OTMJ 8.6.26

Celebrating our over the mountain communities.

OTMJ

INSIDE

| OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL • OTMJ.COM | Thursday, August 6, 2026

Meet Lars Porter PAGE 16

This is TUB PAGE 20

Reporter Carol Robinson PAGE 24

CURATED CONDO

Interior Decorator Leigh Leak helps turn her daughter’s condo into a home.

STORY PAGE 22 »

OPINION

2 • Thursday, August 6, 2026

IN THIS

ISSUE

Don’t Blink

SOCIAL

I

4 | Artchella 4 | 17th Annual Otey’s Fest 6 | College Choice Foundation Summer Jam 6 | Mountain Brook Market Day 8 | Hand in Paw Gallery Party 9 | Shades Valley High School Class of 1955 71st Reunion

GIVING TREE

10 | ALL IN Mountain Brook takes an unconventional approach to youth and senior’s issues.

GARDEN

19 | Vestavia gardeners transformed a corner of Highway 31—and gained admirers from as far away as New Zealand.

MUSIC

20 | TUB celebrates 15 years of keeping the jam alive.

back in session for the 2026-2027 school year. It feels like we blinked, and summer is coming to an end. In the vein of a “back in my day” story, when I was in school, we didn’t go back to the classroom until after Labor Day. I remember cherishing those final days at the pool and last-minute

date creeps earlier and earlier, and in my hometown, the kids now do year-round school and have been back in the classroom since the end of July (not sure I would

PHOTO BY BRIT HUCKABAY

COMMUNITY

18 | “Opening Night in Hollywood” Event Benefiting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra 18 | Kiwanis Club of Birmingham Announces Birmingham Business Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

18 | Mountain Brook’s Braden Little Enters Class of 2030 Plebe Summer at the U.S. Naval Academy.

t’s hard to believe, but this time next week, most area schools will be

trips to the beach before school started. These days, it seems that the school start

BACK TO SCHOOL

12 | Private Schools Guide 16 | Lars Porter takes the helm as Mountain Brook High School’s principal.

17 | 2026-2027 School Calendars

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

have survived!).

Students at Mountain Brook High School will be starting their new year with a new principal—Lars Porter—who Lee Hurley profiles in this issue (page 16). Porter has high hopes and expectations for his students this year. You’ll also find full back-to-school calendars for our surrounding school districts and a great piece on All In Mountain Brook, which serves youth and seniors in Mountain Brook (page 10).

And if you’re well out of school, like me, and would rather look at some pretty interiors, check out the amazing condominium transformation that interior decorator Leigh Leak completed for her daughter Caroline (page 22).

And whatever age you are, whether you’re headed back to school or not, always strive to learn new things and expand your horizons. As my mom (a longtime educator) always said, “you’re never too old or too smart to learn something new.”

Have a great school year!!

–BARRY WISE SMITH

HOME

22 | Interior decorator Leigh Leak helps turn her daughter’s condo into a home.

PROFILE

| OVER THE MOUNTAIN VIEWS |

24 | Carol Robinson reflects on decades as a crime reporter in a rapidly changing field.

ABOUT TOWN

26 | Things to do, people to see, music to hear

SPORTS

27 | Vestavia’s Reuben Greer, 11, to compete for world Go-Kart championship.

28 | 25th annual Liberty Cup set to bring top youth soccer to Vestavia Hills.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

JOU RNAL Thursday, August 6, 2026

Publisher & Executive Editor: Lee Hurley Editor: Barry Wise Smith Editorial Assistants: Nausicaa Chu and Mary Clare Ingram Design Director: Claire Cormany Photographer: Jordan Wald Contributors: Nausicaa Chu, Mary Clare Ingram, Loyd McIntosh, Brent Thompson Account Executives: Julie Trammell Edwards We would love to hear from you on any subject: lhurley@otmj.com

Vol. 35, No. 21

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.

MBHS Principal Lars Porter (front left outstretched) leading a mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2011 as Saint Lukes Youth Director.

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 3

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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SOCIAL

4 • Thursday, August 6, 2026

| SOCIAL |

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Artchella

Art After 5 returned to the Birmingham Museum of Art on July 23 with “Artchella,” a festival-inspired (get it—Artchella/Coachella) evening filled with music, creativity, style and unforgettable moments. Guests struck poses at the photo booth, showing off their best festival ‘fits; sipped on themed cocktails; got festive with festival glow-up face painting; enjoyed live DJ sets and special LED performance acts and dove into hands-on art experiences throughout the night. OTMJ

Adam Wolecki and Nikki Clem

Elizabeth Singleton and Spen Fenn

Grace Varney and Allison Brock

Henry and Macy Joe

Liz Nailen and Janet Andres

Skyler and Elizabeth Page

Sydney Yarbrough and Emma McGowin

Tee and Mary Washburn and Rutherford and Brennan Yeates

17 ANNUAL OTEY’S FEST th

It’s summer festival season, and on July 25, locals enjoyed the 17th Annual Otey’s Fest in Crestline Village. For 17 years, Otey’s Fest—the “Shindig of all shindigs”—has brought live music, community fellowship, support for a great cause and an all-around good time to Crestline. The businesses surrounding Otey’s Tavern were open all day for guests to shop before the show, and Otey’s provided a FREE courtesy shuttle to make parking and riding even easier. The show kicked off at 6 p.m. with Gri Cashio inside, while T.U.B. performed outside. At 8 p.m., headliner Panic Stricken—a popular Widespread Panic tribute band—performed, and the night wrapped up with another performance by T.U.B. at 10 p.m. Guests also enjoyed Rodney’s famous cheeseburgers and other cookout-style favorites and plenty of cold beverages throughout the night. A portion of the proceeds from Otey’s Fest go to support the Phoenix Club of Birmingham, a young men’s leadership club that supports Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama and aims to meet the needs of other Birmingham area kids. OTMJ

Addie Tuck and Dailee Acker

Amanda Gomez and Aidan Hood

Avery Smith and David Lindsey

Caroline Reid and Katie Ring

Carson Pilgrem and Mary Sluder

Kristin McCloud, Gracie Robinson, Lela Leveson, Blair Passink, Caroline Carwie and Paulson Wright

Libby Tunnell, Grace Money, Audrey Millhouse and Emma Anderson

Mary Beth Ronne, Lucy Smitherman, Elizabeth Drummond and Mary Parker Frank

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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6 • Thursday, August 6, 2026

| SOCIAL |

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

COLLEGE CHOICE FOUNDATION SUMMER JAM On July 19, the College Choice Foundation celebrated their Class of 2026 graduating seniors and sent them off to college in style with the annual Summer Jam party.

Students, families and guests enjoyed a pizza dinner, along with tunes spun by DJ French Kiss, giveaways and lots of pictures!

Students wore their favorite collegiate shirt, danced, laughed and connected—making it the perfect way to wrap up summer and get pumped for the school year! College Choice Foundation is a local nonprofit that helps high-achieving, low-income students apply to, enroll in and graduate from college. To learn more about College Choice Foundation or to give to support their important mission, visit collegechoicefoundation.org. OTMJ

Charles Shelton, Kylan Benson, Alana Hawkins, Mari and Hassatou Daillo

Dorianni Mendoza, Wendy Contreras, Ade Johnson, Pierina Cuvas and Vivian Dao

Sean Conboy, Mac Maflahi, Callum Roberts, Braylon Anderson, Edy Suazo Cooper and Mondoma Kiaman

Sean Conboy, Barry Smith, Josephine Lowery and Lori Bateman

Mountain Brook Market Day On July 18, Mountain Brook Village and Lane Parke were transformed into an open-air shopping destination as the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce hosted the 25th annual Mountain Brook Market Day. Starting in the morning, the annual event coincided with Alabama’s back-to-school sales tax holiday, giving shoppers the opportunity to combine tax-free savings with special promotions from local retailers.

Participating businesses lined the sidewalks with merchandise, creating a European-style sidewalk sale atmosphere, with many stores offering discounts of up to 70-75 percent off, along with exclusive promotions throughout the day.

The annual event has become one of the Chamber’s signature shopping weekends, bringing residents and visitors together to support local businesses while taking advantage of significant summer savings. OTMJ

Andi aand Sophia Arteaga

Maddie Neighbors and Avery Wiles

Patsy Norton, Betsie Carey and Ginger Hopper

Wendy and Bailey Burpee

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 7

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Trunk Show and Piercing Event Thurs Aug 13 - Sat Aug 15 10am - 5pm Join us for one of a kinds, gifts with purchase, and never before seen exclusive Etc...x JT piercing options.

Cocktails and bites all day.

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Appts recommended, walk-ins welcome!

