Mountain Brook Magazine, Winter 2025

Matt Hill and Scott Terry’s joint business venture, Laura Lane Salon, is fostering connectivity in the community by prioritizing service above all else.

APRÈS-SKI: A GUIDE TO PARK CITY, UTAH

The host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Park City, Utah, has established itself as the winter destination in the Wasatch Mountains. Dubbed “for the ‘Mountainkind,’” the town boasts two main resorts for every type of winter fun.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

What should you buy for friends and loved ones this season? Look no further than the shops right around you.

PHOTO BY BLAIR RAMSEY

PHOTO BY BLAIR RAMSEY

MOUNTAIN BROOK

EDITORIAL

Michaela Bankston

Dave Domescik

Daniel Locke

Anna Grace Moore

Tyler Raley

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham

CONTRIBUTORS

James Culver

Rachel Culver

Kassady Gibson

Christina Hontzas

Mountain Brook Schools

Margaret Neely

Blair Ramsey

Kelsea Schafer

Kate Seaver

Danielle Thomas

DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

Noah Brakefield

Evann Campbell

Octavia Campbell

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Lauren Morris

Viridiana Romero

Tori Smith

ADMINISTRATION

Anna Marie Cleckler

Mary Jo Eskridge

Alec Etheredge

Stacey Meadows

Kayla Reeves

Leslie Reeves

Brittany Schofield

James Culver, Photographer

James lives in the Birmingham area with his wife, Rachel, a native of Homewood, and their three children, Callie, James III and John Michael. James is a graduate of Auburn University and spent years in Atlanta working as a graphic designer, creative director and photographer. He specializes in event, real estate and portrait photography, and he can be found on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @jculvercreative and at jculver.com.

Blair Ramsey, Photographer

Blair is a Vestavia Hills-based photographer whose company, Southern Intrigue Photography, specializes in sports action, portrait and commercial images. Blair has two sons, Cooper and Cameron, who have both had the privilege of being Auburn cheerleaders. Blair’s work can be found at southernintriguephotography.com, on Instagram @southernintriguephotography and Facebook @southernintrigue.

Kelsea Schafer, Photographer

Kelsea is a student at the University of Alabama, pursuing a news media degree in the College of Communications and Information Sciences. Her passion lies in capturing moments, telling the story and preserving memories. When not in class, she can be found photographing Alabama athletics, spending time with her family and friends or at the lake with her dog, Riley. Kelsea’s work can be found at kelseaschaferphotos.com and on social media @kelseaschaferphotos.

Kate Seaver, Writer

Pursuing her degree in journalism and mass communications, Kate Seaver is a Samford University student, who loves writing and photography and hopes to continue sharing her community’s stories for years to come. She is always captured by stories about people, and she challenges herself to seek out the interesting bits in even mundane topics. When not writing or taking photos, she enjoys spending time outside, taking in the beauty of creation.

Mountain Brook Magazine is published quarterly by Shelby County Newsmedia Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Mountain Brook Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newsmedia Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Mountain Brook Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Mountain Brook Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Mountain Brook, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit MountainBookMagazine.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting MountainBrookMagazine.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@mountainbrookmagazine.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

from the editor

Saving Grace

Ever since she survived a shark attack in 2024, Lulu Gribbin has been advocating for better beach safety communication and has since launched a nonprofit to aid amputees.

Photo by Kelsea Schafer Design by Jamie Dawkins

TThe name Lulu Gribbin is popular in Mountain Brook. I, along with everyone else I knew, sat and waited, constantly refreshing my newsfeed, searching earnestly for updates on the Mountain Brook native, praying she would survive that horrific shark attack last year.

Riding through local neighborhoods, strolling down Church Street, I remember huge, purple bows hanging on every person’s mailbox or in most shop windows. The whole town turned purple in her honor.

There have only been a few times in my life where I’ve truly been blown away by another person’s courage.

