from and work with.

Courtesy

By Donna Cornelius

About the show:

From the producer of “The Lion King,” the Broadway hit “Aladdin,” presented by the American Theatre Guild, brings to life the title character, Disney princess Jasmine, and the unforgettable Genie.

Birmingham audiences will get a chance to see the Disney classic Jan. 24-28 at the BJCC Concert Hall.

The show features favorite songs from the 1992 animated film plus new music written by Tony, Grammy and Academy Award winner Alan Menken.

The show has been seen by more than 15 million audience members worldwide. For trivia buffs, there are 236 costumes in the show and 8,644 crystal rhinestones on each gold finale costume as the cast performs “Friend Like Me.” Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 24; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 25; 8 p.m. on Jan. 26: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Jan. 27; and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 28.

BroadwayinBirmingham.com, BJCC.org and the BJCC Concert Hall Box Office are the only official sources for tickets for Disney’s “Aladdin.” Show organizers say tickets purchased through other sources will not be guaranteed.

For more information, follow the production on Facebook @BroadwayInBirmingham and on Instagram @BwayBirmingham.

JAN 11 - JAN 25

entire family! When: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: McWane Science Center

Jan. 12 - 15

Tues., Jan. 16

Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration

Homewood Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon

Watch the Zoo come alive with larger-than-life, jaw-dropping wild animal and sea life lantern creations brilliantly lighting up the night. Where: Birmingham Zoo When: 5-9 p.m.

Featuring Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky’s Annual State of the City Address. The chamber recently announced that 2024 monthly meetings will be held at a new location, The Valley Hotel. When: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 12 Winter is Coming: Game of Thrones Cocktails

Pancakepalooza

Lumberjacks! Head down to the loggin’ camp for a morning of stories, games and pancake decorating (and eating!) When: 10 - 11:30 a.m. Where: Hoover Public Library Children’s Department

MLK Day 5K Drum Run

The 8th Annual MLK Day 5K Drum Run is back. The 5K will have an 8 a.m. start time, and the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk for youth ages 12 and under will begin at 9 a.m. When: 8 - 10 a.m. Where: History Park, Birmingham

Earth Matters Special Exhibit

WARHOL REVISITED | JAN. 12 - 26

AEIVA kicks off its 10th Anniversary celebration by revisiting one it’s most popular exhibitions to date and pulls from AEIVA’s impressive collection of original works by legendary artist Andy Warhol, along with loans from The Andy Warhol Museum and local art collectors. When: Opening Reception: Jan., 12. 5 - 7 p.m. Exhibit runs through Jan. 26. Tues. -Sat. Noon - 5 p.m.

Where: Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA) In nature, everything is connected: air, land, water. As you explore Earth Matters, look out for those connections along the way. Solve

Charles Lutz Triple Elvis, 2011 Silkscreen and aluminum paint on canvas with artist’s replica of the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board’s Stamp DENIED 82 inches by 72 inches.

Courtesy of the artist

complex challenges and push your own ideas to new heights. Earth Matters features thought-provoking and fully interactive exhibits for the

Magic Moments Magic Show

Stacye Hathorn of the Alabama Historical Commission will speak about the discovery of the slave ship Clothilde at the first monthly meeting of the year. When: 1 p.m. Where: Hoover Public Library

Jan. 19 & 21

Tues., Jan. 23

Opera Birmingham “Touch”

Sat., Jan.13

Sun., Jan. 21 As seen on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” world-class magician, David Garrard brings his special brand of magic to Birmingham’s Historic Lyric Theatre.

David’s mix of magic and music has made him popular with audiences throughout the United States for more than 50 years. The Magic Show also features an appearance by David’s friend and fellow magician, Tommy Ellison. When: 2-5 p.m. Where: The Lyric Theatre

Hoover Historical Society

Join Kelly Viall for an evening of Game of Thrones-inspired cocktails.

Ages 21 and up. Tickets are $20 and include two adult beverages and light refreshments. This event is sponsored by the Homewood Library Foundation When: 6:30 - 8 p.m. Where: Homewood Public Library

Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan Macy, John Macy (Anne’s husband), and Peter Fagan (Helen’s interpreter and star-crossed lover). When: Fri., 7:30 p.m. Sun., 2:30 p.m. Where: Red Mountain Theatre

The highly anticipated world premiere of a new opera, commissioned by Opera Birmingham, about the life of Helen Keller, celebrated 20th century deaf and blind author and activist, and Anne Sullivan Macy, her confidant and friend. The opera “Touch” picks up Birmingham actress where the play Alie B. Gorrie plays The Miracle the role of Helen Worker ends, Keller. exploring the complicated relationship between

Viva Vestavia

Enjoy food and wine tastings from area restaurants annual Taste of Vestavia Hills event, plus a silent auction! Proceeds benefit the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Foundation General and Scholarship Funds. When: 6:30 - 9 p.m. Where: New Vestavia Hills Civic Center

Wed., Jan. 24 Hoover Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon

Hoover Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon event will feature Mayor Frank Brocato’s update on the City of Hoover. When: 11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Hyatt Regency - The Wynfrey Hotel

About Town continued on page 6

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 5

presented by

Tickets on sale now!

Birmingham Museum of Art February 17–August 18, 2024 Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume is curated by the Walt Disney Archives.

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

Tickets:

6 • Thursday, January 11, 2024

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN Sat., January 27 Homewood Salamander Festival

Friends of Shades Creek annual event will feature displays with salamanders, fish, frogs, turtles and more, arts and crafts for kids to make, live music by The Swinging Slythereens, refreshments and more. When: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Where: Homewood High School gym Courtesy

Burns Night Homewood High School drum majors with HHS Band Director Chris Cooper, from left Jill ferderber, Lauren Brown, Maren Smith, Harper Sheils and Carter Cavin. The Patriot marching band is headed to Dublin, Ireland in March.

Patriots Marching Across the Pond Sean of the South and Three on a String Headline Concert for Homewood High Band Trip

The Homewood Arts Council is sponsoring a concert of comedy, storytelling and music on Feb. 4 to help fund the Homewood High School Marching Patriots’ upcoming trip to Dublin.

Members of the band will go to the Irish city March 12 to march in its 2024 St. Patrick’s Festival Parade.

“We are thrilled about this highprofile funding initiative by the Arts Council,” band director Chris Cooper said. “It creates an opportunity for us to reach a broader base of funding support from across the community for our band, who will soon represent the city of Homewood, as well as the state of Alabama and the United States, on a

world stage event. There is a genuine sense of pride for all of us in play here.”

Sean of the South will headline the council’s Sunday matinee concert along with special guest Three on a String.

Sean of the South, otherwise known as Sean Dietrick, has become a popular Southern humorist from his writings about life in the South, published in magazines such as Southern Living and Rider’s Digest as well as dozens of newspapers across the U.S. He’s also an author and appears in concerts where he tells stories and performs musically.

Appearing with him next month

will be the legendary Birmingham bluegrass band Three on a String.

Members Jerry Ryan, Bobby Horton, Brad Ryan and Andy Meginniss were inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 2023 for their more than half a century of performances.

The concert will be at 2:30 p.m. in the theater at Homewood High School.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward the $1 million budget needed to send the 338 high school students to Ireland.

Tickets are $40 and $30 for reserved seating and $20 for general admission. They can be purchased online at GoFan.com, the Homewood High School ticketing website.

WORLD PREMIERE

O’Neal library’s annual Burns Night Celebration, a tribute to the national poet of Scotland, Robert Burns.

Includes dinner (haggis for all!), music, dancing, and, of course poetry! When: 6 - 9 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library

The Eighth Annual Grace Gala

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and The WellHouse Junior Board aims to spread awareness about human trafficking through their annual Grace Gala which benefits The WellHouse and its operations, programs, and services. Gala ticket includes: dinner buffet, silent auction, open bar, live music and more. Black tie attire suggested. When: 6 - 10 p.m. Where: The Fennec

Tues., Jan. 30 Annual Member Celebration & John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture

The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens welcomes Steve Bender, also known as “The Grumpy Gardener,” special guest speaker for the organizations annual John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture. Bender is an award-winning author, editor, columnist, and speaker with nearly 40 years experience as garden editor, senior writer, and editorat-large for Southern Living magazine.

When: reception at 5:30 p.m. Annual member meeting and presentation 6 - 7 p.m. Where: BBG Linn-Henley Lecture Hall

Wed., Jan. 31 Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon

ORDER TICKETS!

OperaBirmingham.org | 205-322-6737

January 19 | 7:30 pm January 21 | 2:30 pm Presented by Opera Birmingham at RMT Arts Campus Open captioning and ASL interpretation provided.

Featuring the Alabama Symphony Orchestra

The Chamber will be hosting its annual luncheon, with lunch and networking opportunities. The Chamber will honor Jemison Visionary

Award winner local landscape designer, Nimrod Long. Where: Country Club of Birmingham When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Feb 1 - Feb 11 Til Beth Do Us Part

From the writers of “The Golden Girls” television program! A strong southern woman hires an assistant to help run her home as efficiently as her office.