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

| SOCIAL |

HAND IN PAW GALLERY PARTY Hand in Paw offered 100 guests a first look at the artwork featured in its 25th Annual Picasso Pets Gala during an invitation-only Gallery Reveal Party on July 16 at Avenue D Events.

Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the evening brought together artists, supporters, sponsors and friends of the organization for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a preview of this year’s original pet-inspired paintings. In recognition of the event’s milestone anniversary, artwork from several past Picasso Pets celebrations was also displayed alongside the 2026 collection, highlighting the event’s remarkable 25-year legacy. Hand in Paw provides professionally trained AnimalAssisted Therapy Teams to hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other community partners across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa, helping thousands of people experience the healing power of the human-animal bond each year. The celebration continues on August 22 at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum with the 25th Annual Picasso Pets: Wags to Riches, presented

by VP Funds. Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available at picassopets.com. OTMJ

Aaron and Mindy McDonald

Carol Carmichael Valerie Boyd and Caroline Bundy

Kelli and Jay Agnew

Linda Ellen Price and Joan Stelling

Lisa McNair, Brent and Amy Hamilton and Katherine Estes Billmeier

Lois and Wadia Josof and Amy and Marty Heslin

Lori Feist and Catherine McLean

Michael and Christine Velezis

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Shades Valley High School Class of 1955 71st Reunion

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 9

| SOCIAL |

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On July 18, the Shades Valley High School Class of 1955 celebrated their 71st reunion with a luncheon. When the graduating class of 269 graduated in 1955, Shades Valley had 1,701 students and was recognized as one of the best schools in Alabama. Lunch was served on red and black tablecloths—Shades Valley’s school colors. Bebe Herren Costner gave the blessing. After lunch, memories of some of the deceased classmates were shared by Helen Crow Pittman. Ed Pascoe reminisced about the fun, happy events that happened while the class was at Shades Valley.

French Forbes was thanked for being the treasurer. The reunion ended with Lynn O’Rorke Simmons leading everyone in singing the Shades Valley Alma Mater. Class members in attendance were Ros Schulman Bloomston, Carol Walker Byrd, Mary Alice Beatty Carmichael, Bebe Herren Costner, Ann Kennan Donaldson, French Forbes, George Gregory, Marian Jo Gunter, Mike Hauser, Travis McGowin, Ed Pascoe, Helen Crow Pittman, Sue Herren Quin, Lyn O’Rorke Simmons, Jim Sokol and Don Westmoreland. OTMJ

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GIVING TREE

10 • Thursday, July 23, 2026

| SOCIAL |

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

left: Becky Holt, Executive Director of ALL IN. Photo by Jordan Wald

“I’m ALL IN”

ALL IN Mountain Brook takes an unconventional approach to youth and senior’s issues.

T

BY NAUSICAA CHU

he cheer practice room at Mountain Brook High School is typically used for, per its name, cheerleading practice. But every spring, it transforms into a training ground.

Girls in their senior year of high school tackle and scuffle for hours. They learn how to throw someone over their shoulder.

Their teachers? Six Mountain Brook police officers.

This is not a scene out of Fight Club. This is a yearly self-defense class run by ALL IN Mountain Brook, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports youth and senior citizens. At a time when any number of books, websites and influencers claim to know easy answers to complex issues, ALL IN takes a different approach—avoiding assumptions, acting on community feedback and listening to everyone from high schoolers to the mayor.

The organization might work with a pediatrician to make a podcast episode about vapes, high schoolers to make a 26-page report about social media or—in this right: ALL IN Mountain Brook and the Mountain Brook Police Department offer a yearly self-defense class to high school senior girls.

case—the Mountain Brook Police Department to teach a self-defense class.

“I mean, they literally are tackling,” laughs Becky Holt, Executive Director of ALL IN. “Mountain Brook Police Department’s willingness to truly just teach, train and make sure the senior girls feel equipped before they leave and head off to the next stage of life—it’s really remarkable.”

Such cross-collaboration is at the heart of ALL IN’s mission. The organization was founded in 2014 by school leaders, religious leaders, civic leaders, parents and business owners.

They “recognized the need for a coordinated effort to support and protect the well-being of local youth,” says Holt. “That collaborative spirit continues to guide our work today.”

Ten years ago, Holt joined ALL IN as a parent representative for Cherokee Bend Elementary.

“As a new kindergarten mom eager to get involved, I was looking for a way to jump right in, learn more about the community and build meaningful connections. ALL IN Mountain Brook gave me that opportunity,” says Holt.

Holt’s vision for Mountain Brook is a community that prioritizes strong relationships.

“I believe that respect and a willingness to truly listen can go a long way toward addressing many of today’s challenges,” says Holt. “I am inspired by the vision of a community where asking for help is encouraged, where people genuinely look out for one another and where collaboration is the norm.”

Any given ALL IN board meeting could include the mayor, city council members, the school superintendent, the police and fire department chiefs, religious leaders and parents. They address a wide range of issues affecting youth and seniors. To name a few: youth gambling, social media addiction, AI, sextortion, online scams and isolation among older adults. “It’s lovely because you’re not chasing down everybody since you have so many of the decision makers right there in the room,” says Holt.

Because people bring different perspectives to the table, one suggestion often builds onto another. For instance, grandparents wanted to make their devices safe for grandchildren to use. The fire department mentioned that more residents should store emergency contacts in their phones so they would know who to notify during a fire or health scare. The police department noted a rise in identity theft scams targeting older people.

Combining their suggestions, the ALL IN board created a four-part series about technology safety for older adults in 2024. This past year, the organization expanded the programming to address active aging, connecting with

grandchildren and grief and loneliness. “Really at the heart of everything we do with ALL IN, our goal is for people to never feel alone and to know that they have resources and support throughout our community,” says Holt.

Instead of simply providing guidance and demanding others follow it—a top-down approach—ALL IN speaks with those directly affected by issues and bases guidance off their feedback. In 2023, the organization released a 24-page report for parents about the social media landscape. Before it was created, Cameron Cole, founding chairman of Rooted Ministry and Director of Adult and Nextgen Discipleship at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, led focus groups about social media with school administrators, mental health professionals, youth pastors, college students and high schoolers.

The final report incorporated the feedback from each of these focus groups. “Rather than beginning with assumptions, we wanted to listen first and understand the experiences and concerns of those most directly affected,” says Holt. Parents appreciated the practical guidance in the report. “Many parents have shared that MB Plugged In gave them both the confidence and the language to begin important conversations about technology within their families,” says Holt.

ALL IN also emphasizes community involvement through its scholarship program.

The Dr. Dale Wisely All In Service Scholarship, named after a co-founder and former Executive Director of ALL IN, is given to Mountain Brook students with a “demonstrated commitment to serving youth.” This year, the scholarship went to Polly Allbritton and Julia Butrus.

“I’m ALL IN,” a series of community members declared in a 2024 ALL IN kick-off video. ALL IN’s founders viewed this slogan as more than a play on words. They realized that “the best way to create a safe and healthy community was to literally go ‘ALL IN’ together,” says Holt.

That might look like providing a hundred hours of information sessions, thousands of dollars in scholarships—or an annual self-defense class with the Mountain Brook police. “I continue to be amazed by the generosity, expertise and willingness of so many professionals and volunteers who give their time to support this mission,” says Holt. “Mountain Brook is filled with talented people who genuinely care about one another, and it’s inspiring to witness that collaboration every day.” OTMJ ALL IN Mountain Brook, the City of Mountain Brook and Mountain Brook Schools have partnered together to provide a local crisis line for the community. This free crisis line is available 24/7 and is active and available for all Mountain Brook residents. The line can be reached by calling (205) 92SAVES or texting (205) 927-2837. For more information, visit allinmountainbrook.org, follow ALL IN on Instagram (@allinmtnbrook) or Facebook (ALL IN Mountain Brook) or reach out directly by email to allinmountainbrook@gmail.com. To donate, visit allinmountainbrook.org/donate.

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 11

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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12 • Thursday, August 6, 2026

| PRIVATE SCHOOLS GUIDE |

OTMJ Private Schools Guide PRIVATE SCHOOLS offer students a range of educational opportunities, from collegepreparatory academics to specialized programs in the arts, athletics, leadership and STEM. Smaller class size and individualized support are hallmarks of a private education and help students grow with confidence. In this special section, we spotlight private schools that are shaping well-rounded students through innovation, tradition and a commitment to excellence. St. Andrew’s-Sewanne, page 13; The Altamont School, page 14; Indian Springs School, page 15; Southminster Day School, page 16.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School

An Episcopal Day & Boarding school since 1868 | Grades 6 - 12 Co-ed | Five- and seven-day boarding options available.

