OTMJ 7.11.24

OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL | OTMJ.COM

SOCIAL

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024

SPORTS

Jennifer Chandler won a gold medal in the 3-meter springboard diving competition at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

From left: Journal photo by Maury Wald; Courtesy Jennifer Chandler

Life-Changing Chandler Recalls Winning Diving Gold Medal at Montreal Olympics

J

By Rubin E. Grant

PUBLIC PEOPLE | PRIVATE PLACES

Award-Winning Caterer Kathy G. Mezrano Is Perfectly at Home Entertaining SEE STORY PAGE 20

ennifer Chandler gets transported back in time and her heart rate increases whenever the Summer Olympics approach.

She always returns to the same year and same place: 1976 in Montreal, Canada.

With the 2024 Summer Olympics set to begin July 26 in Paris, Chandler is time traveling again.

“Every time the Olympics roll around and they start playing that music from the Montreal Games, my heart races because I know the up-and-coming athletes are going to be putting their lives on the line,” Chandler said.

Chandler put her life on the line in 1976 and emerged with a

See CHANDLER, page 26

2 • Thursday, July 11, 2024

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

OPINION/CONTENTS

Inside

Guest Column

Familiar Voice Remembers Jordan Riding the Bus

A LIFT YOUR SPIRITS Brother of Army Major who died at the Pentagon to keynote annual Gala for Grief Support PAGE 4

BY THE WORK OF THEIR HANDS King’s Home Collections showcases products for a purpose PAGE 8

PARTY IN THE USA Homewood, Vestavia annual events mark patriotic holiday PAGE 10

PLANTING THE SEEDS OF TRADITION FOOD+Culture chooses Anson Mills Founder as 2024 Frank Stitt Award recipient PAGE 24

3 8 12

HOME FOOD SPORTS

20 24 28

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

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

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

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

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

July 11, 2024 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: June Mathews, Anne Ruisi Photographer: Jordan Wald Sports Editor: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Evelyn Byrne, Solomon Crenshaw Jr., Madoline Markham Koonce, Lee Hurley, Susan Swagler Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Gail Kidd

Over the Mountain Views

Caring for Lulu Purple bows dot mailboxes in the Over the Mountain area in support of Lulu Gribbin, the Mountain Brook teen who survived a shark attack at a Florida Panhandle beach on June 7. Lulu was bitten while swimming at Rosemary Beach and lost her left hand and part of her right leg. OTM businesses have been selling bows and other merchandise in support of the Caring for Lulu fund established

by Lulu’s family and friends.

Vol. 34, No. 18

Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com.

Copyright 2024 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.

Journal photo by Maury Wald

ABOUT TOWN LIFE SOCIAL

friend texted me the night party every night. The ballpark was before the Fourth of July and packed and alive with energy as fans told me he was watching the poured in to see if Jordan really could ESPN “30 for 30” documentary about hit a curveball and smack a home run.

Michael Jordan’s season playing baseMedia showed up from around the ball for the Birmingham Barons when nation and the world, including Japan he heard an “awfully familiar voice.” and Israel, to chronicle Jordan’s I texted him back and said, “MJ’s exploits. voice is rather distinct – and the other A few celebrities – real ones – also guy, too.” flocked to the Met, and so did athletes Of course, the other guy was me. from other sports. Late in the Barons The next day, another friend texted season, when the Buffalo Bills had an RUBIN E. GRANT me and told me had watched it, and duroff day during their NFL training camp, ing his viewing, “All of sudden I hear Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith flew Being at the this voice and I knew it was you! Then, down to watch Jordan from a skybox you finally showed up! Very cool! they shared with Charles Barkley.

Hoover Met that You’re a celeb!”

One of my lasting memories was season was like I don’t know about that, but I was walking into the manager’s office outthe Barons’ beat writer for the side the Barons’ clubhouse for one of being at a party Birmingham Post-Herald when Jordan my daily interviews and stories about every night. patrolled right field for the team during Jordan. Manager Terry Francona, pitchthe 1994 season. The producers of ing coach Kirk Champion and Jordan “Jordan Rides the Bus” decided to give me a brief cameo would be in there playing Yahtzee and Francona would in the 51-minute documentary, which was released in look up and say, “What do you want?” He often scolded 2010. me for interrupting their game.

I don’t know if that makes me a celebrity, but it was Jordan’s popularity helped shatter the franchise’s sinfun to be a part of it – just like it was fun watching the gle-season attendance record (467,867), which has since basketball GOAT (Greatest of All Time, just in case you been broken at Regions Field downtown. The Barons drew aren’t familiar with that acronym) try his hand at baseball.

985,185 fans overall – at home and on the road – in 1994.

Jordan’s diamond foray came a mere two years after he There were countless stories that season and much has been written and broadcast about it since. helped the “Dream Team” capture the 1992 Olympic basJordan wound up playing in 127 games, batting .202 ketball gold medal in Barcelona and a year after he had led with three home runs, 51 runs batted in and 30 stolen the Chicago Bulls to the 1993 NBA championship, the bases. He also struck out 114 times and committed 11 third in the first set of three consecutive NBA championships Jordan and the Bulls won. The second set came from errors.

Not too bad for someone playing Double-A baseball, 1996 to 1998 after Jordan had returned to the hardwood. which is kind of a proving ground for major league prosAs a Baron, Jordan wore No. 45, the number he wore pects, for the first time and especially for someone who for his Laney, North Carolina, High School baseball team, and the Barons traveled on road trips in The JordanCruiser. was 31 years old and hadn’t played baseball since he was 17 in high school.

Jordan didn’t buy the bus, contrary to popular belief, but I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since Jordan rode the he ensured it was roomy and comfortable enough to bus. And I can’t believe someone thinks I’m a celeb for accommodate his 6-foot-6 frame.

Being at the Hoover Met that season was like being at a saying a few words in a documentary about it.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Tuesdays through Aug. 6 West Homewood Farmer’s Market Fresh farm produce and other goodies will be on hand every Tuesday as the West Homewood Farmer’s Market opens for another summer season. When: 5-8 p.m.

Where: 160 Oxmoor Road

Wednesdays through Sept. 11 Vestavia Hills Farmers Market

Live music, fresh produce, jewelry, baked goods and many other items will be on hand every Wednesday at the Vestavia Hills Farmers Market. The market is a mission of Vestavia Hills Methodist Church, with funds from the market used to supply the church’s food pantry with fresh fruit and vegetables. When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Scout Square, 2061 Kentucky Avenue

Thurs., July 11 History of the Iron Bowl

Learn how a congressman from Vermont instigated the AuburnAlabama rivalry and how the schools’ first meeting was almost their last. The story of the Iron Bowl is an Alabama Humanities Foundation one-hour program presented by Mark Kelly (pictured). When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Homewood Library

Thurs., July 18 Summer Happiest Hour

Popular Lane Parke event is back, on the green in front of Lady Bird & Jeni’s highlighting all of Lane Parke’s restaurants’ best drinks and small bites! Local pop-ups and a shopping pass to some retailers so you can sip and shop and spend the perfect evening at Lane Parke!

The first 25 attendees will receive a complimentary drink ticket! When: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Where: Lane Parke

OTEY’S FEST | SAT., JULY 27

Market Day for sales, shopping and fun! When: During regular store hours. Some stores open early Where: Mountain Brook Village and Lane Parke.

Celebrate 15 years of Otey’s Fest and 35 years of Otey’s in Mountain Brook. Live music will feature The Hurlers, T.U.B and The Negotiators. General admission is free, and limited VIP tickets are available at OteysFest.com. When: 6 p.m.-midnight Where: Otey’s in Mountain Brook.

Sun., July 21 Le Tour De Cahaba

Join Cahaba Cycles in Homewood for its annual Le Tour De Cahaba, a bike race featuring multiple distances for you to choose. Have fun after the ride with a party at the Homewood store’s back parking lot. Enjoy Good People beer, soft drinks, BBQ, veggie

Continued on page 4

Journal file photo by Jordan Wald

JUL 11 - JUL 25

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 3

ABOUT TOWN

Left, Blaire Clanton and Lowery Thompson having fun at last year‘s Otey‘s Fest event.

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Before she was a hit-maker and music legend, Carole King was Carole Klein, a teenage songwriter from Brooklyn. “Beautiful” is the story of her journey from a high school dreamer to a trailblazer in a maledominated profession. When: Various showtimes Where: Red Mountain Theatre

Sat., July 20 Mountain Brook Market Day

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ABOUT TOWN

Lift Your Spirits

Brother of Army Major Who Died at the Pentagon to Keynote Annual Gala for Grief Support Library. “Moving from pain to purpose is what you are trying to do.”