When: Thurs - Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sun., 2:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Theatre

February 1-18 Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods”

From Broadway’s greatest and most innovative composer, Virginia Samford Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods.” Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, Sondheim’s magical score weaves classic fairy tales with the modern human quest for family, love and compassion. When: Thurs.

- Sat. 7:30 p.m. , Sun. 2:30 p.m.

Where: Virginia Samford Theatre

Fri., Feb. 2 Alabama Audubon Bird of the Year 2024 Gala

This first annual gala event will serve as a celebration of 2023—a stellar year for the nonprofit organization— and as a grand reveal of the mystery bird species chosen for 2024.

Inaugural event is a “creative” black tie affair and includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music and more. When: 7 p.m. Where: The Clubhouse on Highland.

Sat., Feb. 3 Jazz Cat Ball

Every year, in conjunction with Mardi Gras, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary Board hosts the Jazz Cat Ball, the social event of the season. Jazz Cat Ball is one of the largest animal rescue fundraisers in the South, including a black-tie gala, seated dinner, music, casino, and huge online and live auctions.

To accommodate the growth of this popular event, the GBHS Auxiliary decided to change venues to The Finley Center When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Finley Center

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 7

Condo Living at Its Finest: Come Home to The Tramont If location is everything, The Tramont, Birmingham’s up-and-coming premier condo community, has it all and more. Situated on the lower slopes of Red Mountain in the Redmont neighborhood, the building faces westward in a subtle allusion to its name.

“Tramont” is a derivative of “tramonto,” the Italian word for sunset. And therein lies one of The Tramont’s greatest assets: the views. Whether of a many-hued panorama as the sun sinks below the horizon or the sparkling lights of the city after dark, the views from The Tramont are stunning.

The Tramont is the vision of a team which includes D&A, a New York-based real estate development and design firm; Birmingham-based FiveStone Group, a family-owned and operated commercial real estate firm; and Ingram & Associates, the top new home marketing and sales firm in Alabama.

“The concept of The Tramont originated from a desire to create a boutique collection of residences in Birmingham, while also paying homage to the city’s history of enduring architecture,” said Evan Watts of D&A. “Inspired by Birmingham’s architectural gems, like the iconic terminal station, we are creating a timeless building that will inspire the community many years from now.”

Once completed, the building will house 28 luxury homes, including a magnificent 4,000 sq. ft. rooftop penthouse. Townhomes and flats will also be available, as well as options to combine units.

“It’s unusual for a building to have all corner condominiums, which The Tramont does,” said Margi Ingram of Ingram &

Courtesy

Associates. “At each corner, large living rooms open onto expansive balconies, allowing the indoors to flow into the outdoors, providing the perfect spot to take advantage of the views.”

Loaded with amenities, The Tramont offers a concierge doorman, 24-hour security, a wellness center with a gym, recycling and refuse areas on each floor and more.

Larger options provide ample space for family living; smaller, yet still spacious, options are available for singles, empty nesters, or retirees.

“Condo living hits on a lot of different lifestyles,” said Ingram. “More and more people are looking for ease of maintenance, and some just want to move back to the city.”

For homebuyers seeking the conveniences of urban living without the fast-paced lifestyle, The Tramont strikes a balance.

Nestled between Birmingham’s suburbs and its downtown urban core, The Tramont is within walking distance of English Village in one direction and Five Points South in another. Nearby are many of the city’s finest restaurants, theaters and parks.

“The Tramont represents what we’re seeing offered in cities like Nashville, Charlotte and Atlanta,” said David Silverstein, president of FiveStone Group, “and there’s really no reason that this type of residential product, which I would describe as understated elegance, shouldn’t be available here in Birmingham.”

For more information about The Tramont, contact Margi Ingram at Ingram & Associates at (205) 966-6095.

SATURDAY JANUARY 27TH FROM 9AM - 1PM Pelham Civic Center 500 Amphitheater RD Pelham AL 35124

Save BiG WiTh aaa - Explore a world of travel adventures and savings at the AAA Alabama Travel Show. Representatives from cruise lines, tour companies, hotels, attractions, and tourist boards will be on hand to answer your questions. There will be travel seminars going all day to give you a chance to learn about 2024's top travel destinations and how you can save on your vacations.

LIFE

8 • Thursday, January 11, 2024

I

t’s almost unimaginable. If you had told us years ago when we started this that we would be marching in London’s New Year’s Day Parade, we would have never believed it,” said Toni Dennis, founder of Birmingham’s groove krewe Magic City Disco.

But there they were Jan. 1, noon local time, boogeying their way from Green Park to the Palace of Westminster on a mission to bring the joy of disco to the streets of London. “They” in this case were members of Magic City Disco and its mother krewe, New Orleans-based Disco Amigos.

The opportunity had arisen when a talent scout invited Disco Amigos to march in the London parade. Members of that group realized they would need reinforcements and, because of their similarity and shared history, Magic City Disco was a logical choice. So plans were made, performers and support crews were recruited, practices were scheduled, and preparations for what proved to be a major undertaking began.

“People don’t understand how much work goes in something like this,” Dennis said. “Yes, it’s fun, and it looks like we’re just out there freestyling, but we actually have choreography, and we practice once a week for two hours. And that’s just regular practice. When we’re getting ready for a big performance or a big parade like this, we add practice sessions.”

Once everyone arrived in London, they practiced even more.

The day of the event, the twokrewe combo, which performed as Disco Amigos, headed to the lineup site armed with parade favors of bedazzled 45 records and Mardi Gras beads. Their performance was enthusiastically received by the crowd, and the group attracted enough attention to garner an interview by the BBC. “It was a magical trip for us to participate in London’s New Year’s Day parade,” said Leisha Harris, president of Magic City Disco. “The crowd loved us, and we loved them. We would welcome the opportunity to travel abroad and perform again.”

Groove Krewe

that parade with us, and that sort of sparked the idea of forming a Birmingham chapter of Disco Amigos.”

The chapter became a nonprofit on its own in 2019, officially becoming Magic City Disco. By 2022, the krewe was nearly 100 strong before dropping to a more manageable size in 2023.

“We now have about 50 performers and 20 to 25 people in support roles, which is a good

Magic City Disco Joins Disco Amigos in London Parade

‘If you had told us years ago when we started this that we would be marching in London’s New Year’s Day Parade, we would have never believed it.’

Courtesy

By June Mathews

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

On New Year’s day Magic City Disco was boogeying their way from Green Park to the Palace of Westminster on a mission to bring the joy of disco to the streets of London. The group, above, after the parade. Left, Magic City Disco board members before the parade.

How the Magic Began

The seeds for Magic City Disco were planted in 2017 as the result of a friendship between Dennis and two Highland Park neighbors, a husband and wife who moved from New Orleans to Birmingham in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The couple eventually returned home and later shared with Dennis that they had joined Disco Amigos, a social club based on the dance, music and culture of the disco era.

It all sounded like great fun to Dennis, so

Hey, Siri

Busy Mom Writes Book That Celebrates Differences

By June Mathews As a wife, mom of three under 3 and parttime nurse, Alexandra Gaskins is juggling multiple roles these days. But her busy schedule hasn’t stopped her from adding one more role to the mix. With her first children’s book, “I Have, Not I Am,” Gaskins became an author.

Inspired by two nieces, one with Down syndrome, the other on the autism spectrum, “I Have, Not I Am” was first and foremost written for Gaskins’ and husband Hunter’s own kids, Harper, Finn and baby Fallon.

“I wanted to normalize differences for my children at an early age,” she said. “I never

when her former neighbors invited her to dance with them in a 2016 New Orleans Mardi Gras parade, she couldn’t resist. She signed a shortterm lease on an apartment and began traveling back and forth between Birmingham and New Orleans to learn the dances. Before long, Dennis was hooked, and four years later, she still had the apartment and was still dancing with Disco Amigos.

In the meantime, Dennis needed some practice buddies close to home, so she recruited a few friends, who recruited a few friends, and before long, the group had grown to 14.

“I think what makes this so special is I did not set out to do this; it just sort of happened,” Dennis said. “Then we decided to get together, dress up disco and do the Doo-Dah Day parade.

Some of the Disco Amigos came up here to do

wanted them to be shocked to see someone who is different but to rather instinctively include them as they would any other kids.”

After searching for books that would teach them those lessons and finding none that she felt addressed the subject head-on, Gaskins decided to write a book that did, and now it is available so other kids can benefit from it, too.

“I didn’t want other parents seeking such resources and coming to the same conclusion I did,” she said.

Becoming a children’s author fulfilled a lifelong idea for Gaskins, an idea she wasn’t fully compelled to pursue until she became a mom.

But once the concept for “I Have, Not I Am” came to her, it wouldn’t leave her alone.

“Letting it remain ‘just an idea’ was not an

number” she said. “You kind of have to balance quality over quantity.”

Since becoming Magic City Disco, the group has done approximately 160 performances, requiring an organizational structure that ensures everything gets done.

“We are constantly busy, so in addition to our board of directors, we’ve formed a uniform committee, a choreography committee, a staging committee and a support committee,” Dennis explained. “It takes all of us to make things happen, but everybody who does it loves it.”

