OTMJ 12.15.22

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022

2 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

Inside

Murphy’s Law

A THE LAST LEG Charities brace as the Mercedes Marathon prepares for its final run PAGE 10

HOLIDAY PARADES Mountain Brook and Homewood celebrate the season with annual parades PAGES 12-13

WORKING LATE Singing Santa brings 40 years of joy to children PAGE 35

SPARTANS LEAD THE WAY The 2022 OTMJ All-Over the Mountain High School Football Team PAGE 44

ABOUT TOWN NEWS LIFE SOCIAL

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

HOLIDAY CARDS SENIORS SCHOOLS SPORTS

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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.

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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.

A Christmas Snuggle

group of sloths is called a place. You love these people. They snuggle. Did you know that? I love you. They’re not really a murder didn’t. of crows or a quiver of cobras … very I’m sure the animals themselves often. They’re just family, and whether don’t worry about such labels. They you feel like it right now or not, you’re don’t look around and count to see if blessed to have them in your life. they’ve reached an official snuggle People are complicated creatures. quorum. I’m not sure why we worry They’ve come to this place carrying about the names either, but somebody their successes and failures, their gifts somewhere went to the trouble to and their wounds. They’ve held on come up with one for a lot of these through an entire year of unseen chaos gatherings. A prickle of porcupines? A and struggle and doubt in order to smack of jellyfish? A knot of toads? make it to this place in this moment.

Sue Murphy The guy must have had a ball.

Why? To celebrate a love that tranFew of us will ever come upon a scends all that noise and disappointprickle of porcupines, but we might ment, a moment in a faraway time land smack dab in the middle of a They’re not really a that changed every moment going holiday gathering of people who can They might not think about murder of crows or forward. sling barbs with the best of them. it during the family throw-down There will be Uncle Jim, who a quiver of cobras … Scrabble game, but it’s the truth. knows everything (just ask him), So, take one more deep breath, very often. They’re refuses to relinquish the only reclinturn around and go back inside. just family ... you’re Listen to Uncle Jim’s stories. Throw er and insists on holding forth like a parliament of owls. (And just for a “No kidding!” every once in a blessed to have them in the record, “Who cares?” would not while to show you’re paying attenin your life. be a kind response.) Everyone tion. Compliment the cook. All of knows that Aunt Ida and Aunt Grace them. Say you really shouldn’t, but have been circling each other for you’re just going to have to have a years and will seize this opportunity to not-so-subtly small slice of everything. It will make them smile. And say things like the ham looks a bit skimpy for the numwhile you’re at it, you should smile, too, and laugh ber of people gathered, or the mashed potatoes might every time you get the chance. Laughter is good for have been creamier if someone had used whole milk, what ails everyone. and if you had let her host like she wanted, at least all After dinner, well fed and well loved, you might of the dinner plates would have matched. gather around Uncle Jim in the living room to form a Admittedly, it’s a lot, and you may grow weary of bloat like the hippos. That’s OK. You can deal with the running interference. That’s fair, but being the designat- fallout in your New Year’s resolutions. ed family peacemaker, you need to at least try. If you I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I do. With start to falter, let your sister tag in for a while and take good food and good company and good memories a few moments to step outside. I don’t care if it’s below made. And while a snuggle of sloths sounds wonderful, freezing. Breathe in the crisp night air, look up at the I hope your holiday is as much fun as a barrel full of stars, and remind yourself why you’re there in the first monkeys.

Over the Mountain Views

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

J O U R N A L December 15, 2022 Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writer: Anne Ruisi Photographer: Jordan Wald Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd

HO HO HOLIDAY GREETINGS from OTM STUDENTS! Cover art for this year’s HOLIDAY CARDS ISSUE is by Reese Duffy, a 2nd grade student at Inverness Elementary. See more than 200 holiday cards from Over The Mountain area students beginning on page 26.

Vol. 33, No. 10

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 2022 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.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We’ll see you again on Jan. 12, 2023

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 3

ABOUT TOWN

The Shops of Canterbury Road Hospitality and unique gifts found in the local shops of Canterbury Road in Mountain Brook Village

Ten inch glass tree with gold glittered ornaments.

Antique English Boxes various styles and sizes to choose from.

Antiquities, 205-870-1030.

The Classic Set includes 18” Classic Pearl Necklace & Pearl Drop Earrings, $208.

ExVoto, 205-538-7301.

Kelim trucker hats, no two are alike! $54 each Paige Albright Orientals, 205-877-3232.

Stackable diamond bangles designed by Mother Daughter Designers!

Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, 205-982-4888.

Christine’s on Canterbury, 205-871-8297.

Exploring these unique shops along Canterbury Road, conveniently located in the heart of Mountain Brook Village, is a great way to spend the day holiday shopping for everyone on your list!

Luxurious bath bombs dissolve in a warm bath and treasures are revealed!

Marguerite’s Conceits, 205-879-2730.

Sparking Everyone’s Fire.

Artful Living and Home Decor.

Patina, 205-802-9805.

Keep toes cozy with Barefoot Dreams supremely soft socks, crafted from heathered Cozy Chic fabric.

The Village Poodle, 205-423-5443.

4 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

Another Wacky Tacky Christmas

LG LG H TLO S EEE SSSS , M O L D , LESS LLITIG L IH H TH STTTSSS N ON N LSELSLB S SSSG LIG SGH ,G, ,LM LLLD U N G M O B UB GU SM ,SISO M O D , DD, , , LNEO B UO S ,UG D ,O IG H L NO OGB BU S MO Load Into Buses and Tour the Town’s Themed, Outrageous Light Displays EIEEL A ESH A SR IO LS Y SSS M EEER O O M S SMOKE ILILLYYY O RO O M O SS O O OSR M U SKKH SAA LSIY M O K E O R M O E AESA YISS O K EO R M U SU H RH OR O M SM M HU R O OR M M OK ORU RSM M U H O OM MSSSS M

Some of the wackiest, tackiest Christmas lights in town will shine in all their electric glory during the Tacky Christmas Lights Tour (205) 825-FIRE (205) 825-FIRE Wacky (205) 825-FIRE (205) 825-FIRE (205) 825-FIRE (205) 825-FIRE fundraiser for Fresh Air Family this month.

CAMPFIREWOODFUEL.COM CAMPFIREWOODFUEL.COM CAMPFIREWOODFUEL.COM CAMPFIREWOODFUEL.COM CAMPFIREWOODFUEL.COM CAMPFIREWOODFUEL.COM The two-hour bus tours on Dec. 13, 15, 20 and 22 take riders on a guided excursion of the best of the area’s tackiest themed holiday displays – think Santa’s Trailer Park, Dueling Neighbors, Star Wars Christmas, Hanukkah House, the Auburn House and two new houses, Saddle Up Santa and Xmas on a Limb. There will be about a dozen large displays and several smaller ones on view.

“The magic of it is you sit on the bus and we drive,” said Verna Gates, Fresh Air Family’s founder and executive director, noting that families,

DEC 15 - DEC 31 Thru. Jan. 16 Birmingham Zoo Glow Wild

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

sororities and Sunday school groups are among those who’ve taken the tour.

The tour, now in its 13th year, is festive, with a lot of laughs, and riders really get into the spirit of the occasion by wearing their tackiest holiday sweaters and outfits. It’s a large event, with nine buses running on tour nights and about 1,500 people expected to participate over the four evenings, Gates said.

The buses will make a stop at Soho Social in Homewood about halfway through the tour, where riders can take a short break and order hot cocoa and other drinks, Gates said.

Buses, provided by Rare Transportation, will run every 15 minutes from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., starting at Cahaba Brewing Company.

Tickets are $45 each and are available online at freshairfamily.org/ wacky-tacky. Buses are available for private group tours.

Fresh Air Family is a nonprofit that offers about 400 outdoor activities to reach more than 10,000 people.

Among the programs are family outings, summer and holiday camps, school field trips, hiking, canoeing, birding, star gazing, fossil hunting and orienteering.

Last year’s event raised close to $25,000 in financial aid awarded to more than 150 children who attended camp. In the past three years, Fresh Air Family has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate.

—Anne Ruisi

Fri., Dec. 16

Thru Dec., 19

UGLY SWEATER HOLIDAY PARTY

Alabama Theatre Christmas Movie Series

Celebrate Ugly Holiday Sweater Day at the Hoover Public Library at an adults-only party. When: 7 p.m.

Where: Hoover Library Plaza Wing.

Thru Dec. 18

SUMMIT BOULEVARD | 205.870.9477 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @LevysatGusMayer

Cozy up to RMT’s annual Holiday Spectacular – a gift of your favorite music of the season, performed by Birmingham’s best talent and RMT’s Youth Ensembles. It will leave your heart glowing and set the stage for a magical holiday season. When: Showtimes vary

Stock

Red Mountain Theatre Holiday Spectacular

Alabama Theatre’s Christmas Movie Series continues with night time and matinee showings of Holiday classics including: “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “A Christmas Story”, a Cartoon feature that will include “Merry Christmas Charlie Brown”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, “White Christmas”, I”t’s a Wonderful Life”, and “Elf”.

Children ages two and younger are free of charge. Doors open 1 hour before showtime, and each screening will begin with a singalong accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Where: The Alabama Theatre When: Showtimes vary, check website for details.

ABOUT TOWN continued on page 6

Courtesy

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN

It’s gonna be LIT. Experience the breathtaking animal lantern creations of Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo November 16 – January 16. Every ticket purchased goes directly to supporting the Zoo and the animals so get yours today at birminghamzoo.com.

Presented by

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 5

6 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN Dec. 15 - 31

care to the state’s injured and orphaned native birds and to raise awareness and appreciation of the state’s native wildlife. When: 9 a.m.2 p.m. Where: Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham

It’s A Wonderful Wonderful Life

Be a member of the studio audience as this Ravenswood Radio Theatre Production takes you back in time to the 1946 radio broadcast of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with a stellar cast of six, an original musical underscore and live foley sound effects that bring the entire town of Bedford Falls to life. When: Showtimes vary Where: Homewood Theatre

Handel’s Messiah

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

Dec. 16 & 17 “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”

Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”. When: Fri., Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 17, 11 a.m.

Where: Birmingham Children’s Theatre

Dec. 16 - 23 Vulcan Park Magical Nights Holiday Experience

2718 19th Place South, Homewood 205-322-3538 architecturalheritage.com Follow us on Instagram for our daily sales architecturalheritag3

Vulcan Park and Museum has been transformed into a delightful wonderland filled with holiday lights, holiday music, special guest appearances, and Santa. The Anvil and Museum will have extended hours until 8 p.m.

There will also be food, hot chocolate, wine and beer available for additional purchase. When: 6-8 p.m. Where: Vulcan Park and Museum

MAKING INNOVATION A TERRITORY LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME

MAGIC OF MODEL TRAINS | THROUGH DEC. 31

Discover trains of every shape and size inside this exhibit of locomotive displays. From covered bridges and a crowded downtown store fronts to multiple train stations, a thunderstorm and a drive-in movie theater this exhibit will keep curious minds entertained for hours. When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: McWane Science Center

Dec. 16-18, 21-23 George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

The Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world licensed by The Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday masterpiece. Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. When: showtimes vary Where: BJCC Concert Hall

Sat., Dec. 17 Pure Fitness - Reindeer Dash

Ready, Set, Dash! Pure Fitness’s 6th

$3,050.00

Available in Alabama exclusively at

2701 Cahaba Road | Mountain BrookVillage 205.871.7060 | bartonclay.com

Annual 5k and 1 mile fun run. Dress up as your favorite holiday character for a morning of family fun. When: 7:30-10 a.m. Where: Pure Fitness 1425 Montgomery Highway

Meadow Brook Run

The 28th anniversary of “Birmingham’s most beautiful course”. Christmas holiday T-shirts, gift bags, awards, and great food.

Prizes for overall winners. Love Birds release. Benefits “The Jesus Video Project of Alabama” When: 9 a.m.

Where: Valley Bank, Hwy 280

Alabama Wildlife Center Holiday Craft & Bake Sale

This fundraiser craft and bake sale will benefit the center’s dual mission to provide medical and rehabilitative

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra Masterworks series continues with the orchestra’s most beloved holiday tradition. For the first time in several seasons, the production will include almost every movement of the original work. The performance will feature conductor Jason Max Ferdinand, soprano Helen Huang, mezzo-soprano Ann McMahon Quintero, tenor David Tayloe, bassbaritone Frank B. Mitchell, III and the orchestra chorus under the direction of Dr. Philip L. Copeland.

