Celebrating our over the mountain communities.
OTMJ
INSIDE
| OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL • OTMJ.COM | Thursday, October 29, 2026
SHOP HOMEWOOD PAGE 14
HAUTE HOLIDAYS PAGE 20
BHG INSPIRATION HOUSE PAGE 22
PHOTO BY KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA
BOO Y’ALL! SPOOKY STREET, PAGE 11 »
OPINION
2 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
IN THIS
ISSUE
“Be afraid. Be very afraid.”
SOCIAL 4 | Kings Home Shelby Auxiliary Mahjong Tournament
L
6 | Alabama Symphony Orchestra— Opening Night: Hollywood 7 | Linly Heflin Scholarship Fashion Show 8 | This Is Us....A 20-Year Big Oak Celebration 8 | Coronets Dance Club Fall Luncheon
movies—it was 1984, and I was a major scaredy cat. My date didn’t tell me what movie we were seeing until he was buying two tickets
with him again (clearly, we had different tastes!). And taking the advice of one of
PHOTO BY BRIT HUCKABAY
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
movies. In high school, a guy asked me out on a date to go to the
refusing to watch. My date apologized profusely, but I’m not sure I ever went out
10 | Carousels Dance Club Fall Meeting
12 | Mrs. Campbell’s second-grade class at Vestavia Hills Elementary School Liberty Park shares their favorite candy, Halloween costumes and who they will be trick-or-treating with this year.
Halloween costume person. So, no surprise, I also don’t like horror
movie franchise. I spent the entire movie with my face buried in my hands,
10 | Homewood Centennial Gala
11 | Get spooky in Homewood!
ast year, in my October 30 editor’s letter, I confessed that I wasn’t a
for A Nightmare on Elm Street, the first movie in the iconic Freddy Krueger horror
9 | Pickwick Dance Club Fall Party
COMMUNITY
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
the movie’s characters, I didn’t sleep for days thinking about Freddy’s burned face and knife fingers. But falling in the treat category rather than trick, the happy, not horrific, decorations on Homewood’s Edgewood Boulevard and surrounding streets (and really all throughout the city) make me smile, not scream. Check out Karim Shamsi-Basha’s fun pictures on page 11. Also, enjoy Tally Dettling’s Halloween conversations with some Liberty Park Elementary School second graders on page 12. Read all about the Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration Home in Madoline
SPECIAL SECTION
Markham Koonce’s article on page 22. And get ready to rock the porch with Brent Thompson’s story about Crestfest, the porch-based music festival fundraiser
14 | Shop Homewood
in the Crestwood neighborhood, on page 18.
MUSIC
There’s much fun to be had this time of year; just be sure you ask your movie
18 | Crestfest turns two.
companion if they are into horror movies before you buy the tickets!
STYLE –BARRY WISE SMITH
20 | Haute Holidays
HOME 22 | Interior designers collaborate on the Birmingham Home & Garden home in the heart of Vestavia Hills.
ABOUT TOWN 26 | Things to do, people to see, music to hear
SPORTS 28 | Vestavia Hills Flag Football eyes another deep playoff run.
| OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS |
REST IN PEACE, JAMES
O
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
JOU RNAL Thursday, October 29, 2026
James Todd Shelnutt passed away at the age of 61, and he will be sorely missed. James was a delivery driver for the paper covering Homewood and half of Mountain Brook, and he was as kind as he was dependable.
A proud alumnus of Homewood High School, Todd graduated in
Publisher & Executive Editor: Lee Hurley Editor: Barry Wise Smith Design Director: Claire Cormany Photography: Jordan Wald Contributors: Tally Dettling, Madoline Markham Koonce, Loyd McIntosh, Karim Shamsi-Basha, Brent Thompson Account Executives: Julie Trammell Edwards
1983, and his pursuit of knowledge led him to UAB, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Todd worked diligently as a delivery driver for The Birmingham News, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Over the Mountain Journal. In recent years, he found his true passion as a writer. His creativity flourished in the captivating trilogy Andy Brighton and the Dragons of Wyrme, delighting readers and showcasing his imaginative spirit. Todd was known for his quick wit and the remarkable ability to
We would love to hear from you on any subject: lhurley@otmj.com
make everyone feel welcome. We will miss him and our love and prayers go out to his family.
Vol. 35, No. 26
Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper celebrating the communities of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at lhurley@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2024 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.
n October 17, OTMJ lost a friend and a co-worker.
James Todd Shelnutt Jan 12, 1965–Oct 17, 2026
Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 3
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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Kings Home Shelby Auxiliary Mahjong Tournament On September 24, the Kings Home Shelby Auxiliary gathered for a fun day of friendly competition, great company and community impact at its first Mahjong Tournament at the Greystone Farms Clubhouse, with all proceeds benefiting the mission of King’s Home. New ladies were introduced to the mission to serve Christ by serving at-risk women, children and mothers. Light refreshments were served, and everyone enjoyed a fun day playing for purpose. OTMJ
Amy Locascio, Carol Doria, Lori Landis and Sally Woolley
Angi Thompson, Shelley Garrison, Lyn Autry and Diana Bissiri
Cathy Lopes and Amy Harris
Eva Pickens, Christy Cox and Dana Vidal
Jayne Ivy, Denise Freeman and Judith Metheny
Jeanna Nelis, Sally Smith, Pam Lacey and Penny Stap
Lynn Maiden and Stacy Mintz
Susan Spruiell, Bobbie Breeding and Nancy Collins
Discovering a cure for kids like Margaret Anne. Clinical trials play an essential role in the search for cures for childhood cancers and blood disorders. What we learn can inform new treatments and lead to groundbreaking discoveries. At Children’s, this research is helping advance care and create more hopeful tomorrows, so kids like Margaret Anne can live cancer-free.
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Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 5
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6 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
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| SOCIAL |
ALABAMA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA—OPENING NIGHT: HOLLYWOOD “Opening Night: Hollywood” launched the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s 2026-27 season at the Alys Stephens Center on September 25, drawing a crowd of more than 500 for the ASO’s biggest annual fundraiser. Hosts Karen and Phil Carroll, along with Philanthropy Chairs Lindsey and John Lacey and Courtney and Bryson Stephens, welcomed guests to the opening reception featuring hors d’oeuvres created by Chef Frank Stitt and Pardis Stitt and executed by Tre Luna. Guests filled the concert hall for a program of cinema classics highlighted by a stunning Star Wars encore featuring a string section with bows illuminated to look like light sabers. A festive afterparty followed, with dancing and refreshments. The benefit generated more than $725,000 to support everything from free education and outreach programs to classical Masterworks Concerts.