As if a gig like the London parade weren’t enough for a while, Mobile’s Mardi Gras season begins in mid-January, and Magic City Disco will be performing in some of the parades. They’ll be accompanied by the Groove Machine, a 70s-type van outfitted with a DJ stage on top.

In addition to parades, Magic City Disco performs at events such as the Annual Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off, Homewood Christmas Parade, Dancing With the Stars of the Magic City, and others.

“We’re a hit everywhere we go, but we don’t try to be,” Dennis said. “That’s what’s funny. We know we’re there to entertain an audience, and we know we have ‘fans,’ but we’re really entertaining ourselves.”

For more information on Magic City Disco, visit magiccitydisco.com, search for @magiccitydisco on Instagram, or look for Magic City Disco on Facebook.

option,” she said. “It lingered in the background of my thoughts until its completion. Rhymes would come to me at the most inconvenient times. In the middle of a diaper change, for instance, I’d yell, ‘Hey, Siri, create a note,’ so I wouldn’t forget whatever had popped into my head.”

Preserving those thoughts paid off in a series of charming, upbeat rhymes, each addressing a difference that kids may encounter in other kids or may even be dealing with themselves. Those differences range from Down syndrome to wearing glasses, from being wheelchair-bound to having curly hair.

Working with Gaskins to bring the book to life was illustrator Kelly Wallace, the daughterSee GASKINS, page 9

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

GASKINS From page 8

in-law of Jill Wallace, Gaskins’ history teacher at Spain Park High School.

“When I was dreaming this book into existence, I went to social media to see if anyone knew of an illustrator,” Gaskins said. “Jill replied that she did, and when I saw Kelly’s work, it was exactly what I had imagined. Her work is whimsical, inclusive and inspired by a greater picture, which made my words and her art mesh well.”

Gaskins has designated a portion of the profits from “I Have, Not I Am” to Unless U, a local non-profit organization that promotes growth and independence in adults with disabilities.

“I have several ties to Unless U, so supporting their cause just made sense,” Gaskins said. “My niece (the cheerleader in her book) is an Unless U student, and I graduated from Samford University with the founder, Lindy Cleveland. I was fortunate enough to do readings at Unless U and their new Post Place campus, and the atmosphere at both is overwhelmingly positive.”

Another Book for a Broad Issue

In terms of future work, Gaskins has another book churning around in her head, one that also was inspired close to home.

“I have a copyrighted draft called ‘Getting to Dream,’ so stay tuned,”

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 9

LIFE Homewood’s Harry Morales Earns Eagle Rank After Project for Bell Center Homewood High senior Harry Morales, a member of Boy Scout Troop 79 at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Vulcan District Eagle Board.

During his years in scouting, Harry earned 22 merit badges, was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s national honor society, and held the

she said. “It’s about a little girl who loves bedtime, and I hope to publish this book in 2024.

“And yes,” she laughed, “it’s also an effort to get the professional procrastinators at my house to go to sleep when it’s time.”

As for the book she’s already written, Gaskins hopes that “I Have, Not I Am” will encourage not only her own kids but other kids to accept and celebrate their own differences, as well as those of others. She also hopes it will motivate adults to set an example.

“We all have characteristics that make us different, but they only contribute to what makes each of us unique,” she said. “I want to inspire others to always be open-minded, inclusive and kind.”

“I Have, Not I Am” is available for purchase on Amazon.com.

“And to anyone who reads or purchases the book,” said Gaskins, “a review on Amazon would be much appreciated to help spread the word!”

leadership roles of assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leader and den chief.

He has gone on multiple adventure trips and campouts, including white Harry Morales water rafting on the Ocoee River and traveling to the

Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in Islamorada, which included seven days of sailing, snorkeling and fishing off the Florida Keys.

Harry also attended the Philmont Scout Ranch for its high adventure trek, which included 12 days of hiking and backpacking a total of 60 miles through the northern New Mexico mountains.

Harry’s Eagle project was at The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, in Homewood. He designed, planned

and constructed two outdoor sensory flower beds for children with special needs. The flower beds will provide a space for children to expand their sensory experiences for years to come.

Morales is the son of Stacey and Scott Morales. He is a member of Patriot Pride Ambassadors at Homewood High, Beta Club, Key Club and National Honor Society. He also is a member of The Bell Center Youth Alliance and All Saints’ Episcopal Church.

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10 • Thursday, January 11, 2024

SOCIAL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

A Christmas Presentation

Photos by Dee Moore

19 College Seniors Presented During Redstone Club Ball

Leigh Preston Block, Elizabeth Barnes Manley, Gabriella Grace Dorman, Marguerite Alice Sprain

Margaret Lyle Logan, Emily Wilson Skowronek, Sarah Wahwiece Keller, Lucy Estes Wilson

Lauren Campbell Walston, Elizabeth Ellis Witherington, Frances Carter Hyde, Barbara Bugg Holloway

Catherine Cole Goodrich, Lucy Jemison Alford, Mary Katherine Fowlkes, Alice Alden Monk

T

he Redstone Club’s 116th Christmas Ball was held Dec. 16 at the Country Club of Birmingham, with more than 150 members in attendance.

The 19 presentees, all college seniors, wore traditional long white dresses with gloves and carried simple flower bouquets. They were accompanied by escorts in black tuxedo tails.

The Redstone Club’s 121st president, Nelson Straub Bean, and his wife, Kimberly, presided over the presentation, receiving curtsies from each of the young women following their walk down the packed ballroom.

This year’s ball chairman was James Hughes Hancock Jr. Carole Sullivan decorated with a Christmas theme for the seated dinner, which preceded the ball, as well as the presentation, held inside the East Room of the Country Club.

The presentee class of 2023 included Miss Gilder Scout

Carruthers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Neely Carruthers III; Miss Mary Katherine Fowlkes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stratton Fowlkes IV; Miss Catherine Cole Goodrich, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Michael Goodrich II; Miss Elizabeth Barnes Manley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Young Manley Jr.; Miss Alice Alden Monk, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hunley Monk III; and Miss Lucy Jemison Alford, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. David Wiley Alford, sponsored by Mr. Charles Kennedy Porter.

Miss Eugenie Joyce Allen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard David Allen Jr., sponsored by Mr. William Blackwell Robinson; Miss Catherine Louise Belser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Warren Belser III, sponsored by Judge Jack Dabney Carl; Miss Leigh Preston Block, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Charles Block, sponsored

Catherine Louise Belser, Eugenie Joyce Allen, Gilder Scout Carruthers

by Dr. Charles Henry Colvin III; and Miss Gabriella Grace Dorman, daughter of Mr. Evan Clifford

Dorman and Ms. Walker White Dorman, sponsored by Mr. William Bew White III.

Miss Barbara Bugg Holloway, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas Holloway, sponsored by Dr. Charles Edward Bugg; Miss Frances Carter Hyde, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cabot Wardlaw Hyde, sponsored by Mr. Nelson Straub Bean; Miss Sarah Wahwiece Keller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Carlton Keller, sponsored

by Mr. William Elliott Matthews V; and Miss Margaret Lyle Logan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Christopher Logan, sponsored by Mr. William Oliver Vann.

Miss Emily Wilson Skowronek, daughter of Mr. Craig Edward Skowronek and Ms. Louisa Tynes Skowronek, sponsored by Mr. William Shields Tynes; Miss Marguerite Alice Sprain, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Henry Sprain Jr., sponsored by Dr. Thomas Alexander Symington Wilson Jr.; Miss Lauren Campbell Walston, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

2023 Club President Nelson Straub Bean and wife Kimberly with Ball Chairman James Hughes Hancock, Jr. and wife Leigh

Banks Walston, sponsored by Dr. Charles Edward Bugg; Miss Lucy Estes Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Collier Wilson, sponsored by Mr. Gilbert Egloff Johnston Jr.; and Miss Elizabeth Ellis Witherington, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Edward Witherington Jr., sponsored by Mr. Frank Mobley Young III. A pre-ball luncheon was held Dec. 15 at the Mountain Brook Club during which presentees were introduced to club members and heard about the long history of the event and the club.

Also represented were five members of the 1973 presentee class, whose

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 11

SOCIAL

50th anniversary was celebrated.

The 1973 deb class consisted of Margaret Nouna Chenoweth, Mary Allen Perry, Margaret Anne Spencer, Elizabeth O’Neal White, Mary Gertrude Yeates, Margaret Berkeley Yeates, Bettie Woodson Banks, Kathleen Diane Burns, Martha Bradshaw Cox, Laetitia Kelly Frothingham, Margaret Hall, Pauline Hall, Mary Stuart Johnson, Virginia Walker Johnson, Lucie Monette King, Rebecca Diane McWhorter, Patricia Flintoff Morgan, Laura Kettig Murray, Marie Louise Clarke O’Neal, Serena Fitz Randolph, Gloria Ann

To: From: Date:

Sherrill, Dorothy Norment Simpson and Ivy Vickery Wittichen.