When: 7 p.m. Where: Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall

Dec. 17-18 Photos with Santa

Santa returns for your family photos at Sims Garden in Homewood.

Includes 10 minutes with Santa, refreshments and a gift. For more details or to make appointment email to sims-garden.square.site When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Where: Sims Garden

Sun., Dec. 18 Sounds of the Season

Celebrate the holidays with Opera Birmingham’s annual concert of holiday songs, featuring both sacred and secular tunes. Featured performers include Birmingham natives Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk, soprano, and Emily Jaworski Koriath, mezzo-soprano, joined by artists of the Opera Birmingham Studio at Samford University and the Opera Birmingham Chamber Choir. When: 2:30 p.m. Where: Brock Recital Hall, Samford University

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

ABOUT TOWN Sun., Dec. 25

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 7

Come see us in Lane Parke!

Sat., Dec. 31

Noon Years Eve

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

TREADWELL

What: Enjoy spectacular science demonstrations all day long, but be ready to celebrate with the McWane team from 11:30 to noon for an explosive program filled with science, learning, and a lot of fun. When: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Where: McWane Science Center Website: mcwane.org

Alys Stephen’s Center New Year’s Eve: A Viennese Celebration

GRAND MENORAH LIGHTING | SUN., DEC. 18

The Festival of Lights begins this day and the Summit is celebrating with a Grand Menorah Lighting. Music, latkes and donuts, juggler, snow, baloon twister and more. This event is a collaborative project of the LJCC, Chabad of Alabama, the Birmingham Jewish Foundation - Karl and Gladys LJCC Fund, and the Birmingham Jewish Federation. When: 4:30 p.m.

Where: Saks Plaza, the Summit.

Tues., Dec. 20 Menorah Lighting

Enjoy refreshments and activities at the Vestavia Hills Menorah Lighting!

When: 6:00 p.m. Where: Vestavia Hills City Center

Levi and Mushka Weinbaum with their children, from left, Shaena, Mimi, Menny, Zira and Tzvika at last year’s Grand Menorah Lighting.

Wed., Dec 21 Samford String Quartet

Celebrate the season with a holiday concert with the Samford University String Quartet. Light refreshments.

When: 11 a.m. Where: O’Neal Library

Toast the end of 2022 with a nod to the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Day performances and a glass of bubbly.

Maestro Carlos Izcaray will take the podium to lead the ASO in a selection of Strauss family favorites and more.

When: 6 p.m. Where: Jemison Concert Hall

NYE at the BMA

An evening of the unimaginable.

Reflect on the year while immersing yourself in the culture, excitement, and surprises that accompany a never-before-seen countdown to a new year. When: 8 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Where: Birmingham Museum of Art

Sun., Jan. 1

Happy New Year!

ETC 5 x 6.25"

TREADWELL BARBER SHOP has temporarily relocated across the parking lot to:

330 Rele Street, Lane Parke, Mountain Brook 205-870-9210 Tues. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Sat., 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

NEWS

8 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

Collaborators

By Rubin E. Grant

A First

“Shuttlesworth” is the first featurelength documentary J Whitson has produced, a job that took three years.

For the Shuttlesworth documentary, which includes never-before-seen footage of the civil rights pioneer, J Whitson brought in T. Marie King.

She is a community organizer and activist who travels to cities across the nation, leading social justice and equity projects in a number of sectors including the arts.

In Birmingham, her film work includes designing the short film and Black Lens programs for the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. This year, King also curated the nonprofit’s inaugural Black Lens Film week, a series of films produced and directed by Black filmmakers.

“T. Marie knows anybody and everybody in Birmingham, so many of the major players in the city,” J Whitson said. “She knows my wife.

She helped shape the story and coordinated a lot of the interviews.”

King was overjoyed to be a part of the documentary.

“It’s an opportunity to highlight somebody who was so overlooked but made major contributions, being a civil rights activist in Birmingham,” King said. “Whose story is better to tell? It’s a reminder to some of what one person, taking on a role, can do to make a difference.”

“Shuttlesworth” features interviews with a wide range of authors, experts and community and political leaders, including former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington Jr., Dr. Martha Bouyer, former U.S. District Court Judge U.W. Clemon, Dr. Robert Corley, Dr. Andrew M. Manis, Diane McWhorter, Janice Kelsey, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Bishop Calvin Woods, and Odessa Woolfolk, emeritus director of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

“It’s been really intense working on it and kind of nerve-wracking,” Matt Whitson said. “It might be the most important story in Birmingham, so you (have) to show how important it is. It’s been a pleasure and honor working on it, but a big responsibility.”

Shuttlesworth Documentary a Major Production for Brothers From Homewood

Courtesy

J Whitson was not looking to do a documentary about civil rights leader and minister the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth when he shot an interview of him in 2007.

The interview was going to be part of a documentary about sculptor Tina Allen, who created the bust of Frederick Douglass on display at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

The documentary about Allen didn’t come to fruition, so the threehour interview with Shuttlesworth was never used.

A few years ago, Whitson decided to unearth the interview and use it as part of a full-length documentary about Shuttlesworth, who was a graduate of Rosedale High School and died in 2011 at the age of 89.

Whitson, a documentary production specialist for Alabama Public Television, enlisted his brother, Matt Whitson, a video editor and audio engineer for APT, to help with the project.

The brothers are graduates of Homewood High School, with J Whitson the older of the two by 2½ years, attending Montevallo and Matt attending UAB after high school.

They have been working at APT since 2004.

“We’re kind of responsible for each other being at APT,” Matt Whitson said. “I had been working freelance at APT as an audio guy and postproduction assistant. They were looking for an associate producer and I knew J knew what he was doing and was a smart guy, so I suggested him.

They had a couple of candidates for the job and ended up hiring J. I told him if something else opened up, to get me in.”

J Whitson went to work for APT in May 2004 and in the fall of that year, Matt joined him there.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The brothers are graduates of Homewood High School, with J Whitson, right, the older of the two by 2½ years, attending Montevallo and Matt, left, attending UAB after high school. They have been working at APT since 2004.

APT will host a premiere screening of “Shuttlesworth” Dec. 15 at the recently renovated Carver Theatre in Birmingham. Attendance is free for the event, which includes a reception at 6 p.m.

The film screening will start at 7 p.m., followed by a question-andanswer session with J Whitson and co-producer T. Marie King as well as honored guests. APT will air the hourlong documentary Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.

“Rev. Shuttlesworth is known in Birmingham, but what has been forgotten or perhaps even never known is he was one of the most heroic figures in the history of Birmingham,” J Whitson said. “He stood up to iconic villain Bull Connor (Birmingham Commissioner of Public Safety), making Birmingham the turning point in the Civil Rights Movement and energizing it.”

Shuttlesworth also was co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and instrumental in the 1963 Birmingham Campaign.

“Rev. Shuttlesworth sometimes gets overshadowed by Martin Luther

King Jr., but his story is an inspiring story, a Birmingham story, a national story and a worldwide story,” J Whitson said.

Working Together

“Shuttlesworth” isn’t the first time the Whitson brothers have joined forces on an APT project.

They co-created the series “We Have Signal,” a statewide concert program that was filmed at Bottletree Café from 2008 to 2015, and “Subcarrier,” a live music program filmed in Avondale at Saturn Birmingham. They also were credited on the APT original program “Quilts of Gee’s Bend.”

In 2009, “We Have Signal” won a regional Emmy award for “Outstanding Achievement in Audio, Recorded in Live- and Postproduction” and three Telly Awards in the entertainment, sound/ sound design and videography/cinematography categories.

“We’ve been working together for 18 years,” J Whitson said. “It’s got it ups and downs. On the one hand, it’s

good because you get to work with your brother and your best friend, and you have some of the same interests.

But at the same time, it can be difficult because it’s family and there can be disagreements, and you have to agree to disagree.”

Matt Whitson, who plays bass guitar, also works on making arts-related documentaries, a music series and other projects for APT education department. He is one of the filmmakers of the 2022 PBS Short Film Festival’s Celestia Morgan, which features Birmingham-based conceptual photographer Celestia Morgan using images to exercise and amplify her voice.

“Shuttlesworth” has taken their collaboration to another level.

“It’s been interesting,” Matt Whitson said. “It’s the biggest project we’ve worked on together. It’s gotten a little dicey at times because we’ve had some impasses in making decisions and we’ve had to learn conflict resolution. But it’s been really rewarding, working through them together.”

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has announced grants totaling $1,275,000 to fund Alabama-based breast cancer research in 2022.

Grants will fund 24 research projects at seven institutions across the state: the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, CerFlux in Birmingham, the Mitchell Cancer Institute at the University of South Alabama, Tuskegee University, the University of Alabama and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville.

This year’s grant awards, announced Dec. 2, increase the BCRFA’s lifetime investment total to nearly $14 million since its founding in 1996. All funds raised stay in Alabama.

“With this year’s historic investment in research, the BCRFA is proud to continue our legacy of driving breast cancer breakthroughs across Alabama,” said Beth Davis, the foundation’s president and CEO. “From advances in early detection to treatment options, BCRFA-funded research is giving hope to the countless individuals touched by breast cancer – and ultimately saving lives.”

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Breast Cancer Group Funding $1.27 Million in Research Grants

Laura Hinton, BCRFA board chair and Beth Davis, BCRFA president and CEO with a large check to fund Alabama-based breast cancer research in 2022.

BCRFA dollars function as seed funding for early-stage studies, allowing researchers to generate the addi-

tional data needed to attract major national funding. Many BCRFAfunded projects have later received

multimillion-dollar national grants from the National Institute of Health and others.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has made remarkable investments in cancer research in our state, in particular by funding investigators and projects with significant potential to improve cancer outcomes,” said Dr. Barry P. Sleckman, director of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. “The BCRFA has been an incredible partner, and we are grateful for their support.”

The foundation’s funding is made possible with support from corporate and community partners; local, state and federal funders; event patrons; individual donors; and sales of the Breast Cancer Research specialty license plate.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

NEWS

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 9

RECOGNIZED AS LEADERS, INNOVATORS, AND THE NO. 5 OB/GYN PROGRAM IN THE COUNTRY U.S. News & World Report recently ranked UAB Medicine’s Obstetrics and Gynecology program No. 5 in the country, due to our number of complex cases, survival rates, overall patient experience, and advanced technology. We are at the forefront of women’s care, offering full comprehensive services for women at every stage of life. Although we receive the recognition, it’s our patients who reap the rewards.

WOMEN & INFANTS SERVICES

uabmedicine.org/women

UAB-No5Ranking-OBGYN-Print-10.375x12.68-Final.indd 1

11/17/22 1:33 PM

LIFE

10 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The Last Leg

Charities Brace as the Mercedes Marathon Prepares for Its Final Run

T

By Anne Ruisi

Race events will include the marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, kids marathon, Superhero 5K and The Bell Center Children’s Run.

how tremendously thankful we are of all the support we have received from Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, the community and countless sponsors throughout our more than two decades in existence,” Cuddy said.

The Last of the Marathons

Courtesy

he head of The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, the nonprofit children’s organization that is the primary beneficiary of the Mercedes-Benz Marathon, said that, while the organization will miss the annual event after its last run in February, her group has lined up events and other ways to raise financial support.

“It’s a loss but we will be fine,” said Jeannie Colquett, The Bell Center’s executive director. “We’re very sad to see the Mercedes Marathon events ending, but we do have a lot of events” during the year to support the organization.

The marathon event raised $175,000 in 2022 and more than $3 million in its history for The Bell Center, according to an event press release.

While The Bell Center has been the main charity beneficiary of the marathon, it’s not the only one.

Individuals and nonprofits also register and use their participation in the marathon to raise money for their charity interests, event founder Valerie Cuddy said.

The Mercedes Marathon began in 2001 as a vehicle to raise money for charity. Over the years, the races have attracted more than 200,000 runners, have helped local charities raise in excess of $5 million and have provided more than $60 million in direct economic impact for the Greater Birmingham region, according to the press release.

The marathon has been a Boston Marathon qualifying race and one of few qualifying marathons in the Southeast, making it a major event on the regional running calendar. It also previously hosted U.S. Olympic Men’s Marathon Trials.

But event production costs have increased, and financial and other

resource support have declined, leading Birmingham Marathon Inc. officials to make the decision to close the marathon after the 2023 run. Now they are considering new events and avenues to support local beneficiaries.

“I’m sad about, it but it’s one of those things. It’s time to move on,”

Cuddy said. “It’s been a great event for the city, for the runners.”

Cuddy said she’s grateful for all the support the marathon has received over the years.