In this issue, you will get to read Lulu’s story—directly from her. The rising icon has channeled her pain, frustration and grief into something beautiful: the Lulu Strong Foundation. Her nonprofit will help fund research for prosthetics and make them more affordable, too. Thanks to one 17-year-old girl, an underserved community worldwide is now receiving some well-deserved spotlight, and numerous people will receive the help they need.

And yet, she has so much life yet to live—dreams, she says, she will one day accomplish.

In addition to Lulu, another Mountain Brook native, Rev. Russell J. Levenson Jr., is featured. Rev. Levenson befriended President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, who inspired him to write a memoir about their lives, and most recently, “Witness to Belief: Conversations on Faith and Meaning.” This book officially launched on Oct. 7, 2025, and features his interviews with 12 different people of influence including Denzel Washington, The Honorable Nikki Haley, Amy Grant, Dr. Jane Goodall and more.

Mountain Brook hot spots including Dyron’s Lowcountry, Laura Lane Salon, Davis and Jennifer Bennett’s home and more all grace the pages of this issue. No matter which story resonates with you most, I guarantee that each will leave you feeling inspired as every person I interviewed encountered trials but never gave up.

To my fellow dreamers, I hope you dream big. I hope you dream recklessly. I hope your dreams are so far-fetched that they scare you because if you dare to try, then you might just succeed beyond your wildest imaginations. Even better—you might just make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

As for me? I’ll be here ready—pen and paper in hand, eager to share your stories with the world, and I can’t wait to cheer you on.

All my love, Mountain Brook,

” “THE QUESTION

What are your favorite holiday movies?

Love Actually, The Holiday and Miracle on 34th Street (the ‘90s version) are my favorites to watch around Christmas!

-Kendall Holmes Early

Die Hard

-Neil Zalewski

It’s a Wonderful Life is definitely my favorite. I’ve been surprised at the number of people I’ve met who still haven’t seen it.

-Carmen Shea Brown

The Holiday -Sarah Hawkins

The Polar Express or A Royal Christmas!

-Basia Guerrero

Christmas Vacation

-Becky Harris

Elf -Stephen Munford

OG cartoon Grinch

-Josh Burback

@mountainbrookmag

Tag us in your Mountain Brook photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.

@k.c.hairston

Congrats to School Resource Officer

Richard Knecht on being given the SRO Leadership Award for the State of Alabama. This award is well deserved based on the countless hours SRO Knecht has dedicated to the students at MBHS and All In MB.

@elmbuilds

Honored to be featured in the fall issue of @mountainbrookmag! The James family entrusted us with transforming their beloved ranch-style home into a space that reflects both their history and their future. From vaulted ceilings to custom cabinetry, every detail was designed to honor the home’s Southern charm while creating room to grow. We’re grateful to play a part in building not just houses, but havens.

@mountainbrookchamber

YESTERDAY—@well.bhm’s ribbon cutting was one of our biggest yet! This space was stunning & we could not be more delighted to have them in Mountain Brook Village. If you haven’t seen the inside yet, you HAVE to check it out.

@brombergs

Bromberg’s has been part of the Mountain Brook community for 66 years, and now we’re investing in its future. We’re thrilled to announce a full renovation of our Mountain Brook Village store, designed to honor our legacy and elevate your shopping experience with a fresh, modern design. Construction will begin in August, and we’re staying open throughout the entire renovation, providing you with uninterrupted service and the same Bromberg’s experience, just with a whole new look on the horizon. Watch as company president Ricky Bromberg shares what’s ahead for the store and take a first look at what’s inside the Bromberg’s box!

THE FRED SMITH GROUP

MOUNTAIN BROOK’S BEST REAL ESTATE GROUP

Since 1995, our team has proudly represented buyers and sellers across the area, closing on well over 5000 properties. What sets us apart is si mple: Teamwork. Experienced agents, marketing experts, and dedicated listing and closin g coordinators uniquely position The Fred Smith Group to deliver the highest quality service in the Birmingham area. Our team has the Magic City covered!