Roy L. Williams knows you can’t Community Grief Support is a put a timeline on grief. His brother, nonprofit organization that works to Army Maj. Dwayne Williams, was enhance the quality of life for one of the 125 people who died bereaved adults who face the chalwhen terrorists slammed a hijacked lenge of rebuilding their lives withAmerican Airlines out their loved ones. passenger jet into Lift Your Spirits is a ‘You know, I’m sort casual, festive event the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. of at the point in life to celebrate lost “I have learned ones, with where I‘m at peace loved over the last 23 music, dancing, a years to stop focusbuffet and live and and I‘ve moved ing on how he died, silent auctions. This beyond grief to but on the happy year’s theme is peace right now.’ “Flamingling with moments,” said Williams, who will Friends.” be the keynote speaker at Lift Your Grief is hard, but it’s OK to have Spirits, Community Grief Support’s fun, too, the organization noted in a annual gala on July 18 at the recent press release. The event gives Vestavia Country Club. permission to celebrate life “I love the title” of the event, said Dwayne Williams was a Williams, who is public relations Jacksonville native who attended the director for the Birmingham Public University of North Alabama on a

pizza, live music, shade and cooling fans. When: 7 a.m. start for the 34, 45 and 65-mile riders; 9 a.m. for the slow roll, 10 Mile, and 20-mile riders.

Where: Cahaba Cycles in Homewood

Thurs., July 25 Auburn Athletics Kick-off

War Eagles, are you ready for some football? Come see Coach Hugh Freeze and others at the Greater Birmingham Auburn Club’s fall kickoff event. It’s the perfect way to get ready for the season. When: 6-10 p.m.

Where: The Finley Center, Hoover

Sat., July 27 Homewood Sidewalk Sale

Check out the savings at your favorite downtown area shops during Homewood’s summer Sidewalk Sale. When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Downtown Homewood area

July 27-30 Seussical, JR.

Positive Maturity’s annual gala recognizes individuals who find opportunities to make a difference through their contributions and achievements and know that age is just a number. Event proceeds will benefit Positive Maturity’s programs.

When: 6 p.m. Where: The Club

A musical perfect for the whole family, Seussical JR explores the world of Dr. Seuss, where we revisit beloved characters, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and Gertrude McFuzz. As a bonus, audience members ages 4-14 can join the theatre’s teaching staff 30 minutes before curtain time for some fun theater warm-ups, just like the ones the cast uses! There will be games, laughs and lots of pretending!

When: Various showtimes Where: Red Mountain Theatre

SAVE THE DATE

Aug. 1-4

Top 50 Over 50 Gala

Fri., July 26 Glow for a Cure

Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama’s 12th annual Glow for a Cure night golf tournament supports the junior board’s Lindy Harrell Predoctoral Scholars Program in Alzheimer’s research at UAB. When: 5 p.m.

Where: Highland Golf Course

Summer Olympics Watch Party

Wear your best patriotic gear and root for Team USA as we watch the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris! When: Noon Where: Cahaba Brewing Company

Bill Bugg and Friends, Part 7

Bill Bugg is back with an all-new cavalcade of cabaret to kick off Homewood Theatre’s season. He and his friends will be singing show tunes and standards, backed by a swinging combo. When: Various showtimes Where: Homewood Theatre

Legally Blonde Jr.

Follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams in this musical based on the hit Reese Witherspoon movie.

When: Various showtimes Where: Virginia Samford Theatre

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

By Anne Ruisi

Roy Williams, above, wrote about the terrorist attack on the Pentagon and how he and his family dealt with their loss in the book, “911, God Help Us: A Journalist’s Tale of Faith.”

full scholarship. He had been an Army Ranger and paratrooper who served in the Persian Gulf War and just two months before Sept. 11 was posted to the Pentagon.

His brother noted that but for a

Fri., Aug. 2 Art on the Rocks

Funk rapper Ric Wilson is the musical guest at the Birmingham Museum of Art’s popular summer event returns with an artistic evening of entertainment, including DJs, artist demos, pop-up performances, specialty cocktails and much more. For tickets visit artsbma. ticketapp.org/portal/product/92 When: 7-11 p.m. Where: Birmingham Museum of Art

Sat., Aug. 3 Zoo Party 2024

Enjoy music and good food as the John Michael Pierce Foundation holds this fundraiser to benefit research and raise awareness of gastrointestinal cancer and benefit the Highlands College at the Church of the Highlands and the JMP Entrepreneurship Fund.

The foundation is named in honor of its namesake, who died at age 25 in 2021, five months after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

When: 7-9 p.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo

Mon., Aug. 5 JMP Golf Classic

The John Michael Pierce Foundation will hold this fundraiser to benefit research and raise awareness of gastrointestinal cancer and benefit the Highlands College at the Church of the Highlands and the JMP Entrepreneurship Fund. When: 11 a.m. tee time Where: Highland Golf Course

quirk of fate, Dwayne Williams could have survived the attack. He’d sent his office staff outside the Pentagon building for a break and opted to stay behind.

One of those staffers told the

Williams family, “Dwayne sacrificed himself so that I can live. That’s just the type of leader he was,” Roy Williams said.

Dwayne Williams was 40 when he died and was survived by his wife and two children, who were teenagers at the time. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Roy Williams wrote about the terrorist attack on the Pentagon and how he and his family dealt with their loss in the book, “911, God Help Us: A Journalist’s Tale of Faith,” published when he was a business writer at The Birmingham News.

In the years following the family’s loss, Dwayne and Roy’s mother, Pearl Williams, organized memorial services and events in her son’s memory until she was admitted to a memory care facility a few years ago. Roy Williams said he will continue the legacy of tributes, this year on Sept. 11 with a free concert at the Trussville Entertainment District beginning at 6 p.m.

“You know, I’m sort of at the point in life where I‘m at peace and I‘ve moved beyond grief to peace right now,” Williams said.

Embrace the Foodie Theme Sozo Children International Gala Showcases Local Chef

Sozo Children International’s 14th annual Evening of Dreams takes on a foodie city theme this year with a Birmingham Chef Showcase, in which local chefs will prepare small plates of popular dishes.

The event will be Aug. 23 at Haven. Guest speakers for the evening are Brodie and Kellie Croyle of Big Oak Ranch.

Sozo is a Birmingham-based ministry dedicated to serving at-risk children in Uganda. It’s hoping its annual fundraiser will raise more than $225,000 through an auction, event sponsorships and table sponsorships, according to a statement from the organization.

The nonprofit operates Sozo Village, a 28-acre community in Uganda that provides housing, medical care and education to more than 150 children, along with Bible classes for children who live nearby.

“Our focus for this evening is on our new Harvest Program,” Sozo CEO Suzanne Owens said in the statement. “We identified a critical need in Uganda to provide ongoing care for our young adults who have grown up in and around Sozo. So, last year, we started a program to nurture them as they prepare for college and careers.”

The ministry also recently bought more land with plans to build a school and medical center, and it has hopes to expand to serve children in Alabama.

“We have so many plans to grow our ministry in Uganda and some great things in store here in our hometown as well,” Owens said.

Thurs., Aug. 8

Sat., Aug. 17

The J’La Gala

The Levite Jewish Community Center will host its 3rd annual J’la Gala to benefit a wide range of programming for children and adults. The evening will include a cocktail hour with open bar, plated three-course kosher dinner and live and silent auctions.

When: 5-8 p.m. Where: Levite Jewish Community Center

SEND ABOUT TOWN INFO TO: EDITORIAL@OTMJ.COM

To sponsor a table at the event, donate an auction item or buy event tickets, visit sozochildren.org/annualdinner.

23rd Annual Picasso Pets Gala

Grab your boots and bolo ties for this year’s Wild, Woof, West-themed party to benefit Hand in Paw, which brings animal-assisted therapy to those who need it most. A VIP cocktail reception, seated dinner, wine pull, photo booth and live auction of pet paintings are among the activities to enjoy. Also, Hand in Paw therapy teams will interact with guests. When: 6-9 p.m.

Where: The Harbert Center

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 5

PEOPLE

Courtesy

Edible Garden Design, Planting, and Coaching for Aspiring Home Growers

From left, Brooke Johnston, Sessions Robinson, Chappell Williams, Caroline Jones, Clarke Gillespy, Murray Dean, Reese Gardner, SJ Garner and Mary Harbin Porter are youth ambassadors with Lift Up the Vulnerable, a New York-based nonprofit with Birmingham roots.

food insecurity are affecting over Mountain Brook Students Work With Nonprofit and 10 million people,” Audrey Moore, LUV’s CEO and Birminghamresident said in the statement. to Help Victims of War in Sudan Katie Robinson, LUV’s regional

A group of nine students from Mountain Brook Junior High and High schools is using fitness and other interests to combat human trafficking and famine in Sudan.