“With this being the finale of the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend of Events, we want to say

The last Mercedes-Benz Marathon in Birmingham will be run Feb. 10-12.

Events will include the marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, kids marathon, Superhero 5K and The Bell Center Children’s Run. Each race begins and ends at Linn Park in downtown Birmingham.

Then there is The Bell Center Children’s Run, a special event that will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 11. The center’s children participate in the last 50 feet of the race route and cross the official finish line, Colquett said. Some will run, some will walk, others will be in strollers pushed by a parent.

The race’s BellRunner program is designed to motivate and support par-

ticipants who agree to raise $100 per mile for The Bell Center when they run any of the adult races, Colquett said. The program pairs a participant with a child who is receiving lifechanging early intervention therapies at The Bell Center, and the runner/ walker will train and raise funds in the name of that child.

“It’s a fun way to participate in the last Mercedes Marathon,” Colquett said, adding that each BellRunner will get to wear a photo of The Bell Center child.

The Bell Center, which was founded in 1984, offers programs for children from birth to age 3 who are diagnosed with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, brain injuries, blindness or more than 100 other genetic diagnoses or delays.

Colquett said that, over the years, the organization has developed other events and ways to fund its early intervention services. These include seasonal events such as the Tailgate Challenge in August, and cornhole and golf tournaments and a gala in the spring.

For more information about the marathon, visit mercedesmarathon. com.

Vestavia Hills Civic Center Opens With Fitness Center, Meeting Areas

By Anne Ruisi The long-anticipated Vestavia Hills Civic Center is open and welcoming residents and others who want to use the facilities.

The 100,000-square-foot building is separated into two sections, said Sandi Wilson, a program superintendent with the city of Vestavia Hills, with one side dedicated to the gymnasium and fitness center and offices, and the other set aside for meeting rooms and offices for the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.

In the center is “hangout space,” with a seating area in an atrium-like setting and

stairs that lead to the second floor.

Recreational and fitness features at the

civic center include: • A gymnasium with two full-size courts striped for basketball, volleyball and pickleball • A three-lane walking track that is 1/10 of a mile around • Workout equipment in a fitness area featuring weight training machines, and fitness and cardio equipment • Multipurpose spaces for dance, exercise and fitness classes Memberships are on sale now for individuals, families and adults over 55 who want to use the fitness facilities.

Costs vary, with individual memberships

for the civic center at $15 a month or $135 annually; add an aquatic complex membership and the total is $210 a year.

Family memberships are $35 a month, $300 annually and $500 a year for the aquatic complex/civic center combo. For adults 55 and older, the cost is $10 a month, $100 a year and $125 for the combo.

Track passes are $25 a year and $12 annually for adults 55 and older.

You can sign up online at vhrecreation. activityreg.com.

Civic center hours are Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 11

Focus Birmingham

LIFE

From left: Mountain Brook Chamber Board President Walter Crye, Jemison Visionary Award Recipient Alice Womack, and Mountain Brook Chamber Executive Director, Emily Jensen.

Mountain Brook Chamber Sets Luncheon, Award Presentations and Celebration of the City

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce will host its annual luncheon Jan. 25 at 11 a.m.

The event will include lunch, networking and a celebration of the city of Mountain Brook. This year, the chamber will honor the Jemison Visionary Award Winner, former City Councilor Alice Womack of Oakworth Bank. The O’Neal Library will present the Tynes Award to the Friends of the Library, and the city will recognize the Co-City Employees of the Year, Janet

Forbes and Heather Richards.

This is the first time there was a tie for the honor, City Manager Sam Gaston said.

This event also celebrates the accomplishments of the chamber during the year, in addition to recognizing outgoing board President Walter Crye.

“The city of Mountain Brook has always had a close relationship and partnership with our Chamber of Commerce,” said City Manager Sam Gaston. “We work closely together to

promote our business community and special events to enhance the quality of life. This has been true since the chamber was formed in 1998 as a result of a strategic planning initiative by the city,” For more information about the luncheon or to register, visit mtnbrookchamber.org. Additional inquiries can be directed to Emily Jensen, Mountain Brook chamber executive director.

—Anne Ruisi

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December

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the Dec. 15, 2022 issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes.

You may fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

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12 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

LIFE

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

STRUTTING INTO THE SEASON Floats, Performers March Through Mountain Brook During Parade

C

rowds lined the streets of Mountain Brook Village on Dec. 4 to celebrate the season at the Mountain Brook Holiday Parade.

Floats were part of the parade, and performances by Mountain Brook City Schools cheerleaders, dance teams and bands livened the event, with the Jolly Old Elf himself waving to the crowds.

—Journal photos by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

THE STAR’S ALIGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

LIFE

Homewood Celebrates With Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting and Star Lighting

I

n celebration of the season, the 2022 Lighting of the Star and Homewood Christmas Parade, along with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, was held Dec. 6 in downtown Homewood.

Events began with the traditional Homewood Christmas Parade, which started at the Homewood Library and made its way to downtown. At the top of 18th Street, the parade officially began as it paused for the lighting of the historic Homewood Star by Mayor Patrick McClusky with special guest Piggly Wiggly owner Stanley Virciglio (pictured top left) in celebration of the Pig’s expansion news. The Parade continued to City Hall, where it culminated with the lighting of the Christmas tree.

—Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 13

SOCIAL

14 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Stars Fell on Alabama

I

The Debutante Club of Birmingham Presents New Members During Black and White Ball This year’s ball will follow the theme “Stars Fell on Alabama,” referencing the 1833 meteor event during which it appeared stars were falling across Alabama and inspired the 1934 iconic song. ❖

Photos by Dee Moore

n the Black and White Ball, set for Dec. 29, the Debutante Club of Birmingham will honor 21 young ladies.

The presentation continues a 93-year tradition, which began in 1929.

Emma Elizabeth Blakely, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin Blakely, Jr.

Melanie McCaa Bradford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wade Bradford

Emilie Anne Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Randolph Brown

Margaret Whitton Bumgarner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen James Bumgarner

Anna Elizabeth Bromberg Byrne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Russell Byrne

Mary Ann Carmichael, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Beatty Payseur Carmichael

Mary Mozelle Davis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Donald Davis

Isabelle Virginia DeBuys, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Forrester DeBuys III

Hannah Grace Doss, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Coates Doss

Laura Lacy Gardner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Terrell Gardner

Elizabeth Halsey Hamilton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Buckner Woodford Hamilton III

Anna Beverley Hoyt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wills Hoyt

Grace Shepard Hull, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hewes Turner Hull

Eleanor Lillian Kerr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davidson Kerr

Valerie Bennett Lightfoot, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Bricken Lightfoot, Jr.

Caroline Scott Monaghan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Jackson Monaghan, Jr.

Mary Kathryn Rainer, daughter of Mr. James Walton Rainer IV and Ms. Julie Shipp Rainer

Mary Jane Elizabeth Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Andrew Rose

Lillian Evelyn Perkins, daughter of Mr. Charles Belgrave Perkins and Ms. Laura Evelyn Beers

Anna Ingalls Spencer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Morris Spencer

Virginia Tynes Wahlheim, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bernhart Wahlheim, Jr.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

American Art in WWI

Old Elyton DAR Hears Presentation on Wartime Art

SOCIAL

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 15

“American Art in World War I” was the topic of a presentation by Nan Skier at the Nov. 15 meeting of the Old Elyton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at the Country Club of Birmingham.

A 2016-2017 exhibit on the topic Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov began in Pittsburg before traveling to New York and Nashville. Skier and her husband, David, are longtime art collectors and enthusiasts. ❖

Above, Kitty Lineberry, Nan Skier, Carmine Jordan and Stephanie Byrne Below, Kelly Styslinger, Nan Skier and Ellen Rhett

Acrylic by Maya Eventov

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

16 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

Leah Hazzard, John McNeil, Katie Lasker, Beverly McNeil, Pete and Kelley Gage, Santa, Jack and Cathy Echols, Barbara and Richard Thompson

Paint the Town Red

Gaieties Dance Club Celebrates Christmas, New Members

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

Members and guests of Gaieties Dance Club were invited to “Paint the Town Red” at the club’s annual Christmas dance, held Dec. 2 at the Birmingham Country Club.

Dance chairman Leah Hazzard greeted guests with husband Robby and Santa. Seated at tables swathed in red, guests dined on spinach salad with fruit and feta cheese, beef tenderloin, truffle risotto and grilled broccolini, with chocolate lava cake for dessert.

Before opening the dance floor to the sounds of Alan Brooks’ 5 of a Kind Band, club President Jennifer Ard, with husband Jimmy, introduced new members and their escorts: Leslie Matheson with Jack, Jenny Reed with Randy, Ellen Melville with Greg, Robin Reed with Scott, Jane Huston Crommelin with Claiborne, Katherine Cox with Bill, Wesley Lassen with Hal, Tookie Hazelrig with Keith, Martha Haley with Robert and Ginny Farley with Joe. The crowded dance floor then became a swirl of red with the women dressed in everything from a touch of red to red ball gowns and the men sporting red and candy-striped ties. ❖

Santa with Leslie and John Moore

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Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 17

SOCIAL

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18 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

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The Women’s Committee of 100 held its annual fall meeting and luncheon at the Birmingham Country Club on Oct. 25.

President Amy Scofield welcomed the group, Donna Dukes led the Pledge of Allegiance and

&R Wine & Liquor ver The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax ecember

AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL mber 15th issue. Please contact your sales representative as soon as possible to approve your ad or make changes.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Monique Witherspoon gave the devotion.

After lunch, a five-member panel

of educators discussed the impact COVID-19 has had on Alabama students.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 19

SOCIAL

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Panel members included the moderator, Dr. Melissa Shields of the state Department of Education; Dr. Connie Hill, president and CEO of Girls Inc. of Central Alabama; Kirsten Logan-

Marshall, principal of Lipscomb Elementary School; Corinn O’Brien, vice president of policy for A+ Education Partnership and Courtney Nelson of the state Department of Education. ❖

Lights of Memory

Tree of Lights Shines in Homewood Park

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

A tree at the corner of Oxmoor Road and Central Avenue in Homewood’s Central Park is full of lights after they were illuminated Nov. 20 in a fundraiser for Community Grief Support.

The nonprofit offers grief support programs for bereaved adults in the Birmingham area. The Tree of Lights will remain illuminated through December as a memorial to those who are gone but are lovingly remembered. ❖

Ashley Messenger, Kathy Lovell, Jessica Lovell and Taylor Messenger

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! WE’LL SEE YOU AGAIN ON JAN. 12!!

OTMJ

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20 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

HANNA

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

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Journal photos by Jordan Wald

ANTIQUES

Bill and Kristin Ritter, Stacey and Patrick Ramsay

A Toast to 100 Years

Junior League of Birmingham Celebrates Anniversary in Black-Tie Gala

Mon-Sat 10-5

323-6036

To: From: Date:

323-6014 Meagan Tally, Tyler Pilz and Cristina Casanova Might Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 The Junior League of Birmingham Novmeber celebrated itsJOURNAL 100th anniversary This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN for theDec. 10 at its Centennial Gala at Haven.

Novemeber 17th issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

A cocktail hour kicked off the glittering black-tie-preferred event, folPlease make sure all information correct, lowed byis a seated dinner, reception, live music by Brother 2 Brother and including address and phone number! dancing.

The Junior League of Birmingham Please initial and fax back within 24 inhours. began 1922 with about 100 memIf we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, bers after the merger of two women’s your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday. service groups. Today it is one of the Thank you for your promptcity’s attention. premier community service volunteer organizations.

Its approximately 2,000 members are committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Those volunteers collectively donate more than 55,000 hours in direct community service each year.

The Junior League’s community impact reaches across projects that include economic security and financial stability, health and wellness, education and culture, and safety and crisis. ❖

Haley Scallions, Meg Lovett and Audrey Panell

Corey and Martina Winston

Toni Leeth and Amy Jackson

Cameron and Ashley Paisley

Kala and Bart Blakely

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 21

SOCIAL

Amber Hooks, Lynn Andrews and Sarah Black

Attic Antiques

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To: From: Date:

Attic Antiques Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 november This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOU December 1st, 2022 issue. Please fax approval or changes t

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Tashandra Jones, Amanda Saint, Shanika Gibson and Becky Holt

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

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

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22 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

Sounds of the Season

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

A performance of holiday music by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 9 capped an evening fundraiser to support the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The event at the new Vestavia Hills Civic Center was hosted by RISE, a semester-long service-learning project sponsored by Youth Leadership Vestavia Hills for students at Vestavia Hills High School and was presented by The Prewitt Group.