Annie Johnstone, Antonia Nugent and John and Lindsey Lacey
Candi and Loyd Peeples, Marilyn and Jabo Waggoner and Matt and Brandi Woods
Erika Harju and Yin Ingram
Graham Smith, Kimberly King and Patti Williams
Jeffrey Bayer and Steve Royal
Jen Creech and Adam Schloss
Joe and Cathryn Brady and Amy and Kevin Shirley
Mary Goodrich and Marion Marx
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Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 7
| SOCIAL |
Linly Heflin Scholarship Fashion Show The Linly Heflin Unit held its 67th-annual Scholarship Fashion Show on October 14 at The Club. The evening kicked off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by the fashion show presented in partnership with Gus Mayer. The show highlighted featured designer L’AGENCE and the latest fall fashions from Gus Mayer. The fashion show is the primary fundraiser for Linly Heflin, which awards college scholarships to Alabama women. This year, approximately 100 women will receive scholarships of $10,000 per year for up to four years to pursue an undergraduate degree at an Alabama college or university. Many of these women are the first in their family to attend college. Recipients of the Linly Heflin scholarships must demonstrate a strong academic foundation and a critical need for financial support. OTMJ
S T H G HEI shop local
ARTS CRAFT POP UP SHOPS Anne Kendall Outland, Anna Crompton and Mary Crain
Celina Miller, Suzie McCullough and Grace Nielsen
Connie Weaver, Jan Carper and Doug and Jessica Prescott
starting at 10am
Deanna and Jeff Pizitz
Enjoy Complimentary
FOOD
ACTIVITIES
TROLLEYS Jenny Culp and Mary Glenn McElveen
Katherine Cobbs, Brooks Sanders and Carrie McMahon
Kristin McPherson, Kathleen Doss and Suzie Abbott
11/15
Leigh Haver, Jennifer Sanders, Staci Graphos and Alison Lassiter
2-7pm
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Cahaba Mountain Brook Animal Clinic Manhattan South Mason Music Meld Financial Oliver Place Oliver Square UPS Store Tanology Troup’s Pizza FoodBar Chick-Fil-A Learning Express Toys Cahaba Dermatology
8 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
| SOCIAL |
This Is Us...A 20-Year Celebration
On September 30, The Auxiliary of Big Oak Ranch celebrated their 20th anniversary with an elegant fundraising event at The Club. The night kicked off with a VIP reception for event sponsors followed by dinner, presentations and a live auction. James Spann served as auctioneer and Master of Ceremonies, and Terry Saban was the guest speaker. Among the 350 guests present to celebrate this amazing milestone were special guests John and Tee Croyle and Brodie and Kelli Croyle, Ranch staff and house parents and about 83 Auxiliary members. Funds raised during the evening benefit the Auxiliary to continue their work of supporting the children and families living on the ranch. The Big Oak Ranch Auxiliary—a non-profit, volunteer organization that supports the mission of Big Oak Ranch to help abused, neglected and abandoned children needing a chance—was co-founded in 2006 by Phyllis Hoffman DePiano and Joann Bashinsky. For more information about how to get involved with the Auxiliary, membership or to make a donation, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages or bigoakauxiliary.org. OTMJ
Blake Nord, Connor, Kelly and Josh Coleman and James Guston
Bryan and Rachel Coleman
Jim and Regina O’Brien, Beverly Virciglio, Lori and Charlie Stevens and Debra Linton
John and Tee Croyle, James Spann, Terry Saban and Kelli and Brodie Croyle
Kristi Wilson, Melinda D’Amico and Jenny and Jeff Kirby
Lucy and Hallsey Marsh
Meredith Husnik, MacKenzie Dyer, Laura Feld and April McKinney
Mitch and Leigh Moore, Tricia Barrentine and Christy Collins
CORONETS DANCE CLUB FALL LUNCHEON The Coronets Dance Club Fall Luncheon was held on September 25 at The Club. The glass windows in The Vulcan Room were so welcoming, showcasing the bright sunshine and the skyline of downtown Birmingham. Longtime member Shelley Watkins, a realtor with ARC, Homewood gave each member a booklet she wrote, “Do I Stay, or Do I Go,” that tackles the emotions involved with downsizing homes. She also shared many ideas to be considered when the time feels right. Luncheon Chairs were Cathie Amos and Marsha McCarty who decorated tables with elegant cylindrical vases featuring bittersweet branches, vibrant orange eucalyptus and delicate fairy lights. Members enjoyed a lunch of strawberry salad, chicken a la king crepes over potatoes lyonnaise, asparagus and micro greens with The Club’s famous orange rolls. Lunch finished with a choice of either ultimate chocolate cake or New York cheesecake with strawberry whipped cream and berries. Members in attendance were Edna Alderman, Cathie Amos, Linda Bachus, Amy Butler, Ashley Carmichael, PA Carmichael, Carolyn Delk, Nelle Freeman, Pat Garlikov, Beth Glisson, Judy Long, Marsha McCarty, Debbie Morton, Lynne Nicholson, Becky Padgett, Linda Parker, Liza Petznick, Carol Powell, Jan Sutton, Phyllis Tinsley, Anita Thorn, Kathy Tracy, Donna Vaughn and Shelley Watkins. OTMJ
Incoming officers Pat Garlikov, Judy Long, Ashley Carmichael and Kathy Tracy
Shelley Watkins
PA Carmichael and Kathy Tracy
The Coronets Dance Club Fall Luncheon was held at The Club.