Located in idyllic Sewanee, Tennessee, about 2.5 hours from Birmingham.

SAS is unique.

Atop the Cumberland Plateau, SAS welcomes students from all over the U.S. and the globe for an exceptional college preparatory education.

These students take advantage of: advanced courses in all disciplines including STEM. a full spectrum of arts and athletics. a 3,600-square-foot outdoor adventure center with a climbing gym and mountain biking pump track. the opportunity to enroll in classes at Sewanee: The University of the South and earn college credit at no additional cost.

From top: The Altamont School, Indian Springs School, Saint AndrewsSewanee School, Southminster Day School.

Our graduates matriculate to top colleges and universities, including Dartmouth, University of Alabama, Middlebury, Rochester Institute of Technology, Furman University, and more.

SAS in Short 550-acre campus 12:1 student-teacher ratio 81% of faculty hold advanced degrees 1 in 5 full-time faculty hold a P.h.D 21 teams in 10 sports Tuition discounts for all Alabama residents www.sasweb.org | admission@sasweb.org | a eboo : S . ndrew’s-Sewanee

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 13

| PRIVATE SCHOOLS GUIDE |

The Altamont SCHOOL A

4801 Altamont Rd. South | Birmingham, AL 35222 | altamontschool.org

ltamont’s rigorous academic challenges, community focus, athletic and arts opportunities and personalized college search program give students outstanding preparation for higher education and professional leadership. One-hundred percent of graduates are accepted into four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad.The light, open architecture of Altamont’s campus is inspired by the natural beauty of its 28-acre wooded campus atop Birmingham’s Red Mountain. In addition to an exceptional collection of art displayed in every space, the main school building features 40 classrooms, science labs, a professional theatre, art gallery, gardens, 3-D printing lab, diner, 6,300-volume library and studios for orchestra, art, photography and audio-visual production. Altamont’s main campus athletic facilities include two gymnasiums with two basketball/volleyball courts, a weight training facility, tennis complex, a soccer field and a track with discus cage, shot put ring, long jump pit and pole vault. A separate Sports facility provides fields for soccer, baseball and softball.

Quick Facts Grades

Tuition

Type/Curriculum

Special Events

5-12

Starting at $26,855

Independent College Preparatory

Average Class Size 1:15 ratio

Contact Person

Fall Open House October 13 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Phone

205-879-2006

Dorothy Ewing, Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management

“For 50 years, The Altamont School has shaped minds, built character, and inspired purpose. Now, having honored our Golden Anniversary in 2025-26, we pivot boldly from celebrating all that Altamont has been to imagining all that it will become over the next 50 years—a future defined by integrity, courage, and a collaborative spirit.”

- Cecil Stodghill, Head of School

START HERE. GO ANYWHERE!

OPEN HOUSE Oct. 13

4:30-6:30 p.m Join us to learn about outstanding independent education for grades 5-12!

The Altamont School

4801 Altamont Road South

Birmingham, AL, 35222

14 • Thursday, August 6, 2026

| PRIVATE SCHOOLS GUIDE |

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Indian Springs SCHOOL M

190 Woodward Drive Indian Springs, Alabama 35124 | indiansprings.org

ore than 90% of our faculty have advanced degrees. Each year, we award more than $3 million in scholarships.

Our boarding and day program for grades 8-12 serves approximately 340 students on a 350-acre campus where nature is our inspiration and our laboratory. Students and faculty work together in a model of shared governance, and students discover their passions by participating in academic activities, athletics, performing arts, special interest clubs, and community service. Indian Springs faculty are dedicated to mentoring young people, and nearly all have advanced degrees. One of our best-known alums, the author and educator John Green ’95, said that Indian Springs is where “all at once, I became a learner because I found myself in a community of learners.” Indian Springs exists far beyond our campus. It is a passionate community of alumni, parents, and friends that spans the globe and generations.

We invite you to imagine how you might be transformed by, and contribute to, our incredible community of learners.

Quick Facts Grades

Tuition

Type/Curriculum

Special Events

Grades 8-12 Coeducational Day & Boarding School

Average Class Size 14 students

Total Enrollment

$31,800 (day) Preview Days on September 20 and December 6, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Apply

indiansprings.org or email:admission@indiansprings.org

336 students

“Guided by our motto, Learning through Living,

Indian Springs School fosters a love of learning and creativity, a sense of integrity and moral courage, and an ethic of participatory citizenship with respect for individuality and independent thought.”

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

| PRIVATE SCHOOLS GUIDE |

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 15

Southminster Day SCHOOL 1124 Montgomery Hwy | Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 | www.southminsterdayschool.org

W

e strive to provide children a quality traditional, foundational education in their early formative years in a Christian atmosphere. We offer enrichment, music, art, computer, and Spanish classes. Annual events include field trips to Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Washington, D.C., American Village, McWane Center, Southern Museum of Flight, Oak Mountain State Park, Children’s Theater, and The Birmingham Zoo. Students participate annually in various essay contests, Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, Community Helpers Etiquette Luncheon, and 5th Grade graduation events.

Quick Facts Grades

Tuition

4K-5th Grade

Annual tuition 4K/5K - $5000; Grades 1-5 $6000

Total Enrollment

Type/Curriculum

150 students

Pencil-and-paper approach using textbooks, including traditional math instruction with emphasis on reading and handwriting

Average Class Size 15:1

Contact Person

Serving Birmingham families since 1967, AISA Accredited, Choose Act Alabama provider, Before and after school care offered for busy families

Apply

Email or call to speak with school director, Jeanie Covin 205-822-9531 southminsterdayschool@gmail.com

“In addition to high academic achievement, we nurture each student in growth and appreciation of spiritual values, social skills, independence, emotional stability, self-expression, and good habits that fuel lifelong learning.

We remind children they are always a child of God and are always loved.”

Southminster Day School Providing Traditional Education in a Christian Environment Since 1967

PSmall class sizes with certified teachers to provide individualized attention

PPencil and paper approach using textbooks, including traditional math instruction and emphasis on handwriting

PBefore and after school care 4K - 5th grade to support busy families

PCHOOSE Act provider PAISA accredited

Southminster Day School alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable accomplishments, including: • National Merit Finalist • 1st Place in the State – DAR Essay Competition • Finley Award Nominees and Finalist • National Honor Society Inductees • President of The University of Alabama SGA • Mayor of Indian Springs • Valedictorian of The Altamont School

Southminster Day School

1124 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216

www.southminsterdayschool.org 205-822-9531

16 • Thursday, August 6, 2026

BACK TO SCHOOL

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Rising Tides

Lars Porter takes on a new role as Mountain Brook High School principal.

L

BY LEE HURLEY

ars Porter is stepping into the principal’s office at Mountain Brook High School with a mix of humility, energy and familiarity with the kind of community he now leads. Growing up in Vestavia, Porter describes a path to school leadership that was anything but scripted; part youth minister, part coach, part classroom teacher, part technology coordinator and ultimately an administrator shaped by years of working closely with students, teachers and families. That varied background now informs his vision for one of Alabama’s most high-achieving high schools.

Porter’s journey into education began in a season of uncertainty. Newly married and “poor as dirt,” he and his wife Dana were trying to figure out life while working at BirminghamSouthern. A connection through St. Luke’s Episcopal Church led Porter into youth ministry, but a part-time coaching opportunity at Mountain Brook Junior High changed the direction of his career. He realized that “being in a school setting is where I feel most alive.

This is where I’m supposed to be.”

That realization led him back to school himself. Porter entered an alternative master’s certification program at Samford University while teaching at Homewood High School, where he taught math and coached crosscountry and track for six years. From there, he joined Mountain Brook Junior High as a math teacher and coach, then took on the role of technology coordinator as a stepping stone to administration. About three and a half years ago, he moved to Mountain Brook High School as an assistant principal, first overseeing student support, discipline and operations before shifting into instruction and curriculum.

Now, he is taking the next step as principal.

Even with that upward trajectory, Porter does not present himself as someone arriving to remake the school in his own image. He praised former principal Carrie Busby and described the school as a strong system that does not need an overhaul. His goal, he said, is to preserve what works while identifying targeted, high-impact improvements. As Porter put it, “The school is strong, and the task ahead is not sweeping change but careful stewardship.”

That mindset matters at a school like Mountain Brook, where expectations are high across the board. Porter describes an “achievement culture” that extends far beyond academics. State championships in athletics, strong arts programs, successful academic teams and a busy student life all contribute to a culture where excellence is expected. He spoke with pride about everything from cross-country and tennis to theater, debate, robotics and the student-run broadcast program.