Before the performance, the crowd was treated to a silent auction and dessert. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

ASO Performs Holiday Music During RISE Event

Mark Patrick, Chris Confessore, Johnny Prewitt, Abby Robischeaux, Mary Hogan Glenn and Lucy Rumbley

Cathy and Curt Miller

Walter Costilow and Ashley Curry

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SOCIAL

Reception for Honorees

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 23

Rehab Reality...

by Judy Butler

The advisory board of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB will host its 38th annual ArtBlink Gala at the Kirklin Clinic, marking the board’s first in-person gala since 2020.

Twenty local artists will create unique pieces in the blink of an eye before the pieces are sold in a silent auction at the event.

ArtBlink will be held Feb. 4 and will celebrate Gray and Lee Thuston, the 2023 Director’s Circle honorees, for their long-standing commitment to the cancer center and Birmingham at large.

Members of the Director’s Circle hosted a reception for the Thuston family on Dec. 1. Remarks were made by center Director Dr. Barry Sleckman, advisory board President Charlie Perry and honoree Lee Thuston.

“Our advisory board and community members provide incredible support for ArtBlink and for cancer research,” Sleckman said. “We are honored to celebrate two of our most committed supporters, Gray and Lee Thuston. We appreciate their years of dedication to making our vision of life without cancer a possibility.”

Lee Thuston is the former chairman and managing partner at Burr & Forman and has been with the law firm for more than 27 years. Friends at Burr & Forman honored the couple this year with a gift to the cancer center and were on hand to celebrate the Thustons at the reception.

The ArtBlink Gala raises funds for the O’Neal Fund for Excellence, which promotes broad areas of basic, translational and population science research relevant to cancer and helps the cancer center further its mission of advancing the understanding of cancer to improve prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship.

For more information, visit artblink.org or contact Mary Jane Gibson at maryjgibson@uabmc.edu. ❖

Dr. Barry Sleckman and Dana Davis

Courtesy UAB

ArtBlink Honors Thuston Family During Gala

The Thuston family: Will and Ginger Thuston, Gray and Lee Thuston, and Thames and Robert Schoenvogel

Mitzi Davis, Lee and Gray Thuston, Laura McDonald, Jay Ezelle, Charlie and Sheri Perry, Gaines Livingston, Charlie Adams and Tommy Brigham

Lee Edwards and Kitty Robinson

Richard Davis, Helen Crabtree, Mitzi Davis and Scott Williams

Ed Christian, Jono Mason, Emily Christian, April Mason, Gray and Lee Thuston, Gary London, Sonja Rieger, Jim Lowery and Denise Lowery

Resolve to Be A Better You

As we move through the holidays we also begin to look toward the New Year and begin to think of how we will make it better than the last one. New Year’s resolutions such as better health, better habits, better relationships with family, work, finances and so on. Without strong determination we fall short within a few weeks. Many of our clients and those from other rehabs start out strong after leaving, but after a few weeks or months they fall back into the old routines. Just a little wine here, a night out with friends, “what’s it going to hurt?”

Many times we’re asked “what is your success rate?” That’s impossible to answer honestly by us or any rehab. One thing that’s true with Bayshore Retreat is the low numbers (only 6 clients at a time) we are more in touch with our previous clients and they are with us. It is because of this that we believe our success rate is higher than most. True we’ve had repeats and those who have returned have been alcohol related, not drugs, which brings the conclusion that with drugs success is very good - alcohol is more difficult.

Those who have returned admitted that they thought they could drink socially. It’s easy to fall back into old habits and hard to maintain a new life. When making New Year’s resolutions, try this. Or make it a New Week’s resolution. Baby steps are easier to make than giant leaps. Have a safe happy holiday and call me if you or someone you love needs help with resolutions for 2023.

24 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

SOCIAL

Brad, Genevieve, Louise and Leann Green

Chloe Campbell, Sloane Smith and Adelyn Pate

Sophie Rose Morros, Elin Mason, Anna Mason, Belle Murphree and Addison Mann

Rain and Christmas Lights Vestavia Hills Tree Lighting Festival Held at New Civic Center

Emma DelBalle, Blakely Hosmer and Brooke Hosmer

A rainy evening didn’t deter the huge crowd joining the fun at the Vestavia Hills Tree Lighting Festival on Nov. 29 at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center.

The event, which featured an open house at the new civic center, was done in conjunction with Holliday in the Hills, a series of

Kylee, Stephanie and Daniel Poage

Zoey Harris and Callie Wilson

Trey Thomason, Santa and Sullivan Hollinhead

events in November and December by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the city of Vestavia Hills designed to celebrate the holiday season and encourage people to shop in the city.

Treats and holiday music were featured during the event, and those in attendance could have their picture taken with Santa. ❖

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 25

SOCIAL

Legal Notice

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Hoover Belles Kate Ryan Black and Sophia Skellie with Mayor Frank Brocato

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given Amason & Associates, Inc. Contractor has completed the Construction of Vestavia Hills Community Center, 1090 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 for the City of Vestavia Hills, 1032 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify William Blackstock Architects; 2204 1st Avenue South, Suite 200; Birmingham, AL 35209 Amason & Associates. P. O. Box 1729 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35403

Karen Dillard, Santa Claus and Michelle Hagler

Ho Ho Hoover-Randle

Holiday Party Shows Off Christmas Décor, Brings in Santa A festive feeling was in the air as the Hoover-Randle Home in Bluff Park held its annual holiday event, Ho Ho Hoover-Randle, on Dec. 4.

There were refreshments, performances and tours of the historic home, which was decked out in Christmas décor, including several Christmas trees. Santa Claus held court from his white and red throne and listened as little ones told him their Christmas wishes. ❖

To: From: Date:

Stacey Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., Dec. 2022

100 YEARS OF

Service

This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURN for the Dec. 15, 2022 issue.

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

Thank you for your prompt attention.

...And Leadership, Partnerships, Community Development & Impact.

Above, Donna and Greg Bishop Left, Anna, Amelia, Andy, Lucy and Violet Jones

Brian and Karen Dillard and Brandi Marcrum

Debbie Rutherford, Susette ClarkWalker and Elaine Thompson

Bluff Park WindoW Works

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BIRMINGHAM (JLB) celebrated its Centennial year by honoring its history and forging its future. The JLB started out the year doing what it does best—serving the community. Through 100 Acts of Service, the JLB partnered with local organizations to show its love for Birmingham in honor of the JLB’s 100 years of service. The Junior League’s Centennial gift of $1.25 million was given to One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center toward a permanent home for the organization.

The JLB is committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The JLB’s impact includes more than 2,000 members serving a total of 45,000 volunteer hours each year, equaling labor worth $1.2 million. The JLB is the eighth largest League in the world, and its members come from 30 different municipalities across Jefferson and Shelby counties, and is one of the largest service organizations in Alabama. As the JLB moves into its next century of service, you’ll continue to find them with their sleeves rolled up doing the work and building a better Birmingham.

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26 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

HOLIDAY CARDS

Merry Christmas!

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

For close to 30 years, we’ve enjoyed sharing the art of talented Over the Mountain students in our annual Holiday Cards Issue. The toughest job we have every year is selecting from the hundreds of cards submitted.

All the schools in our area were invited to participate and on the following nine pages more than 200 cards are presented.

We hope you enjoy this year’s collection and from all of us at Over The Mountain Journal, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Homewood Schools, EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY: Annabelle Holley, 2nd; Ellie Holm, 4th; SECOND ROW: Nealy Brown, 4th; MJ Knight, Kindergarten; Myla Grant Powers, 5th; Andrew Cox, 5th; THIRD ROW: Bea Minton, 4th; Lida McWilliams, 3rd; Sharmila Ray, 3rd; Claira Williams, 5th; Lelghna Chappelle, 3rd; FOURTH ROW: Will Hardison, 4th; June Humphries, 3rd; Emma Woods, 4th; Norah Dumas, 3rd; Hoover Schools, DEER VALLEY: Aayush Dewani, 5th; FIFTH ROW: Brooklyn Hall, 4th; Alexa Jett, 5th; Presley Brewer, 5th; Avery Nicol, 3rd.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Hoover Schools, DEER VALLEY: Lucy Davis, 2nd; Sydney Harbin, 5th; Abigail Rosner, 5th; William Azok, 2nd; SECOND ROW: Addie Rive, 3rd; GREEN VALLEY: Aiden Pengel, 3rd; Corinne Turberville, 3rd; Ella Rae Flynt, 4th; Lily Mathew, 4th; THIRD ROW: Isabelle Orton, 5th; Victoria Powell, 2nd; Briza Lopez, 3rd; Scout Graddy, 4th; Denia Martinez, 5th; FOURTH ROW: GWIN: Angelina Nguyen, 4th; Kaylee Liu Berryhill, 5th; Marilyn Gomez, 4th; Marley Goss, 4th; FIFTH ROW: Claire Tate, 3rd; Libby Naile, 5th; Jessie Mills, 4th; Henry Smith, 2nd; Ginger Bischoff, 4th; SIXTH ROW: Luke Wingard, 3rd; Livi Rae Smith, 3rd.

HOLIDAY CARDS

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 27

28 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

HOLIDAY CARDS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Hoover Schools, TRACE CROSSINGS: Kendra Steele, 4th; Tansley Gibson, 5th; Porter May, 1st; Mountain Brook Schools, BROOKWOOD FOREST: Anabell Dye, 5th; Charlie Anderson, 4th; SECOND ROW: Anne Reed Greenhalgh, 4th; Lucy Lester, 3rd; Evie Beth Crossley, 3rd; Piper Benton, 4th; THIRD ROW: Webber Moss, 5th; Zoey Arnell, 2nd; Carolyn Roberts, 3rd; Lindsey Hodges, 2nd; FOURTH ROW: CHEROKEE BEND: Sophia Toumey, 1st; Connor Patterson, 1st; Charlotte Paisley, 2nd; Mallory Morris, 4th; Henry Menendez, 2nd; FIFTH ROW: Alistair Zajac, 2nd; Camille Rediker, 1st; Bennett Sharpe, 2nd; Nabers Walters, 4th; SIXTH ROW: Mary Barrett Fron, 2nd; Evalee Pinnick, 4th; Harry Debray, 2nd.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOLIDAY CARDS

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 29

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Mountain Brook Schools, CHEROKEE BEND: Harper Petty, 2nd; Harrison Steineker, 4th; CRESTLINE: Annie Israel, 3rd; Carlisle Johnson, 1st; Charlie Sullivan, 4th; SECOND ROW: Elizabeth Flurry, 5th; George Clements, 3rd; Elizabeth Marshall, 4th; Lottie Badham, 3rd; Katherine Chkheidze, 4th; THIRD ROW: Murray Claire Choate, 5th; Jules Little, 3rd; Collier Williams, 5th; Mae Haralson, 3rd; FOURTH ROW: Parker Williams, 4th; Whitt Blackman, 4th; Cooper Rutledge, 5th; Lottie Fipps, 5th; Olivia Hamer, 3rd; FIFTH ROW: Annie Angelillo, Kindergarten; Becket Hey, 4th.

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30 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

HOLIDAY CARDS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Mountain Brook Schools, CRESTLINE: Alice Wells Johnson, 4th; Fleming Haughton, 1st; MOUNTAIN BROOK: Vivi Bailey, 2nd; Louise Yeilding, 2nd; John Bethay, 2nd; SECOND ROW: Brooklyn Seligson, 5th; Carlisle Hemrick, 3rd; Jemison Darden, 5th; Lilly Hudson, 5th; James Blackmon, 2nd; THIRD ROW: Megan Nasca, 5th; Roman Neel, 2nd; Charlotte Chambliss, 5th; Shelby County Schools, INVERNESS: Lydia Agostini, 1st; Knox Tankersly, Kindergarten; FOURTH ROW: Mae Kelly, 1st; Mary Elle Thrasher, 3rd; OAK MOUNTAIN: Mia Turner, 2nd; Amelia Aitken, 2nd; Diego Jimenez Davallos, Kindergarten; FIFTH ROW: Rylan Edwards, 2nd; Ashton Rainey, 3rd; Ellanor Phillips, 3rd; Anne Harper Peterson, Kindergarten.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 31

HOLIDAY CARDS

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Shelby County Schools, OAK MOUNTAIN: Mary Claire Moreland, 3rd; Emma Wheeler, 1st; Vestavia Hills Schools, CAHABA HEIGHTS: Angela Chen, 1st; Addy Stewart, 2nd; Mason Augustine, 4th; SECOND ROW: Lucas Dille, 3rd; Kate Coleman, 1st; Lucy Polson, 5th; Margot Batson, 1st; Cadence Maldonado, 2nd; THIRD ROW: Lola Vargas, 5th; Annabelle Goss, 3rd; Reina Yamomoto, 2nd; DOLLY RIDGE: Raemi Thompson, 2nd; Finley Walker, 1st; FOURTH ROW: Katherine Howell, 5th; Marcia Madden, 1st; Emily Morrisey, 1st; Evans Gibson, 1st; Abby Walace, 3rd.