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| SOCIAL |
PICKWICK DANCE CLUB FALL PARTY The Pickwick Dance Club held their fall party on October 2 at the Hideout in Irondale. The ladies of the Pickwick Dance Club and their husbands or dates took to the dance floor with music played by a DJ and tunes sung by various members. Everyone enjoyed food from Full Moon BBQ and the long-standing friendships that have spanned the 52 years of the club’s history. OTMJ
Garnett Baker, Cathy Echols, Lindsay Cook, Judy Brown and Jeanne Adair
Robert and Caroline Daniel
Bootsie Garrett and Fran Glendinning
Kathy Peerson, Dale Prosch, Jan Shannon and Peggy Thrasher
Johnny McNeil, Kathy Anderson and Peggy Lee
Paula Hickman, Rob and Fran Glendinning and Bimi Cox
Jill Luckie, Allison Morgan, Judy Anderson and Beverly McNeil
Ann Morris, Paula and Ken Hickan, Ed Allen, Dale Prosch, Curt Hasty and Laurie Allen
Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 9
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| SOCIAL |
Homewood Centennial Gala
On October 15, at City Hall Plaza and Rosewood Hall, Homewood kicked off its Centennial celebrations with the Homewood Centennial Gala benefitting capital improvements at Miss Sims Garden Botanical Park. The event—designed to evoke the style and spirit of 1926—began with a pre-party on City Hall Plaza featuring a DJ, red-carpet experience and complimentary “gigglewater.” Guests moved into Rosewood Hall for a program that included music from the Homewood Pops, food from The Happy Catering Company, stories from the city’s past and displays of Homewood memorabilia. Mayor Jennifer Andress and Homewood High School Band Director Chris Cooper served as emcees. Guests also enjoyed both silent and live auctions, with Alabama auctioneer Christie King leading the live auction. OTMJ
Jennifer Kyle and Becky Rhodes
Kara and Rob Smola
Karry and Blythe Jones
Kyle and Barry Smith
Laura and Scott Tucker
Lucy Murphree, Ellie Pope and Riley McCullars
Richard Panter and Julie Muir
Veronika and Joe Walker
CAROUSELS DANCE CLUB FALL MEETING A dazzling autumn day greeted around 40 members of the Carousels Dance Club at the Annual Fall meeting on October 8. Following an update on club business, the club welcomed new members Suzy Harris, Suzanne Milligan and Lydia Somerville. The club also announced new officers for 2026; President Kathryn Keith, Secretary Sarah Creveling, Treasurer Marguerite McCabe, Party Chairman Margaret Billingsley and Publicity Officer Virginia Gross Members in attendance included Lynn Ault, Barbara Baird, Bebe Costner, Sahra Lee Cox, Sarah Creveling, Leslie Davidson, Patti Perry Finney, Virginia Gross, Fay Hall, Suzy Harris, Kathryn Keith, Joyce Lott, Ocllo Malone, Suzanne Milligan, Carolyn Mills, Helen Mills, Margaret Moore, Patsy Porter, Phyllis Russell, Tellis Shoemaker, Lydia Somerville, Bartley Statham, Suzanne Thomas, Libby Wagner and Margie Williams. The meeting was followed by a buffet lunch featuring fried chicken, braised pork tenderloin, salads and mashed potatoes as well as an array of desserts. A fall color scheme adorned tables with burgundy and gold table linens and centerpieces of potted Rudbeckia. Carousel-themed ornaments adorned the tables with colorful flair. OTMJ
Fay Hall, Barbara Baird and Margie Williams
Kathryn Keith, Virginia Gross and Sarah Creveling
Lydia Somerville and Tellis Shoemaker
Lydia Somerville, Suzanne Milligan and Suzy Harris
Patsy Porter, Lynn Ault and Margaret Moore
Sahra Lee and Libby Wagner
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COMMUNITY | SOCIAL |
Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 11
SPOOKY STREET Edgewood homeowners turn their yards into Halloween spectacles. PHOTOS AND INTRO BY KARIM SHAMSI-BASHA
E
very October, Edgewood Boulevard trades its porch swings and potted ferns for something spookier. Cobwebs stretch across porches, sheet ghosts dangle from tree limbs, and tombstones sprout in front yards where tulips bloomed in spring. It’s a neighborhood tradition with no committee and no rules, just neighbors trying to make kids smile. Edgewood Boulevard’s Halloween spirit is one of the best reasons to take the long way home. OTMJ
12 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
IN THEIR OWN WORDS | SOCIAL |
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Just in time for Halloween, Mrs. Campbell’s second-grade class at Vestavia Hills Elementary School Liberty Park shares their favorite candy, Halloween costume and who they will be trick-or-treating with this year. BY TALLY REYNOLDS DETTLING PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD
“I’m going to be a Ghostbuster this year!” –BLAKELY
“My favorite Halloween candy is called ‘Toxic Waste’.” –OLIVIA
“I’m going to be a baseball player or party animal for Halloween.” –JONES
“Sour Patch Kids are my favorite. I’m dressing up as myself and going trick-or-treating with my brother.” –CHARLIE
“I’m going to be a scary ghost this year!” –ZADIE
“I’m dressing up as Belle from Beauty and the Beast.” –SARAH RYAN
“I hope I get a bunch of king-size chocolate bars! I’m going to be a Fortnite Skeleton.” –HUNTER
“I love EVERY candy! I might be Batman this year.” –LUCAS
“I’m going to be Ronald Acuna, Jr.—the greatest Braves baseball player!” –ELLIS
“I’m going to be a Vampire Bat for Halloween, and I love eating candy corn!” –BEN
“I love candy corn! I’m going as a purple witch for Halloween.” –JULIA
“My best friend Antonella and my dog are going trick-or-treating with me. I hope I get a lot of Twizzlers. I’m going to be Hermione from Harry Potter, and my dog is going to be Zero from The Nightmare Before Christmas.” –FATIMA
“I’m going to a Halloween party with my best friend Andrew. I’ll be Shohei Ohtani.” –WALKER
“My favorite candy is Skittles. I’m going to be a gumball machine for Halloween!” –ELIZABETH
“Swedish Fish are the best candy!” –AARON
Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 13
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NATURE AND NURTURE
A Season of Gratitude at Kirkwood 120 wooded acres. Riverfront views. A community that gives you something to be thankful for every day. At Kirkwood, luxury is found in peaceful surroundings, natural beauty, and the comfort of home. Nestled along the Cahaba River, our wooded campus offers vibrant Independent Living enriched by supportive staff and neighbors who feel like family. This Thanksgiving season, we give thanks for our community and the lasting peace of mind that comes with future care. Schedule your personal tour today. kirkwoodbytheriver.com | 205-956-2184 INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE SKILLED NURSING | REHABILITATION
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14 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
SHOP HOMEWOOD
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The Homewood Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate
2026
H OMEWOOD FOR THE H OLIDAYS
Homewood Makes the Season Bright Shopping, celebrations and hometown traditions fill the holiday calendar.