The students – Mary Harbin Porter, Sarah Jane Garner, Reese Gardner, Brooke Johnston, Chappell Williams, Sessions Robinson, Clarke Gillespy, Murray Dean and Caroline Jones – are youth ambassadors with Lift Up the Vulnerable. The New York-based nonprofit with Birmingham roots works to prevent human trafficking of vulnerable chil-

dren and women in war zones.

LUV in Sudan for one month, which The students have sponsored a costs $25 per child, according to a series of community-based initiatives, statement issued by the organization. including walks and “Civil war in a fundraiser at The students have Sudan has left Waldo’s Chicken women and children sponsored a series extremely vulneraand Beer in Cahaba Heights, as well as of community-based ble. With these comparticipating in the passionate youth initiatives ...

Mountain Brook and our global netChristmas parade, to work, we are comsupport LUV. mitted to protecting, educating and The goal is to raise awareness in nourishing 445 children in Sudan this the community and the funds to nouryear, where war, displacement, ish the 445 children protected by increased rates of human trafficking,

ambassador for Birmingham, applauded the students.

“It is inspiring to engage these young future leaders from our community to know that we are not just improving our own health but also the health and wellbeing of children and youth that we will never meet,” she said.

Fleurish Gardens designs, plants, and maintains edible garden spaces in the Birmingham area.

Book an appointment today to start your new garden, elevate your existing garden, or learn more with one-on-one garden coaching!

fleurishgardens.com

To support their students’ fundraising efforts, visit liftupthevulnerable.networkforgood.com/ projects/225866-luv-youth-ambassadors-alabama-region-s-fundraiser

Trailblazer. Icon.

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6 • Thursday, July 11, 2024

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ABOUT TOWN

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Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 7

ABOUT TOWN

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Market Day Saturday, July 20th Saturday hours 8 to 5 with Early Bird Specials!

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LIFE

8 • Thursday, July 11, 2024

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By the Work of Their Hands King’s Home Collections Showcases Products for a Purpose

By June Mathews

W

hen King’s Home Collections opened in April 2023, it was an instant hit, with people coming from surrounding areas and beyond to purchase home items and gifts.

A charming boutique in Chelsea’s U.S. 280 business district, King’s Home Collections is stocked with an amazing array of handmade pottery, refinished furniture, garden-based products and other items produced by women and youth who work in King’s Home programs.

Far more than being a typical store, King’s Home Collections has a purpose. All its profits go back into King’s Home’s nonprofit program for abused youth, women and children.

It’s not only a place to shop; it’s a place that tells the stories of women who reached the lowest of lows and how they redirected their lives with the help and hope offered by King’s Home.

One of those stories is that of Jenna Collins, who went to King’s Home in 2018, straight out of treatment for heroin addiction. She was also facing homelessness and dealing with domestic violence issues, not to mention felony convictions for acts committed during her addiction.

Though she had already taken steps to pull away from her past and get her life back on track, she desperately needed a job to continue what she had started. But nobody wanted to hire her.

“I couldn’t even get a job at Pizza Hut,” she said.

At King’s Home, Collins found people who believed in her potential enough to give her a chance. Her first job there was painting pottery pieces for the King’s Home Prodigal Pottery program. Within a year, she became a studio

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manager. Three years later, she achieved codirector status of the program, a position she still holds today.

In addition to her Prodigal Pottery job, Collins serves as director of retail for King’s Home Collections.

“I always tell people they’re getting a part of someone’s healing process when they shop with us,” she said. “Each item represents a moment when a person was able to let God work in their life.”

Developing Life Skills

King’s Home Collections features products created by the women and youth employed by three King’s Home programs. Each program is designed to equip and empower women in need and help them break unhealthy cycles and regain

including Starfish Project, Ten Thousand Villages and Thistle Farms. The WellHouse – a local shelter offering safety and care for women and their children fleeing homelessness, domestic abuse and sex trafficking – brings to the mix an assortment of jewelry, candles and other gift items.

“This allows us to shine a light on these other ministries as well,” Collins said.

Like the programs that provide much of its merchandise, King’s Home Collections offers on-the-job training and skills development. So not only does the ability to work there provide women with a financial boost for the present, it also prepares them for the future.

“Kings Home Collections and the programs associated with it offer second chances, and they Jenna Collins, left, went to King’s Home in allow God to work through those of us responsi2018, straight out of treatment for heroin addicble for guiding them to better equip women for tion. Today she is serves as director of retail moving into the next phase of their lives,” said for King’s Home Collections and co-director Collins. “Those of us who have dealt with the of Prodigal Pottery. Above, Prodigal Pottery. same kinds of challenges they’re dealing with Above right, King’s Home Collections boutique are uniquely qualified to work alongside these in Chelsea’s U.S. 280 business district. women. We’ve walked where they are walking and can serve as a beacon of hope and an example of ‘you can do it, and this is how you do it.’” what they lost because of life’s challenges.

King’s Home Collections, said King’s Home Prodigal Pottery produces tens of thousands President Lew Burdette, is much more than a of handmade pottery pieces each year, including boutique. It plays an important role in rebuilding ornaments, mugs, a line of dinnerware, soap lives. dishes and ring holders. The studio also serves “It serves as a meaningful employment wholesale and online customers. opportunity for women and teenagers residing at King’s Home Thrift and Restorations is a fur- King’s Home, empowering them through handsniture repair and refinishing shop that restores on retail experience and customer interaction,” furniture donated to the he said. “This initiative organization. not only supports their It’s not only a place to King’s Home Garden financial independence provides plants, herbs, shop; it’s a place that tells but also fosters personal homemade jellies, fresh growth and skill developthe stories of women who ment in a safe, nurturing farm eggs, flowers in season and woodwork items reached the lowest of lows environment as women and youth heal from hormade by King’s Home and how they redirected rible abuse. youth.

“By showcasing a Items from each protheir lives with the help variety of curated gifts, gram are sold through and hope offered by furniture and King’s Kings Home Collections.

Home Prodigal Pottery, “As the name implies, King’s Home. the store enriches the the store is a collection of community and provides items produced in all our a platform for our residents to thrive and contribwork programs in one place,” said Collins. “So ute positively to their futures.” not only is it a great place to shop for unique home items and gifts, but every purchase matVisit King’s Home Collections in person at ters. We call it ‘purposeful shopping’ because it 110 Chelsea Corners Way, in the Winn-Dixie makes a difference in lives.”

King’s Home Collections also sells gifts from Plaza off U.S. 280, or online at kingshome.com/ collections. other Christian-based ministries and companies,

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

LIFE

Vestavia Hills Woman Named Ms. Senior Alabama

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 9

Mary Charles' Doll House Mary Charles’

Dolls, Doll Houses and Minatures Vestavia Hills resiand Sacristy Committee chair, 2017life full of robust experiences, opindent Sharon Pitts (right) 2019 and 2021 to present; and an ions and differences and may never COME SEE was named Ms. Senior Italian American Heritage Society become wise by having and living New, Collectible Alabama during a pagmember. their own experiences.

US IN eant June 1 in Daphne.

Pitts encourages women to share “Maya Angelou wrote, ‘A bird Antique Dolls HOMEWOOD! Pitts retired from the wisdom they have earned through doesn’t sing because it has an answer, Regions Bank as an HR a lifetime of experiences. it sings because it has a song.’ Tell 1901 Oxmoor Rd. 2820 Petticoat Lane senior vice president and “Always be open to grow in wisyour stories, share your wisdom, sing Mtn. Brook Village 205-870-5544 executive compensation dom and share your wisdom,” she your song!”

870-5544 manager and is a pilsaid in the statement. “Share your She is married to Joe Pitts, and Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm grimage planner with wisdom with the younger generation they have a son and three grandchilSelect International who these days are protected from a dren.

Pilgrimage Tours and Cruises, according to a statement from Ms. Senior Alabama.

Her message to New, Collectible To: Mary Charles Robbins senior women is: “As Antique Dolls From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., you retire from a successful career, you may 205-824-1246, fax 2820 Petticoat Lane find yourself struggling Date: May 2010 Mtn. Brook Village with your purpose. It is 870-5544 important to know that To: Mary Charles This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOU you have a purpose and Open Thur. - Sat. 10am - 4:30pm From: Over the Mountain JuneJournal 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or ch begin as quickly as pos823-9646 ph, 824-1246 fax sible to determine how Date: Nov 2018 Please make sure all informatio you can best live your purpose. Attack your including address and phon This is your ad proof for the OTMJ for the November 15, 2018issue.

Pleas purpose with passion and self-confimunity involvement includes serving possible to approve your ad or make changes. You may fax a dence,” according to the statement. as a volunteer board member of the initial and fax backincluding within make sure all Please information is correct, We all know an Alabama summer bringsPlease the heat.