Musical accompaniment during the ball was arranged by music chairman John Rembert Simpson. For the cocktail party, the debutante presentation and first dance, the Choka Aiken Quartet set the musical atmosphere.

Following the presentation, the Atlanta Allstars band from Atlanta took the stage, turning the formal setting into a rocking dance hall that kept the presentees and their escorts, along with a few hardy members, dancing late into the evening.

Ladies committee members who worked on the event were Jane Huston, Leah Abele and Shannon Holt.

The 2023 Redstone Club officers are Nelson Straub Bean, president; Robert Murphy Couch, vice president; Thomas Neely Carruthers III, secretary-treasurer; John Glenn Cobbs, traditions chairman. ❖

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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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12 • Thursday, January 11, 2024

SOCIAL

Bond, Deb Bond

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Photos by Dee Moore

Debutante Club of Birmingham Presents Young Ladies During Bond-Themed Ball

Ann Inskeep, Eugenie Allen, Marguerite Sprain, Catherine Belser, Virginia Cobbs

Liz Vandevelde, Helen Carson, Florie Vogtle, Marilyn Joyce, Ann Vandevelde

Tess Patton, Mary Katherine Fowlkes, Jane Gresham, Cate Jones

Rosemary Lee, Anne Carlton Clegg, Abby Murphree, Ella McDonald

The Debutante Club of Birmingham celebrated its 94th year by honoring 22 young ladies at a black-tie affair held Dec. 28 at Mountain Brook Club.

The honorees wore long white gowns, while their guests wore black cocktail attire, reminiscent of the first Debutante Club party, in 1929. Escorts wore ivory dinner jackets.

Guests of the ball received elegant black and white invitations with a white “007” wax sealed medallion, a nod to the James Bond theme of the event.

The honorees and their escorts ate dinner together before the party, dining on gold sequined tablecloths with centerpieces of giant martini glasses filled with green hydrangeas to mimic olives.

Decorator Robert Logan transformed the clubhouse into a stunning and elaborate combination of Bond movie silhouettes and movie scenes. A staged, Bond-themed front lawn greeted guests as they arrived at 9 p.m. to see an Aston Martin, 007 of shining silver glitter and giant-sized dice and diamonds.

Mountain Brook Club’s front porch was transformed into a scene from “Casino Royale,” complete with red carpet lined with velvet ropes, lights and stars. Guests stepped into the club and walked through the mouth of a Chinese dragon as seen in “Skyfall.”

A 10-piece band from Atlanta, Rhythm

Nation, played in the ballroom, which was covered from floor to ceiling with vintage Bond movie posters and red lights, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and excitement.

Illuminated Bond silhouettes were displayed throughout the club for a fun-filled night of glamour for the debutantes and their guests.

Members of three generations – from grandparents to parents and debutantes – celebrated the event, along with friends and family from near and far.

The 2023 debutantes and their escorts were Eugenie Allen and Reid Gaston, Catherine Belser and Parker Schell, Helen Carson and William Wood, Anne Carlton Clegg and John David Jones, Virginia Cobbs and Ben Harris, Ella Dorman and McCoy Patterson, Mary Katherine Fowlkes and Lewis Fischer, Jane Gresham and Cam Holmes, Ann Inskeep and Graham Kaplowitz, Cate Jones and Grant Abele, Marilyn Joyce and Peyton Haley, Libby Kerr and Hayden Roberts.

Rosemary Lee and Sam Snoot, Libba Manley and Reid Freeman, Ella McDonald and Griffin Vail, Abby Murphree and Will Bellande, Tess Patton and Johnny Nathan, Marguerite Sprain and John Paul Butrus, Addison Tierney and Jeffrey Mason, Ann Vandevelde and Crawford Golden, Liz Vandevelde and Davis White, and Florie Vogtle and Austin Sikora. ❖

Ella Dorman, Addison Tierney, Libby Kerr, Libba Manley

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

50 Years of Dancing

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Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 13

Pickwick Dance Club Kicks Off Anniversary Year

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Pickwick Dance Club members kicked off their 50th anniversary year with a Christmas Brunch at the Birmingham Country Club.

About 100 members gathered in a room at the club where tables were decorated with red table cloths and red poinsettias. They sipped on bloody marys and mimosas and were served a brunch of quiche, cheese grits, fruit salad and sweet rolls. The brunch was arranged by Charlotte Kearney and Peggy Lee. Co-presidents and founders of the club Kelley Gage and Grace Whatley announced plans for a grand party to be held in February to celebrate the club’s semicentennial. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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Queen of Hearts

Beaux Arts Krewe Ball to Present 24 Young Ladies and Name a Queen Twenty-four young women will be presented at the 57th annual Beaux Arts Krewe Ball on Feb. 9 at Boutwell Auditorium.

The Mardi Gras ball’s Queen of Hearts theme also will embrace Alice in Wonderland.

On the night of the ball, in traditional Mardi Gras style, a queen and two ladies in waiting will be named from among the young women, and the rest will remain princesses.

Princesses being presented are Margaret Armstrong Belden, Ellie McRae Benck, Carolyn Campbell Boyd, Katherine Wade Bradford, Sally Patton Bussian, Katherine Hilda Caine, Mary Evelyn Coleman, Elizabeth Anne Wilkinson Crommelin, Anne-Marie Harris Dunn, Mary

Douglass Evans, Payton Elizabeth Flynn, Francis Eleanor Hagan, Sarah McCarty Huddle, Lily Anna Joyce and Mary Caroline Kracke.

Also to be presented are Fagan Wetherbee Leitner, Liles Bridges Morton, Sarah Bibb Petznick, Mary Carolyn Sink, Olivia Ann Sproule, Evelyn Frances Stutts, Lydia Catherine Styslinger, Ila Danielle Worthen and Katherine Noble Yelverton.

The Krewe was created to support the Birmingham Museum of Art and has been doing so for more than 50 years. It contributions to the Krewe Acquisition Fund have allowed the museum to spend more than $1 million to buy important European paintings, sculptures and drawings. ❖

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16 • Thursday, January 11, 2024

WEDDINGS

This Magic Moment

Jack Royer and Lillian Askins Lalo were married on September 22, surrounded by their immediate families overlooking the city of Birmingham outside the Inn Room at The Club.

By Madoline Markham Koonce

F

or many, the day of the solar eclipse in August 2017 might have brought back memories of wearing paper glasses and looking up at the sun.

For TV news journalists Jack Royer and Lillian Askins Lalo, it was a day to return to their old stomping grounds at Mountain Brook Junior High School to speak to Sharon Flowers’ broadcasting class – a class they each had taken as students six years apart.

Little did To add a personal touch, Lillian they know designed a logo with “The when they Royers” in a script that looked met that day similar to The Club’s logo. how TV ties in Birmingham would bring them together again in far more significant ways – and eventually to share wedding vows.

Fast forward to December 2021. Jack, who is the son of longtime Birmingham news anchor Mike Royer, was working as an anchor on the morning news show at CBS 42. Lillian was going through the darkest time of her life after losing her husband, Chris – who, after years battling mental health struggles, took his life in See MAGIC, page 20

An American Dream

Ukrainian Couple Opens Wedding Dress Atelier After Relocating to Birmingham

By Madoline Markham Koonce

An answer for their next steps came through Uniting for Ukraine, a U.S. government proykola Vyshyvanyuk’s gram that connected them with a host family in dream to design wedding America. By the time the Vyshyvanyuks arrived dresses came true in 2013 in a place called Vestavia Hills in November in Lviv, Ukraine, but then 2022, they were provided with a home, car and it came to a sudden halt access to schools through their hosts Ed and when Russia invaded Natalie Cotter and donations they had gathered.

Ukraine in February 2022.

Olena, an engineer by training, started working He and his wife, Olena, sent their three chilas a case manager for Ukrainian refugees and dren to live with grandparents in Greece and Mykola worked in alterations.

France and started using their A few months into their atelier’s sewing machines to new life, Mykola told Olena ‘We came with make vests for soldiers. No he wanted his old life back one needed wedding dresses nothing, and then with the joy that came with anymore. designing wedding dresses. we were able to Nearly two years later, his Olena remembers being dream got a new American open this shop. It’s unsure whether that dream chapter, this time in even possible for refucrazy and happy.’ was Birmingham with his shop gees who’d been in the counNiEl’ Bridal Atelier. try less than a year. But when After staying in war-torn Ukraine for six they met with REV Birmingham, an economic months and as it seemed the war would not end development nonprofit, and showed them photos soon, Mykola and Olena started thinking about of their dresses from Ukraine, they learned it what to do next. They wanted to reunite their was in fact possible to open a business in their family, but the prospect of moving was chalnew home. lenging, especially since they had such little With guidance from REV, NiEl’ Bridal See DREAM, page 18 income since the war started.

M

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Photo by Claire Hodges of CB Photography

Jack Royer and Lillian Askins Lalo’s Connections on TV News Led to Marriage

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

With guidance from REV, Mykola Vyshyvanyu, above, and his wife Olena reopened NiEl’ Bridal Atelier in Forest Park almost a year to the day after they moved to the U.S.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Birmingham Museum of Art The Birmingham Museum of Art is an elegant and modern venue, suited to host any wedding event, such as engagement parties, bridal luncheons, teas and showers down to the ceremony and or reception.