T
he best holiday outings let you check a few gifts off your list and make a few memories to boot. This November and December, Homewood offers plenty of opportunities to do both, with celebrations that bring neighbors together and put local businesses at the center of the season. The festivities begin Thursday, November 5, with the Homewood Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Open House, presented by Ray & Poynor. From 5 to 8 p.m., downtown businesses will welcome shoppers for an evening of refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and shopping discounts. Get pictures with Santa, and enjoy carolers strolling amongst the shoppers (the Homewood Arts Council sponsors the Homewood High School show choirs). Home Instead will also warm shoppers up with a hot chocolate bar to benefit their Be a Santa to a Senior program. Browse the shops, catch up with friends and make dinner part of the evening. The neighborhood celebrations continue on Tuesday, November 10, with Edgewood’s Holiday Sip & Shop and Tree Lighting. The event offers another occasion to explore Homewood’s local businesses and gather with neighbors as the holidays approach. December brings one of the city’s signature traditions: the Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Star on Thursday, December 3. The parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. from the Homewood Public Library, travels east on Oxmoor Road before turning onto 18th Street and continuing through downtown. The Homewood Star lights up as the procession enters downtown, and the evening culminates with the Christmas tree lighting at City Hall Plaza. The following evening, Friday, December 4, Central Park hosts the kickoff of the second annual Homewood Holly-Days Tree Festival. The Rotary Club’s celebration begins at 5:15 p.m., with music, entertainment and Santa and his elves. Mayor Jennifer Andress is scheduled to light the trees at 6 p.m., and families are invited to enjoy the display throughout December. Santa has another appointment Saturday, December 5, at the Chamber’s Breakfast with Santa, presented by Samford University. Breakfast, crafts, kids’ activities and a complimentary photo with Santa are planned. Between the scheduled celebrations, there are plenty of reasons to return: a gift still to find, a meal with friends or another look at the lights. Choosing Homewood for those moments supports the shops and restaurants that help give the city its character—and makes holiday errands feel a little more like holiday traditions. OTMJ
Downtown Homewood Holiday Open House
Brought to you by
Edgewood Tree Lighting and Sip & Shop
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH 5-8:00PM
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH Tree Lighting at 6:30PM
Kick off the holiday season with Downtown Homewood's most anticipated shopping event! Enjoy sips and bites + visit with Santa as you explore the wonderful offerings from local businesses.
Join the merchants of Edgewood for a cheerful evening of shopping, sipping, and holiday fun — all leading up to the lighting of the Edgewood Christmas Tree at 6:30 PM!
Lighting of the Star & Christmas Parade
Breakfast with Santa At
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 6:3OPM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5TH 8:00AM-12:00PM
Celebrate the season as we light the Historic Homewood Star at the top of 18th Street. The parade and lighting of the Christmas tree will follow immediately after.
Join us alongside Samford University for a very merry breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a festive morning with breakfast, activities, and a complimentary photo with the jolly man himself.
SHOP EARLY, SHOP LOCAL FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.HOMEWOODCHAMBER.ORG
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| SHOP HOMEWOOD |
Mantooth Interiors Home for the Holidays ... There’s something special about home during the holidays. It’s where traditions are celebrated, family and friends gather, and memories are made. For 53 years, Mantooth Interiors has been proud to call Homewood home. Locally owned and led by Lynette Mantooth, alongside her exceptional design team, Mantooth has built its reputation on something more personal than beautiful interiors—it’s about relationships. We believe your home should be a
Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 15
reflection of the way you live, filled with timeless furnishings, beautiful fabrics, and thoughtful details that make it uniquely yours. Our greatest compliment is that clients become friends—and those friendships last for generations. This holiday season, celebrate the beauty of home, the joy of gathering, and the people who make it truly special. Mantooth Interiors — Exceptional Interiors Since 1973. Mantooth Interiors is located at 2813 18th Street So., (205) 879-5474.
Wallace-Burke It all started in 2007 when David Hezlep and Repurposing old jewelry into new is the most Preston Foy combined their 65 years of experience economical way to have new jewelry. into establishing themselves as premier manufacLocated in the heart of downtown Homewood. turing retail jewelers. Today marks over 80 years Wallace Burke also showcases over sixty local artof retailing, marketing and manufacist with prices starting at $40 as well turing. ART, QUALITY, VALUE as furniture restoration. Without a doubt, their expertise AND DEDICATED Art, quality, value and dedicated CRAFTSMANSHIP IS craftsmanship is Wallace Burke’s has afforded countless clients and WALLACE BURKE’S friends to enjoy creating special and hallmark. HALLMARK. personal fine jewelry. Wallace Be sure to stop by our gallery and Burke’s custom jewelry design enjoy all of our beautiful jewelry, art department with the guidance of their in-house and craftsmanship. award winning designer, Patrick Conway, will help one recreate new and fashionable jewelry from the Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry - Art - Furniture Family heirlooms currently gathering dust in the Restoration is located at 1811 29th Ave. So., old jewelry box. (205) 874-1044.
HATS OFF FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Celebrating 53 Years Fine Jewelry & Collectibles Fine Jewelry & Art FINE DESIGNER JEWELRY WALLACE -BURKE
1811 29th Avenue S. Homewood LOCAL ARTISTS & FURNITURE RESTORATION
2813 18TH STREET SOUTH HOMEWOOD | 205-879-5474
wallace-burke.com
1811 29th. Avenue S. Homewood • 205-874-1044 wallace-burke.com
16 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
| SHOP HOMEWOOD |
Homewood Toy & Hobby Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop is celebrating its 76th year in business, making it the oldest toy store and hobby shop in the Birmingham area. “We are family-owned and operated since 1950 with a focus on classic toys for the child inside of everyone,” said owner Tricia McCain, above. “We carry a wide variety of brands including, but not limited to Corolle Dolls, Lego, Mattel, Lionel Trains and Traxxas Remote Control. “Whether you are looking for a new toy for a
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
newborn baby, a birthday gift for your child’s classmate or even a new hobby for Dad, our experienced staff can help you decide on the best item,” Tricia said. “We carry the largest selection of remote controlled toys in Birmingham. We are proud to have 76 years of business in the hobby industry. “If you are looking for a particular toy, don’t hesitate to give us a call. If we don’t stock it, we can often special order it for you.” Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop is located at 2830 18th Street S., 205-879-3986.
‘IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PARTICULAR TOY, DON’T HESITATE TO GIVE US A CALL. IF WE DON’T STOCK IT, WE CAN OFTEN SPECIAL ORDER IT FOR YOU.’
Applause Dancewear Applause Dancewear has been known as “Your One Stop For All Of Your Dancing Needs” since it was opened by Buddy and Cindy Wade in 1981. Their daughter, Katie Wade Faught, above with Cindy, has continued that strong tradition and consistent answer to an ever changing and exponentially growing dance market since her ownership in 1992. “As a family that has grown up in dance and that has a love and true passion for this art form, it comes as second nature and makes it an absolute joy to come to work everyday,” said Faught, above. “In these critical times, as our world changes around us, we are striving to keep as much normalcy in the community of dance as we can.