But when it In addition to winning theTo: Ms. Exchange Child Abuse Mary Charles Club Robbins If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday Senior Alabama 2024 title, Pitts Prevention Center since 2020; Our From: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., your ad will run as is. We print the paper comes to keeping your energy costs down, don’t underestimate recently was named to Positive Lady of Sorrows Altar Sodality co205-824-1246, fax Thank you for your prompt If we have heard fromof you by 5 pm of the friday before thea Maturity’s Top 50 Over 50. Her compresident/past president, 2019-2021, the power of little changes. Whether it’s waiting fornot full loads

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Date:

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Thank you for your prompt

laundry to wash or replacing your air filters regularly, small habits This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN formake the a difference over time. Let’s lean into summer likeJOURNAL these can June 3, 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246. together and save.

Mountain Brook Chamber Promotes Maymon to Executive Director Please make sure all information is correct, Lizzie Maymon has been hired as the new executive director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, a promotion from her position as events and membership coordinator for the chamber.

Maymon Lizzie Maymon succeeds Emily Jensen in the position. Jensen is returning to the banking industry, according to a statement from the chamber.

and phone number!

Maymon isincluding a Birminghamaddress native Find more energy-saving tips at alabamapower.com/summersavings. with a Master of Healthcare Administration and Please a careerinitial in healthand fax back within 24 hours. care, including development, If weprogram have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your adrelations. will run as is. We print the paper Monday. fundraising and community “Having the opportunity to lead Thank you for your prompt attention. the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce was an incredible experience and certainly a highlight of my professional career,” Jensen said in the statement. “Lizzie joined the chamber staff during my tenure and is undoubtedly poised to use her relationship building and strategic planning skills to continue the forward trajectory of the organization. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see her assume this role.”

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LIFE

PARTY IN THE USA

I Love America Night

Vestavia Hills Annual Picnic Marks Patriotic Holiday

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Vestavia Hills held its annual patriotic picnic, I Love America Night, at Wald Park on June 27.

Residents and guests could swim at the city’s aquatic complex, take part in children’s activities, watch a musical performance by Chevy 6 and peruse sponsor booths. Those at the event brought their own picnic suppers or bought food from concession stands and vendors that were there.

A colorful fireworks show capped off the evening.

Above, Mimi Waltchack, Mary Ryan Farrell, Maggie Smoot-Watckins and Libby SmootWatkins. Left, Allie, Charlotte and Burne Terry. Right, Marie Ella and Gina Wilcox

Above, Harrison, Kathryn and Grant Rogers. Left, Amelia, Rosemary and Emily McDaniel. Right, Blake and Dylan Logan

Partying With Vulcan

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

Homewood Festival Culminates With Thunder on the Mountain

Two blocks of 18th Street South and one block of 29th Avenue South in downtown Homewood were blocked off for pedestrians as the city celebrated the Fourth of July with a festival.

The event, hosted by the city and the Homewood Parks and Recreation Board, began late in the afternoon. A DJ provided music and interactive activities, while children were entertained with inflatables and rides.

The city festival wound down as night fell and the Thunder on the Mountain fireworks show began at 9 p.m. The annual show is spectacular, with a soundtrack and vivid fireworks. Downtown Homewood offers one of the best spots to view the show, which originates atop nearby Red Mountain’s Vulcan Park.

Anna Grace Headley and Caroline Studdard

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Homewood Festival Continued

Clockwise from above: Noah, Anne, Emilia and Lily Walker; Hannah Chaffin, Makenna Wald, Riley Ann Barnhill, Hadley Wald, Caroline Chaffin; Keren and Jack McElvy; Orel, Ofir and Odea Semana.

Kaci Burns, Kris Fischer

Sam and Jenna Hudson

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 11

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Journal photos by Jordan Wald

12 • Thursday, July 11, 2024

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Deborah, Noah and Nancy Hendrix

Virginia, Mary Shelton and John Hornsby

STUDIO ART

Art From the Heart Gala Shines Spotlight on Autistic Artists’ Work

S

tudio By The Tracks celebrated its 35th annual Art From the Heart Gala at Haven on June 16.

The party was a benefit for the Irondalebased community arts studio for artists on the

autism spectrum. Guests bid on art produced by the studio’s artists during online and silent auctions.

They also were entertained with music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres while they perused artworks and met some of the artists. ❖

John Lytle, Liz Wilson

Keith Thompson, Darla Davis

Lauren and Steve Evans

Andrew Mitchell, Hattie O’Hara

William and Meg Sartain

Spencer and Stephanie Buck

Sydney and Michael Windham

Mason Cunningham, Lauren Cushman, Merrilee Challiss

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 13

SOCIAL

Snowflakes in Summer Aldridge Gardens Is Setting for Hydrangeas Under the Stars

Supporters of Aldridge Gardens in Hoover partied under a summer night’s sky at the gardens’ annual benefit, Hydrangeas Under the Stars, on June 21.

The gardens’ elegant setting was the backdrop for its premier fundraiser. The party began with a reception and silent auction at Aldridge House, followed by dinner outside under the pavilion and a live auction.

Aldridge Gardens offers 30 acres of nature, including its renowned hydrangeas, a 6-acre lake and a walking trail. ❖

Kay Aldridge, Frank and Mary Skinner, Janice Farr

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14 • Thursday, July 11, 2024

Vintage Interiors

Beyond the Build

certainly shows what you can do with determination, grit and a commitment to doing the right thing for our people and our clients. We’ve got all the

ingredients in place to support big dreams. As amazing as the first 60 years have been, I think the best is yet to come.” ❖

Brasfield & Gorrie Celebrates 60 Years of Building Community

Photos courtesy Brasfield & Gorrie

About 3,000 employees and guests recently gathered in Birmingham to celebrate Brasfield & Gorrie’s 60 years in business.

Miller Gorrie founded Brasfield & Gorrie as a local contractor in Birmingham in 1964. Since then, it has grown from a local contractor to a national firm that employees 3,700 people. It has constructed projects in 39 states and has offices in 13 cities “It’s rewarding to see all the things we’ve built, but I’m even more pleased by the impact we’ve made on people and communities while working hand-in-hand with our clients and partners,” CEO Jim Gorrie said in a press release. “We’re stronger than we’ve ever been, and our future is bright. Our current, third generation of leadership is the most talented we’ve ever had, and there are a lot of lessons from our past that can fuel our future.”

One of those third-generation leaders is President Rob Blalock.

“We’re grateful to past generations of Brasfield & Gorrie employees for laying the foundation for our success,” he said in the statement. “As long as we stay true to our values, we’re positioned for an incredible future.

“Founder Miller Gorrie’s story

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Alie B. Gorrie joins Vince Gill (left) and Jack Schneider (right) on stage for a rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend.” Below, Superintendent Dennis Fuller, Jim and Alison Gorrie, and Holly Fuller pose for a photo at Brasfield & Gorrie‘s 60th anniversary celebration at City Walk BHAM.

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Top: About 3,000 employees and guests recently gathered in Birmingham to celebrate Brasfield & Gorrie’s 60 years in business. Above, from left: Brasfield & Gorrie President Rob Blalock, Founder and Chairman Miller Gorrie and CEO Jim Gorrie.

Dean Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646 une 2024 This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the July 11, 2024 issue. Please email approval or changes.

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

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Miller Gorrie (back) celebrates Brasfield & Gorrie‘s 60th anniversary with early company leaders Ralph, James, and David Harbison at a formal dinner at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Along with Miller Gorrie, James Harbison was one of the company’s five founders.

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Brews at the Zoo

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 15

SOCIAL

Beer Tasting Raises Money for Zoo’s Animal Fund Tastings from more than 20 breweries in Alabama and throughout the Southeast were on tap at the Birmingham Zoo’s fundraiser, Zoo Brews, on June 8.

The event at the zoo is a signature favorite, with guests sampling brews from Abita to Yellowhammer Brewing for a penny each. Pennies collected are donated to the zoo’s Animal Fund.

Red Diamond provided samples of iced tea, and hungry partygoers had their choice among several food trucks for savories and sweets. ❖

Kala Spivey, Chelsea Craig

Join us for the 18th annual Antiques at the Gardens

Lety and Rob Wills

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presenting sponsor McCORQUODALE TRANSFER design sponsor LEE JOFA

Katie McAllister, Sarah Aubert, Emily Daffron

Madison Glusenkamp, Allyson Jansen, Jill Bowyer

Heartburn can cause cancer.

Only 25 years old, Vestavia resident, John Michael Pierce passed away five months after his cancer diagnosis in 2021.

Like so many of us, John Michael was unaware that heartburn is an early symptom of esophageal cancer that should be taken very seriously.