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32 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

HOLIDAY CARDS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Vestavia Hills Schools, DOLLY RIDGE: Mae Baldwin, 1st; EAST: Anderson Radford, 1st; Eliza Soyars, 1st; John Wesley Pruitt, 3rd; Emmeline Tother, 5th; SECOND ROW: Hays Gordon, 3rd; Hawkins McCain, 3rd; Mary Helen Pierce, 3rd; Marren McCain, 5th; Isabella Stuenkel, 5th; THIRD ROW: Charlotte Wells, 5th; Reed Jones, 5th; Owen Dueffer, 3rd; Anne Parrish Pierce, 1st; Caroline Patterson, 5th; FOURTH ROW: LIBERTY PARK: Nolan Sills, 5th; Leland Brown, 5th; Chandler Dew, 4th; Mahathi Ravikumar, 5th; WEST: Ivy Comfort, 5th; FIFTH ROW: Caroline Nelson, 3rd; Blake Vinson, 5th; Kolton Davis, 5th; Evelyn Martin, 5th; Marci Norris, 4th.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOLIDAY CARDS

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 33

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Vestavia Hills Schools, WEST: Caleb Williams, 4th; Madalynn Trippe, 2nd; Lottie Sissoh, 4th; Mia Brewster, 5th; Bebe Joy Welbourne, 2nd; SECOND ROW: Elise Keet, 1st; Vivian Garlington, 4th; Isla Rubio, 1st; Abigail Brown, 5th; THIRD ROW: Addison Graves, 2nd; Peyton Giardina, 3rd; Soobin Yang, 3rd Private Schools, ADVENT: Maya Cooper, 5th; Martina Rueda, 5th; FOURTH ROW: Rylan Okelo, 4th; Emma Bains, 3rd; Camille Brown, 5th; Maya Jackson, 4th; CREATIVE MONTESSORI: Zayne Sentissi, 6th; FIFTH ROW: Grace Williams, 5th; Lou Tyre, 3rd; Marilee Martin, 3rd; Josie Rogers, 6th; SIXTH ROW: Ayla Kirkland, 2nd; HIGHLANDS: Emory Carter, 5th.

34 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

HOLIDAY CARDS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Private Schools, HIGHLANDS: Charlotte Ryan, 4th; Owen Gutierrez, 4th; Emma Jayne, 4th; Reem Conroy, 5th; N.E. MILES JEWISH DAY SCHOOL: Daniel Mintsin, 1st; SECOND ROW: Emmy Cornutt, 2nd; Menny Weinbaum, 2nd; Miriam Holder, 2nd; OUR LADY OF SORROWS: Audrey Motyka, 3rd; Adelaide Carter, 2nd; THIRD ROW: Lane Warren, 3rd; Gracie Wos, 4th; Brooks Rossell, 3rd; SOUTHMINSTER: Macon Bradley, 4th; FOURTH ROW: Olivia Clark, 4th; Sara Vega, 4th; Emma Langston, 4th; Katelin Holmes, 2nd; Zoe Bryant, 4th; FIFTH ROW: Destiny Rop, 2nd; SPRING VALLEY: Aniyah Simpson, 4th; Amelia Edmondson, 4th; Annie Wearren, 2nd; Sarah Grace, 3rd.

SENIORS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 35

Working Late

Steve Pennington had a theatrical background when he began portraying the Jolly Old Elf. He’d studied music education at Samford University and the University of South Alabama. Inset, Santa with one of his younger fans in English Village recently.

By Anne Ruisi

T

he anticipation is high among the young children whispering to each other as Steve Pennington, dressed in a dark green and brown velvet Santa suit trimmed in gold, talks with a visitor at Circa Antiques in Mountain Brook Village. It’s almost as if you can hear them ask, “Is that really

Santa?”

It is indeed, and within minutes, he’s sitting on a high-backed chair upholstered in dark gold, holding youngsters on his lap while their mothers take pictures with their cell phones.

“This is the chicest Santa in town,” said one of those moms, Mary Hayward Eudailey of Mountain Brook, here with her children, Edie, 7, Ashton, 5, and Robert, 2. “I like a non-traditional Santa.”

Pennington, 70, not only is wearing an outfit unlike what he calls a traditional red “Coca-Cola” Santa suit, but he also is working what amounts to full time between his job as a music teacher and his seasonal sideline as the Singing Santa.

He’s had stints as Santa at Mountain Brook Village since 2011, was the first Santa for The Summit when it opened in 1999 and has been a Santa at the Bass Pro Shop in Hoover and at the Riverchase Galleria.

More than 30 years ago, in 1988 or 1989, Pennington said, he was the last white Santa at Western Hills Mall in Fairfield, back when the mall featured a white and a Black Santa.

“My Santa brother was from Trinidad. We shared the chair” with hours posted for each Santa, he said.

That was the first year he grew a real beard, which now is luxuriantly white. In his younger days, he had to bleach the beard for the holidays.

Pennington had a theatrical background when he began portraying the Jolly Old Elf. He’d studied music education at Samford University and the University of South Alabama,

white Santa suit popular in the U.S. to suits in pure white, sapworked for years as a music teacher and had been a church phire blue and even hunter’s camouflage. He even has a magnifimusic and choir director. He still teaches music as an indepencent red cape that adds a dash of Old World elegance to his dent commercial voice instructor in all genres but opera and Santa persona. choir.

Decorations on the outfits can be embroidery or appliques.

His first gig as Santa came in western Birmingham, where the One red suit is trimmed in white musical owner of a private school asked him to don notes and treble clefs, a nod to Pennington’s their Santa Claus suit and visit the children. musical background.

“I enjoyed it. I love seeing the delight of Pennington, 70, not “They say clothes make the man, and in the children,” Pennington said, adding that my Santa Claus, I think it does,” he said, his late son, Carl, who was about 5 or 6 at only is wearing an adding that many of his outfits were made in the time, didn’t recognize him. outfit unlike what Ukraine.

Pennington played the piano and sang While many of his contemporaries are Christmas songs. he calls a traditional relaxing during this time of year, Pennington “I was a hit,” he said. is busy teaching and putting in one Santa A promoter he knew in Birmingham red “Coca-Cola” appearance after another. He appeared at 19 started booking him for corporate events, Santa suit, but he events during the first two weeks of where he played the piano and sang, and a November and by Dec. 6 had 54 more to go seasonal career and his business, Santaalso is working what until the end of the season. Before the Singalong, was born. Eventually, he left COVID-19 pandemic, he’d do 90 to 100 corporate work behind and moved into amounts to full time events, he said. bookings in retail shops, schools and at between his job as a Portraying Santa Claus “keeps me alive,” community activities, with a number of regsaid who through the years has ular clients in private homes. He also set up music teacher and his seen Pennington, many of the same children over and a presence on the internet at MyPerfectSanta.com and facebook.com/ over until they start bringing their own kids seasonal sideline as locatesanta. to him when it’s time to visit Santa. the Singing Santa.

Recently he made an appearance at Bluff The years have caught up with him a bit Park Elementary School, where the children and he deals with what he calls “every old joined him in singing Christmas songs. man disease you can have,” but Pennington His personal favorite is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” said he has no plans to retire. He recalled his personal voice which was his theme song when he was Santa at Brookwood teacher, who died 18 or 19 years ago, worked into his 80s.

Village. Other favorites are “Christmas in Dixie” a big hit for “I think everything I do disqualifies me as a ‘senior,’” he country music group Alabama, and “I Believe in Santa Claus.” said.

Over the years, he’s collected 28 Santa Claus outfits in an For more information on Santa-Singalong, go to MyPerfectSanta.com and facebook.com/locatesanta array of styles and colors, ranging from the traditional red and

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Singing Santa Brings 40 Years of Joy to Children

36 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

SENIORS

The Need for Homecare for Seniors Is Growing

One of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is that we have seen many of our healthcare and long-term care systems have been overwhelmed and under-staffed.

Across the U.S., healthcare systems had only a limited supply of ventilators, pulse oximeters and intensive care units. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare and other essential workers was in short supply. The importance and value of care in the home, especially for older adults who are at risk due to declining physical health and social isolation, have come into focus.

Personal Care

Homecare, often referred to as personal care, helps older adults maintain healthy, active lifestyles for as long as possible in the comfort of their own homes. Today, homecare is seen to be a valuable solution to fill gaps created by traditional care models, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health care. Homecare workers – also known as professional caregivers, personal care aides or direct care workers – who work for agencies receive professional training to enable them to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, eating, transportation, running errands,

and light housework. Most impordeclining health.

Someone turning 65 today has tantly, these caregivers provide vital nearly a 70 percent chance of needcompanionship and mental stimulation by engaging their clients in con- ing long-term care and support, according to the versation and other activities.

U.S. Department MANY FAMILY CAREGIVERS Homecare workof Health and ARE UNDER SEVERE STRESS Human Services. ers serve as an – ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE One out of five additional set of “SANDWICH GENERATION” will need care for “eyes and ears” WHO MUST BALANCE THE more than five for families, DEMANDS OF RAISING years. The need helping to ensure CHILDREN AND CARING FOR for care increases older adults’ AGING LOVED ONES. with age. safety by recogAmerica’s new nizing and alertage dynamics show a surging need ing family members and health care among older adults for the highestprofessionals to potential signs of

quality care. If most get their preference, that care will happen primarily in their own homes. With aging comes an increase in chronic conditions, but with proper treatment, prevention and care, these conditions need not be inevitable as one grows old Roughly six in 10 Americans aged 65 and up have at least one chronic condition, such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension. About 40 percent have two or more. There is also a growing wave of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Already, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. Absent a medical breakthrough, that could hit 14 million by 2050. According to the Homecare Association of America (HCAOA), three quarters of people living with Alzheimer’s require assistance to handle the tasks of daily living.

safety net of a family caregiver living nearby. Most seniors don’t have that safety net. Many family caregivers are under severe stress – especially those in the “sandwich generation” who must balance the demands of raising children and caring for aging loved ones. The COVID-19 pandemic has only deepened that stress. By 2040, nearly 81 million people in the U.S. will be 65 years older, compared with 77 million under the age of 18. This means that America will soon consist of more old than young. Through modern medicine and healthier lifestyles, average U.S. life expectancy has increased from 68 years in 1950 to 78.6 years in 2017.

Age at Home

The vast majority of older Americans want to age at home for as long as possible. However, just 59 percent believe they will actually be able to stay local either at home (46 percent) or elsewhere in their community (13 percent). Traditionally, older adults have relied on family members for help in dealing with the challenges of aging. This requires a

For more information on the subject of homecare, email jmancuso@ abc-seniors.com or call Always Best Care at 205-874-9730. We are available for you and your moved ones 24 hours a day!

The holidays are time for The holidays arewith timefamily. for getting together getting together family.

IfThe you notice that someone in your family holidays arewith time for needs some extra care and attention,

If you notice that someone in your family The arewith time for getting together family. give holidays us a call at Always Best Care.

getting together withyour family.

If you notice someone family give us a that call at AlwaysinBest Care. some extra care and attention, Ifneeds you notice that someone in your family As the only home healthcare company in the state give us a call at Always Best Care. needs some care and of Alabama to beextra accredited byattention, the Accreditation needs some extra care and attention,

As the only healthcare company in the state givehome us call at Always Best and Care.

Commission ofaHealthcare (ACHC) the National ofAssociation Alabama toof beHome accredited by the Accreditation Care and Hospice (NAHC), As the only home healthcare company theNational state Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) andinthe Always Besthome Carehealthcare has served hundreds ofstate seniors As the only company in the of Alabama toofbe accredited by the Accreditation Association Home Careinand Hospice (NAHC), and disabledtoindividuals Birmingham.

Services of Alabama be accredited by theand Accreditation Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) theofNational Always Best Care has served hundreds seniors provided by Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s) include Commission of Healthcare (ACHC) and the National Association of Home Careinand Hospice (NAHC), and disabled individuals Birmingham.