“If you choose the Museum for your wedding, you can utilize all of our public spaces – Oscars Café, with the dramatic spiral staircase; the Eighth Ave. Lobby, which has the colorful blown glass art created by Dale Chihuly adorning the wall; and the multi-level Charles Ireland Sculpture Garden outside,” said Special Events Manager Jestina Howard, above. “ You can have the Museum art galleries open for your guests to tour and we only book one private event after 5:00pm when we close to the public. So, you and your guests will have the entire Museum to yourselves,” Howard added.

Howard’s Wedding Planning Tips

“One: Consider hiring a wedding planner or

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 17

WEDDINGS

coordinator. They can make the process of planning your wedding stress free. Planners handle all of the details from beginning to end such as logistics, event design, contract negotiations, booking vendors and the day-of execution of your event. Coordinators handle some day-of logistics, but on a shorter timeline. They usually begin helping you prepare a week or month before the wedding and function as your day- of point person.”

“Two: Think about the three most important aspects you want for your special day. Are those aspects the food, specialty drinks, decor or entertainment, etc.? Prioritize the three things and stick to them.”

“Three: Decide on your wedding style/theme - is it traditional, contemporary or rustic? Focus on this so you stay aligned with your complete event vision.”

Birmingham Museum of Art is located at 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., 205-2542681 or email plananevent@artsbma.org

Bromberg’s As we welcome 2024, we have much to celebrate, especially the many holiday engagements! At Bromberg’s we enjoy making all our couples feel special, from picking out the engagement ring and wedding bands to creating a wedding registry tailored to each couple’s individual tastes…and even giving away a getaway car for one of our registered couples!

In 2023, we held a summer long contest for all couples who created a bridal registry at Bromberg’s. Teaming up with Dream Drives Birmingham, the lucky couple received a classic vintage getaway car with a chauffeur to use on their wedding day! Karley Nemeth and her now husband Richard Beale were our winners, and they ended their big day by riding away in a 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Serving the brides and grooms in our community is a plea-

sure, and we enjoyed doing something extra special for one of our couples this past year.

If you’re recently engaged, we invite you to create a wedding registry at Bromberg’s!

Nothing compares to the helpful service you will receive working with our expert bridal consultants, and you’ll find an unmatched selection of fine china, casual dinnerware, crystal, silver, and home décor. Other benefits of creating a Bromberg’s registry include discounts for attendant and hostess gifts, 20% off wedding bands, special giftware promotions, and our Gift Letter program, which reduces the amount of returns and duplicate gifts and allows couples to take advantage of special offers and seasonal sales.

Couples can register at Bromberg’s located in Mountain Brook Village and The Summit or online at www.BrombergsBride.com.

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18 • Thursday, January 11, 2024

JB & Co.

DREAM

Private Jeweler, John Bromberg maintains a return to an old-world artisan approach to fine jewelry. In an industry that is increasingly focused on mass production, JB & CO chooses to focus on the unique, with specialties that include bridal, custom, estate and antique jewelry.

From page 16

and The American Society of Jewelry Historians. John’s longstanding relationships within the industry offers the unique opportunity for his clients to purchase fine jewelry at an exceptional value. JB & CO was named “The Best Jeweler” in Birmingham.

For the full JB & CO experience, we recommend making an appointment. “Collect with us,” says Bromberg.

JB & Co. is located at 1 Office Park Circle, Suite 201, Mountain Brook, AL 35223. 205478-0455.

Website: www.JBandCoJewelry.com Instagram: @ JBandCoJewelryMountainBrookAL Facebook: JBandCoJewelry

JohnBromberg@JBandCoJewelry.com 205.478.0455 | JBandCoJewelry.com One Office Park Circle | Suite 201 | Mountain Brook, AL 35223

Atelier opened in Forest Park almost a year to the day after the Vyshyvanyuks moved to the U.S. The bright, white showroom showcases dresses on mannequins in its windows. In the back right corner stands a large cutting table – Mykola’s first purchase for the new business. Photos of Mykola’s dress designs from photo shoots in the Ukraine line a wall.

The name NiEl’ is a combination of Mykola and Olena’s names in Greek – the names they were going by when they met in Greece, where Mykola attended fashion school. The Vyshyvanyuks’ shop in Ukraine carried the same name.

Photo by Alex Pogorielov

John Bromberg is a sixthgeneration GIA trained jeweler with memberships in the prestigious Diamond Dealers’ Club of New York and The American Society of Jewelry Historians.

At a time when individual service and privacy is of the utmost importance, Bromberg personally works with his clients to select or create just the right piece for the occasion, always adhering to their style and budget.

Whether it is a diamond engagement ring, a special piece for your day or repurposing your jewelry into a new heirloom, JB & CO can help you. His collection of estate jewelry comes from the finest jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, Verdura, as well as, designers Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany, Ilias Lalounis, Pierre Sterle’, Elizabeth Locke, Katy Briscoe, Chopard and Ippolita. John also has a select collection of coveted watches from Cartier, Patek Philippe and Rolex.

John Bromberg is a sixth-generation GIA trained jeweler with memberships in the prestigious Diamond Dealers’ Club of New York

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

WEDDINGS

American Learning Curve

Although alterations was not Mykola’s dream job, he did work on many dresses for Birmingham brides and learned the styles that are popular here and the extent of alterations needed when brides order dresses that aren’t custom fit.

That, in turn, has him excited to create custom dresses for brides from his new shop.

“Every bride can change whatever she wants,” he said.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 19

WEDDINGS

The Vyshyvanyuks said their three daughters, ages 7, 12, and 14, are adjusting to school at Vestavia Hills Elementary East, Pizitz Middle School, and Alabama School of Fine Arts.

LUCY WANTS

YOU

Photos by Alex Pogorielov

TO COME IN AND

REGISTER! Photos of Mykola’s dress designs from photo shoots in the Ukraine line a wall of NiEl’ Bridal Atelier in Forest Park.

To begin the design process, a bride-to-be goes in to discuss styles she likes and show the ideas she has, and from there Mykola creates a sketch of a dress. At that point, Mykola orders fabric for the dress and begins work. The process usually takes six to eight months, allowing time for fabrics to be shipped from Europe.

When NiEl’ first opened in Ukraine, business was quiet at first, the Vyshyvanyuks recall, but not in Birmingham. Before they even opened, a bride came by and told them she had seen their dresses in the windows and wanted to design one.

For now, the shop creates only custom dresses, but Mykola plans to build a collection soon, all with labels that say, “Made in Birmingham.” He also makes dresses for first communions, flower girls and mothers of the bride, and he can redesign a mother’s dress for her daughter’s upcoming wedding.

The Vyshyvanyuks said they were unsure at first about moving to a smaller city from Lviv, but they have found they like Birmingham.

Their three daughters – ages 7, 12 and 14 – are adjusting to school at Vestavia Hills Elementary East, Pizitz Middle and Alabama School of Fine Arts. The oldest is in the art program at ASFA, the middle is on the math team at Pizitz and the youngest, who spoke no English when they arrived, is quickly learning the language of a new country.

The family also has connected with other Ukrainians in the area to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day in August and Christmas in

2841 Cahaba Road Mtn. Brook Village • 879-5277 M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-4 www.thecookstoremtnbrook.com December.

The Vyshyvanyuks are among what Olena said are more than 600 Ukrainian newcomers in Alabama and more than 100 in Birmingham since the war began. Their experience here has been akin to the American dream, she said.

“We came with nothing, and then we were able to open this shop. It’s

crazy and happy. I hope people can see us and understand that, yes, it’s hard to start from zero, but here you can in the USA.”

When someone walks into your life and suddenly you can't remember NiEl’ Bridal Atelier is at 701 37th how you ever lived without them...

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This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Jan. 14, 2021 issue.

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MAGIC

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

WEDDINGS

recalled. tance.

And so, on Sept. 22, they married Their dating routine was far from conventional as Lillian was working 3 surrounded by their immediate famiFrom page 16 lies overlooking the city of a.m. to noon and Jack was working August 2021. When she had the Birmingham outside the Inn Room at 2-11 p.m. one time zone away. Jack opportunity to fill in as traffic anchor The Club. The minister from would often take a direct Southwest on that same morning show, she took Michael’s school, the Rev. Madison flight from Tampa to Birmingham on it.

Roberts of Mountain Brook a weekday morning and let Lillian At the time, she was focused on Presbyterian, officiated, and their nap after her shift while he picked up her 3-year-old son, Michael, and family tossed conMichael from working on the show. She and Jack fetti as the service school for “guy From the start, the ended. Michael became friends and encouraged each time,” and the three other in their work. as the ring of them would be couple envisioned a served With time, their care for one bearer – a job he together for two wedding that would took very seriously. another grew. After Jack moved to days before Jack Tampa for a job as a weekend news Lillian, who flew back to be intimate and anchor at an NBC station and Lillian grew up watching Tampa. simple. took Jack’s former job as an anchor at her interior designEventually, the CBS 42, they began dating long diser mother and two knew they architect uncle, planned details for wanted to marry. the wedding that, in Jack’s words, One day in March 2023, Lillian made it “magical.” OnSite came home from work to find Productions added draperies to the Michael at the door.