Luke Hanson, Rebecca Rogers

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Since the symptoms don't seem significant, most people discover it at a late stage which greatly limits treatment success.

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Tully Hamner, Laura Stubblefield, Abbi Crosier

Alicia Sanderson, Hannah Haleyam

jmpfoundation.org

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16 • Thursday, July 11, 2024

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Courtesy

SOCIAL

Meredith Montgomery, Dotti Bailey, Kelly Morgan, Kathy Miller, Izzy Cleckler, Susann Montgomery-Clark, Evie Cleckler.

Golfing for Protection

Fifteen foursomes participated in the event, which benefits Megan’s foundation for early intervention of relationship violence. The group aims to empower young adults to hold peers accountable for early unhealthy behaviors before they escalate to violence.

The foundation in its first two years has distributed a total of $161,000 to schools and nonprofits for healthy relationship education programs, with grants to Gadsden State Community College, Alabama State University, Marion Military Institute, Samford University, UAB Student Wellness, University of West Alabama, Wallace State Community College, Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama and many other groups.

The foundation is the namesake of Megan Montgomery, who was slain by her estranged husband in 2019. It was founded by Megan’s mother, Susann Montgomery-Clark; sister, Meredith Montgomery; and stepdad, Rod Clark.

Megan Montgomery Foundation Works to Eliminate Relationship Violence Among Young Adults The Megan Montgomery Foundation hosted its 2nd annual Charity Golf

Outing on June 3 at Greystone Founders Golf Course.

Jay Little, Don Ruttenberg, Brett Kukendall, Travis Grappo

Woody Alderman, Tom Downs, Phil Lozito, Rod Clark

Allen Morrison, Susan McDaniel, Connie Laminack, Gene Laminack.

They advocate and educate on relationship violence and have presented more than 74 times at organizations across the state.

Presenting sponsor for the golf outing was Medical Properties Trust, with bronze sponsors Grandview Financial, BTC Wholesale Distributors, Caring

Foundation of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Bailey Health & Wellness, Bailey Insurance & Investments.

For information about grants for schools or nonprofits, visit megansfoundation.org or call 205568-7474. ❖

Acrylic on canvas by Maya Eventov

Treasurers and ‘Cue

Acrylic by Maya Eventov

109 Hilltop Business Drive Pelham www.GriffithArtGallery.com 205.985.7969

Crowds flocked to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church on July 4 for its 75th annual Fourth of July Festival.

The always-popular event at the Homewood church featured plenty of barbecue, children’s activities and games.

The Trash and Treasure yard sale was a huge draw as festivalgoers looked through a treasure trove of household items, linens, furniture, lamps, toys and thousands of other items. ❖

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

Our Lady of Sorrows July 4th Festival Offers Food, Games and Shopping

Ana Hall, Randal and Iris Roberts

John High, Burt Nabors

James Alan Owen manning the grill on July 3

Linda Lucas, Dick Stanford

Kenny and Tracy Adams

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 17

SOCIAL

Arts and Letters

nized. Sophia Congya won first place in the Winston Visual Art Scholarship in Two-Dimensional Art in the 16-18 category, and the third place Musical Theatre Prize honored the late Edith Bauman, who was a longtime member of the association. ❖

Birmingham Chapter Installs New Officers, Honors Award Winners

45th Anniversary Celebration Sale Ends Wednesday, July 31st!

Courtesy

The Birmingham Chapter of the tition and received a $2,000 prize.

National Association of Arts and During the luncheon, recognition Letters installed new officers and held was given to the following members its awards luncheon on April 17.

Officers reelected and installed were President Catherine Rogers, Vice President and Program Chair Mary Lynda Crockett, Recording Secretary Becky Thomas, Corresponding Secretary Gail Catherine Rogers with the winner of the Chapter Musical Ledbetter and Theatre Competition, Rachel Oppmann.

Treasurer Kathryn De Cola. for their service during the year: At the awards luncheon, Judith Stephanie Byrne, Peggy Carlisle, Hayes Hand was recognized as the Judy Cook, Patricia Dice, Tallulah recipient of the Rosamon Henderson Hargrove, Ruth Jensen, Esta Service Award for outstanding service Kamplain, Rebecca Keyes, Carolyn to the chapter. Rachel Oppmann pre- Satterfield, Bennetta Wyatt and sented a program as the winner of the Janice Zeanah.

Chapter Musical Theatre New members at the meeting were Call for a free in home designCompetition, consultation and estimate chaired by Les Fillmer. She later Donna Antoon, Beatriz Arciniegas, 1-888-500-9230 placed sixth nationally in that compeVirgil Jenson, Mary Beth Katz, closetsbydesign.com

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Judith Hayes Hand was recognized as the recipient of the Rosamon Henderson Service Award for outstanding service to the chapter.

Robin Maynard, Donna McCurry, Terri Moore, Dr. Deborah Sanders and John M. Thomas.

Other members in attendance were Edie Barnes Martha Lee Culp, Lisa DeVivo, Cindy Free, Murray Phillips, Megan Picot, Janice Roberts, Julia and Denis Stork, Sue Watkins, along with a number of guests, including Tom Cleage, Joe Dice, Cathy Gresham, George, Emily, Tobie and Trevor Hand and Celia McGrath.

During the National Association of Arts and Letters’ annual meeting on May 10, several local members in addition to Oppmann were recog-

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Hoover Belles Welcome 43 New Members to the Community Service Organization Forty-three young ladies were presented as Hoover Belles on May 5 during the city’s 41st annual presentation event, at Riverchase Country Club.

The young ladies will serve as Belles for two years while completing at least 40 hours of community service,

Jim Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 May 2015 This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Nov. 4 2010 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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

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which could include volunteering at city events, summer camps and church and local nonprofits.

Mayor Frank Brocato and City Councilman Steve McClinton were present along with state Rep. Mike Shaw, R-Hoover, according to a state-

ment from the Belles.

A crowd of more than 250 people took part in the afternoon, which included dancing and refreshments.

The Hoover Belle Committee was responsible for the day’s event.

Barbara Henry and Donna Bagwell served as co-chairs of this year’s event.

Additional members of the Hoover Belle Committee include President Melinda King, Jaime Guess, Shelley Shaw, Keneisha Alford, Jennifer Cotney, Cathy Head and Kay Witt. ❖

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 19

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Coffee Klatch

Hoover Service Club Greets New Members at Annual Coffee Meeting

The Hoover Service Club held its annual Membership Coffee at Aldridge Gardens on April 11.

About 60 Hoover Service Club members and 15 visitors attended the event, with eight new members signing up.

The new members are Anita

Dark, April Bucki, Mary Ann Reeves, Cathy Reeves, Roberta Willard, Rita Dinkel, Megan Crumpton and Kelly Atchison.

Members and guests collected donations for Grace House Ministries and the girls it supports

who are graduating high school this spring.

The Hoover Service Club was organized by Flora Mae Pike and 10 other women in May 1975 for the purpose of helping others in the Hoover community. ❖

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PUBLIC PEOPLE | PRIVATE PLACES

It’s About the Experience

From left: Journal photo by Maury Wald; Courtesy Kathy G

Award-Winning Caterer Kathy G. Mezrano Is Perfectly at Home Entertaining

Kathy G’s own cookbook, Food, Fun & Fabulous, is just one in her collection of hundreds featuring foods from around the world. She’s standing in front of an antique butcher block that once was in her in-laws’ grocery store in Lakeview. Right: Giant feathers, beads, and masks for each guest set the stage for a Mardi Gras-themed party for a friend. Kathy G loves working within a theme.

By Susan Swagler

F

or four decades, Kathy G. Mezrano has set the standard for entertaining in Birmingham and beyond. But some of her favorite parties have been gatherings for family and friends in her own Vestavia Hills home.

It’s here, in a house that is subtly separated into public and private spaces, that she loves living her passion for sharing good food and making people feel special.

She certainly knows how to do it.

Kathy G, as she’s known to everyone, founded her catering firm, Kathy G & Co., in the early 1980s. It’s one of the premier catering and event companies in the Southeast, and it’s a family

business; her son, Jason, trained as a chef and now runs day-to-day operations.

She wrote about her entertaining lifestyle in her book, “Food, Fun & Fabulous,” in which she shares tips and recipes based on her Southern roots and Lebanese heritage and the tasty experience of growing up with a dad in the wholesale produce business.

“I love being a hostess,” she writes in her book, “and I have been one all my life, even with my kids. From setting the table to having all the ‘colors’ or food groups represented, I’ve always felt that one element was as important as the other for the total experience.”