For our customers and our little dancers that are here to buy their first pair of dance shoes, whether they be the first ballet or tap shoe for a toddler or the first pointe shoe for a teen, we want it to be a very special moment!” “We also want to remind everyone that our entire staff is fully trained in fitting pointe shoes. We offer group appointments for studio fittings in our store and offer the ability for individuals to come in for pointe shoe fittings without having to make an appointment. Please give us a call or come by to see the extensive inventory and sizes available for all of our dancers!!” Applause Dancewear is located at 1629 Oxmoor Road in Homewood, 205-871-7837.
GREAT GIFT ITEMS FOR ALL OF THE DANCERS IN YOUR LIFE!! NEW ARRIVALS DAILY!
Making Christmas Magic for 76 Years HOLIDAY HOURS NOV. & DEC. Mon. - Sat., 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Sun. Noon - 4 p.m. 2830 18TH STREET SOUTH • HOMEWOOD • 205-879-3986 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
Dancewear
1629 Oxmoor Road Homewood 205-871-STEP (7837) Like us on Facebook Celebrating 45 Years In Business - Family Owned & Operated
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A PUBLIC MESSAGE FROM NEBIUS
We’re listening. And we’re answering. The questions about what we’re building, where construction stands, and what it means for the neighborhood deserve clear, public answers. Visit NebiusBHM.com to ask yours. We’ll answer what we know, be transparent about what we don’t, and keep the conversation going.
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NO. 003 - 10.15.26
MUSIC
18 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
| SOCIAL |
Songs from the Porch Crestfest is back and growing fast.
O
livia Pierce and Clay McDowell knew there was a way to pull their Crestwood community closer together, have some fun and raise money all at the same time. They just needed the right idea. The answer came in the form of Crestfest, a day-long, family-friendly music and arts event that launched in 2025. Crestfest is unique in that neighborhood front porches serve as live music stages. This year’s Crestfest will be held on Saturday, November 7. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Crestwood North at the intersection of 8th Terrace South and 7th Avenue South. But before there was a festival, Greater Crestwood—the community’s overseeing body— had to be restored back to order. Pierce and McDowell recall the process of rebuilding the community-focused, nonprofit entity. “The Greater Crestwood board was around 10-plus years ago, and it fizzled out,” McDowell says. “It tried to get too big, and then it fell apart. Four or five years ago, someone posted on (website) Nextdoor about restoring a 501(c)(3) for the greater Crestwood area, and I just happened to see it. I thought, ‘I’ll check this out and get involved.’” Pierce recalls, “About seven other individuals saw the post on Nextdoor and decided to show up. We restored the board from scratch. No one from the prior board was there to help—we just started running with it.” The reformation was a perfect storm of the new board’s enthusiasm and the foundation laid by the previous board. “The groundwork (from the previous board) really helped us,”
STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRENT THOMPSON Pierce continues. “We were already a registered 510(c)(3). For other nonprofits, it takes years of financials, and you have to provide proof to the IRS. We had that. The skeleton was there, and it really helped.” Another fortuitous piece for the new board was the existing friendship and working relationship of Pierce and McDowell, both of whom happened to be Crestwood residents. “We serve on the Rotaract Club together, so we have worked together, and we knew how a board should run,” McDowell says. “We started meeting—it went from seven to nine people, then down to four. It ebbed and flowed. We finally built a board and a website and started getting traction with good members from both the north and south sides.” With a solid foundation in place, Crestfest could now become a reality. With dual purposes of fun and fundraising, the event became a labor of love for Pierce, McDowell and their fellow board members. “Olivia had been working on Crestfest for three years, trying to get it ready to actually go live,” McDowell recalls. “Two years ago, we were about to launch, but it didn’t feel right, so we punted it to the next year. It’s our large fundraiser. Some nonprofits have a gala— this is our big fundraiser for the neighborhood. We’re raising funds for an all-inclusive swingset. [Crestwood Park] is the only public park that doesn’t have a swingset, and so many young families live here and want to come to the park. So, we are working on fundraising for that.” With neighborhood support that literally requires some residents to open up their homes, the infrastructure for Crestfest is unique. “It’s just a big neighborhood music festival,” Pierce offers. “Instead of bands playing on stages, they play on
porches. It keeps our overhead really low—we don’t have to construct anything. The stages are already built, and electricity is already there. Last year, we had 18 bands, and this year we’re going to have 30.” McDowell adds, “We had the bands across eight porches, and we had a local improv comedy group. We ask each band to invite its crowd. The bands donate their sets, and they’re welcome to sell their own merch. Though Crestfest is a free event, the board asks that participants visit the website prior to attending the festival. “Admission is free,” Pierce says. “All we ask is that people ‘buy’ a free ticket online so we will have a head count. The money we raise is through vendors and sponsors. We had $10,000 in sponsorships last year. It helped cover the overhead of the event, and the rest went into our pot to benefit the community.”
Crestfest Shakers and Movers
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What is the biggest challenge in planning Crestfest? “I think it’s working full-time jobs and trying to put on a music festival,” Pierce says. “But we’re trying to put on a music festival and raise money for the community. A music festival seems like a good way to do it. The city of Birmingham has been really helpful and supportive of what we’re doing.” But McDowell adds with a laugh, “Pleasing the neighborhood is a challenge. You can’t control every neighbor. The comics had to clean up their acts a little.” When not planning for Crestfest, Greater Crestwood stays busy throughout the year and partners with local establishments. “We do ‘give back’ nights,” McDowell explains. “We partner with Crestwood Tavern, The Filling Station and Rojo, and we get 10 percent of the proceeds from those nights. We do quarterly neighborhood cleanups in the parks and alley ways. We started a neighborhood lottery for neighbors who fall on hard times. If your neighbor is elderly or has medical issues, we put them in a lottery, and we pick a yard to fix up. We do a neighborhood social once each quarter, and our organization provides coffee and snacks. We are in charge of the Easter egg hunt. So, we have a lot of foundational items that we do and repeat every year. We have 15 people on our board now.” But for now, the focus is on a day of music. “Last year was the epitome of Crestwood,” McDowell says. “The neighborhood showed up and showed out to support a brand-new event— between 400 and 500 people showing up for something they’d never heard of. There are 200 porch festivals in the country, but this is the only one in Birmingham.” OTMJ For more information, visit crestfestbhm.com.
Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 19
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20 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
STYLE | SOCIAL |
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HAUTE HOLIDAYS PRODUCED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLAIRE CORMANY AND BARRY WISE SMITH
OFFICE PARTY APPROVED—LOOK PUT TOGETHER AND CHIC FOR HOLIDAY WORK EVENTS.