We believe in marketing beyond the sign. Our aggres sive strategy ensures your home is priced effectively from day one and reaches the rig ht audience. Whether you are buying OR selling, we will go the extra mile- constantly rese arching market trends and property values to help you achieve your real estate goals. After j ust one meeting with us, you’ll have a clear, customized plan outlining the exact steps we’ll tak e to find you the perfect home or to sell your current home for the most money in the least a mount of time.

From pricing and marketing to negotiations- we’ve g ot you covered. With RealtySouth’s trusted brand backing us, we serve you throughout y our buying or selling journey. Our clients know they can rely on us for expert adv ice, quick results, and a seamless experience. Our reputation is built on results, tru st, and a commitment to excellence.

You can count on The Fred Smith Group – for every move you make!

THE GUIDE

THE 15TH ANNUAL LEGACY LEAGUE CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR DEC. 11

VIEWINGS FROM 10 A.M.-2 P.M.; 4 P.M.-8 P.M.

Five beautifully-appointed Homes in Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills

Presented by ARC Realty, the Samford University Legacy League’s 15th Annual Christmas Home Tour will feature five uniquely beautiful homes in Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. Advance tickets are required and will go on sale on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Ticket sales go towards life-changing scholarships for Samford students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit samford.edu/legacyleague.

NOV. 20, DEC. 4 AND DEC. 11

Holiday Open Houses

Brought to patrons by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, the villages’ holiday open houses will feature festive camaraderie, holiday discounts, light refreshments and more. Come shop at these events to support local businesses near you.

NOV. 20: Crestline Village Holiday Open House

DEC. 4: Mountain Brook Village Holiday Open House

27

DEC. 11: English Village Holiday Open House

The Sam Lapidus Montclair Run

8:30 A.M.

Levite Jewish Community Center 3960 Montclair Road

Back and benefiting the Levite Jewish Community Center and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama, the Sam Lapidus Montclair Run’s 10K and 5K races take place on Thanksgiving Day. These memorial runs honor Sam Lapidus’ legacy, his love of fitness and of the community. Find more details and register at runsignup.com.

AROUND TOWN

SATURDAYS IN NOVEMBERDECEMBER

Brunch & Bubbly Board in Birmingham

NOV. 4

Mountain Brook Chamber Quarterly Luncheon The Country Club of Birmingham

NOV. 6

2025 Holiday Open House Downtown Homewood

NOV. 7

Homecoming Samford University

NOV. 11

Veterans Day Celebration Samford University

NOV. 12

Southern Jewish Voices featuring Florina Newcomb, CEO of the Birmingham Jewish Federation Levite Jewish Community Center

NOV. 13

Glasses Up for Down Syndrome Vestavia Country Club

NOV. 14

Edgewood Tree Lighting & Sip & Shop

Edgewood Business District

NOV. 14

All is Bright Lane Parke

NOV. 15

Deck the Heights Heights Village

NOV. 20

Crestline Village Holiday Open House

Crestline Village

NOV. 28-DEC. 24

Christmas Tree Farm Old Baker Farm

DEC. 1

Jazz Christmas Concert

Brock Recital Hall at Samford University

DEC. 4

Mountain Brook Village Open House

Mountain Brook Village

DEC. 4

Lane Parke Holiday Open House Lane Parke

DEC. 4-14

“Steel Magnolias” Presented by Homewood Theatre

DEC. 4

A Taste of Christmas Around the World Global Center at Samford University

DEC. 5, 7, 12-14 & 19

North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

DEC. 6

Bluff Park 8K 733 Valley St.