She has catered a formal, plated seated dinner for a thousand people in the casting shed at Sloss Furnaces; she’s made Spanish paella working

from a loading dock at the Saks department store to serve several hundred guests at the elegant Alabama Ballet Pointe Ball; she’s thrown her own taverna party complete with a Greek DJ and lots of ouzo in the Garden’s Café by Kathy G at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens; and she’s created countless lasting memories for close friends and family in her own dining room.

An Entertaining Design

She and her late husband, Louis, purchased their mid-century home about 30 years ago and set about renovating it with entertaining in mind.

They expanded the kitchen, working around a huge Wolf range with a commercial-grade hood, to create a professional workspace that’s big enough to film cooking classes. Her extensive

Check out Kathy G’s tips for home entertaining.... PAGE 23

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cookbook collection colorfully fills a friends, have never walked through wall near an antique butcher block Kathy G’s front door. She has them that came from her father-in-law’s enter the house directly into this dinLakeview grocery store years ago. ing room for an immediate immersion What had been the dining room is into whatever she has planned. now a small home office where Kathy It’s Always an Immersion G still conducts catering company It starts, she said, with “setting the business. And a new dining room was stage from the minute the person created in an airy, light-filled space enters the space.” that once was a game room.

She said: “It’s the full experience.

This room, most notably, has not one but two large, round, glass dining Not just the food. I’m not a chef. It’s never been about tables. Kathy G said that. To me, it’s the she’s had as many entire experience. as 25 people in this The minute you room for dinner, but walk in the door, it’s especially suited wherever it is, … for parties of 12 to you’ve got to have 16. the music, the setColorful paintting, the lighting, the ings by the internadesign. It’s got to be tionally known Nall totally an experiand beloved ence. The food’s part Birmingham artist of it. The drinks are Susan Oliver as well part of it. The as one by “I love being a hostess,” music’s part of it, Arizona artist it’s the whole John Dawson she writes in her book, but experience to me. decorate the walls that are not “and I have been one all That’s what it’s filled with winmy life, even with my about. It’s just entertaining.” dows overlookkids. From setting the So, she’s ing the ridgeand-valley table to having all the topped the twin tables with views. There’s ‘colors’ or food groups extravagant an intimate, conversation-ready represented, I’ve always feather displays, of beads and seating area with felt that one element was lots masks and comfortable chairs and a as important as the other thrown a Mardi dinloveseat. An for the total experience.” Gras-themed ner for a friend. antique tea She’s set lavish caddy works as a small portable bar. A sideboard, when Tuscan tables filled with crostini; assorted dips; and pasta, couscous and not used for serving or food displays, orzo salads bright with tomatoes, feta, showcases two funky, modern art parsley, lemon and mint. head sculptures from a trip to Sicily.

One friend who simply wanted “a It’s in this room that her magic few raw oysters and some royal reds” happens. Most people, even longtime

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 21

HOME to mark a milestone birthday showed up to a festive surprise party starring freshly shucked Murder Point oysters from Bayou La Batre and perfectly plump and briny royal red shrimp.

Her favorite friends and family gathered around Kathy G’s two tables with twin lazy Susans filled to almost overflowing with the oysters and shrimp, sauces, slaw, crackers and colorful Texas caviar.

Kathy G’s own family dinners of homemade Lebanese foods like kib-

bee, stuffed grape leaves and tabouli often end with Monopoly tournaments at these same tables.

The room, separated from the kitchen by an eat-at, serve-from bar, is always ready. Kathy G is always ready. The key to easy entertaining, she said, is to make it easy on yourself.

“Just make it where you can enjoy it, too, and you’re not working the whole time.”

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

HOME

KATHY G Use serving pieces for everyday decor so they are always close at hand. She loves Tena Payne’s Earthborn Pottery footed bowls, platters and pedestal pieces.

Think outside the box, she said, piling focaccia into a cork catch-all tray she brought back from a trip to Portugal. She loves lining serving platters with fresh grape leaves plucked from the vines growing on her fence. She gathers branches from the white fig tree her family brought from Lebanon decades ago and casually arranges them in a ceramic container next to another – more composed – display of florals by local designer Rita Carson. The contrast is beautiful and feels effortless.

Recently, her two dining tables were decorated with large, tinted-glass jugs filled with whimsical tropical bouquets complete with baby bananas from Trader Joe’s.

This is a woman who can put together a guest-ready snack in about five minutes. Her go-to summer nosh? Slices of fresh Chilton County peaches and colorful heirloom tomatoes arranged around creamy burrata cheese, drizzled with balsamic glaze and served with fresh focaccia. During cooler months, she said, switch out the cheese for something heartier like an aged cheddar and add French bread, cured meats, grapes and seasonal fruits such as

From left: Journal photo by Maury Wald; Courtesy Kathy G

From page 21

Kathy G’s home is made for seasonal entertaining. She often uses the grape leaves growing on a backyard fence, below, to line platters of food.

pears.

Kathy G’s living room with its family photos and Frank Fleming porcelain sculptures and her wormwood-paneled family room with its fireplace and cozy seating are generally not used for entertaining anyone

THE ART OF DESIGN Updates to your home are always fun. But, where to start?

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• Bathroom renovations and kitchen renovations can get a higher return on the investment if

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• Install a porch or deck to enjoy now and add value in the future.

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other than immediate family, but she can easily take parties outside and often does. There’s a large outdoor dining table in a backyard with views of Oak Mountain and Double Oak Mountain.

A neat kitchen garden of herbs and vegetables and beds of colorful native plants that attract bees and butterflies surround a small lawn. Beyond that is a glistening blue pool, lounge chairs in the sunny spots of the deck and lots of covered seating next to a hot tub.

No matter where she entertains, though, one thing is constant: This beloved grand dame of events and catering simply wants her guests to relax and have fun in a welcoming space.

“I want people to have a great time,” she says. “It’s more about the experience for me. Whether you’re doing food or wine or whatever. I want people to say, ‘It was fun. It was a good time. It was a good experience.’”

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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 23

HOME

Kathy G’s Tips for Home Entertaining Kathy G. Mezrano, founder of the catering firm Kathy G & Co., knows a thing or two about throwing a party. She shares a few tips here.

• Set the stage and consider all your senses. “It’s about more than food,” Kathy G said. Incorporate lighting, music, florals, interesting table décor and nice-smelling candles to welcome your guests.

• Let nature be your inspiration and create a feeling of abundance. Go big with displays of flowers, fruit or vegetables from the local farmers’ market. Gather greenery and branches from your own yard.

“I love local,” Kathy G said.

• Use various levels when staging food displays. Put platters on risers; pile crackers into pedestal bowls.

This vertical approach allows you to put more on the table and creates that sense of abundance.

• Start with white plates. “You can do anything with a white plate,” Kathy G said.

They are a blank canvas for any type of food or theme.

“Think about what you want the event to feel like and then just layer in the accessories that speak to you,” she writes in her book. “Use rustic pieces like copper, wood, or pottery to add texture.”

• Have a theme. Her book is full of them, from Asian buffets to Tuscan tables. A theme makes the food and drinks, the décor and the music all come together in a way that is intentional and seems effortless.

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FOOD

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Planting the Seeds of Tradition FOOD+Culture Chooses Anson Mills Founder as 2024 Frank Stitt Award Recipient

By Donna Cornelius

A reception honoring Glenn Roberts will be held at the Birmingham Museum of Art on Sept. 19.

F

rom gathering for Sunday dinners to preserving grandmother’s treasured recipes, Southerners take their food customs seriously.

So, it makes sense that this year’s Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival is presenting a prestigious award to a man in the forefront of celebrating, preserving and enhancing Southern culinary traditions.

Glenn Roberts, founder of Anson Mills in Charleston, South Carolina, is the 2024 recipient of the Frank Stitt Award for Industry Excellence, which FOOD+Culture started to honor individuals who have significant positive influence in their communities as well as the culinary industry at large. Last year’s honoree was Stitt himself.

The festival, set for Sept. 19-22, debuted just last year, but it’s already started its own tradition of success.

The four-day event drew visitors from 18 states, generated positive press and even made USA Today’s list of the 10 best new festivals in the U.S.

supporting sustainable farming practices “truly inspiring.”

“His innovative approach not only enriches our culinary experiences but also strengthens our community’s connection to our agricultural roots,” she said. “In the state of Alabama, we have a rich history of farming, and we

‘Anson Mills and the work of Glenn Roberts is truly transformative – making the world a better place to live, eat, farm and cook.’

Return to Native Soil

Roberts founded Anson Mills in 1998 with the mission to rematriate lost foods of the 18th and 19th centuries South. Early on, he grew Carolina Gold rice, which is a variety of African long-grain rice first popularized in South Carolina. Today, Anson Mills also offers prized wholesale and retail products such as native coarse blue corn grits, cornmeal, polenta, wheat and rye flours, oats, Sea Island red peas and benne seeds.