But Porter also sees the pressure that can come with that culture. One of the major challenges he identified is helping students find balance in an environment where it is possible— and often tempting—to do everything. He noted that many students take on intense academic loads while simultaneously participating in demanding extracurricular activities. For some, that works well. For others, it creates chronic stress.

That concern connects to one of his priorities: student mental health. Porter says the job of a principal today requires supporting students not just academically, but emotionally. He talks about the need to help teenagers understand stress in a healthier, more seasonal way— recognizing that some periods of challenge are normal. “Not every day can be a five-alarm academic fire,” he says. He

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As he prepares for his first year leading Mountain Brook High School, Porter is focused on practical work such as scheduling and leadership transitions.

But underneath those immediate tasks is a larger goal: to protect what makes the school strong while guiding it toward a healthier, more connected future. describes one of the hardest parts of school leadership as communicating that balance in a way that is individualized, because what one student can handle may look very different from what another can.

Safety, in the broadest sense, sits underneath all concerns. Porter says physical safety remains foundational, especially in an era when schools must prepare for threats they wish did not exist.

At the same time, he emphasizes mental and emotional safety as equally important. For him, the school environment must be one where students feel protected, supported and able to grow.

He is also thinking about technology, especially artificial intelligence. Porter calls AI a “major and growing challenge” for schools, not because it should be feared outright, but because educators must learn how to use it wisely. He frames the challenge as twofold: teaching students to live and learn in a world shaped by AI while preventing it from replacing too much of the human thinking and effort that education is supposed to develop. Rather than focusing only on the amount of screen time students have, he suggests schools pay closer attention to the quality and value of what they are engaging with.

His reflections on student phone use show a similar nuance. Mountain Brook has now completed its first year under Alabama’s FOCUS Act, which requires phones to be turned off and kept off a student’s person during the school day.

Porter acknowledges that implementation has not been perfect, but he says student feedback has

been surprisingly strong. Some seniors told him they felt more connected to one another during the day when phones were out of sight. In shared spaces, he says, students were more likely to look up, say hello and engage with one another.

The idea of community may be the most personal part of Porter’s vision. He says he wants to help break down the invisible walls that can divide athletes, artists, musicians and other student groups. Too often, he observes, students spend their early high school years defining themselves against one another, only to appreciate those differences more fully by senior year. Porter wants to speed up that process—helping students see one another’s humanity earlier, building empathy and encouraging a broader sense of school identity. “I want to drive our students toward one another,” he says, adding that he wants students to value “the Spartan by our side.”

As he prepares for his first year leading Mountain Brook High School, Porter is focused on practical work such as scheduling and leadership transitions. But underneath those immediate tasks is a larger goal: to protect what makes the school strong while guiding it toward a healthier, more connected future. Collaboration is also on the new principal’s mind. In addition to strengthening the culture inside Mountain Brook High School, he wants to build stronger ties across schools and communities. That instinct fits with both his coaching background and his philosophy of leadership. As Porter says, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” OTMJ

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

| BACK TO SCHOOL |

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 17

ACADEMIC CALENDARS for Over The Mountain Schools HOMEWOOD CITY SCHOOLS homewood.k12.al.us First day for students: Aug. 12 Winter Holidays: Dec. 21-Jan. 4 Spring Break: March 22-26 Last day for students: May 26

HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS

hoovercityschools.net First day for students: Aug. 12 Winter Holidays: Dec. 21-Jan. 4 Spring Break: March 22-26 Last day for students: May 26

MOUNTAIN BROOK CITY SCHOOLS mtnbrook.k12.al.us First day for students: Aug. 11 Winter Holidays: Dec. 21-Jan. 5 Spring Break: March 22-26 Last day for students: May 27

SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS

shelbyed.k12.al.us First day for students: Aug. 13 Winter Holidays: Dec. 21-Jan. 4 Spring Break: March 22-26 Last day for students: May 27

VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS

vhcs.us First day for students: Aug. 11 for 6th-12th; Aug. 12 for K-5th Winter Holidays: Dec. 21-Jan. 5 Spring Break: March 22-26 Last day for students: May 27

JOHN CARROLL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL jcchs.org First day for students: Aug. 10 Winter Holidays: Dec. 14-Jan. 5 Spring Break: March 22-26 Last day for students: May 21

INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL

indiansprings.org First day for students: Aug. 12 Winter Holidays: Dec. 19-Jan. 5 Spring Break: March 20-28 Last day for students: May 26

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18 • Thursday, August 6, 2026 front row, l to r: Karen Carroll, Courtney Stephens, Linsdey Lacey, Pardis Stitt. back row, l to r: Phil Carroll, Bryson Stephens, John Lacey, Frank Stitt.

COMMUNITY

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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KIWANIS CLUB OF BIRMINGHAM ANNOUNCES BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2026

“Opening Night in Hollywood” Event Benefiting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra

T

he Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) kicks off the 2026-2027 season in cinematic style with “Opening Night in Hollywood,” the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, on Friday, September 25, at the Alys Stephens Center. The concert of classics from the silver screen will be conducted by Principal POPS! Conductor Chris Confessore and will feature a full evening of entertainment, bringing together corporate benefactors and individuals committed to raising funds to support the state’s only full-time professional orchestra.

“Opening Night—formerly Maestro’s Ball—is designed to be both a meaningful investment in the Orchestra’s future and a genuinely fun, celebratory night out, welcoming guests of all ages and backgrounds,” says ASO President Mark Patrick. “We have the privilege of sharing the magic of music with more than 47,000 students across Alabama each year, in addition to providing the state with a world-class orchestra that presents not only the finest in classical music, but an engaging program of free concerts, which are open to the community year-round.

This fundraiser makes it all possible.”

Chef Frank Stitt is on board for the Orchestra’s single most important philanthropic event of the year. He and his wife, Pardis Stitt, are creating an impressive hors d’oeuvres menu for a cocktail reception that guests will enjoy before a concert

of film favorites performed by ASO’s world-class musicians. Following the concert, guests will cross the street to the Abroms-Engel Institute for Visual Arts for a lively after-party featuring more nibbles, drinks, a live party band and dancing, with Orchestra musicians joining the celebration.

Karen and Phil Carroll are hosting the benefit, joined by Philanthropy Chairs Lindsey and John Lacey and family, and Courtney and Bryson Stephens. The Philanthropy Committee includes friends of the ASO Dell S. Brooke; F. Dixon Brooke, Jr.; Matt Bungo and Joe French; Bronwyne and John Chapman; Anna and Jason Comer; Douglas Croker; Lindsay and Chris Cutshall; Anne DeBardeleben; Whitney DeBardeleben, Sr.; Christine and Mike Denniston; Carmen and Trey Echols; Virginia DeBardeleben Fleener; Mary and Braxton Goodrich; Maura and Will Goodwyn; Jonathan Hoffmann; Laura and Clarence James; Maggie and Tyler O’Connor; Lisa and Craft O’Neal; Karen and Joel Piassick; Zac Riddle; Jessica and Ranson Roussel; William J. (Rusty) Rushton, IV; Liz and Brad Sauls and Mallie and Jay Whatley. OTMJ For tickets, sponsorship information or event details for “Opening Night in Hollywood” benefiting the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, contact Olivia Sowell, ASO Philanthropy and Campaigns Officer, at osowell@alabamasymphony.org or 205-314-6955. left: Partygoers enjoying last year’s Symphony fundraiser.

George W. Barber Jr.,

Barber Companies, The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Barber Marina

T

Michael A. Mouron, Capstone Development Corporation

Larry Thornton, Thornton Enterprises

he Kiwanis Club of Birmingham is celebrating three business leaders who have helped to shape our city and build a stronger community at the 28th Birmingham Business Hall of Fame event at the Harbert Center on August 25. The class of 2026 to be inducted includes George W. Barber Jr, Barber Companies, The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Barber Marina; Michael A. Mouron, Capstone Development Corporation and past Kiwanis President Larry Thornton of Thornton Enterprises.

“It is an honor and a privilege to present the new Birmingham Business Hall of Fame inductees,” shares Hall of Fame Chair and Past Kiwanis Club of Birmingham President Nelson Bean. “This year’s extraordinary class of Birmingham business leaders have made many notable and long-lasting contributions to our city and to our economy.”

Since 1997, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, the world’s largest Kiwanis Club, has annually selected local business leaders for induction into the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame. These are individuals who have exemplified strong leadership in the Birmingham business community and made extraordinary contributions to Greater Birmingham. To date, the Club has inducted 161 prominent Birmingham business leaders. Inductees can be living or deceased. OTMJ For more information about the event, to learn about past honorees or to purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit https://kcob.org/events/bbhof/.