Veronica Beard plaid blazer, $202 with zip-in cashmere dickey, $69.95; Wayf brown pleather pants, $39.95; Michael Kors brown suede booties, $59.95 and MNG suede purse with gold chain strap, $89.95. Second Hand Rose 4200 Oakview Ln. 205.970.7997 // secondhandroseal.com
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Yigal Azrouel sleeveless top with leather accents, $695; Yigal Azrouel cropped leather jacket, $1,895; TWP off-white wide-leg jeans, $545; Loeffler Randall Delphine handbag, $350; Gus Mayer Shoe Salon suede heeled booties, $370 and Levy’s at Gus Mayer gold necklace and ring, call for pricing. Gus Mayer 225 Summit Boulevard, Suite 700 205.870.3300 // gusmayer.com
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Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 21
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For her: pleat Twilight floral Drew dress, $86; Hayden Girl off-white denim jacket, $56; L’Amour Chelsea boots, $82; gold Happy Heart necklace, $58 and gold hoop earrings, $25. For him: Properly Tied plaid button-down shirt, $67; Finn Fieldwood Perdigon ¼ zip pullover, $67; Bailey Boys navy corduroy pants, $58 and Smokey Mountain Boots cowboy boots, $69. Gigi’s and The Lili Pad 3138 Heights Village // 205.298.1811 gigisbham.com // lilipadbham.com
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22 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
HOME
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DREAM HOME
Interior designers from all over Birmingham have collaborated to decorate a custom home in the heart of Vestavia Hills that feels like it’s been gathered and collected over many years. BY MADOLINE MARKHAM KOONCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN ALLSOPP
I
magine you had a different interior designer focus on each room of your home, decorating each nook and cranny with thoughtful details that anyone who enters would pause to take it all in. Talk about a dream! That’s just what visitors will find at the new Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration Home in Vestavia HIlls, which is open for tours for most of the month of November (see more details in sidebar). Better yet, most of the furnishings throughout the three-story home’s 5,844 square feet are available to purchase and take home after the last day of tours. The home is nestled in a newer, small cul-de-sac neighborhood less than a five-minute drive from Vestavia Hills High School and other amenities in the area. But perhaps best of all, “It offers privacy and peace that you don’t get in some of the tighter neighborhoods,” says Joe Fante, principal and owner of j.fante studio, a Birmingham-area design-build firm that built the house. That solitude is evident nowhere more than on the home’s treehouse-like back porch backgrounded by a wall of trees, where you’ll find a large brick fireplace
left: Libby Green Interiors’ elegant dining room and its mural-like botanical wallpaper sets the tone for the house as you enter through its front door. below: The dark, cozy media room on the lower level is a shining example of the collected look found throughout the home. Meg Wallace Design styled the shelves and designed the rest of the room.
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Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 23
above: Custom built-in cabinetry nestled under arches is one of many custom interior architectural details in the house. Ashley Ayer Interiors completed the design for the green cabinets and the rest of the great room. left: The treehouse-like back porch designed by Kat Bailey Interiors has a large brick fireplace and a cozy-as-an-interior living space.
24 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
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and cozy-as-an-interior living space by Kat Bailey Interiors. The house’s brick exterior blends in with the other brick homes around it while also standing out as not your standard brick home. Steep gables and other architectural details create “a blend of English Arts and Crafts and Revival style” as Adam Little of home designer Frusterio Design describes it. Over squeeze mortar detail on the tumbled brick—a white hue with specks of pinks and tans that the j.fante team selected so it wouldn’t
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Tour the Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration Home 2026 November 5-28, 2026 Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. Admission: $10 per person ••• 1609 Chateau Crest Lane Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35216 Purchase tickets and find more information at birminghamhomeandgarden.com/ bhg-vestavia-hills-2026/. Charity Partner: Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Big Oak Ranch, whose ministries work to give abused, neglected and abandoned children a real chance at life by providing homes for boys and girls and other support programs to prepare them for adulthood. Learn more at bigoak.org.
above: Green marble countertops and a custom brass vent hood make for a showstopping kitchen design by Katrina Porter Interior Design.
ask to be painted—brings even more of a European vibe to the exterior, according to Fante, and open rafter tails and tongue-andgroove woodwork give the home all the more character. Even the windows are a non-standard color that coordinates with the trim painted Muddled Basil by Sherwin-Williams, and charcoal pavers and window boxes with an array of plants complete the look. All in all, the vision was for the home to feel like it wasn’t a new build, and you’ll find that vision even more pronounced inside. “We wanted it to feel gathered and collected,” says Sarah DeMasters-Richburg, architectural interior designer with j.fante studio. “We also wanted it to feel like someone lives here who has travelled and collected art and who has a style you can’t quite pinpoint. It doesn’t look like they shopped at just Ballard Designs or Pottery Barn.” With that overarching vision in mind, local interior designers set out to give each room its own personality. In the end, they ended up carrying similar color themes throughout the home, with lots of greens and earth tones and several rooms in the maroon family. “They did such a beautiful job of making it feel cohesive,” DeMasters-Richburg says. The main floor is full of show-stopping design details that beg guests to linger and dream the best kind of home dreams. A custom brass vent hood is the crown jewel of the kitchen, though it competes with the green marble countertops and butcher block surround on the island as well as floor-to-ceiling
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Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 25
| HOME |
dirty grout? we can help! left: Bold fabrics and artwork add a punch of personality to the primary bedroom designed by Shea Bryars. below: Shades of maroon make appearances throughout the home and shine in this upstairs bedroom designed by Rebecca Hawkins Interiors.
cabinets that blend right in with the wall—all designed by Katrina Porter Designs. The kitchen doesn’t stop there either. Through arched cased openings on either side the stove, there is a coffee bar area—designed by Sarah Catherine Design—including a beverage fridge and ice maker on one side and a spacious a scullery on the other with a second dishwasher and sink, plus plenty of storage space there and in the adjacent walk-in pantry. To the right of the scullery sits a petite office space so well appointed with a blue-and-green palette and patterns selected by Deeply Southern Home (who also designed the scullery) that working there will feel very, well, un-worklike. A custom limestone surround fireplace anchors both the great room and the dining room that also showcases a mural-like botanical wallpaper selected by Libby Greene Interiors. Built-in cabinets with open shelves above them are tucked into arches flanking either side of the great room that is full of lighter earth tones designed by Ashley Ayer Interiors. A custom iron staircase railing is just the beginning of the foyer design by Leanne Cates Interiors. below: Caldwell Flake Interiors designed a moody deep teal upstairs bedroom with 1970’s vibes.