Another facet of the company is

FRANK STITT

its culinary research support for pastry chefs, bakers, brewers and distillers through the Anson Mills Research Lab. Stitt has high praise for Roberts.

“Anson Mills and the work of Glenn Roberts is truly transformative – making the world a better place to live, eat, farm and cook,” Stitt said.

“His work improves the pantry for all of us Southern cooks. He is like a culinary anthropologist who seeks that remote valley where an old-fashioned farmer has been saving seeds for countless generations, and he has been able to grow sufficient seed stock to bring back varieties on the verge of extinction.”

Roberts is a recipient of the USA Artisan of the Year and National Pathfinder Award and is a founder of the Carolina Gold Rice Foundation.

Cathy Sloss Jones, Sloss Real Estate CEO/president and FOOD+Culture’s board president, called Glenn’s dedication to preserving the South’s culinary heritage and

remain committed to supporting sustainable practices that honor and continue this legacy.”

A reception honoring Roberts will be held at the Birmingham Museum of Art on Sept. 19. It will feature passed bites by acclaimed local and regional chefs as well as signature drinks and wines curated by Thomas Price, Alabama’s only master sommelier.

In addition to the Frank Stitt Award, other popular features of last year’s festival are making a return this year. They include: • FOOD+Heritage – a multi-course dinner celebrating Birmingham’s Greek food roots and flavors.

• Southern Living’s FOOD+Fire – a tasting event celebrating barbecue, live-fire cooking and the South’s tailgate culture.

• FOOD+Friends Dinner Series – public dinners around the city featuring surprise pop-up menus from guest chefs in participating restaurants.

For more information about these and other festival events, visit bhamfoodplus.com, and follow @bhamfoodplus on social media for updates.

Early bird tickets for FOOD+Frank and other 2024 Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival events are available for purchase on the website starting July 10.

Journal photos by Jordan Wald

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 25

FOOD

Lucas Johnson, Adriana Johnson

La Dolce Vita

Inaugural Festa Italiana Celebrates All Things Italian Italian food, music and culture were celebrated June 15 at Sloss Furnaces during Festa Italiana, the Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham’s inaugural event.

Cannolis, Italian sausage, pizza, gelato and other delectable Italian foods were devoured as festivalgoers were entertained by “The Music of Italy.”

Among the performers was Razz Ma Tazz, a group featuring Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Frank Ranelli and Tommy Vacarella, singing the timeless classic, “Che La Luna.”

Grape-stomping, bocce games, a Sugo Showdown competition for the best pasta sauce and a children’s village were among the many activities during the day.

Growing Fruits and Veggies Is What the Doctor Ordered for Cancer Survivors

Vegetable gardening can improve ty. the health of previously sedentary “Findings from the study showed cancer survivors. that the survivors increased their That’s the outcome of a study con- intake of vegetables by roughly oneducted by researchers at the third of a serving per day,” said prinUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham cipal investigator Wendy Demarkand Auburn University and recently Wahnefried, Ph.D., professor and published in JAMA Network Open.

Webb Endowed Chair of Nutrition The Harvest for Health clinical Sciences in UAB’s School of Health trial involved 381 Professions. cancer survivors “They also had Cancer survivors significant increases between the ages of 50 and 95 who conare at much greater in mobility and funcsumed fewer than tion, perceived health risk than the five servings of vegeand improvements in tables and fruit a day general population their gut microflora, and completed less when compared to of developing a than 150 minutes of the delayed intervenphysical activity a tion group.” second cancer, week, according to a survivors heart diseases and are Cancer press release from at much greater UAB. risk than the general diabetes ...

Half of the particpopulation of develipants were begun on oping a second cana gardening program immediately and cer, heart diseases and diabetes, and half were put on a waitlist to begin a they age at a faster rate and are more year later. Survivors in the active apt to become debilitated and lose group were given gardening supplies their independence, Demarkand were guided by certified master Wahnefried said in the statement from gardeners from the Alabama UAB. Cooperative Extension System.

“Interventions that can support UAB study staff measured survithem in making healthier food choicvors’ strength, balance and agility, es, such as eating more vegetables, along with collecting biospecimens and providing more opportunities to and information on vegetable and increase physical activity are crucial,” fruit consumption and physical activi- she said.

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26 • Thursday, July 11, 2024

SPORTS

John Carroll’s Steele Recognized for Making a Difference

By Rubin E. Grant

“It was a surprise when I found state history to earn the award twice. out,” Steele said. “I am really humbled Following high school, Steele went by it. To be recognized for something to the University of Alabama and positive like that is something I feel became a leader on the Crimson Tide good about.” basketball team. Injuries prevented him Each honoree will be from playing in the NBA, recognized at the 2024 but he did play professionAHSAA Summer ally in Israel for several Conference Championship years.

Coaches’ Awards Banquet, When his playing days which will be held July 18 ended, Steele returned at 6 p.m. at the home to Birmingham. He Montgomery Renaissance has served in various roles Hotel and Convention at John Carroll, including Center. teacher, coach, athletic As a student-athlete at director and principal. He Ronald Steele John Carroll, Steele was a has coached girls and boys recognizable name at virtubasketball and is planning ally every high school across the to double as principal and boys basketAHSAA. Playing point guard, he led ball coach next school year. the Cavaliers to back-to-back Class 6A Steele just completed his first year state basketball titles in 2003 and 2004 as principal. and helped put more than 18,000 fans “It wasn’t a big learning curve in the BJCC for the state finals against ‘cause I’ve been at John Carroll a sigParker in 2004. He earned All-America nificant number of years,” he said. “It honors and the prestigious Mr. was a really positive experience for me, Basketball Award in 2003 and 2004, being in a leadership position like that, becoming the first player in AHSAA but it was a lot of long nights and jug-

Ronald Steele was caught off guard, something that rarely happened on the court when he was earning back-to-back Alabama Mr. Basketball awards and leading John Carroll Catholic to consecutive state championships 20 years ago.

But Steele was taken aback when he was included among seven 2024 Making a Difference Award recipients by the Alabama High School Athletic Association and the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association.

The award is given to individuals who have been exemplary role models in their schools and communities. One recipient from each of the AHSAA’s seven classifications was selected from approximately 90 nominations submitted by AHSAA member schools and other support organizations or individuals.

Steele, John Carroll’s principal and boys basketball coach, is the Class 5A recipient.

gling.”

Steele, 38, doesn’t know how long he will continue to do double duty as principal and basketball coach.

“Basketball has always been something I’ve enjoyed since I was a kid,” he said. “It will always be a part of my life. Doing both is something I’ll look at every year. I want to do what’s best for the students.”

Steele’s impact on the students and faculty is more about his personal faith and example and how he treats others daily. His nominator, Dr. Banyon Allison, wrote in his nomination letter: “Coach Ronald Steele is the most humble person I know. He has a deep belief in God that manifests in his relationship with students. He sponsors Sports Leader, Toy Bowl, and Cavalier Attack. All of these are Christian-based organizations that develop basketball skills, but more importantly, character building habits. His players, while not perfect, follow Coach Steele’s high expectations of work ethic, respecting rules, and working hard in the classroom.”

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

The Making a Difference Award was established in 2011 by the AHSAA and AHSADCA to recognize individuals who go beyond their normal duties as a coach, teacher or administrator. This year’s recipients include one school system superintendent, one principal, two football coaches/athletic directors, two girls head basketball coaches, and one bowling and golf coach.

“The recipients in this 2024 Making a Difference class are excellent examples of men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving students with positive reinforcement, kindness and compassion,” said outgoing AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs.

“They take their positions as role models for their students, faculty, and community very seriously and have shown exceptional leadership and determination in the challenges each has faced. These individuals have spent their entire teaching, coaching and administrative careers making a major positive impact in their communities and schools across the state and are excellent examples of what this award stands for.”

CHANDLER From Page One

‘It’s the most proud I’ve ever felt. Just representing the United States is amazing; getting a medal is the cherry on top.’

JENNIFER CHANDLER

Courtesy Jennifer Chandler

gold medal in 3-meter springboard diving in the Montreal Olympics. She led from the first dive and won by nearly 50 points over silver medalist Krista Kohler of what was then the German Democratic Republic, or East Germany.

“It’s the most proud I’ve ever felt,” Chandler said. “Just representing the United States is amazing; getting a medal is the cherry on top.”

The year before, Chandler won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Mexico City, but doing it in the Olympics was monumental.

“My life changed instantaneously when I saw my name at the top,” Chandler said. “It changed it forever.

I’m where I am today because of what happened that night. My entire life, that experience has influenced everything I’ve done in some way.

“I’m continuing to represent my city, my state and my country. It’s opened all kinds of doors for me, and I’ve gotten to travel extensively because of it.”