Services Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), personal care, transportation, meal preparation, Always Best Care has served hundreds of seniors provided

by Certified Nurseand Aides (CNA’s) include Always Best Care has served hundreds of seniors medication reminders companionship. and disabled individuals in Birmingham. Services and disabled in Birmingham.

Services personal care,individuals transportation, meal preparation, provided by Certified Nurse Aides(CNA’s) (CNA’s) include provided by Certified Nurse Aides include Always Best Care combines high touch medication reminders and companionship. personal care, transportation, meal preparation, care,through transportation, meal preparation, andpersonal high tech frequent in-home checkups, medication reminders andcompanionship. companionship. medication reminders and Always Best Care combines high free balance testing, as welltouch as and high techBest through frequent in-home checkups, 7x24 smart technology monitoring.

Always combines hightouch touch Always BestCare Care combines high free balance testing,in-home as well as and hightech techthrough through frequent frequent checkups, and high in-home checkups, 7x24 smart technology monitoring. freebalance balance testing, testing, as free aswell wellasas 7x24smart smarttechnology technology monitoring.

7x24 monitoring.

Here is what one of our client’s family member had to say about Always Best Care: “I would like to express myclient’s appreciation the in-home youabout provided to us Best after Care: my Here is what one of our familyfor member had care to say Always Here is what one of our client’s family member had to say about Always Best Care: wife’s were veryclient’s pleased with the caregivers Always Care.Best TheyCare: were Heresurgery. is whatWe one of our family member had from to say aboutBest Always

“Ivery would to express my appreciation forcomforting thethe in-home you provided to us after “Ilike would like toaexpress mytime. appreciation for in-home care you provided uscaregivers after my mywere helpful during difficult It was tocare know that all of to the “I would like to express my appreciation for the in-home care you provided to us after my wife’s surgery.

We were very pleased with thethe caregivers from Always Best Care.

They were wife’s surgery.

WeWe were very pleased with caregivers from Best They were Certified Nurse Aides. would recommend your services toAlways anyone in Care. search of quality wife’s surgery.

Weduring were very pleased with the caregivers from Always Best Care.

They were were very helpful during a difficult time.

It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers were very helpful a difficult time.

It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M very helpful during a difficult time.

It was comforting to know that all of the caregivers were Nurse Aides.

We would recommend yourservices services to anyone of quality CertifiedCertified Nurse Aides.

We would recommend your anyoneininsearch search of quality Certified Nurse Aides.

We would recommend your services to anyone in search of quality care for their loved ones.

Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.”

– B.M care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M care for their loved ones. Thanks to your caregivers for their excellent help.” – B.M

Always Best Care, 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, 205-874-9730, jmancuso@abc-seniors.com Always Best Care, 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, 205-874-9730, jmancuso@abc-seniors.com

Always Best Care, 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, 205-874-9730, jmancuso@abc-seniors.com Always Best Care, 6 Office Park Circle, Suite 315, Mountain Brook, AL 35223, 205-874-9730, jmancuso@abc-seniors.com

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 37

SENIORS

Danberry at Inverness The Unique Choice in Senior Living

In the past, seniors seeking a retirement community Comprehensive health and wellness services for had few options. Often, it was either an uninspiring independent living, assisted living and memory care urban high-rise with few outside amenities or an lifestyles are available at Danberry at Inverness, and upscale development built around a golf-course or they are offered in meticulously designed environwaterfront with few personal services. ments that invite nature indoors. For example, throughBut today’s retirees and tomorrow’s retiring baby out the Danberry at Inverness Clubhouse, nature seamboomers increasingly demand an environment that not lessly blends both indoors and out with fireplaces, the only is carefree, but also offers them ample opportuniatrium lobby, English tea gardens and waterfalls. Here, ties to remain mentally and physically active in a residents can take care of everyday details and enjoy a soothing natural setting. range of first-class amenities (movie theater, creative In other words, they want an address that redefines art studio, bridge and card rooms) and services (library, retirement. mail/communications room). Dining is available in the Danberry at Inverness senior living community, formal dining room and al fresco on the garden terrace. located at 235 Inverness Center Drive in Hoover, justMOUNTAIN JOURNAl OVER THE life off US 280 and Valleydale Road, is an example of an A Dynamic Approach to Wellness inspiring approach to retirement living that feels The advantages of living in one of today’s wellnessunique from the moment one enters its atrium lobby. oriented retirement communities are many: ample Stained-glass windows and a cascading waterfall set the mood for a retirement lifestyle that emphasizes nat- opportunities to stay as strong and independent as Danberry at Inverness retirement community has been chosen as in the mainstream of activities and ural beauty, vitality and personal fulfillment.oneResidents of the nation’s toppossible, communities staying in 2013 on SeniorAdvisor.com, the premier online ratings events and reviews sitekeeping for senior living communities and a healthy outlook on life. Danberry can choose from comfortable one-, two- or three-bednationwide. at Inverness offers exceptional fitness opportunities all room luxury apartment homes which are appointed The SeniorAdvisor 2013 Excellence Award recognizes senior living under one roof, such “senior-friendly” spa services, with upscale features such as ceramic tile floors, grancommunities that receive consistently high ratings andas positive reviews from residents, families, and visitors.

“Receivingfitness this des ignation a fully equipped center, classes including Tai ite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

English places Danberry in the top one percent of all retirement communities Chi,ataerobics, waterdirector, yogaLori and Pilates, a private seniorgardens and flowering landscapes complete nationwide,” these picsaid Danberry Inverness marketing Krueger. “We are so proud that soheated many—especially residents— friendly indoor,ourresort-style saltwater pool and a ture-perfect residences. consider us to be one of the wellness“Our clinic.

The award-winning Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired residents will tell best of the best.” in Inverness on“We make residents architecture and natural surroundings only addLocated to the you thatsure theyour wish they’dhave every opportuniLake Heather, Danberry at moved here sooner.

They ty to learn, explore and savor life in a whole new peaceful, stress-reducing environment.

Inverness is a senior living carefree, fun-filled way,” said the Krueger.

“In other words, we help them “We believe that Danberry at Inverness offers people community for adults 55 and love older with every convenience and rewarding retiredesign a future filled with fun!” over 55 independent living unlike anywhere else one and amenity imaginable, ment lifestyle they find that encourages growth, learning and discovery of new including a clubhouse with This community really must be seen to be believed, we love today, visit rooms, a ballroom, so stopatbyDanberry.

DanberryAnd at Inverness things about yourself and your environment,”card said indoor swimming pool, serving them!”

DanberryAtInverness.com or call 443-9500.

Danberry at Inverness Marketing Director Lori Krueger. creative art studio, salon/

Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 13

Danberry at Inverness

ABOVE: Residents spending time together at Danberry at Inverness. LEFT: The atrium at Danberry at Inverness is the center of the clubhouse. It connects the common areas and provides a place where residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner.

lori Krueger, marketing director, spa, theater, fitness studio, Danberry at Inverness. innovative wellness programs and much more. Residents enjoy chef-prepared menus and dining with friends in the casual bistro or more formal dining room. Services include scheduled transportation, concierge and weekly housekeeping.

For those in need of a helping hand, 24-hour licensed professional nursing is available on-site in Assisted Living at Danberry, which offers a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. On-site physical and occupational therapy also are available.

“Our residents will tell you that they wish they’d moved here sooner.

They love the carefree, fun-filled and rewarding retirement lifestyle they find at Danberry,” said Krueger. “And we love serving them!”

Danberry is the flagship senior housing development for the Daniel Corporation and is managed by CRSA®, an LCS® company.

Danberry at Inverness is located on Lake Heather just off U.S. 280 and Valleydale Road in Hoover, 443-9500.

The Clare Bridge Get more out ofClare lifeBridge at Crossings

Danberry at Inverness Crossings

For Early Stage Alzheimers & Dementia Care Top: The atrium at Danberry is the center of the clubhouse that connects the common areas, providing a place residents can enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends before dinner. lefT: Waterfall at the entrance to Danberry.

Above: lori Krueger, left, marketing director and Jaclyn Gardner, executive director of Danberry at Inverness.

Difference

Residents enjoy: Even more than larger floor plans, • Flexible dining options gorgeous architecture, and The Clare Bridge Crossings program • Transportation outstanding is a stepping amenities—Danberry stone between home • Housekeeping at frees Living you toand create or Inverness before Assisted Clare • Fitness Center to support thosewith living with aBridge lifestyle all your own, • Wellness Clinic early-stage dementia.

Our Crossings • 24-hour nursing Independent Living, Assisted YOUR VETERANS BENEFITS SAFE? program has as its foundation a grow- ARE • Indoor resort-style pool Living, and Memory Care all ing body of research that shows that • Full-service salon & spa right here. More peace mind. a structured program of of cognitive • Card & billiard rooms And a lot regular more fun! workouts, and varied physical • G. Creative studio Our speaker is William Nolan, an arts accredited attorney with the VA and a local Elder Law attorney

Congress is in session –

Veterans benefits have been available since WWII... yet there are some in Congress who want to significantly curtail your benefits. If you are a Veteran or the widow of a Veteran, or if you might become a caregiver for a Veteran, please join us for an informative and timely (and free!) presentation on “The Future of Your VA Benefits”.

the firm Nolan Stewart, PC. Mr. Nolan has written articles about and is a frequent speaker on exercise and increased social with interac• Movie theater the subject of Veterans benefits. tion may help to443-9500. slow the decline of • And much more!

Call (205) You will also learn more about services provided to qualified Veterans exclusively by Always Best Care. those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Come home to Clare Bridge Crossings

for a different Tuesday, April 8 OR Thursday, April 10, 2014 • 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Distinctively Different care.

Hoover, AL 35242 approach to early stage Alzheimer’s and Dementia Refreshments and Door Prizes

The Future of Your VA Benefits 235 Inverness Center Drive

Limited Availability!

For more information about our Retirement Living

DanberryAtInverness.com 235 Inverness Center Drive • Hoover, AL

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Medicare Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful — Let Medicare Advisors of Alabama Help You

Who is Medicare Advisors of Alabama?

We are a locally-owned insurance agency that specializes in helping Alabamians better understand Medicare. Medicare is overwhelming, but once someone with patience and knowledge teaches you the questions to ask and then guides you through the process, the whole thing becomes much less stressful. That’s what we provide: a stressfree Medicare experience.

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Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 39

SENIORS

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40 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

‘Momentous Occasion’

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

WEDDINGS/SCHOOLS

To have our wedding & engagement forms sent to you, call 205-823-9646 or email: editorial@otmj.com

From left, Jimmy Lewis, Sharon Samford, Elizabeth Goodrich, Leo Kayser, Scott Schamberger and Lucy Craig at the ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 9 for the new Kayser-Samford Community Commons facility at Indian Springs School.

day and boarding students, faculty, staff and guests to gather and eat. New serving stations will feature a variety of meal options prepared in a state-ofthe-art kitchen. The facility also provides a private dining space for meetings and events and a lakeside venue for recreation.

“This is a momentous occasion and an exciting new chapter in the life of the school,” Scott Schamberger, head of Indian Springs School, said in the statement. “This facility will give the

next generation of our students a place to build enduring relationships and develop lifelong friendships.”

Construction of the 12,000-squarefoot building began in November 2021.

The project’s fundraising was led

by Indian Springs School alumnus Leo Kayser III alongside Kayser’s late classmate and fellow board member Frank Samford III, for whom the building is named. Nearly 150 other donors have contributed to the

school’s historic capital campaign so far.

“The beautiful new KayserSamford Community Commons is the result of the work and investment of many people from many places and different backgrounds who share the ideal that Indian Springs should be a community that gathers around tables to enjoy and learn from one another,” Elizabeth Goodrich, chair of the Indian Springs School board of governors said.

which recognizes elementary and middle-level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement and character.

“I am honored to represent my colleagues from Hoover and surrounding districts from the AAESA District IV. I am blessed to work with them as they challenge me to be better for the community I serve,” Turney said.

She will now compete against eight other district nominees across the state

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for the 2023 National Distinguished Principal for Alabama title. Each finalist will host a site visit of judges, and the winner will be announced in the spring.

Turney also was the 2022 District IV nominee and a top-three finalist for the state award.

“Dr. Turney is an exceptional educational leader and an even better person. Her colleagues made a great choice as the District IV AAESA National Distinguished Principal winner, and she will have a great chance to be selected as one of three finalists in the coming weeks,” said Vic Wilson, executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.