MOUNTAIN BROOK’S BRADEN LITTLE ENTERS CLASS OF 2030 PLEBE SUMMER AT THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY Braden Little, a graduate of Mountain Brook High School, was inducted into the Naval Academy Class of 2030 on June 25, marking the beginning of six challenging weeks of basic midshipman training during Plebe Summer. Approximately 1,200 candidates are selected each year for the Academy’s “plebe” or freshman class, and each student is required to participate in Plebe Summer.

During this time, plebes have no access to television, movies, the internet or music and restricted access to cell phones. As the summer progresses, the new midshipmen rapidly assimilate basic skills in seamanship, navigation, damage control, sailing and handling yard patrol craft. Plebes also learn infantry drill and how to shoot 9 mm pistols and M-16 rifles.

Founded in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy today is a four-year service academy that prepares midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to be professional officers in the naval service. The Naval Academy received approximately 17,000 applications for the Class of 2030. More than 4,400 men and women representing every state in the U.S. and several foreign countries make up the student body, known as the Brigade of Midshipmen. OTMJ

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

GARDEN

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 19

left: Every Friday morning, the club gathers to tend the garden. Their tasks include pruning, planting and weeding. From left to right: Bruce Julian, Cathy O’Sheal, Harriet Hackney, Jan Street and John St. Clair. below: Construction of a flagstone patio in the area shaded by tall crape myrtles. Rick Cybulsky is in the green t-shirt, and John St. Clair is in the light blue t-shirt.

Growing Season

Vestavia gardeners transformed a corner of Highway 31—and gained admirers from as far away as New Zealand.

M

ost people pass the Vestavia Hills Corner Garden at 40 miles per hour. The garden is a brief flash of pink, yellow and orange before cars whisk into the grays and beiges of Highway 31. The garden is in a strange spot—nestled in a corner between a four-lane highway and Shades Crest Road, surrounded by power lines, highway signs and noisy cars.

But Rick Cybulsky, President of the Vestavia Hills Corner Garden Club, believes the highly visible location furthers the club’s goals. “Our mission is to provide something beautiful in the community,” he says. “We’d like to be able to share what we do on a regular basis.”

For over 40 years, volunteers have mulched, pruned, watered, planted and re-planted the Corner Garden. Over time, it has become more than a pretty spot on an intersection. It has brought together a community of gardeners, earned the admiration of passing drivers and attracted the attention of people from England, France and even New Zealand.

Henry Chilton and Henderson Walker first heard about the plot of land in the 1980s. They needed to do a project for the Alabama County

BY NAUSICAA CHU Extension Service’s Master Gardener program, which trains gardeners to educate the community.

But when they asked the plot’s owner if they could beautify her land, she was reluctant.

The landowner’s friend happened to know Chilton and Walker. She formally introduced the pair, settling the owner’s discomfort. The two men recruited their friends, set to work and kept working—for decades. Originally formed as a Men’s Garden Club, the group has since expanded to include men and women. “I now call it the Corner Garden,” Cybulsky explains.

Every Friday morning, a regular group of six works for hours in the garden. They battle relentless heat and equally relentless weeds.

“It’s a great experience because it’s like a little community,” Cybulsky says. “We want to be a community of gardening friends, and we want to learn more and more about what it is, what gardening means and how it fits into the grand scheme of things.”

It is one thing to look at the Corner Garden from a car. It is another thing to see it from the inside. On a warm July morning, the arbor at the entrance is covered by a thick tangle of vines.

A stone path arcs around the green field at the garden’s center. The air is thick with the scent of

flowers, and a dusting of white blossoms coats stone benches and plants. “One of our missions is to have something that’s flowering all throughout the year,” says Cybulsky.

Stone curly-haired cherubs stand amid green seas of ferns. A flash of orange and white—a chipmunk—darts among the shrubs. A wooden birdhouse, given in memory of longtime club member Fred Dyess, stands on one side.

Plants come in all shapes and colors. There are the long, narrow leaves of the roof iris, the yellow, daisy-like flowers of the brown-eyed Susan and the white flowerheads of the magnolia. Cybulsky tries to balance non-native plants, like the Japanese maple, with plants native to Alabama.

“I do want to emphasize the idea of helping to sustain more than just the plants—the pollinators and the birds,” he says.

The rumbling of cars is a constant noise. But there are other sounds, too: the humming of cicadas, the wind rustling the trees, the water rushing over a stone fountain. “When you get into it, you don’t pay as much attention to the traffic,” says Cybulsky.

The garden has been recognized by the Jefferson County Beautification Board, and it has also been recognized on the international level.

On April 17, a blogger named “Topdock” posted six pictures of the Corner Garden online, including a red-spotted admiral butterfly and two kinds of iris. Comments followed: a Welsh gardener praised the “fabulous iris,” a London gardener admired the “gorgeous” butterfly and a French gardener noted that “the flowering is much further ahead than here.” The post was liked by people in New Zealand, Germany and three parts of the United Kingdom.

“Topdock” is Cybulsky’s online alias (a retired doctor, Cybulsky says the username “Topdoc” was taken, so he added a “k”). Cybulsky is a member of the Six on Saturday group, where around 20 gardeners from across the globe share six garden pictures every Saturday. “I really find it to be so interesting that we have this connection with these people that I otherwise would have no connection with,” he says.

The gardeners trade notes about butterflies, the similarities and differences of their plants and climate. A recent topic of discussion has been the heat wave engulfing Western Europe.

“Here, we put up with 90-degree weather every summer,” laughs Cybulsky. “They’re not as used to it as we are.”

But the most meaningful part of gardening is local, Cybulsky says. As the gardeners work on Friday morning, cars stop for the traffic light on Shades Crest Road. Drivers thank the gardeners or open the rear window to let their children and dogs admire the plants. “I get a real kick out of that,” says Cybulsky. “You get that acknowledgement from people going by, ‘yeah, we see this, we see you, we like this,’ so it keeps you going, it’s encouraging.”

Diagonally across from the garden, there is another corner on the intersection of Highway 31 and Shades Crest Road. It is a bare stretch of grass. Without Chilton and Walker, without decades of upkeep and without the current gardeners to battle weeds and heat, the Corner Garden might look the same. But the team of gardeners has no plans on stopping.

“The only thing that stops us is bad weather,” says Cybulsky. OTMJ To learn more about the Vestavia Hills Corner Garden, visit cornergardenvestavia.blog, the “Vestavia Hills Mens Garden” on Facebook or topdock.substack.com.

MUSIC

20 • Thursday, August 6, 2026

| SOCIAL |

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

left: Playing the SAE house in Tuscaloosa.

Photo by Alyssa Green

band photo at dyron’s low country, l to r: Lee Amberson Lead Vocals, Percussion; Brian Haynes, Guitar; Matt Wiley, Keys; Alan Eberhardt, Drums; Greg Staggs, Bass.

Photo by Kelli Staggs

Not Fade Away TUB celebrates 15 years of keeping the jam alive.

A

BY BRENT THOMPSON

s lead vocalist/percussionist of The UnKnamed Band (TUB), Lee Amberson’s singing career didn’t begin with the typical vocal lesson or school talent show. “When I was in high school, the head football coach came around and said, ‘Y’all come with me.’ We were walking down the hall thinking, ‘What’s going on?’ He took us into the choir room and said, ‘Y’all are about to try out for the concert choir,’” Amberson recalls with a laugh. “The teacher didn’t have enough guys for the choir— she had plenty of girls, but not enough guys.”

The choir director heard something promising in Amberson’s voice and encouraged him to try out for the more selective ensemble. After singing a well-received version of The Beatles’ “Yesterday,” he was then asked to sight-read a song. Unable to read music, the second song didn’t fare as well. “I bombed it—that was the last time I ever sang other than in the car or in the shower,” he says.

Fast forward to 2026, Amberson fronts TUB, a longstanding, thriving band that performs in excess of 100 shows per year around the Southeast. The quintet—Amberson, Greg Staggs, Brian Haynes, Alan Eberhardt and Matt Wiley— performs improvisational music that leans heavily on the catalogs of the Grateful Dead, Phish and Widespread Panic. right: TUB in full jam at Otey’s Fest 2026.

Photo by Jordan Wald

Anticipating the obvious question, Amberson volunteers the origin of the band’s catchy, if unusual, name. “We bandied a few names about and couldn’t agree by the time of our first gig at Otey’s in February 2011, so we were billed as The UnKnamed Band [the misspelling was intentional],” he says. “We told people at our first few gigs that if they submitted names and we chose the one they submitted, they’d get a night’s bar tab on the band. After a few gigs, one or two members said they liked The UnKnamed Band, so we stuck with it. After more gigs, people started calling us by the acronym TUB, and that was that.”