DEC. 6

Bluff Park Christmas Parade Bluff Park Neighborhoods

DEC. 6, 13 & 20

Christmas at the Station Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

DEC. 6

Breakfast with Santa Samford University Rotunda Club

DEC. 7

Mountain Brook Holiday Parade

Mountain Brook Village

DEC. 9

2025 Lighting of the Star & Homewood Christmas Parade

Downtown Homewood

DEC. 11

English Village

Holiday Open House

English Village

DEC. 7

The 2025 Holiday Parade

Mountain Brook Village

As one of Mountain Brook’s most beloved events, the Mountain Brook Holiday Parade is back again this year and will feature a parade of floats, fire trucks,

STAY TUNED

bands, choral groups, dancers and of course, Santa Claus, himself, parading down through Mountain Brook Village. To learn more information or inquire about having your float in the parade, email chamber@mtnbrookchamber.org.

MOUNTAIN BROOK’S MENORAH LIGHTING

Each year, Chabad of Alabama celebrates the Hanukkah season with the lighting of a giant menorah and fun, familyfriendly activities, food, music and dancing in Lane Parke. As of press time, details about this event had yet to be released. Follow @chabadofalabama and @mountainbrookmag on Instagram to stay up to date on this event.

Happy Hanukkah!

NOV. 15

Mountain Brook FOP 5K Pig Run & Fun Run

8 A.M.

3785 W. Jackson Blvd

The annual Mountain Brook Fraternal Order of Police races are back again this year. The 5K race begins at 8 a.m., and the one-mile fun run begins at 8:30 a.m. The 5K and fun run will take place at Crestline Elementary School. Dogs are welcome, too! Register for this event at runsignup.com.

NOV. 22

Miss Olympian Pageant

7 P.M.

Mountain Brook High School

The 59th annual Miss Olympian Pageant is back this November!

Come out to enjoy the talents of Mountain Brook High School students, who will compete to represent their school and community. The contestants will participate in an interview, a dance number and an evening walk before the winner is crowned. Follow the organization on Instagram at @missolympianpageant for updates.

DEC. 11, 16 & 18

Wacky Tacky Light Tour Birmingham City Neighborhoods

DEC. 13

Lights on the Bluff Church on the Bluff

DEC. 17

Southern Jewish Voices featuring Richard Sr., Richard Jr. and Andrew Pizitz

Levite Jewish Community Center

DEC. 23-28

“It’s a Wonderful Life Live!” Presented by Homewood Theatre

JAN. 21

Mountain Brook Chamber Annual Luncheon The Country Club of Birmingham

ARTS CULTURE&

PENNING PRAYERS

Russell Levenson’s latest novel encourages readers that neither fame nor fortune holds a light to faith.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

BY

THOMAS, WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL; & CONTRIBUTED

PHOTOS

BLAIR RAMSEY; DANIELLE

TThe road to salvation begins with a simple first step: faith—not always strong enough to move mountains, but strong enough to question existence and what meaning lies beyond the fragility of human life. Along the way, invitations abound for humanity to ponder, to challenge and above all, to take that first step on their own.

One Mountain Brook native recalls his first step quite vividly. Now, he is inviting others to join him on this journey.

“I am a dad of three, a granddad of two and a husband of one,” says Rev. Russell J. Levenson Jr., retired Episcopal priest-turned-author. “For over 40 years, my wife and I have been together, and that’s my most important role now.”

No stranger to Sunday school, Levenson was raised in the height of the Jesus Movement that swept the United States during the 1960s and ’70s. It took him 17 years, however, to feel stirred—to truly open his invitation to know the Lord.

Earl Carpenter, who then-served in campus ministry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, sat down with the young inquisitor and asked him the ultimate question: “Have you given your life to Jesus?”

Later that evening, Levenson surrendered his life to the Lord.

“I prayed, ‘I want that relationship. I want to be born again, whatever you call it, Lord,’” he says. “Honestly, I waited for an angel to tap me on the shoulder, or lights, music, something. Nothing happened. I kind of sat there then I got in bed and went to sleep. The next morning, and since that day, I’ve not known a day without the presence of the Lord in my life.”