Turney has been an educator for 26 years and spent 18 of them at Riverchase Elementary, first as assistant principal and for the past eight years as principal.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in

Courtesy Hoover City Schools

Riverchase Elementary Principal Nominated for State Award

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The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators recognized Riverchase Elementary School Principal Alice Turney as its District IV National Distinguished Principal nominee for 2023.

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Adcock-Lynch

Margaret Grace Adcock and William Marshall Lynch exchanged vows Nov. 12, 2022, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Homewood.

The Rev. Matthew Patrick officiated, and the bride was given in marriage by her father. A reception followed at the Vestavia Country Club.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Jon Michael Adcock of Vestavia Hills. The groom’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. James David Lynch of Matthews, North Carolina.

The maid of honor was the bride’s twin sister, Sarah Helen Adcock of Birmingham. Bridesmaids were the bride’s sisters, Kate Adcock of Birmingham and Libby Adcock of Auburn; the groom’s sisters, Margaret Brown of Austin, Texas, and Laura Beth Lynch of Waco, Texas; the bride’s childhood friends, Katie Green of Nashville, Tennessee, and Katie Mier of Birmingham; and her college friends Mary Helen Garrett of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Carolyn Albritton and Ranna Harley of Charleston, South Carolina.

The flower girl was Abigail Nass.

The best man was the groom’s brother, James David Lynch of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Groomsmen were the groom’s brother-in-law, Charlie Brown of Austin, Texas; the groom’s childhood friend Baylor Molnar of Waco, Texas; and the groom’s college friends Mark Tigges, of Enterprise, William Moore of Atlanta, George Devaney of College Station, Texas, Rik Ujaan of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gage Stepien of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Chandler Huskey of Columbia, South Carolina, and Ike Ducas of Lexington, Kentucky.

The couple will live in Enterprise, where the groom will complete U.S. Army Aviation Training.

Indian Springs School commemorated the completion of the KayserSamford Community Commons project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 9.

Representatives from Lake Flato Architects of San Antonio, Architecture Works, BL Harbert International and Indian Springs Village were part of the dedication, according to a statement from the school The Kayser-Samford Community Commons will serve as the school’s new social hub and dining hall. It is on the site of the school’s original dining hall, overlooking the campus lake.

The facility provides indoor and outdoor seating for the school’s 325

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Indian Springs School Dedicates New Kayser-Samford Community Commons

Alice Turney has been an educator for 26 years and spent 18 of them at Riverchase Elementary, first as assistant principal and for the past eight years as principal.

early childhood education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Georgia and her specialist and doctorate in educational leadership from Argosy University. She did post-graduate studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and recently earned a certificate in school management and leadership from Harvard Business School Online in conjunction with Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 41

SCHOOLS

Courtesy Homewood City Schools

• Spirit of Heritage: Sandy Holmes • Judges’ Interview Award: Martha Ponder Class queens received a sash, tiara and a $125 gift certificate from The Clothes Tree by Deborah.

The Spirit of Heritage winner is chosen to embody the Five Attributes of the Homewood Spirit and received a $250 scholarship. The Judges’ Interview Award is presented to the girl who gives the best interview, and

she received a $250 scholarship.

Lee, as Miss Heritage, received a $2,000 scholarship, a crown, sash, a $500 gift certificate from The Clothes Tree by Deborah and a rental from Twenty-Twelve Formal Wear for the Holiday Parade.

Homewood High’s show choir teacher, Scott Thorne, coordinated the pageant. The high school’s senior escort volunteers and the Star Spangled Girls assisted with the event.

Winners of the Miss Heritage Pageant 2023 at Homewood High School, from left to right, are Freshman Queen Merrill Story, Sophomore Queen Carmen Klimcak, Miss Heritage Charlotte Lee, Senior Queen Grace Studinka and Junior Queen Libby Dudgeon.

Homewood High’s Miss Heritage Pageant Names Winners

Homewood High student Charlotte Lee was crowned Miss Heritage 2023 during a pageant Dec. 3.

This year, 69 girls competed in the Miss Heritage scholarship pageant,

which is open to all Homewood High School girls.

They are judged first on three primary categories: a five-minute private interview with the judges, the open-

Anna Bella Foster, a senior at Mountain Brook High School, has taken the Miss Olympian 2023 title.

The event, held Nov. 19 in the high school’s Fine Arts Center, featured 15 contestants who danced, sang and performed to try to earn the title, according to the school’s website.

Foster sang an opera piece in Italian as her talent. All contestants performed a talent and were presented in evening wear before the next Miss

Photo by Hank Spencer

Mountain Brook Senior Wins Miss Olympian Title

Anna Bella Foster

Olympian was crowned. Emcees, entertainment from various high school boys, and a performance from

ing “Outfit of Choice” number and the evening gown and poise portion of the pageant. For the top 20 finalists, there is an on-stage question.

A queen is named for each class.

This year’s winners include: • Senior: Grace Studinka • Junior: Libby Dudgeon • Sophomore: Carmen Klimcak • Freshman: Merrill Story 2022 Miss Olympian, Julianne Abenoja, added to the night’s event.

Mary Katherine Malone was named first runner-up while Lula Comer finished as second runnerup.

Additionally, Leo Godwin placed as third runner-up and took home the Betsy Henle Spirit Award.

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AUBURN – Mountain Brook struggled to contain Saraland sophomore Ryan Williams in the 2022 Class 6A championship football game.

When cornerback Tucker Crawford wrestled Williams out of bounds at the 1-yard line on what appeared to be the final play of the first half, Mountain Brook coaches and players hustled off the field with a surge of optimism.

Saraland coach Jeff Kelly challenged the officials’ ruling, and instant replay showed Williams fell out of bounds with two seconds to play. “I knew we were out of bounds in time,” Kelly said.

Williams, the Saraland star who has already committed to Alabama, took advantage of the extra time. He motioned from his usual receiver spot to quarterback and took a direct snap before scoring on a 1-yard TD run on the final play of the half and increase Saraland’s lead to 28-10.

The record book will show the final score as Saraland 38, Mountain Brook 17 to win the 6A state title at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, behind four touchdowns from Williams – a 61-yard run, 24-yard reception, 58-yard run and 1-yard run.

The cold facts, however, can’t reflect how Mountain Brook (12-3) performed with persistence and determination, especially in the second half to prevent a Saraland (14-1) runaway.

“I remember at halftime just looking at the guys around me and no one really

WRIGHT From page 44

Mountain Brook’s seniors finished with a 44-10 record in their four seasons, reaching the Class 6A semifinals in 2020 and 2021 and the championship game this season.

Wright, who had been on the varsity since he was a freshman, played a starring role this season. He led the Spartans with 167 tackles while tallying 13.5 tackles for losses and 2.5 sacks.

For his performance, Wright was selected the All-OTM Defensive Player of the Year in voting of Over-theMountain coaches.

“It’s a great honor and I love getting

GAMBLE From page 44

12-3 record.

“You sort of go with the hot hand, and he turned out to be the guy,” Yeager said.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Gamble finished the season as the Spartans’ most prolific running back since Mountain Brook legend Major Ogilvie. Gamble rushed for 2,180 yards, averaging, 8.2 yards per carry, and 39 touchdowns. He had 2,388 allpurpose yards.

For his performance, Gamble was chosen the 2022 All-OTM Offensive Player of the Year in voting by Overthe-Mountain football coaches.

“That’s truly a blessing,” Gamble said. “I really appreciate it because

SPORTS

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

FUN WHILE IT LASTED

Mountain Brook Proud of the Way It Battled in Championship Game Loss had their head down,” Crawford said.

“It was just like every other play. It didn’t really faze us. Honestly, it picked everyone up, like, ‘Hey, we’re still good. We can keep fighting,’ and that’s exactly what we did. We just didn’t get the break we needed, unfortunately.”

Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager was proud of the way his team continued to battle until the game was over.

“It could have spiraled and it didn’t,” Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager said. “The kids bowed up and showed a lot of guts and grit. That’s one of the things I’m going to remember.

That’s probably one of the proudest moments for me, after that how they came out and continued to fight.”

Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

42 • Thursday, December 15, 2022

Clark Sanderson looks for running room in Mountain Brook’s Class 6A championship game against Saraland. Sanderson finished with 10 catches for 153 yards.

Never Stop Trying

Clark Sanderson’s second-half touchdown catch served as the perfect example for Mountain Brook’s tenacity.

He slipped to the turf but popped up to catch the pass from quarterback John Colvin and turned it into a 31-yard touchdown.

Sanderson’s score cut the deficit to 31-17, and Saraland’s subsequent drive went three-and-out. Mountain Brook seemed poised to cut into the lead again, but Saraland’s Isaiah Bowie’s

diving interception on a tipped pass essentially ended the Mountain Brook comeback bid.

“This is something I’m proud of: We played better in the second half than we played in the first half,” Yeager said.

“That was a very, very physical football game. It was a very physical first half, and I didn’t know how much gas we had in the tank. But I tell you what, the kids gave every ounce they had in the tank. That’s one thing, when we’re on the sideline, we say we’re going to fight

to the last man standing, and they did.”

Sanderson finished with 10 catches for 153 yards. Cole Gamble ran for 75 yards and a 1-yard touchdown run. Jack Heaps kicked a 33-yard field goal.

Senior linebacker Vaughn Frost led the defense with 15 tackles and Trent Wright added 10 during the game, the first time Mountain Brook had played in a state championship game since 1996.

The numbers, though, didn’t matter to Yeager and his players. In the post-

selected, but the credit goes to all my teammates and coaches and how helpful they were in my success,” Wright said. “Football is a team sport, and one person can’t do it by himself. They did a great job of letting me get in the flow and make plays.”

Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager wasn’t surprised that Wright would credit others because he once described Wright as having a “servant heart.”

“They don’t make many like him,” Yeager said. “He’s a warrior. He’s the ultimate leader. The kids would follow him off a cliff.

“He was the cornerstone of our defense. The thing about him is he was always aware of how the other guys

were performing. He was a catalyst for making guys better.”

Not only that, but Wright had a knack for being around the football.

“He’s got an incredibly high football aptitude and he’s an incredible competitor,” Yeager said. “He wills himself to get to the ball.”

Wright won’t be making any tackles at the next level. A versatile baseball player who has played first base, catcher and outfield, Wright signed a baseball scholarship with Pearl River Community College.

“I love both sports, but I think baseball offers a better path for me,” said Wright, who hopes to join the Mountain Brook baseball team during the first month of the season after he

recovers from his broken leg.

there are a lot of good backs and good players around. I’m glad they chose me.”

Gamble gave credit to his teammates, including King and Waldrop, and his coaches for his productivity.

“Those are two really good backs,” he said. “If I needed a blow, they could come in. And obviously the offensive line was awesome and our coaches put me in a great position with our game plans. It was just a matter of trusting our schemes, my teammates and the coaches.

“I got better as the season went along, watching film of games and practices and correcting my mistakes.”

Gamble said he became a more decisive runner this season.

“When I saw an opening, I just put my foot in the ground and took off,” he said.

Yeager said Gamble’s ability to run and his 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard is what made him so effective.

“He’s got a burst and he has a knack for taking very small seams and making a lot of out of them. He processes things so fast and then just goes.

“He’s a smooth runner, but he’s not afraid to lower his shoulder and take on guys.”

By the end of the season, most the shiny gold paint on Gamble’s helmet had chipped off.

“I liked that a lot,” Gamble said of his discolored helmet. “It was like battle scars for all my tough runs.”

Gamble was held to only 75 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown in Mountain Brook’s 38-17 loss to Saraland in the Class 6A champion-

All-OTM Defense Roster

Wright heads the 2022 All-OTM Defense. Spartans safety Mac Palmer also made the team after recording more than 60 tackles and two interceptions.

Hoover, which reached the Class 7A semifinals, led the defensive team with four players: defensive end Jordan Norman (68 tackles and 10 sacks), defensive tackle Andrew Parrish, linebacker Bradley Shaw (106 tackles with 15 TFLs and five sacks) and safety D.J. Estes (71 tackles, 15 TFLs and six sacks).

Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Oak Mountain all had two players selected. ship game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn.

Despite the defeat, Gamble was able to hold his head high in the aftermath.

“It’s tough getting there and not winning, but I’m proud of our team,” he said. “It was a special season for sure.”

All-OTM Offense Roster

Gamble heads the 2022 All-OTM Offense. He is joined by three of his Mountain Brook teammates, wide receiver Clark Sanderson (53 receptions for 955 yards and 8 TDs) and linemen Davis Peterson and Mac Smith.