After the 1976 Olympics, Chandler returned home to Alabama, finished high school and accepted a diving scholarship to Ohio State University.

She later transferred to the University of California at Irvine and eventually graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in drawing and painting.

She competed in the 1978 World Championships and qualified for the U.S. 1980 Olympics team, but the United States boycotted the Moscow Olympics to protest the Soviet Union’s presence in Afghanistan.

“You can’t really put into words how disappointing that was,” Chandler said. “I was so fortunate that I had already had a chance to compete.”

Chandler retired soon after the boycott because of back injuries and later became a diving commentator on television.

She began diving when she was 8 years old at the Mountain Brook Swim and Tennis Club, where her mother, Kay, a former diver, was the swim team manager. Chandler went on to win more than 100 first-place medals in diving competitions. She was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1985 and the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1987.

Intense Pressure

She said the hardest thing she had to do in her Olympic career was make the team, especially in 1976 because the U.S. had plenty of depth in diving.

“The U.S. is different because the only way you can become an Olympian is to make the team,” Chandler said. “I remember in my sport, a male diver had won every national competition for four years and he barely hit his toe on the diving board during the U.S. Trials and it threw him off, and he didn’t make the team. It was horrible because athletes

make sacrifices all the time just to make the team.”

Once on the team, Chandler had to manage her nerves. It’s the same advice she would give to athletes competing in Paris.

“I would tell them to make sure they stay in the moment as much as they can,” she said. “When I was competing in the Olympics, I could have talked myself off the ledge, but I told myself that these are the same 10 dives I’ve been doing and it’s just a matter of doing what’s next.

“If you start saying, ‘This is the

Olympics,’ you will start putting more pressure on yourself. The only person who can put pressure on you is you.

I’d say enjoy the moment and have fun.”

These days, Chandler, 65, is the director of community outreach for Vulcan Park & Museum after serving three years as director of development.

Prior to joining VPM in 2021, Chandler spent 10 years in development and special events at organizations such as the Lakeshore Foundation and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

In two weeks, she will be keeping a keen eye on Paris.

“I participated in 1976 and I was on the 1980 team that didn’t participate because of the boycott,” Chandler said. “I was a spectator at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles and the 1996 Games in Atlanta. I am not going to Paris, but I will be watching, and I will be in LA for the 2028 Games.”

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL

From page 28

JACKSON From page 28

player.

“He’s got a talent level that you only expect to see come through a program a couple of times,” Kersh said. “Everything seems to come so naturally to him. He can do incredible things with the ball.”

Jackson’s talent extends beyond the soccer field. A long-time pianist and an accomplished creative writer, Jackson has volunteered locally as a

couple of injuries that sidelined my play.

“Throughout the seasons, coach Farlow supported my high school and collegiate tennis goals and I’m so thankful to her, (assistant) coach (Glenn) Lamar and my teammates for a wonderful high school tennis experience.

“Coach Farlow is my role model, and I will be a better teammate, student and leader when I play at Creighton because of her.”

Farlow is uncertain what she’s going to do in her next chapter. She joked that her daughter Virginia told her she could come take care of her son and clean house. She told her no thanks and said she’d find something to do with her time.

Farlow and her husband, Sam, have three children and five grandchildren, all 5 and under.

Farlow is glad to be going out on

youth mentor. He also has donated time to multiple community service initiatives through Trinity United Methodist Church, which he attends.

In the classroom, Jackson maintained a weighted 4.02 GPA. The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track and field. It

awards one National Player of the Year in each sport.

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

Jackson joins recent Gatorade state boys soccer Players of the Year Cristian Barrientos (2023, Fort Payne), Jack Heaps (2022, Mountain Brook), Jackson Nabors (2021, Indian Springs) and Tony Shaw (2020, Vestavia Hills).

top.

“I feel like I can still do it, but I told myself there always has to be a time when you leave, so why not leave on a high note,” she said. “I’m leaving with the program in good shape.”

Farlow’s State Titles

• Girls (10): 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2012, 2011 • Boys (8): 2024, 2023, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2008

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one state championship, either boys or girls, every year except for 2013.

“What I’m most proud of is we took both teams to the state tournament every year, and we were always in the best sectional competition,” Farlow said. “When we dropped down to Class 6A (from 7A in 2021) it was super competitive, especially the girls, because of the private schools, but we still managed to win.”

Farlow received the AHSAA State Championship Coach Award for both teams multiple times. But she is quick to point out that she benefited from being around great players.

“They needed me and I needed them,” Farlow said. “They were all

talented players and I reaped the benefits. I loved watching them perform.

“I also give their parents a lot of credit. They always provided great support.”

Roy, who will play in college at Creighton University, said she was fortunate to play under Farlow’s tutelage.

“I’m so lucky to have had coach Farlow as a mentor and leader during all four years,” Roy said. “I’m really proud to be the MBHS player to win seven state No. 1 singles and doubles titles and also to be a part of a four-peat state championship team.

“I’m the only player on the team going to college on a DI tennis scholarship in the fall, so I had some unique challenges when it came to scheduling over the last two seasons. I needed to compete in national USTA and ITF tournaments around the country and I also had a

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Thursday, July 11, 2024 • 27

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‘AWESOME W AWARD’ Homewood’s Jackson Named Gatorade State Boys Soccer Player of the Year

ill Jackson received his cherry on top.

First, Jackson signed a soccer scholarship with Wake Forest, becoming the first Homewood High School boys soccer player to sign with an Atlantic Coast Conference school.

Next, he led Homewood to the Class 6A state championship in the spring, scoring two goals in the Patriots’ 3-1 victory against Spanish Fort in the championship game to earn tournament MVP honors.

Finally, in June, Jackson was named the Gatorade 2024 Alabama Boys Soccer Player of the Year, becoming the first such honoree chosen from Homewood.

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

“I’m super honored,” Jackson said. “I thought it was the best season in my three years at Homewood High School. It’s great to see the work I put in myself and with the team come to fruition with such an awesome award.

“I’ve been looking forward to getting this since my sophomore year and to finally have it is great, especially coming in my favorite season.

It’s the perfect ending, the cherry on top.”

During his senior season, the 5-foot-10, 160-pound midfielder/forward scored 26 goals and recorded 21 assists while leading the Patriots to a 23-2-3 record. He was selected Class 6A first team all-state and as a member of the Super All-State team.

He concluded his prep soccer career with 63 goals and 37 assists.

Briarwood coach Mike Bautista said Jackson was creative when he got the ball.

“He was smart in where he attacked, roaming to find a better angle to be more dangerous. Will has been pivotal for Homewood for years and is vital to their success.”

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

‘Everything seems to come so naturally to him. He can do incredible things with the ball.’

Jackson, whose dad, Todd Jackson, played at Furman University, joined the Homewood soccer team as a sophomore. He spent his freshman year playing in the MLS Next youth soccer program in Nashville.

Homewood coach Julian Kersh described Jackson as a highly skilled

See JACKSON, page 27

Courtesy

By Rubin E. Grant

Mountain Brook boys and girls tennis coach Susan Farlow, left, with senior Pippa Roy following the Spartan’s seventh consecutive title this spring.

‘On a High Note’

Farlow Retiring as Mountain Brook’s Tennis Coach

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By Rubin E. Grant hen Susan Farlow was hired as Mountain Brook’s boys and girls tennis coach in 2008, she admitted that then-athletics director Terry Cooper was taking a risk.

“I have to give Terry a lot of credit because I was 50 when he hired me,” Farlow said.

“So, he was taking a chance.”

Farlow won 18 state Some chance!

Farlow won 18 state champichampionships – 10 onships – 10 girls and eight girls and eight boys – boys – and is the only tennis coach in the Alabama High and is the only tennis School Athletic Association to coach in the Alabama rank in the top five for both High School Athletic boys and girls titles.

Now, Farlow, 68, is retiring Association to rank in after 17 seasons. the top five for both “I feel like it’s time for somebody young to take over,” boys and girls titles.

Farlow said. “I’ve been thinking about it for several years. But we had a group of players that I wanted to be around through their senior year. It’s the greatest group of kids I had and I wanted to graduate with them.”

Led by seniors Pippa Roy, twins Annie and Mae Mae Lacey, Mary Neale Polk, Ann Coleman and Liza Brewer, the Spartans girls this spring captured their seventh consecutive state title, not counting the 2020 season that was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the boys, featuring seniors Luke Schwefler and Guy Mitchell, won their second consecutive state crown.

All eight seniors had been a part of the program since they were freshmen.

“I knew they would be superstars,” Farlow said.

And they were, as Mountain Brook swept the boys and girls Class 6A state titles for the past two seasons.

Including her first season in 2008, Farlow guided the Spartans to at least

See FARLOW, page 27