Levenson went on to earn a business degree from Birmingham-Southern College, where he first met his wife of 41 years, Laura, who has since been his biggest supporter. After graduating and working at Birmingham-Southern for some time, Levenson

began volunteering in youth ministry before making the decision to pursue this career path full-time.

He started his ministerial training at Virginia Theological Seminary and later earned his Doctor of Ministry from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. Together, he and Laura shepherded several Episcopal parishes across the Southeast before accepting the call to serve at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas.

“When I came, it was 7,900 and some change—7,900 baptized members,” he says. “It started in ’52. I was only the fourth senior pastor. When we left last May (2024), we were at about 10,100 baptized members.”

Although he loved leading his congregation, Levenson says he enjoyed most being able to pour into church members, helping lead them in their faith journeys. And yet, it was two members of his parish that forever changed his life, further helping him find and work to fulfill his own commission.

To many U.S. citizens, President George H.W.

Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush and their administration will forever be remembered for the peaceful end to the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall or the establishment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Levenson will remember them fondly as his friends.

When asked how they impacted him, Levenson says they taught him “how important it is to value above all things—faith, family and friends.”

Levenson presided over both of their memorials, speaking not just as their priest, but as their personal friend. Inspired by their steadfast faith, he wrote a book about their lives, “Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush.”

Despite successfully leading the nation into a time of prosperity, among their many other accomplishments, the Bushes’ greatest quality, to him, was their humility. He never once heard them utter a cross word about anybody else. They always treated everyone with respect.

Their example prompted Levenson to seek out other individuals rich in fame and fortune—strong believers since day one, or not. The result of his pursuit officially debuted on Oct. 7, 2025, “Witness to Belief: Conversations on Faith and Meaning,” a collection of stories from his interviews with 12 different voices of influence who all testify to having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Denzel Washington, The Honorable Nikki Haley, Amy Grant, Dr. Jane Goodall, Gary Sinise, The Honorable Condoleezza Rice, The Honorable James A. Baker III, Sam Waterston, Dr. Francis Collins, Admiral William McRaven, Jim Nantz and Brit Hume are all featured in “Witness to Belief.”

“Lots of people think fame, power, influence, money, wealth are what makes life worth living,” Levenson says, later adding, “these 12 people all have those things, but every single one of them would say to you, ‘Yeah, but that’s not what’s most important. What’s most important is your faith and your family and your friends and what difference you are making in the world around you.’”

His conversations were profound. Each testimony, he found, affirmed the necessity of knowing Jesus. Levenson admits he was a bit star-struck when he received a voicemail from Washington, who was

WORKS BY REV. RUSSELL LEVENSON JR.

Those interested can learn more and purchase copies of Rev. Russell J. Levenson Jr.’s complete collection of works on amazon.com. Check out Mountain Brook Magazine’s read-first recommendations, in addition to Levenson’s many other books, below:

• Witness to Belief: Conversations on Faith and Meaning

• Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush

• Preparing Room: An Advent Companion

• A Path to Wholeness: A Lenten Companion

• Finding Shelter: An Autumn Companion

happy to give an interview but was filming overseas for “Gladiator II” at the time. Though it took months for the pair to officially meet, he says meeting Washington felt like reconnecting with a long, lost friend.

“He came in, and I said, ‘Mr. Wash—,’ he said, ‘Come on, (call me) Denzel. Give me a hug!’” Levenson says, chuckling. “We hugged and sat down and he goes, ‘Shouldn’t we pray first?’ I said, ‘Yes, yes, we should!’ So, we prayed, and it was a great visit. He just basically said, ‘You know, I don’t need Oscars. I don’t need money. I don’t need fame. I just want to serve God and put Him first in all I do.’”

Levenson was blown away. Here was this Academy Award-winning actor, whose host of accolades include a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden, saying his greatest award is actually a reward— knowing the heart of the Lord.