So how did we get from a forced singing tryout

to fronting a touring band? “I was hanging out in Montgomery one weekend,” he recalls. “My friend, Jay McRae, played guitar and pushed a songbook in front of me and said, ‘Sing’ and I said, ‘I’m not singing.’ He had heard me sing in high school. We had a cassette recorder, and I started singing “Mack The Knife,” and it was recorded on that tape. Then, for a Fourth of July party, I tried to find some bongos for a joke.

I ended up at this music center on Highway 31. They had a pair of used congas that were cheap—I think I paid $75. Then, Jay and I started a band, Burnt Toast.”

After Burnt Toast ran its course, Amberson formed TUB in 2011. While it was still gaining traction locally, the band widened its following by playing the college fraternity circuit. “My niece, Rebecca Crowther, was in school at the University of Alabama. She got Thomas Shows, who was the social chairman at the SAE house, to come see us. He really liked us, so we played SAE in the spring of 2012. Once we did that, things kind of took off. We do fraternity weekends and also tailgates,” he says.

Though he downplays his role as the face of TUB, Amberson gets that default tag by being its lead vocalist. To prove that he does not see himself as the front man, Amberson admits that the percussion instruments that surround him onstage serve a dual purpose. “I’m not a front man,” he says. “The idea of sitting up there with just a microphone was also a little uncomfortable, so just having [percussion] in front of me takes my mind off of that. I still don’t know how to play them correctly—I just have good rhythm, and I can keep a beat. I can’t strut around like Jagger—the music we play doesn’t lend itself to that.”

TUB’s increased popularity has brought increased private gig opportunities—including wedding receptions—often with specific song requests. TUB has found a way to accommodate such requests while staying true to its musical style. “When we started doing [receptions], we said we’d learn a song or two as long as it’s remotely in our wheelhouse and we feel comfortable doing it,” Amberson explains. “Over the years—as parents have gotten older—their kids are getting married.

Their kids have grown up on this music, and the kids ask their parents, ‘Can we have this jamband for our reception?’ The parents agree because they’re also into it. So, we’ve gotten more wedding receptions.”

With regard to their repertoire, Amberson says the band was formed in part to fill a void at that time. “One reason we started TUB—in addition to playing the music it was centered around—was that nobody else around Birmingham and Tuscaloosa was playing all three of those bands’ music.”

While focusing primarily on the three aforementioned bands, TUB does perform material by other artists as well. “It’s going to be roughly a quarter of Dead, a quarter of Panic, a quarter of Phish and a quarter of all other kinds of stuff—Little Feat, The Band, The Stones, Eric Clapton and his various offshoots. Our master list is probably up to 250 songs or more that we can pull from,” Amberson says.

Currently, TUB is in the midst of a year-long anniversary celebration that began with a “15th Birthday Show” at All Good Beverage Co. in February.

One event that Amberson enthusiastically mentions is the band’s upcoming Not Fade Away show at Virginia Samford Theatre on October 16. “Philip Mann, the executive director of the Virginia Samford Theatre, is a musician, and he played in the band Far South Movement,” Amberson says.

“Two years ago, we did a thing on the history of the Grateful Dead called Here Comes Sunshine.

We basically did a timeline of the Dead and played through all their albums with visuals running behind us. The next season, we did Day of the Dead with a tie-in where the lobby was decorated like a ‘Dios de los Muertos’ event. We did music from the Grateful Dead about life, death and rebirth.

This coming fall, we’re going to do another one called Not Fade Away that’s kind of a celebration now that so many [Grateful Dead members] have passed. We’re going to do it on Bob Weir’s birthday.”

When he’s not onstage with TUB, Amberson is an attorney and a married father of four children.

With a constant stream of shows on the calendar, I ask about the support he and the other members receive from their families. “Greg’s wife, Brian’s wife and my wife come see us play a fair amount, and they’re all friends, so it works out well,” he offers. “Matt’s wife, Jenni, is a musician herself.

With a five-year-old and a nine-year-old playing sports, my opportunities to play may become more limited, but as long as people keep coming to see us, we’ll keep playing!” OTMJ

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 21

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CURATED CONDOMINIUM Interior decorator Leigh Leak helps turn her daughter’s condo into a home.

I

before

above: The condominium’s main living space—a small sitting area, the living room and the dining room—went from sparse to elevated with a neutral pallette on the walls and layered furniture and accessories that make it feel both elegant and warm. Draperies hung at ceiling height allow natural light from the many windows but also create privacy when needed. right: Leigh and Caroline Leak

BY BARRY WISE SMITH

nterior decorator Leigh Leak grew up in Talladega with a mother who appreciated beautiful art and antiques.

“She didn’t grow up with a lot, but as an adult, she had a tremendous love for pretty things,” Leak says of her mom.

Leak’s two daughters—Virginia, 27, and Caroline, 30— spent a lot of time with Leak’s parents growing up and inherited their grandmother’s appreciation for lovely, and not always new, things. “I like that they too appreciate antiques,” Leak says.

So, when Leak’s older daughter Caroline decided she wanted to buy her first home in 2024 during her last year of law school, she enlisted her parents to help her look at properties and her mom to help turn whatever she purchased into her new nest. “Caroline didn’t have a specific idea of what she wanted, so we just started looking,” Leak says.

When Caroline came upon the 1,325-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium with nine-foot ceilings and original hardwood floors in the historic Avalon complex near Highland Road, the light-filled unit checked all of her boxes. The Avalon is a 1925 English Tudor Revival-style residential complex combines classic architectural character in an historic neighborhood with convenience to Caroline’s downtown law firm.

After purchasing the condo in February 2024—while finishing law school and preparing to start a demanding job—Caroline leaned on her mom’s professional expertise to help outfit her new space. “She was the ideal client,” Leak laughs. “She told me, ‘mom just do it.’” So being cognizant of her daughter’s budget constraints as a young, first-time home buyer, Leak began curating items from her own home, her mother’s attic, estate sales, thrift stores and even Facebook Marketplace to elegantly and affordably appoint the condominium. The result is an eclectic mix of furniture and accessories that feel at once elegant and cozy.

Leak started by painting all the walls—most the original plaster—and molding with the same neutral color. “My favorite white is Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois,” Leak says. After painting was complete, “drapery was major,” she says. While the condo features a plethora of windows that fill the space with natural light, there is also a need for privacy so Leak added layered shades and curtains so that Caroline could take advantage of the windows when she wanted but could close them when she wanted more privacy.

Once the neutral palette and window coverings were in place, Leak began layering in colorful furniture and accessories that make the condo feel comfortable and welcoming but with a refined sensibility. The condo’s main living space includes a small sitting area, the main living room and the dining room. In the sitting area, Leak layered natural shades with draperies—actually industrial drop cloths from Harbor Freight trimmed with contrasting fabric—mounted at ceiling height. “There was no need for black-out lining because they are so thick,” Leak says.

In the living area, “Caroline wanted a gallery wall,” says Leak, so she framed varying-size prints from an art book and arranged them around the television that hangs on the wall opposite an elegant estate sale sofa. Off the living area, Leak converted a storage closet into a chic bar area. A ceiling-height curtain still provides covered storage, but the star of the space is the lighting and wicker cabinet that serves as a bar.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 23

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below: To create Caroline’s requested gallery wall, Leak framed prints from an art book in various sizes and shapes and hung them around the wall-mounted television.

before above: The guest bedroom features an en suite bathroom and cozy accessories to maximize comfort and privacy.

The dining room, which opens onto the condo’s outdoor space, features a mix of family heirlooms and thrift store and estate sale finds. An antique mirror that hangs above the buffet belonged to Leak, and above that are brown transferware plates surrounding Leak’s mother’s antique brown transferware platter. “It’s one of my mom’s favorite things,” Leak says, “so it’s special to have it here.”

In the bright guest bedroom, a wall-mounted blue velvet headboard makes the cozy space feel larger, and accessories were intentionally selected to make guests feel welcome. The bedroom has its own attached bathroom for ultimate guest privacy and comfort.

The condo’s previous owner had converted a third smaller bedroom into a larger master suite and dressing area. Leak mounted navy velvet draperies at ceiling height on three sides of

above and right: Layering in family heirlooms with flea market finds took the dining room from bland to beautiful.

the master, providing a rich, cocoon-like feel while also reducing light and providing privacy. A neutral headboard and bed linens let the draperies and thoughtfully selected accessories shine. In the dressing area, Caroline painted the ceiling herself in a soft, metallic gold giving the space a rich, elegant feel.