In the primary bathroom, light pink cabinets pull from pink veining in marble on the countertops and the especially grand shower, all designed by Shea Bryars Design, who also decorated the adjoining bedroom. The primary suite keeps on going with its own laundry room (a larger laundry room is upstairs as well) and a room-sized closet with a built-in island with large drawers and its own glass light fixture hanging above it. A similar palette from the primary suite pulls through the nearby powder room with graphic wallpaper and fluted cabinetry designed by Kelly Neely Interiors. On the lower level of the house, lots of natural light floods through large windows into a spacious media room living area with bold art and rugs designed by Meg Wallace Design. Next to it, a game room with plenty of room for a ping-pong and foosball table as well as a bar area displays pop art by local artist Tim Spanjer and supplied by Gallery Annette: one particularly stand-out piece featuring matchboxes with logos of some of Birmingham’ s most iconic downtown restaurants. There’s extra sleeping space on this level too with a bunk room designed by Cameron James Interiors and a guest bedroom designed by Anastasia & Ward, a home staging and design company. Upstairs an open playroom anchors the floor with playful graphic fabric accents designed by Charlson & Company. Around it are four bedrooms, each with their own bathroom designed to coordinate. Two darker colored bedrooms sit adjacent to one another, and two lighter colored bedrooms are on the other side of the playroom. These upstairs bedrooms were designed by Caldwell Flake Interiors, Ellie Cate Home, Mae Davis Interiors and Rebecca Hawkins Interiors. No matter which floor, the decor details in the home go on and on to delight the eye and leave visitors more than inspired. OTMJ
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26 • Thursday, October 29, 2026
ABOUT TOWN
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Thurs., Oct. 29
MAGIC CITY CLASSIC TAILGATE FESTIVAL Celebrate Magic City Classic weekend with an outdoor concert featuring Summer Walker, Tank and Avery Wilson, along with an evening of R&B entertainment. WHEN: 3-9 p.m. WHERE: Birmingham Race Course
Fri., Oct. 30
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH FALL FESTIVAL Enjoy an evening of face painting, games, prizes and a costume contest at this free, family-friendly fall celebration. WHEN: 5-7:30 p.m. WHERE: First Lutheran Church, Birmingham
Fri., Oct. 30
3rd ANNUAL NASCAR BLOCK PARTY & CAR SHOW Celebrate Magic City Classic weekend with a car show, food trucks, NASCAR simulators, the Bill France Cup photo booth and a family Trunk or Treat. Also enjoy entertainment hosted by Lady Woo with performances by rapper Young Dro, DJ Gorgeous and the university marching bands. WHEN: 2-6 p.m. WHERE: City Walk Birmingham
Mon., Nov. 2 Alabama-based band The Red Clay Strays at Legacy Arena on Sat., Oct 31.
Sat., Oct. 31 85th ANNUAL MAGIC CITY CLASSIC AND PARADE Kick off the Classic with the annual the Magic City Classic Parade downtown Birmingham and be entertained by the best bands, dance teams and entertainment around presented by Disney on the Yard! Then Alabama A&M and Alabama State face off in their historic football rivalry, featuring more tailgating and a halftime battle of the bands. WHEN: Parade, 8 a.m.; Tailgate, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Game, 2:30 p.m. WHERE: Legion Field; parade in downtown Birmingham
Sat., Oct. 31 THE RED CLAY STRAYS Alabama-based band The Red Clay Strays brings its blend of Southern rock, country and soul to Birmingham for a live concert. WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Legacy Arena at the BJCC
FOUND NOT MADE Roman BRantley
Fine antiques in the heaRt oF homewood aRt, antiques GiFts & decoR
2790 BM Montgomery Street Homewood, AL Wednesday - Friday 11 am - 4 pm or by appointment Other select days announced on Instagram 205.460.1224
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DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT SLOSS FURNACES Celebrate Día de los Muertos with family-friendly art activities and an artist market featuring handmade masks, jewelry, paintings and ceramics. WHEN: 1-9 p.m. WHERE: Sloss Furnaces
Tues., Nov. 3 THUNDERCAT
Sat., Oct. 31-Sun., Nov. 1 53rd ANNUAL ALABAMA CRAFT GUILD FINE CRAFT SHOW Explore handmade pottery, jewelry, glasswork, textiles and more from Alabama artisans at this annual fine craft show. Admission and parking are free. WHEN: Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. WHERE: Vestavia Hills Civic Center
Grammy-winning bassist and singer Thundercat brings his genre-blending mix of funk, jazz and R&B to Birmingham. WHEN: 7-11 p.m. WHERE: Avondale Brewing Company
Thurs., Nov. 5 26th ANNUAL HOMEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Kickoff the holidays with one of Homewood’s most festive events! Shop downtown merchants with extended store hours and special discounts. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and festive sips at participating shops, get photos and visit with Santa Claus on the curve in front of Trak Shack and enjoy holiday carols performed by the Homewood High School Show Choirs, sponsored by the Homewood Arts Council. WHEN: 5-8 p.m. WHERE: Downtown Homewood
Fri., Nov. 6 and Sat., Nov. 7 LEVITY The Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs works by Brahms, Jessie Montgomery and Bernstein, featuring guest violinist Tessa Lark. WHEN: Friday, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 p.m. WHERE: Alys Stephens Center, Jemison Concert Hall
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Thursday, October 29, 2026 • 27
Looking for a copy of OTMJ? Did your dog eat yours? Find us at these wonderful establishments Davenports Mountain Brook
Mt Laurel Library
Davenports Mountain Brook MB City Hall Davenports Vestavia Hills Piggly Wiggly Bluff ParkWiggly BluffHoover Piggly Park Senior Center Piggly Wiggly Mt. LaurelWiggly Mt. Laurel Cowboys (280) Piggly PigglyPark Wiggly Forest Park Assisted Living Piggly Wiggly Forest Brookdale Find us at these wonderful establishments Hoover Library Hoover Library Kirkwood Assisted Living Mountain Brook O’Neal Library Mountain Brook O’Neal Library Long Leaf Assisted Living Wed., Nov. 18-Sat., Nov. 21 Davenports MountainVestavia Brook Hills LibraryMt Laurel Library Las Trojas Cantina Vestavia Hills Library MARKET NOEL Homewood Library Davenports Vestavia Hills MB CityPlaza) Hall (Brook Highland Homewood Library Kick off the holiday shopping season at this North Shelby Library Wiggly Bluff Park Center Mt Laurel Library annual market featuring merchants offering PigglyNorth Shelby Library *MoreHoover locationsSenior being added gifts, clothing, home décor and more while Piggly Wiggly Mt. LaurelMB City Hall Cowboys (280) Hoover Senior Center supporting the Junior League of Birmingham. Piggly Wiggly Forest Park Brookdale Assisted Living Cowboys (280) General admission is $15 for adults. Tre Luna (Trace Crossings) Hoover Library Kirkwood Assisted Living WHEN: Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Brookdale Assisted Living Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL | OTMJ.COM Mountain Brook O’Neal LibraryAssistedLong Kirkwood LivingLeaf Assisted Living Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Las Trojas Cantina Long Leaf Assisted Living Vestavia Hills Library WHERE: Finley Center, Hoover (Brook Highland Plaza) Las Trojas Cantina Homewood Library (Brook Highland Plaza) Thurs., Nov. 19 and Fri., Nov. 20 Davenports Vestavia Hills
Looking for a copy of OTMJ? Did your dog eat yours?