The other interviews featured in “Witness to Belief” are just as awe-inspiring.

Multiple Grammy Award-winning singersongwriter Amy Grant impressed Levenson with her view on materialistic things in her interview.

“She said, ‘They last about as long as the dopamine hit you get from a thumbs up on your Facebook page,’” Levenson says.

He explains that Grant suffered a traumatic brain injury later in life that left her with some memory impairment. To keep her wit sharp, and to help her feel the Holy Spirit, she does what she has been called to do: to sing, and in doing so, she has helped lead thousands of listeners worldwide in worship with the Father.

He says even amidst tragedy, Grant is still faithfully serving the Lord.

“What impressed me the most was that despite what were and are arguably very successful lives in every sense from a worldly perspective—fame, influence, wealth—each individual had a very deep faith,” Levenson says. “They said their prayers daily, worshiped, read scripture and knew scripture, practiced meditation and, perhaps more importantly, no one felt they should simply rest on their laurels.”

The late Dr. Jane Goodall, whose interview is featured last in the book, was 90 at the time of her

interview. She was considered the world’s leading expert on chimpanzees, having studied their behavior for more than 60 years.

The University of Cambridge-educated ethologist and primatologist traveled all across the world sharing her research, and she was actually still working and traveling when Levenson first reached out.

“A few years ago, when she was probably not quite 91, maybe 89, she was giving one of her talks to these huge crowds, and people just loved her to death,” Levenson explains. “You can see why. She’s got this little grin on her face. Somebody, probably a college student, says, ‘Dr. Goodall, what’s your next great adventure?’ She goes, ‘Death. If you believe in life after death, which I do, what could be more marvelous than what’s yet to go?’”

This one story solidified Levenson’s conclusion to “Witness to Belief.”

“In a time like this when a lot of people are not really sure what Christianity is all about—is it a political movement, a private possession of one denomination over others, a philosophy—I hope this book will help show that Christianity is none of those things,” he says. “It is about having a relationship with God, and for Christians, God in

Christ; and it calls out of God’s children good things: care for creation, love of the other, working for justice and peace and offering a sense of peace in this life and the promise of a life to come—what Dr. Jane Goodall calls, ‘The next great adventure.’”

Levenson believes each of these 12 individuals— some actors, singers, scientists, heads of state—left him feeling invigorated to do more with the life he has been given and the life he has yet to live. Above all, they reminded him of the significance of not just having faith in Jesus, but sharing that faith to encourage others in their own, personal journeys.

Not just a mere anthology, “Witness to Belief” is a collective testimony, written proof, that for some of the happiest in life, beneath their fame and fortune lies a firm foundation of faith, and that, alone, makes life worth living.

Rev. Russell Levenson often credits a simple question asked of him at 17 as the catalytic invitation for his ministerial career. Now, his prayer is that “Witness to Belief” creates that same stirring in readers’ hearts to seek their Creator, helping them take even a small step into His loving embrace.

To learn more about Rev. Russell J. Levenson Jr. or his books and where to purchase them, visit russlevenson.com.

Chilling Winter Reads

Recommendations from Margaret Neely

Marketing Coordinator at the O’Neal Library

As the earth hardens and a winter wind whisks away the dead leaves of fall, you might find yourself seeking a book that evokes a chill only a particularly desolate winter scene can offer you. Empty, snow-laden streets, lights flickering from behind a covered window; though the masses are drawn inside away from the biting cold, winter’s chilling stories continue to unravel. O’Neal Library Marketing Coordinator Margaret Neely has a particular love for gothic fiction and American culture. Here, she offers her four favorite recommendations for this season. READ THIS BOOK

Butter

By Asako Yuzuki | Thriller

“Butter” follows Rika Machida, a professional woman working as a journalist in Tokyo, Japan, as she builds a relationship with a convicted female killer, Manako Kajii. Yuzuki’s novel is a strikingly original exploration of misogyny, obsession and pleasure in modern Japan. She effortlessly weaves hypnotic descriptions of gourmet food couched between scenes of chilly train rides, a journalist’s research and the battle between a woman’s aspirations and her desire for—hot rice and a pad of imported butter? It’s one of those minimalist works where the spotlight rests entirely on the characters and food, with the background—the world, the noise, the crowd—fading into near silence.