“Hi, Mom,” he said. “I have a sur- ceremony site to create an elegant atmosphere, and Celebrate prise for you.”

Birmingham installed large white She walked in to find balloons and gold balloons to add whimsy for floating and Frank Sinatra’s music a cocktail reception that followed. playing. Jack got down on one knee Lillian wore a simple knee-length to propose with an oval cut diamond dress with bell sleeves and arranged ring from Bromberg’s while Michael the flowers herself the day of the ran around with a balloon, excited to wedding. She carried white, pink, red be a part of the day. and yellow blooms from Costco to Sweet, Personal Ceremony create a “breezy, happy” vibe.

From the start, the couple enviJack’s mom, Amy, who previousVintage Interiors sioned a wedding that would be intily owned a cake business, baked a Antiques & Vintage Wares mate and simple. gluten-free white wedding cake, in a for the Home & Garden “I wanted it to be small and sweet nod to Lillian’s dietary habits, that and have nothing come between us 2838 PELHAM PKWY their friends raved about. For the 205-620-1900 focusing on what we are doing, cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, VINTAGEINTERIORSAL.COM which is getting married,” Lillian champagne and drinks were passed, and John Hollingsworth played acoustic guitar music.

To add a personal touch, Lillian designed a logo with “The Royers” in a script that looked similar to The Club’s logo and ordered matchbooks, a gold sign and acrylic drink tabs with the logo from Etsy. A store in Tampa also made custom cigars with the logo that Jack smoked with a handful of friends at the end of the night.

Neither Lillian nor Jack found the day stressful, and they felt they got to visit with the people who came.

“It wasn’t about Instagram, it was n about the relationship,” Lillian said.

The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646 Because the wedding was on a 8, 2023 Friday night, they were able to make This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the it to the Ole Miss-University of Alabama game the next day – Lillian Dec. 14, 2023 issue. Please email approval or changes. is an Ole Miss grad and Jack a UA grad – before leaving on a honeyPlease make sure all information is correct, moon Jack planned in Santa Barbara, including address and phone number!

California.

Since then, Jack has started a new job as a weekend anchor at WSVN Thank you for your prompt attention. in Miami, a station he had watched for years knowing it was a model used around the country for news stations. He and Lillian have started a new chapter of their lives, this time living in the same city.

Birmingham will always be home for them, though, as well as the place where their stories converged.

“There’s no way we could have predicted it and I don’t think either 5299 Valleydale Road, Suite 111 of us ever would have wished for the 980-9030 things that have happened, but to get southeasternjewelers.net to know her in this way has been the (1/4 mile off 280) greatest gift of my life,” Jack said.

Lillian Askins Lalo and Jack Royer married in an intimate ceremony overlooking the city of Birmingham with Lillian’s son Michael, age 5, serving as their ring bearer.

Photos by Claire Hodges of CB Photography

20 • Thursday, January 11, 2024

Jack Royer and Lillian Askins Lalo with Sharon Flowers at their wedding above.

The couple met for the first time in 2017 when they returned to their old stomping grounds at Mountain Brook Junior High School to speak to Flowers’ broadcasting class—a class they had each taken as students six years apart. Lillian ordered matchbooks, a gold sign and acrylic drink tabs with the logo off of Etsy to play off the venue. A store in Tampa also made custom cigars with the logo that Jack smoked with a handful of friends at the end of the night.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

FOOD

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 21

Here’s Your Fresh Start!

New Year, New Attitude About Nutrition

By Susan Swagler “All foods fit.”

How’s that for a fresh start – nutritionwise – to the new year?

Those words came independently from both Sophie Burge Dolan and Sonthe Burge. They are registered and licensed dietitian nutritionists who also happen to be related; Sophie is Sonthe’s daughter. Through their separate clinical practices, these two women have helped people of all ages learn to eat better and feel better.

Meet the Experts

Sophie Burge Dolan MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered licensed dietitian nutritionist and a Birmingham native. She has practiced clinically for eight years. Sophie lived in Boston and worked at Boston Children’s Hospital for six years in the gastrointestinal, surgery and endocrinology departments.

In 2022, she moved back to Birmingham and started her own private practice, Sophie Dolan Nutrition, where she specializes in gastrointestinal disorders and weight-management concerns for children and adults.

She provides one-on-one nutrition counseling, education and corporate wellness workshops.

In her free time, she teaches dance fitness classes and enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with her husband, their 6-month-old baby and their friends.

Sonthe B. Burge, RDN LDN, is a registered licensed dietitian nutritionist and a home cook who has helped scores of women and men achieve their wellness goals. Sonthe has taken a break from her nutrition counseling practice and from Samford University, where she served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and was instrumental in starting Samford’s Wellness Kitchen.

She continues to practice her love for cooking simple, delicious and nutritious meals at home for her friends and family. She is a member of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Birmingham District Dietetic Association and Les Dames d’Escoffier International Birmingham Chapter, and she’s an advocate for trusted sources of food and nutritional information.

What do they advise?

We asked Sophie and Sonthe for nutritional advice, because if you plan to start a diet during this new year, you probably won’t stick with it.

Just saying. Most people don’t; restrictive diets have high rates of failure.

So, how do you lose the diet mentality, create a positive relationship with food and move forward in a healthier way?

The key is to start with small changes, create a

sustainable plan, make healthy eating easy on yourself, and get expert advice. This is how you can set yourself up for success in the new year.

Start small.

Small changes can lead to big benefits. They should be realistic and achievable, which makes them easier to maintain.

“Start small with one thing you want to do,” Sonthe said. “It can be as simple as ‘I’m going to read food labels and reduce the amount of sugar in some of the things that I like to buy.’” Lots of salad dressings, for instance, have added sugar.

“So, look for one that has either no added sugar or a little bit less added sugar, or learn to make your own.”

Sophie said she counsels her clients to be more mindful.

“We are all way less mindful than we used to be. We’re on our phones or we’re watching television while we’re eating, so we’re not tuning in, we’re tuning out, and that’s a problem. We can easily overeat. That’s something I definitely work on with my clients – slowing down, mindful eating, really listening to our body, and stopping when we’re satisfied versus stopping when we’re full.

“And then just find ways to move more every day,” Sonthe said. “It doesn’t have to be a lot, but we do need to move more.” Maybe you start with a walk during lunch one or two days a week. “We know that exercise increases our metabolism, so it gives you energy. It increases our positivity and helps with mild depression, too.”

Both women point out that we often forget about the calories we drink. Sweet tea, soft drinks, fancy coffees and alcohol easily add up in a day and over longer periods of time.

Fiber is something most Americans do not get enough of in their diet, Sophie said – that and water. Intentionally adding a source of fiber and just drinking more water each day are easy changes to make and monitor.

“People focus sometimes on outcomes instead of behaviors to get them to the outcome,” Sonthe said. “So instead of focusing on your weight, focus on behaviors that will help you get leaner and stronger, if that’s your goal. Or if you’re having GI issues that are troubling to you, focus on behaviors that you can do to help minimize those.”

Make your changes sustainable.

“I think a lot of people are just wanting to follow the ‘new sexy nutrition recommendation,’ and I’m really more about what’s sustainable,” Sophie said. “We need to keep it simple – with your fruits, your vegetables, your whole-grain products, your proteins. There’s so much nutrition noise out there, it’s sometimes hard to know what to do.”

Aim for “streaks,” Sonthe said. “By creating streaks and by seeing that you’ve done the same thing over and over, you’re creating a pattern and that becomes sustainable. Diets, shots and meds — that’s a short-term fix. And then what do you do after that? Studies show you gain (the weight) back, plus more.”

Creating streaks of healthy habits can keep you accountable, too, Sonthe said. And it can be as simple as keeping up with how many days you walk or move, how many days you’ve felt good, how many days you’ve hydrated properly.

“Focus on how you feel instead of necessarily how your clothes fit; eventually you’re going to

like the way your clothes fit.”

A great way to begin to recognize patterns and habits and keep up with your streaks is to journal the foods you eat and how much you move. One method for doing that is using the MyFitnessPal app.

As far as dealing with setbacks, Sophie advises her clients to “get in front of it.”

Setting reasonable expectations is key. She sits down with her clients to look at what kinds of goals they are setting. Are the goals realistic for their lifestyle? How are they going to accomplish them?

“I find that so many people are biting off way more than they can chew right now,” she said.

“Really, the key to keeping things sustainable, to keeping things going, it’s taking small steps. So, maybe I’m just going to focus on breakfast for these next couple weeks. I’m going to make sure my breakfast is really well-balanced. Once I master that, then I’m going to start thinking about drinking more water, or I’m going to move my body for 10 minutes every day.” It’s important to remember, she said, that “health and wellness is a journey. It’s never linear.”

Take it easy.