While Leak still would like to renovate the condo’s kitchen, she and Caroline are pleased with how everything came together. “Caroline actually entertains a lot,” Leak says. “I have always enjoyed entertaining too. It’s been so fun to watch my girls embrace and love the things I love and they were exposed to as young girls. I have been so thrilled they have never chosen gray as their aesthetic and appreciate vintage, antiques and things that make a space feel warm.” OTMJ Check out Leigh Leak’s stylish finds at The Nest in Homewood or on Instagram @lachassecollective

24 • Thursday, August 6, 2026

PROFILE | SOCIAL |

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

“You always try to do this with respect and with compassion. I realize that I have a responsibility and I take that responsibility seriously.”

–carol robinson left: A lot has changed over decades of crime reporting but Robinson’s trust with her audience has stayed the same. Photo by Jordan Wald below: Robinson interviewing inmates at Jefferson County Jail, Circa 2011.

40 Years in the Field Carol Robinson reflects on decades as a crime reporter in a rapidly changing field.

O

ne day Carol Robinson was getting her car repaired when she got a call from the Birmingham News, (now Al.com) saying they wanted to hire her. Forty years later, she is an awardwinning senior reporter for the publication covering crime across the state. “If anybody had told me at 22, when I casually accepted that job, that it would become my life’s work, I really don’t think I would have believed them,” she says.

Robinson began her career with the Birmingham News as a correspondent in Southeastern Alabama, then shifted to covering lifestyle at the Birmingham office for two years. She knew she wanted to shift to hard news and began covering everything from crime to schools in the Fairfield, Midfield and Hueytown. Ten years into her career, Robinson became a full-time crime and breaking news reporter, aiming to show compassion to victims and report objective news in a field dominated by social media.

She is a Vestavia Hills native and majored in Public Relations at Auburn. During the summer before her senior year, she was an intern in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s public relations department and wrote press releases all summer. She knew she enjoyed the writing aspect of the

BY MARY CLARE INGRAM job and won an intern award, solidifying her desire to write. Then, she spent her senior year taking journalism classes, though she says she still wasn’t completely sold on the career. “I just kind of fell into it,” she says.

For Robinson, one of the appeals of crime reporting, she says, is that it’s fast-paced.

Robinson enjoys the quick turnaround of the reporting she does, keeping her moving. “I’ve listened to a police scanner every day for the majority of 30 years,” she says. She prefers to

physically visit scenes to report, even if that means she has to get up at 2 a.m. Her commitment to being on scene in person allows her to gather more information and report more thoroughly, she says.

Another major aspect of her work is the human element. Robinson often talks to victims’ families and loved ones, giving them the opportunity to share the victim’s story. She emphasizes the importance of approaching a family with empathy and compassion, offering the chance to give their loved one a face and a name. Robinson says she has learned the most in her time about balancing the stories she reports with the humans behind them. “You always try to do this with respect and with compassion,” she says. “And I probably asked questions 30 years ago that I wouldn’t ask now, you know?”

Now, she says social media is changing the field of journalism, and breaking news is often released online before reporters know it happened. When she began as a journalist, she says the only way people knew about crimes was through the news. Now, it can be released by anyone. “But on the other left: Robinson in the Birmingham News newsroom sometime in the latter half of the 1980s.

side of that, I’m able to get so much more information,” she says.

For example, when she began as a journalist, she had to look up the family members of victims in the White Pages. Now she can go on Facebook and likely find them more quickly.

Not only does she enjoy the increased access to information she has at this stage in her career, but Robinson says being able to publish articles immediately, rather than waiting for print the next day, is a change she loves.

To balance out the costs and benefits of the changing environment, she works to produce more thorough reporting than social media can, preserving the benefit of reading an article over a social media post. “If I want to keep doing this, I’ve got to change with it,” Robinson says.

Regardless of how her job changes, the most important thing for Robinson is that she is sincere in her work. She says that with clickbait being such a big thing online, she wants people to know that she will never write to get clicks.

Her favorite compliment to receive is when people tell her that she reports objectively, fairly and truthfully, because that’s her goal. “I realize that I have a responsibility and I take that responsibility seriously,” she says. OTMJ

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 25

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

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26 • Thursday, August 6, 2026 Thurs., Aug. 6 JAZZ NIGHT: ANDY NEVALA QUARTET Jazz Night returns to the Birmingham Museum of Art café with a special featured performance by the Andy Nevala Quartet. Known for their dynamic blend of jazz and Latin influences, the internationally touring ensemble has performed at major festivals across Europe. Their recent album, El Rumbón, remained in the U.S. Top 50 jazz charts for 16 weeks.

WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Birmingham Museum of Art

ABOUT TOWN Sat., Aug. 22

25th ANNUAL PICASSO PETS GALA The 25th installment of Hand in Paw’s signature gala, Picasso Pets, will feature amazing artwork from local artists, live and silent auctions, a photo booth, wine pull, a fabulous seated dinner, Tito’s signature cocktails and more!

WHEN: 6-10 p.m.

WHERE: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Sat., Aug. 8

TOTALLY RAD VINTAGE FEST Step into a time warp of style and nostalgia at Totally Rad Vintage Fest! Festival vendors specialize in clothing and accessories from the ‘80s, ‘90s and Y2K eras, while also offering a selection of toys, home goods and more to complete your nostalgic shopping experience!

WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

WHERE: BJCC North Exhibit Hall

Aug. 12-16

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

outdoor tents and special promotions, and stock up for the new school year while exploring favorite local businesses.

WHEN: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

WHERE: Crestline Village

Wed., Aug. 19

LEADING FROM ANY SEAT WITH HOMEWOOD FIRE CHIEF BRANDON BROADHEAD In this interactive session, Homewood Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead shares practical strategies for leading from any position within an organization. Participants will learn how accountability, initiative and positive influence can elevate both individual performance and the success of the entire team.

WHEN: 1-2 p.m.

WHERE: Homewood Public Library

BILL BUGG AND FRIENDS PART 9 Bill Bugg is back with an all-new cavalcade of cabaret to kick off the Homewood Theatre’s 2026-2027 season. Bugg and friends will be singing show tunes and standards backed by a swinging combo.

WHEN: Various showtimes WHERE: Homewood Theatre

Sat., Aug. 8

OTEY’S TO OTEY’S RUN—FINISH THE FIGHT AGAINST GI CANCER Finish the Fight, and help The Reed GI Cancer Research Foundation Junior Board raise money and awareness for some of the deadliest cancers.

The 5.46-mile course will start at Otey’s in Homewood and finish at Otey’s in Crestline Village. The afterparty in the green space across from O’Neal Library in Crestline will feature awards, refreshments and more.

WHEN: 8-9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Otey’s Tavern in Edgewood

Aug. 21-Sept. 20 COME FROM AWAY Aug. 8-9 PLANTFEST EXPO Explore two days of rare plants, local growers, collectors and enthusiasts from across the Southeast at PlantFest Expo. Browse hundreds of unique plant specimens, connect with passionate vendors and bring home something extraordinary for your collection.

WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

WHERE: BJCC South Exhibit Hall

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Sat., Aug. 15

CRESTLINE TENT SALE Join the Mountain Brook Chamber for the Crestline Tent Sale—an all-day shopping event in Crestline Village. Enjoy sidewalk sales,

Looking for a copy of OTMJ? Did your dog eat yours?

Find us at these wonderful establishments Bluff Park Piggly Wiggly

MB City Hall

Mt. Laurel Piggly Wiggly

Hoover Senior Center

Forest Park Piggly Wiggly

Cowboys (280)

Hoover Library

Brookdale Assisted Living

Mountain Brook O’Neal Library

Kirkwood Assisted Living

Vestavia Hills Library

Long Leaf Assisted Living

Homewood Library

Las Trojas Cantina (Brook Highland Plaza)

North Shelby Library Mt Laurel Library

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Come From Away is the Tony-award-winning musical based on a true story about the day the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. On September 11, 2001, 38 planes were diverted to the airstrip, bringing thousands of scared international travelers to the sleepy town. But with music, an open bar and a few language barriers, it becomes a moment for global unity in an uncertain time.

WHEN: Various showtimes WHERE: Red Mountain Theatre

*More locations being added

OTMJ

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL | OTMJ.COM

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Sat., Aug. 22

UNCF ALABAMA WALK FOR EDUCATION

This annual walk organized by the United Negro College Fund Alabama helps students get to and through college successfully. Participants will enjoy a fun and energizing walk, fellowship with community leaders and supporters, family friendly activities, entertainment and opportunities to celebrate the life-changing impact of education.

Join the walk to help create a path from promise to prosperity for deserving students.

WHEN: Registration opens at 7 a.m., walk starts at 8 a.m.