Eileen

By Ottessa Moshfegh | Thriller

Fearlessly and disturbingly written, “Eileen” is the story of Eileen Dunlop, a wholly unlikeable woman rotted by shame, resentment and mundaneness. The novel is bleak, vile and one turns the last page with not a sigh of content, but the urge to shower, to remove her from his own mind. She works at a juvenile boys’ detention center, where she obsesses over a security guard and spies on inmates in solitary confinement. Eileen is nasty—she doesn’t shower, doesn’t brush her teeth and chooses to rot away in her attic room when she isn’t indulging her perversions at work. And yet, she is strangely magnetic, mesmerizing even, and one can’t help but follow her story to the end.

The Secret History

By Donna Tartt | Thriller

Protagonist Richard Papen leaves his home of sunny California—which, by the way, he abhors—and enrolls in a highly exclusive classics program at Hampden College. A modern classic in every sense, Donna Tartt’s debut novel, “The Secret History,” is a literary trip—a chilling descent into evil, told through the unreliable eyes of a newcomer to an elite circle of eccentric academics. Under the influence of an equally enigmatic classics professor at a small liberal arts college in Vermont, this insular group finds themselves gradually unraveling—their sense of traditional morality chiseling away in favor of something far darker.

The Auctioneer

By Joan Samson | Thriller

Joan Samson’s “The Auctioneer” is a quintessential American gothic horror story. Originally published in 1975, the story follows the Moore family, headed by the earnest patriarch John, and the townsfolk of Harlowe as they contend with Perly Dunsmore, the stranger who arrives in their small New England town. Perly begins soliciting donations to host auctions in town, attracting patrons from across the Eastern Seaboard drawn by his glossy distortion of rural life. As the town unknowingly cedes authority to Perly, readers uncover the slow perversion of the town’s All-American ideals; enterprise is rotted by greed, and the small country community becomes gripped by fear and paranoia. This subtle terror soon gives way to a chilling denouement sure to leave readers wondering who they are to blame for the events that took place in this quiet rural town.

SCHOOL SPORTS&

SAVING GRACE

Lulu Gribbin’s advocacy is shedding light on a community in need and what others can do to help.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

KELSEA SCHAFER, JAMES CULVER & CONTRIBUTED

PHOTOS BY

PPeering over their daughter’s hospital bed, Joe and Ann Blair Gribbin waited with bated breath, tucked within each other’s arms in a tight embrace. Joe choked down a snuffle, gently rubbing Ann Blair’s shoulder, and began to pray, yet again.

Forcing a soft smile, Ann Blair reached out for her daughter’s cold hand, taking it into hers and patting it faintly. It did not seem like that long ago, to her, that this hand could fit into the palm of her own.

The sterile musk of the room scourged Ann Blair’s already raw nose as she wiped away the streams flowing from her eyes, barreling down her rougestained cheeks. She watched as her daughter’s chest methodically pumped up and down, up and down, underneath the maze of wires snaking out from her bed.

Lulu Gribbin laid still, silent, strong.

Though she slipped in and out of consciousness, Lulu remained self-aware. She knew enough that the shark attack must have been bad, but she did not know then that she would become a double amputee.

Minutes ticked by like hours, and hours, like days, to the rhythmic trance of her cardiac monitor. With each fleeting moment, she strengthened her resolve.

Finally, she mustered the strength to peel back her eyelids, holding them open, all while squinting under the harsh mocking of the fluorescent lights overhead. Within seconds, a host of doctors and nurses came flooding in, eager to witness this waking miracle.