Sophie and Sonthe are adamant about making things easy on yourself –whether you’re cooking for one or two or, especially, if you’re feeding a family.

Think of this as practicing self-compassion, Sophie said.

“It’s really interesting,” Sonthe said, “that there have been some studies on the top stressors that people face, and what to feed your family is in the top three. It’s up there with financial problems and worrying about your children. It causes a lot of anxiety and stress and takes up a lot of mental space for people.”

Meal planning is key to easier healthy eating.

“I think the number one thing is we have to have a little bit of a plan,” Sophie said. “I don’t necessarily mean we have to sit down and think about every single thing we’re eating for the rest of the week. But we … have to have healthy foods in the house. I want to make those fruits and the vegetables and the nutrient-dense foods just as easy to grab as that bag of chips.

“It’s really difficult to eat healthfully without planning ahead,” Sophie added. She suggests a schedule of sorts. “Monday night’s always pasta.

Tuesday’s always going to be some sort of taco night. Wednesday is going to be pizza night. It gives you a framework.” Then mix it up: pasta can be meatless or spaghetti and meatballs, tacos can be tacos or quesadillas or a taco salad.

Try these tips.

• “Have all the ingredients on hand for at least one recipe to make at home,” Sophie said. It’s a convenient back-up plan that takes some of the stress off you.

• Instead of a “batch cooking day,” have an easier and faster “batch prep day,” Sonthe said. Go ahead and chop the ingredients you’ll need for the week and put them in the freezer. Likewise, if you only need half an onion or a bell pepper for a recipe, chop the entire onion and pepper and put the leftovers in the freezer.

• Use minimally processed foods or convenience ingredients such as pre-washed or pre-

RECIPES Simple Vinaigrette (for all your salads and bowls)

Yield: ½ cup Time: 5 minutes Ingredients ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup Salt & pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl, or simply shake them in a lidded jar to incorporate.

Tzatziki Sauce (great with chicken, fish, Greek meatballs and all fresh veggies, or use as a spread on sandwiches, wraps and pitas) Yield: 1 cup Time: 10 minutes Ingredients 1 cup Fage yogurt 2% or 5% 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 English cucumber ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped 1 large clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix one cup yogurt with kosher salt in a small bowl and place back in the refrigerator.

2. Peel English cucumber and chop into small pieces. Squeeze and drain the cucumber through a colander or with paper towels until dry. Try to get most of the liquid out.

3. Remove yogurt from the refrigerator and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add cucumber, dill, garlic and lemon juice. Stir and taste; adjust seasonings if necessary.

chopped fruits and vegetables or even a rotisserie chicken to make meals come together faster.

“Don’t underestimate the power of a rotisserie chicken,” Sonthe said. “You can take that chicken and put it in a soup, you can put it on a salad, you can make tacos.”

• “Beans don’t take a lot of preparation but are super nutritious and fast,” Sophie said. “I even love the 90-second rice packets.”

• Frozen vegetables are a nutritious shortcut to quick meals, and they often are already chopped.

• “Upgrade some of your cooking utensils,” Sonthe said. “Get a really nice nonstick pan.” Treat yourself to some good knives so you can prep easily and safely. “All you need are two knives. You need a chef’s knife and a paring knife, right? But make sure they’re good.”

Get good advice.

“All foods fit. They really do,” Sonthe said.

“What that means is that you don’t have to be overly restrictive of certain foods. You need to

See FRESH START, page 22

22 • Thursday, January 11, 2024

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

FOOD/SPORTS

FRESH START

THE 2023 ALL OTM HIGH SCHOOL FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM

Resources

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: eatright.org.

Jamie Vespa MS, RDN + Chef: @ dishingouthealth.

Pinch of Yum: @pinchofyum.

Eating Well: eatingwell.com.

All Recipes: allrecipes.com.

New York Times Cooking: cooking. nytimes.com.

Erica Baty MS, RDN, CDE @ itsaflavorfulllife Dr. Yum Project: recipes.doctoryum. org (Meal-o-matic lets you create your own recipes!)

Harvard, The Nutrition Source: hsph. harvard.edu/nutritionsource.

Sophie Dolan: sophiedolannutrition. com

Members of the 2023 All OTM High School Flag Football Team are, front, from left: Taylor Kindred, Hoover; Mallory Ogle, John Carroll Catholic; Emily Stricklin; Spain Park; Zyian Heligar, Spain Park; and Chenell Hunter, Spain Park. Back: Christiana Belcher, Vestavia Hills; Layne Turner, Vestavia Hills; River Riley, Vestavia Hills; Emily Spooner, Vestavia Hills; Julia Rose, Vestavia Hills; and Lindsay Green, Vestavia Hills. Not pictured, McKenzie Stribling, Hoover.

GILMER From page 24

be the next head football coach of the Buccaneers.

The Hoover Board of Education assembled in one meeting room at the Hoover Met last Thursday while media gathered in the Michael Jordan Room.

“It was a special board meeting,” Hoover Principal Jennifer Hogan said, “so he could get started.”

Wade Waldrop, the Bucs’ coach the past two seasons, resigned recently with a 16-9 record, including 5-7 in 2023. He recently was named the new head coach at Orange Beach.

Hoover Athletics Director Harley Lamey said the process of finding a replacement included bringing in people from the community, including youth coaches, parents and people who work at the school.

“We were trying to get a good cross section of people that had a vested interest in our program

because this is an amazing program,” Lamey said. “Surprisingly, it lined up with what we wanted. The same thing we wanted, they wanted.”

Lamey said the search yielded

‘I’ll be honest with you. We’ve got no rivals. We’re our own rivals. The competition is us. No one else.’ “one guy” – Gilmer.

“There’s a lot of people that absolutely love Hoover football, and with good reason,” Lamey added. “I tell people all the time, this is the flagship program in the state, and I’m not just talking about football. There’s no doubt in my mind that Hoover High School is the standard.”

The Bucs indeed set the standard for high school football in the state.

Former coaches Rush Propst and Josh Niblett won 11 state championships from 2000 to 2017 and Berry High, which Hoover High replaced, won two before that.

Impressive Start

Gilmer, 39, began his career as an assistant at his alma mater, Pinson Valley High. Jerry Hood, now the coach at Leeds, hired him as an assistant in 2010 at ClayChalkville.

Gilmer compiled an 81-12 record at Clay-Chalkville and won Class 6A state championships in 2021 and 2023.

Hood proudly stood in the back of the room as Gilmer was presented as the new head man at Hoover.

“In my opinion, he’s one of the top three or four coaches in the state of Alabama,” Hood said. “I think he is well suited, coming from where he came from and the success he’s had of running an organization this big. I think he will do a fantastic job.

“The guy’s won two of the last

three (Class 6A championships) and he has obviously put out a bunch of good players and promoted his player. There’s opportunity for kids and, in a Hoover situation, you’re searching around for the best coach. At this time, he’s won two of three (and) lost 12 games in seven years. That’s pretty dang good.”

During the 2023 season, Gilmer led the Cougars to victories against two defending state champions – Saraland in the 6A final and, during the regular season, Thompson, the then four-time defending Class 7A champion and a Region 3 rival of the Bucs.

That’s if the Bucs truly have rivals.

“I’ll be honest with you,” Gilmer said. “We’ve got no rivals. We’re our own rivals. The competition is us. No one else.”

The new Hoover coach has been married to his wife, Lauren, for 13 years. They have a 9-year-old son, Will, and a 7-year-old daughter, Georgia Claire.

SWIM From page 24

with a time of 1:28.53.

Their performances enabled Vestavia Hills to finish second to Huntsville in the boys 6A-7A team competition with 252 points. Huntsville posted 348 points to capture the school’s eighth consecutive 6A-7A state championship.

John Carroll Catholic junior Emerson Schneider came away with two gold medals in the girls 1A-5A competition. She won the 200-yard free in 1:59.65 and the 500-yard free in 5:19.53.

Cavaliers senior Michael Helton took silver in the boys 1A-5A 1-meter diving event with a score of 324.95.

Hoover junior Lucy Benoit claimed bronze in the girls 6A-7A 1-meter diving competition with a score of 315.35.

Spain Park’s girls 6A-7A, 400-yard free relay team of eighth grader Carrie Corgill, freshman Josie Corgill, senior Ella Browning and freshman Anna Grace Lynch earned bronze with a time of 3:44.35.

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

understand how they fit into a well-balanced plan. That’s something a dietitian can help with.”

“I love to share with people that they don’t have to have a problem to come see me,” Sophie said. “I have clients who just come and say, ‘OK, I’ve run out of dinner ideas for my family; help me out.’”

She adds: “Most people with BlueCross BlueShield have three to six free nutrition appointments a year, with no co-pay. Most people don’t know that.”

The Affordable Care Act expanded access to nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian or a registered dietitian nutritionist for many people; check your individual plan for details.

Because everybody eats, everybody can benefit from expert advice.

A dietitian understands the science of nutrition and can look at your specific situation, your specific needs and can tell you how to go about meeting those needs with real food, they both said.

“A dietitian can also provide accountability and motivation,” Sonthe said. “We’re actually trained to do all of that.”