WHERE: Railroad Park

Thursday, August 6, 2026 • 27

| SPORTS |

VESTAVIA’S REUBEN GREER, 11, TO COMPETE FOR WORLD GO-KART CHAMPIONSHIP

BY LOYD MCINTOSH

Sat., Aug. 22

THE 46th ANNUAL HOPE GALA

The Hope Gala provides a unique and entertaining experience to support the mission of the American Cancer Society. The event will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, live auction and after party.

WHEN: 6-11 p.m.

Aug. 24-30

28TH ANNUAL SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL

The 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival will offer screenings of more than 200 films, filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, networking events and parties. Since its debut in 1998, filmmakers from around the world have come to Birmingham to screen their work at Sidewalk and have been thrilled to discover enthusiastic crowds eager to devour new independent cinema.

WHEN: Various showtimes WHERE: Birmingham Theatre District

left: Vestavia Hills 11-year-old Reuben Greer competes for a go-kart world championship. above: Reuben Greer has experienced amazing success since starting the sport.

Thurs., Aug. 27

5th ANNUAL J’LA GALA

The 5th Annual J’la Gala: Lighting the Way celebrates the enduring legacy of the Levite Jewish Community Center, which this year marks its historic 120th anniversary. Guests will enjoy an evening featuring a plated kosher dinner by Chef Maureen Holt, exciting live and silent auctions and the chance to meaningfully invest in the Levite JCC scholarship fund.

WHEN: 5-8 p.m.

WHERE: Levite Jewish Community Center Auditorium

Sat., Aug. 29

SMILE-A-MILE (SAM) 5K

The SAM 5K will start and finish at Smile-A-Mile Place in downtown Birmingham with post-race activities and awards. For those who are unable or do not wish to attend in-person, there is a virtual option. The Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K helps raise funds to support the organization’s mission to support children with cancer and their families.

WHEN: 8-9:15 a.m.

WHERE: Smile-A-Mile Place OTMJ

I

f Reuben Greer is in your rear-view mirror, get ready, because he’s about pass you like you’re standing still.

Greer, an 11-year-old from Vestavia Hills, won the T4 Eastern Cup Championship in July, earning an opportunity to compete for a world go-kart championship as a middle schooler.

A multi-round U.S. kart championship run

by T4 Series USA, the T4 Eastern Cup is held on several prestigious karting tracks throughout the year, including Music City Kartplex in Tennessee, Kartplex in Lorain, Ohio, and finishing at T4 Kartplex in Palmetto, Florida.

Greer, the overall champion in the T4 Mini division, will travel to Valencia, Spain, to compete in the T4 Nations Cup at the Kartodromo Internacional Lucas Guerrero, from September 30 through October 4.

Winning a championship is nothing new for Greer, who has claimed three national championships in other kart series before many kids have memorized the multiplication table.

However, Greer’s father, Stephen—a native of Ireland who started racing go-karts when he was six years old—says they entered this series on a whim with no expectations.

The series is also unique in that all karts are standardized, with no modifications allowed, making each race a true test of a driver’s skill and decision-making. “We thought we would try this series, and he ended up winning the championship,” says Stephen. “Everybody has

to have the same equipment, so when you get there, they have your cart and your engine ready. You’re not allowed to make really any changes to the go-kart. You can change your tire pressure, and that’s about it, so it’s really up to the driver at that point.”

Greer began driving karts competitively when he was six years old, developing quickly with a rare combination of natural ability, competitive drive and dedication. He currently practices one to two hours every day on a home simulator and regularly studies film on other drivers and tracks before competitions.

The work has paid off in a big way. In 2026 alone, Greer has podiumed in 51 of his 56 races—14 first place, 23 second, 14 third place finishes—in multiple classes. Still, his national championship in the T4 Series USA was a surprise to father and son alike.

“It was hard competition, and I didn’t think I was would win the championship until I did,” says Greer, with Stephen adding that he was behind the lead in points going into the final weekend in Florida during the second weekend in July.

“I’m super proud of him,” Stephen says.

“It was down to the last race. We thought we hadn’t won it, and it was a good lesson for him to not give up. He was able to get the most points in the championship, and he learned a lot from that.”

Greer is one of only a couple of kids who drive in the Racing For Children’s (Hospital)

karting team, part of the Racing For Children’s motorsports patient experience that raises money for research, treatment and cures for childhood cancer and blood disorders.

Allison Turner, Executive Director and Social Media and Marketing Director, says Greer joined the karting program in 2025 and quickly made an impression. She adds that he is not only a fierce competitor behind the wheel but is an advocate for Racing For Children’s mission.

“We didn’t know a whole lot about him.

He kind of snuck in on us last season and has absolutely dominated,” says Turner. “He’s just phenomenal. He’s got great energy, a great work ethic, the family is just incredible on the track and off. We couldn’t ask for a better representative.”

Despite the championships and the accolades, Greer is still, at his heart, a precocious, polite and funny middle schooler. Even though he’s on the cusp of winning a world championship, he can’t help but be a little silly when answering questions about why he likes racing and what he hopes to accomplish in Spain this fall.

“I like the free air conditioning that you get when you drive,” he says with an infectious and slightly mischievous giggle, “and I love getting on the podium. I hope I win and become a world champion.” OTMJ Follow Reuben Greer’s progress for world domination on Instagram @reuben_racing.

SPORTS | OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL • OTMJ.COM | Thursday, August 6, 2026

25 ANNUAL LIBERTY CUP SET TO BRING TOP YOUTH SOCCER TO VESTAVIA HILLS th

BY LOYD MCINTOSH

I

f you’re suffering from soccer withdrawals since the World Cup ended a few weeks ago, you’re in luck. You have a chance to witness some top-notch youth soccer and possibly see tomorrow’s superstars before the rest of the world, during the Liberty Cup, August 28-30.

In its 25th year and hosted by the Vestavia Hills Soccer Club (VHSC), the Liberty Cup has grown into one of the longest-running and well-attended soccer tournaments in Alabama, attracting teams and players from all over the Southeast. The 2026 Liberty Cup will feature more than 200 boys and girls clubs from a wide array of age groups and skill levels and will provide teams and players the chance to test their skills against evenly matched squads from all over the region, says VHSC Executive Director Rocky Harmon.

“It’s a real smorgasbord, but what we like about it is it’s big enough to allow each team to find their own level,” says Harmon. “We can make multiple brackets: the really developed teams that have been together for a long time play each other, and our more developing teams that have just gotten together, maybe not quite as high a skill level, play each other too.

It makes it very equitable. A lot of close scores, a lot of exciting games, because we can group people based on their abilities.”

With dozens of college coaches and recruiters

in attendance, the Liberty Cup also provides players with valuable exposure and opportunities to play soccer in college and, possibly, professionally. In 2025 alone, Harmon says VHSC helped more than two dozen players obtain college scholarships, and for many players who have moved on to the next level, the Liberty Cup was where it all began.

“We have a robust college placement program, putting over 25 kids in colleges last year out of Vestavia Hills Soccer Club, and this is the first step for this year’s seniors,” says Harmon.

He highlights VHSC alum JJ Williams, a former player with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS), now playing for the Rhode Island FC of the United Soccer League (USL).

Williams was a three-time state champion with VHSC and played collegiately at the University of Kentucky. Harmon says his Liberty Cup experience was a significant part of his overall development. “JJ played from the age of 12 to 18 for Vestavia Hills Soccer Club and went on to play at Kentucky, and he probably played in seven Liberty Cups,” says Harmon.

The three-day tournament will take place at Liberty Park Athletic Complex and the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex (SHAC), with some games scheduled for the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Harmon says a tournament of this scale and magnitude couldn’t exist without partnerships with the City of Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Director Jamie Lee and Vestavia Hills City Schools Athletics under the leadership of Athletics Director Laura Casey.

“We’re partners in everything we do,” says Harmon. “We don’t try to make a move without making sure both of them are in sync with what we’re doing, because we’re using the same kids and the same facilities, and we have the same parents driving to all these different venues.

We’re lucky to have people like Jamie and Laura on our side.”

Harmon also highlights the work and dedication of Jason Woodall, the General Manager and Academy Director for VHSC. Woodall has been the Liberty Cup’s tournament director for 18 years and is a major factor in the tournament’s growth over the years. “(Jason) is the tournament savant and a major reason our events are well attended.

He does a great job of organizing the parking, the schedules, the matchups, the brackets, the medals,” says Harmon. “He is a key to our tournament success.” OTMJ

LIBERTY CUP 2026 August 28-30 Boys and Girls U8-U19 Deadline to apply: August 5 3 Game Minimum 3 Referees for 9v9 and 11v11 games U15-U19 teams play Showcase format (no finals) Great facilities, including Liberty Park, SHAC, and Hoover Met! Register at vestaviasoccer.com