Homewood landed three players on the offense, including senior quarterback Woods Ray. Ray passed for 2,677 yards and 27 touchdowns and

game interview, they spoke powerfully and poignantly about the “journey” of the season and how they “played with joy.”

“We were lucky enough to know this was our last game together,” Frost said, “and we didn’t want to waste it.

We didn’t look at the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. We just wanted to enjoy the last minutes together.

“I’ve dreamed about something like this since I was, like, 5 or 6 years old. I got to be like a mini celebrity for a week, which is really cool. I mean I played on Jordan-Hare, which not a lot of people can say. We got beat in the end, but, gosh, it was a lot of fun.”

Mountain Brook fell one win shy of winning its first state title since 1976.

Despite the outcome, the players seemed satisfied with their performance.

“Nobody makes you a champion because they put a ring on your finger or a trophy on your shelf,” Yeager said.

“A champion is something that occurs as a journey. Part of the heart, it’s a growth process and it’s something that occurs for the rest of your life. It’s trying to become a craftsman in whatever you do as a person. Your character, everything. That’s where the focus came from.

“It wasn’t trying to win, where someone on the outside said, ‘You guys are champions.’ It was what is that person and could we become that. That was our journey.”

Lineman Jordan Ross (two defensive touchdowns and 16 TFLs) and defensive back Grant Downey (8 interceptions) represent the Rebels; linebacker Talton Thomas (130 tackles with 16 TFLs) and defensive back Clay Burdeshaw (108 tackles and 2 interceptions) represent the Patriots; and lineman Emmanuel Waller and linebacker Carter Lehman represent the Eagles.

Rounding out the defense are Spain Park lineman Caldwell Bussey (5.5 sacks and 46 tackles) and John Carroll Catholic defensive back Zach Archer.

Versatile Oak Mountain senior Garrett Murphy was tabbed as the punter after averaging more than 41.0 yards per punt. rushed for 812 yards and 11 TDs as the Patriots finished 10-3 and reached the Class 6A quarterfinals before losing 57-56 in overtime to Saraland.

The other Patriots on the squad are receiver Jackson Parris (80 receptions for 1,288 yards and 13 TDs) and lineman Jaxon Brooks.

Hoover and Vestavia Hills had two players each voted to the team.

Representing the Bucs are running back LaMarion McCammon (858 yards rushing and 11 TDs) and placekicker Peyton Argent (34 of 35 extra points and 8 of 9 field goals).

The Rebels’ representatives are wide receiver Keown Richardson (45 receptions for 602 yards and 5 TDs) and lineman Glen Porter.

Briarwood’s 6-foot-7, 275 junior lineman Luke Schultz rounds out the team.

By Rubin E. Grant The Hoover Lady Bucs are chasing history this season, but other than their hashtag on Twitter — #Quest2R3PEAT — it’s not a topic of conversation during basketball practice or games.

“In the rich history of the Hoover girls basketball program, there’s never been a three-peat,” coach Krystle Johnson said. “But we’re not talking about three-peating, although our goal is to win another state championship.”

Consequently, Johnson said, the Lady Bucs don’t feel any pressure to three-peat in 2023.

“This a completely new team with their own set of challenges,” Johnson said. “We’re focusing on this team doing their best and getting into position to get to state and winning state. If that happens, it would just happen to be the third in a row.”

Hoover, which has won three of the past four Class 7A titles and four of the past six, is off to a 12-0 start with seven of their victories coming against out-ofstate competition, including a 59-49 win against Germantown, Mississippi., last Saturday in the Tangle on the Trail Showcase in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

The victory was the 300th of Johnson’s coaching career.

“It’s a testament to my players and all the assistant coaches I have had, a lot of people working hard,” Johnson said. “It’s truly a blessing to do it at my alma mater.”

The Lady Bucs have seven seniors to lead their quest for another title.

Heading the group are guard Reniya

Thursday, December 15, 2022 • 43

SPORTS

Chasing History Hoover Girls Basketball Team on a Quest for a Three-Peat

Kelly, forward Kristen McMillian and guard Layla Etchison, who have signed college scholarships. Kelly, the 2022 OTM Player of the Year and Class 7A MVP in the state tournament, signed with North Carolina, the 6-foot-2 McMillan signed with Central Arkansas and Etchison with Garden City Community College in Kansas.

Kelly also reached a milestone, becoming Hoover’s all-time leading scorer with 1,917 career points, surpassing Lyndsay Harris, who scored 1,879 points playing from 2004 to 2008.

With the graduation of Aniya Hubbard, who’s at Florida Atlantic, Kelly is being asked to be more than just a playmaker this season, although she averaged 14.0 points per game last season as Hoover finished 34-3 and won their second consecutive Class 7A title.

“She’s carrying more of the load scoring since we lost Aniya, but she’s still averaging 6 assists,” Johnson said.

“We’re still trying to get her to understand she needs to be more aggressive because she’s not a selfish player.”

McMillan, who has been on the varsity since she was a freshman and was an All-OTM selection last season, is also being asked to elevate her game.

“She’s not being as dominant as she can be, but she’s still making her pres-

the frontcourt after helping the Lady Bucs’ volleyball team reach the state tournament. The other seniors are guard Kennedi McCray, a transfer from Pleasant Grove, and forwards Jamiyah Hill and Alicia Reyes.

Junior Kamryn Lee, a 5-9 guard-forward, also is a starter, while junior guards Ariana Peagler Jillian ClarkWilliamson and Katie Ridgeway are valuable reserves along with sophomore forward Layla Cannon.

Freshmen Khloe Ford, a 6-3 center, and Aaliyah Blanchard, a 5-7 point guard, also are in the rotation.

‘Athletic and Aggressive’

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Senior guard Reniya Kelly reached a milestone last week becoming Hoover’s all-time leading scorer with 1,917 career points.

ence felt on both ends of the court,” Johnson said. “She’s a very good defensive player.”

Etchison, who came off the bench last season but played starter minutes, has moved into the starting lineup and is averaging in double figures.

Senior Alanah Pooler also starts in

The Lady Bucs, however, will rely mostly on their seniors.

“We do play our seniors a lot, but our main focus is playing at a high level,” Johnson said. “All the teams we have played are athletic and aggressive and they press a lot, so we can’t take a night off. Coming out of November and December, we want that mindset to be already there when we get to the second half of the season.”

Hoover and Vestavia Hills, the team the Lady Bucs beat in the 2022 championship game, are expected to battle for the top two spots in Class 7A, Area 5, which also includes Thompson and Tuscaloosa County. Vestavia Hills rejoined the area this season.

“We’ll probably have to play each other to get to state, but there’s a lot of competition in our (Northwest) region,” Johnson said. “Bob Jones is very strong and we’ve also got James Clemens, Florence and Austin.”

YEAGER From page 44

and conditioning coach Kyle Speer, who came from Tulane.

“I have an incredible staff,” Yeager said. “There were no egos, even though some of them have been head coaches and coordinators. They were all about the kids.

“This was the most positive staff I’ve had with the best energy. So, this is a staff award.”

As for his team, Yeager believes his players maximized their potential.

“From where we started to where we finished, I think this team did reach its potential,” he said. “They handled losses better than any team I’ve ever coached and did the things necessary after our losses to keep winning.”

He said the loss in the championship game didn’t diminish what his team accomplished. The Spartans were denied their first state title since winning back-to-back championships in 1975 and 1976.

“It’s been an incredible year,” Yeager said after the game. “I know there are 62 (6A) teams that want to be where we are. It did not turn out like we wanted, but I got to spend 15 weeks with these incredible guys. It has been so fun.”

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Mountain Brook proud of the way it battled in championship game loss. Page 42

SPORTS

Thursday, December 15, 2022 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Hoover girls basketball team on a quest for a three-peat.

Page 43

THE 2022 OTMJ ALL-OVER THE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM 2022 OTM OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

‘Hot Hand’ Gamble Pays Off Big as Spartans’ Featured Back

Mountain Brook junior running back Cole Gamble began the 2022 high school football season splitting time in the backfield with Jack King and Will Waldrop.

“We hope to keep each of them fresh,” Spartans coach Chris Yeager said before the season. “They allow us to run schemes using two backs at a time or three at a time.”

But midway through the season, Gamble emerged as the Spartans’ primary ballcarrier, becoming a workhorse.

That was never more evident than in the state playoffs when he rushed for 1,031 yards and 18 touchdowns on 121 carries – averaging 8.5 yards per carry – in five games as Mountain Brook finished as Class 6A runners-up with a See GAMBLE, page 42

Journal photos by Maury Wald

By Rubin E. Grant

Members of the 2022 All-OTM offensive team are, front, from left: Clark Sanderson, Mountain Brook; Mac Smith, Mountain Brook; Cole Gamble, Mountain Brook; Luke Schultz, Briarwood; and Glen Porter, Vestavia Hills. Back: Woods Ray, Homewood; Jaxon Brooks, Homewood; Jackson Parris, Homewood; Davis Peterson, Mountain Brook and Coach of the Year, Chris Yeager, Mountain Brook. Not picutred: LaMarion McCammon, Hoover; Keown Richardson, Vestavia Hills; and Peyton Argent, Hoover. (Hoover and Spain Park players not pictured because they were attending their football banquets).

2022 OTM DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

‘A Warrior’

Wright’s Leadership Made Him Cornerstone of Mountain Brook’s Defense

By Rubin E. Grant

Late in the fourth quarter of the Class 6A championship football game on Dec. 2, Mountain Brook senior linebacker Trent Wright went down in a pile on the ground at JordanHare Stadium in Auburn.

Wright didn’t get up. He had snapped the fibula in his right leg and torn all the ligaments in his ankle.

“I was running to make a tackle and in the pile somebody fell on it,” Wright said. “I was in a lot of pain.”

It turned out to be the final play of Wright’s high school career and, truly, he had left it all on the field. He recorded 10 tackles while trying to bring Mountain Brook its first state championship since the Spartans won back-to-back titles in 1975 and 1976.

Mountain Brook fell 38-17 to Saraland and the next day Wright had surgery that will require three to six months of recovery and rehab.

The pain from the injury stung more than the championship loss because Wright knew the Spartans had played their hearts out.

“It’s another football disappointment to get through, but when we look back at it and think about the journey of how we got there, we’ll see the bright side of what we accomplished,” Wright said. “We were the winningest seniors in Mountain Brook history.”

See WRIGHT, page 42

Members of the 2022 All-OTM defensive team, front, from left: Clay Burdeshaw, Homewood; Jordan Ross, Vestavia Hills; Trent Wright, Mountain Brook; Mac Palmer, Mountain Brook; and Carter Lehman, Oak Mountain. Back: Grant Downey, Vestavia Hills; Talton Thomas, Homewood; Zach Archer, John Carroll Catholic; and Garrett Murphy, Oak Mountain. Not pictured: Jordan Norman, Hoover; Andrew Parrish, Hoover; Emmanuel Waller, Oak Mountain; Caldwell Bussey, Spain Park; Bradley Shaw, Hoover; and DJ Estes, Hoover.

‘Incredible Year’ 2022 OTM COACH OF THE YEAR

Yeager Surprised to Be Voted OTM Coach of the Year

By Rubin E. Grant Even though he led Mountain Brook to its first championship game appearance since 1996, Chris Yeager figured someone else would be the

2022 All-OTM Coach of the Year.

He pointed to his former defensive coordinator Robert Evans, who guided Vestavia Hills to a 7-5 record and a second-round Class 7A playoff appearance in his first season; Wade Waldrop, who led Hoover to an 11-2 record and a Class 7A semifinal trip in his first season; and Ben Berguson, who led Homewood to a 10-3 record and the Class 6A quarterfinals.

But when the votes of Over-the-Mountain football coaches were tallied, Yeager had earned the nod for the second consecutive season.

“I’m a little surprised,” Yeager said. “Rob did a great job and Wade did a great job at Hoover following (former Bucs coach) Josh Niblett, and gosh, Ben Berguson did a great job at Homewood.”

The Spartans swept the 2022 All-OTM awards with junior running back Cole Gamble being voted the Offensive Player of the Year and senior linebacker Trent Wright being selected Defensive Player of the Year.

Mountain Brook finished with a 12-3 record and reached the Class 6A championship before losing 38-17 to Saraland.

Yeager wouldn’t say whether this season was his best coaching job, quickly pivoting to his coaching staff. He praised the work of all his assistants, including Shane Stearns, who was elevated to defensive coordinator after Robert Evans left, co-offensive coordinators Richard Kelley and Brad Easley, new defensive coaches Buddy Pell and Chad Merrill and new strength See YEAGER, page 43