“We’re not the food police,” Sonthe added. “I used to meet people and they’d say, ‘Oh, you’re a dietitian.

You’re going to tell me what I can’t eat.’ I’m absolutely not going to do that.” It’s more about how to eat what you love and eat it in a healthier way, she said.

“It’s so important that we eat the foods that we enjoy,” Sophie said.

“That is a huge part of wellness and nutrition. I want it to be approachable and sustainable, relatable.”

Having a trusted source for nutritional information is like “giving yourself a promotion,” Sonthe said.

“Taking care of yourself is so important. Take time to sit down and talk with someone — with a registered dietitian — about how you can feel better and meet your nutrition goals.”

Think of it, she said, as an investment in yourself.

Photo by Scott Butler

From page 21

Homewood sophomore Samantha Griffin earned gold in the 100-yard backstroke.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Camper Leaving Retirement to Coach Briarwood Volleyball Team

While retirement and life on the farm has been a welcome reprieve for Chris Camper during the past two years, it is hard to keep a good coach off the court.

Camper will be returning to the sidelines next fall, taking over as Briarwood Christian’s head volleyball coach.

“My family and I are extremely excited and honored to be joining the Briarwood family,” Camper said. “We are truly committed to building a volleyball program through our Christian principles that the Briarwood community will be proud of.”

Camper replaces Carly Cline, a former Briarwood player and assistant coach who was the Lions’ head coach during the 2023 season, guiding the team to the Class 6A South Super Regional and finishing with a 33-18 record.

“Carly did an amazing job last year with this team and they had a really good year,” Camper said.

Camper brings an impressive resume to Briarwood, which includes a career coaching record of 772-304, 11 Elite Eight appearances, seven Final Four appearances and three title game appearances.

He was head coach at Spain Park, Mountain Brook and Hoover during a 25-year career before retiring in

Thursday, January 11, 2024 • 23

SPORTS

As Hoover’s head coach in 2020, Chris Camper led the Bucs to the Class 7A state championship title and finished the season ranked fourth nationally with a 50-1 record.

2021.

As Hoover’s head coach in 2020, Camper led the Bucs to the Class 7A state championship title and finished the season ranked fourth nationally with a 50-1 record. That year, Camper was named the Volleyball Magazine National Coach of the Year as well as earning American Volleyball Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year.

Briarwood is ecstatic about

bringing Camper aboard.

“We could not be more excited to have coach Camper joining our staff,” said Sara Wilson, the Lions’ women’s athletic director. “His heart for developing athletes as young women, as players and as women of faith has been evident from our first conversation, and we truly believe that is our purpose in education here at Briarwood.

“Chris is honest and direct, and he has been super transparent with us from the start. He will be a great addition to our school community, and our volleyball program will certainly thrive under his leadership.”

One of the main factors that drove Camper to retire was the desire to spend more time with his wife, Joanna; his son, Carson, 19; and his daughters, Jordan and Makenna, 12 and 8, respectively.

The past two years gave him the opportunity to do just that, and he will continue to prioritize his family and their farm while coaching at Briarwood.

“It’s a great opportunity for my family and me to be here,” Camper said. “I’m excited to be here and build this program.”

Camper’s wife will serve as a member of his coaching staff, and his daughters will both be students at Briarwood in due time.

HEPP From page 24

Mexico and an under-23 Argentina team.

Goldfarb, who lives in Mountain Brook, has been involved with the Maccabi USA organization since 2009, called the games his coaching swan song. In his blog after the U.S. beat Argentina 3-2 in a 121-minute marathon in its final game, Goldfarb wrote: “In closing my final chapter of coaching, I must say that in my entire career, I have never been

‘In closing my final chapter of coaching, I must say that in my entire career, I have never been more proud of a bunch a players and team than I was in this one.’

mination and heart. It made me well up with more pride than I have ever felt in any soccer game I have been involved in.

“We may not have won the gold medal, but we won the hearts and respect from everyone watching. I Acrylic on am thankful to our players and my assistant coach, Ryan Jones, who won two gold medals playing for me in 2013 and 2017 in Israel. He was truly a blessing to coach with.”

Acrylic by Maya Eventov

PRESTON GOLDFARB, U.S. MACCABI TEAM COACH

more proud of a bunch a players and team than I was in this one. It was truly my proudest moment in coaching to see every player exhausted and literally playing on one leg, while continuing to play with deter-

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Thursday, January 11, 2024 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

‘Friends for Life’

Homewood’s Hepp Recounts Amazing Experience in Maccabi Games

By Rubin E. Grant

H

omewood High School math teacher Ryan Hepp returned home last weekend after the experience of a lifetime.

Hepp traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Christmas Day to represent the United States National Maccabi team in the Pan American Maccabi Games. He was one of 20 soccer players selected from the U.S. “It’s been pretty amazing,” Hepp said by phone just before leaving Argentina. “It’s

‘When Coach Goldfarb asked me, I was at a loss for words. It’s been a childhood dream to represent my country playing soccer.’ been the best soccer experience I’ve ever had. The level of play was the highest I’ve ever played at.

“I got to play with a group of guys who are amazing people as well as amazing soccer players. I made friends for life.”

The Pan Am Maccabi Games are a multi-

sport event for Jewish athletes from around the world and are conducted similarly to the Olympic Summer Games.

Hepp, 26, is a Homewood alum and helped lead the Patriots to a soccer state championship in 2014. He played collegiately for Birmingham-Southern. He is currently Homewood’s junior varsity girls coach.

A few years ago, Hepp was playing semipro for the FC Birmingham soccer team. The team’s former coach, Preston Goldfarb, who was the U.S. Maccabi team coach, is the one who invited Hepp to join the national team.

“When Coach Goldfarb asked me, I was at a loss

Camper Leaving Retirement to Coach Briarwood Volleyball Team Page 23

for words,” Hepp said. “I was excited and nervous at the same time. It’s been a childhood dream to represent my country playing soccer.”

Hepp, a center back, didn’t expect to play much, but because of some injuries to other players, he was pressed into action.

“He wasn’t expected to start, but we had a top player drop one week before we left with a severe foot injury who had played for me in 2013 and 2017, winning gold both times,” Goldfarb said. “Ryan had an outstanding tournament being thrown in at the highest level with outstanding players surrounding him on our team. I am so extremely proud of Ryan for adjusting so well to this level and excelling every minute of every game.”

Hepp’s younger brother, Eric Hepp, a midfielder, also was on the team. Eric Hepp helped Homewood win the 2018 state championship.

“Eric sustained a concussion against Argentina but played very well,” Goldfarb said.

Ryan Hepp relished the opportunity to play alongside his brother.

“It made it very memorable.”

The U.S. team finished the Games with a 2-2 record, missing out on the medal round on the fourth tiebreaker.

They beat Argentina, the reigning Pam Am champs, and Uruguay, the reigning world champions, but lost to See HEPP, page 23

Accepting the Call

Gilmer Takes Reins as Hoover’s Head Football Coach

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. It was the golf game that Drew Gilmer won’t forget, even if one detail is a little fuzzy.

Gilmer was playing a round of golf with his family at Top Golf near Uptown Birmingham when his cellphone began to ring. At that point, the now former Clay-Chalkville High School football coach couldn’t think about whose turn was next to take a swing.

“I don’t know,” he said. “When I got it, I knew it was Hoover calling. I gave up my turn.

I was going to make sure I answered that phone call.”

When he did pick up, he answered the call of Hoover High School, accepting an offer to

See GILMER, page 22

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

The 2023 All OTM Flag Football Team Page 22

Lucy Comer, a seventh grader competing for Vestavia Hills, claimed gold in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle.

Lakeshore Athletes Come Up Golden at AHSAA State Swim Meet

By Rubin E. Grant Lucy Comer and Samantha Griffin are usually teammates on the Lakeshore Foundation’s youth swimming team, the Lakeshore Typhoons.

But in the 64th AHSAA Swimming and Diving Championships on Dec. 1-2, they competed for their schools at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center on the Auburn University campus. And both came away with gold in the AHSAA Class 6A-7A adaptive division.

Comer, a seventh grader competing for Vestavia Hills, claimed gold in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle. Griffin, a sophomore competing for Homewood, finished second to Comer in the 100 free and earned gold in the 100-yard backstroke.

Comer’s time in the 50 free was 37.96 and in the 100 free it was 1:25.87. Griffin finished the 100 free in 1:32.29 and won the backstroke in 1:41.95.

In other events, Vestavia Hills junior Ari Azrad claimed gold in the boys 6A-7A 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:38.30, and he took silver in the 100-yard butterfly in a time of 50.15.

Teammate Aiden Tillis, also a junior, took bronze in the 500-yard free with a time of 4:38.97.

The Rebels’ boys 400-yard freestyle relay team of Azrad, Tillis, freshman Andrew Hilsmer and senior Hunter Carroll claimed silver with a time of 3:10.60. Their 200-yard relay team of eighth grader Bennett Lowther, junior William Lazenby and seniors Patrick Ball and Cade Rubin took bronze in the 200-yard free relay See SWIM, page 22