Sun., Nov. 15
Sat., Nov. 7-Sun., Nov. 8 MOSS ROCK FESTIVAL
SUPER JAZZ BIG BAND
Celebrate nature, art and design at this annual fall festival featuring artists, live music, craft beverages and hands-on children’s activities. WHEN: Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. WHERE: Hoover Met Complex
SuperJazz Big Band was formed in 1978 as a way for professional players in the area to perform big band music locally. Jazz greats like Bo Berry, Sallie White, Lori Ardovino and others will perform a variety of big band tunes. WHEN: 2:30 p.m. WHERE: John Carroll High School
Wed., Nov. 11-Sun., Nov. 15 CABARET Theatre UAB presents the classic musical following the romance between an American writer and an English cabaret performer amid the nightlife and political turmoil of 1930’s Berlin. WHEN: Various show times WHERE: Alys Stephens Center
JON MCLAUGHLIN Singer-songwriter and pianist Jon McLaughlin brings his heartfelt pop melodies and piano-driven sound to Hoover for two evenings of live music. WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: The Library Theatre, Hoover Public Library OTMJ
Sun., Nov. 15 SET THE TABLE: A FALL TOPIARY WORKSHOP
Thurs., Nov. 12-Sun., Nov. 15 DISNEY ON ICE: MAGIC OF FAMILY Join Mickey, Minnie and friends for an ice-skating adventure featuring favorite characters and songs from Frozen, Encanto and more. WHEN: Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. WHERE: Legacy Arena at the BJCC
Thurs., Nov. 12-Fri., Nov. 13 27 ANNUAL MAGICAL MARKETPLACE th
Shop handmade gifts, holiday treats and more from over 60 vendors at this annual holiday market benefiting Unless U. WHEN: Thursday, 5-7 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. WHERE: Vestavia Hills Methodist Church
OTMJ
Create a seasonal tabletop topiary with designer Mary Catherine Folmar of Cotton & Quill during this hands-on workshop just in time for Thanksgiving. WHEN: 2-4 p.m. WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Tues., Nov. 17-Sun., Nov. 22 MAMMA MIA! Set on a Greek island paradise, this beloved musical tells a story of love, friendship and family through the timeless hits of ABBA. WHEN: Various show times WHERE: BJCC Concert Hall
North Shelby*More Library *More locations being added locations being added
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL | OTMJ.COM
SPORTS | OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL • OTMJ.COM | Thursday, October 29, 2026
RELOADED REBELS: VESTAVIA HILLS FLAG FOOTBALL EYEING ANOTHER DEEP PLAYOFF RUN BY LOYD MCINTOSH PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD Hannah Walker helped Vestavia beat Hoover.
T
he Vestavia Hills flag football team has reloaded and set its sights on another deep playoff run this fall. At the time of this writing (October 18), the Rebels have built up an impressive 13-4 record, including big wins over Thompson, Hewitt-Trussville, and Mountain Brook. Additionally, Vestavia opened the 2026 season with seven consecutive wins, has won its last three games, and has outscored its opponents 443-142. Perhaps most impressively, the Rebels are flying high without quarterback Julia Rose, one of the top high school quarterbacks in the country, now playing college flag football at the University of North Alabama. Despite the exit of one of the best gunslingers the state has ever produced—and the production that went with her—head coach Daniel Davis says this group of athletes has the ability to reach great heights. “I have high expectations for our girls. We’ve got some of the best players in the state.” Leading the way is senior Callie Davis, coach Davis’ daughter, who has emerged as one of the team’s leaders and top weapons on offense. Davis missed much of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL; however, she returned this fall with a vengeance, surpassing 1,000 yards of offense thus far.
“She’s really worked hard, you know, both on the field and off,” Davis said. While Davis receives most of the snaps under center, the quarterback position is evolving at Vestavia Hills. Freshman Alana Anderegg has also contributed at quarterback, as has junior Eden Logan. However, Davis said they are experimenting with new formations to take advantage of the skills and athleticism of other offensive players. “We’ve got a couple of positions that can throw the ball as needed, Davis explains. “We’re a little bit different than the traditional mantra of ‘everything runs through the quarterback,’” Davis adds. “We’ve been experimenting with some things and allowing a few players to take snaps from different spots on the field,” he added. “We’re really kind of just exploiting the game of flag football, which is always fun.” Other key contributors include returning rusher Emma Harper and junior linebacker Emma Kate Jacobs, whom Davis considers one of the best defensive players in the state. Another important contributor is senior
FOOTBALL SCORES: Vestavia 0, Prattville 13 Mountain Brook 21, Pelham 25 Homewood 10, Ramsey 7
Senior Callie Davis has emerged as a team leader.
Landon Guinn, a versatile athlete who can line up virtually anywhere on the field. The daughter of a football coach, Guinn has become something of a Swiss Army knife for the Rebels, giving Davis the flexibility to move players around as needed. “She can play any spot on the field for us,” Davis said. “She’s the one that can play every position.” Freshman QB Alana Anderegg
Another important piece of the puzzle is the addition of defensive coach Rusty Frisch to the coaching staff. “He has just been a huge asset to our defense,” said Davis. The path to the top of the mountain won’t be easy, however. With Rose at quarterback, Vestavia Hills advanced to the state title game in 2025, losing to Central Phenix City, the state’s top team, which has won three state championships since the sport was sanctioned in 2021. Davis said he and the coaching staff try hard to ignore the scoreboard and focus on developing the players’ physical and mental skills. He believes the team and the coaching staff are on the same page, are performing at optimal levels, and have boatloads of potential. As long as the Rebels continue on this path, the results will speak for themselves. “I always tell them three things, and it’s play with great attitudes, maximum effort, and mental and physical toughness. So basically, attitude, effort, and toughness. That’s what we preach,” Davis said. “If we do that every single game, the scoreboard is going to take care of itself, one way or the other. “I’ve been really, really proud of our girls,” Davis added. “I think from the freshmen all the way through the seniors have bought in. I think we’ve got a lot of good leadership, and honestly, that’s what it takes.” OTMJ