After being extubated, and with every ounce of grit she possessed, Lulu uttered the words that cemented her legacy: “I made it.”

THE JOURNEY FORWARD

After surviving a horrific shark attack on June 7, 2024, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Lulu was transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, where she spent five days before being flown to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.

There, she spent 72 more days in recovery, learning just how different her life would be.

“I woke up every morning not to just get better for myself, but to get better for my family and my friends,” she says, later adding, “God performed a miracle on me. I chose not to waste that miracle and to be myself and to get better with every step.”

Lulu’s family wrote a part of Mark 10:27 on a card by her bed, saying, “With God, all things are possible.” As she endured painful blood draws or injections, she would turn her head and read that verse, reminding herself that her experience was no accident.

God was going to use this.

Lulu lost her left hand and her right leg in the attack. However, her hardest challenge, she says, was not coming to terms with being a double amputee; rather, it was learning to walk again and proving her doubters wrong.

At Atrium, she was introduced to virtual reality (VR) therapy, where she wore a VR headset that simulated arm exercises. To her surprise, these VR therapy sessions almost eradicated her phantom limb pain and helped her adjust to using a prosthetic arm quickly.

Learning to use her prosthetic leg, however, was a huge mental block that took time to navigate.

“The first time I was walking, it didn’t look pretty, but I remember being so grateful that I received a prosthetic,” she says. “I walked down the hall, and the only thing I wanted to do was give Ellie a hug.”

Ellie Gribbin, Lulu’s identical twin sister, was there with Lulu and their friends on the day of the attack. She remembers holding Lulu’s head in her hands as a team of guardian angels were able to tie tourniquets around her limbs, saving her life.

She says watching her sister nearly pass away to seeing her take her first steps was incredible.

“It was probably more emotional for me that day,” Ellie says of Lulu’s first steps.

While in the hospital, Lulu says she felt quite humbled. Many of the other patients had suffered traumatic injuries, and their days were numbered.

She, on the other hand, was on the up-and-up, having received her prosthetics just two months after the attack. Normally, she says, it can take nine months to a year for an amputee to receive prosthetic limbs.

“I think what has shaped my perspective is being in inpatient rehab,” she says. “When I was there, there were so many other patients that had brain injuries, so their brains didn’t work. I just became grateful that I still had a working brain. I still had a working leg and a working arm, and I would eventually be able to walk again.”

Every time she stumbled, every time she winced in pain, Lulu rose, ready to try again. Each time, she reminded herself that any one of those patients would love to trade places with her, and for that, she owed them her best effort.

Then on Aug. 23, 2024, Lulu was released from the hospital and made the trek home to Mountain Brook. Not a day later did the community line the streets with purple ribbons, posters and balloons, cheering as she processed through town in her very own homecoming parade.

Lulu rode alongside her friend McCray Faust, who was with her in the ocean and also bitten by the shark that day.

McCray’s father Stephen Faust, who is the CEO of Dash Solutions, says this traumatic event really put into perspective what mattered most in life. It also opened up conversation on why people aren’t doing more for such an underserved community.

“Following this event, we were all looking for ways to use this impossibly tough event and find ways to turn it into something positive,” he says. “When the foundation idea was floated around, I was excited to help however we could, and so was McCray.”

Together, Ann Blair, Stephen and others decided to create a nonprofit in Lulu’s honor to serve amputees.

According to lulustrong.com, “The Lulu Strong Foundation is on a mission to advance prosthetic technologies and cutting-edge therapies that aim to restore independence and confidence for amputees at speeds we previously never thought were possible.”

The Lulu Strong Foundation officially launches

every

child takes center stage.

At Children’s of Alabama, kids are the center of our world and our mission is to provide the very best care available to every child. It’s why we are here.

Childrens AL •org

DOWNTOWN

CAMPUS

on Friday, Nov. 28. To celebrate, the nonprofit is hosting a launch event at The Edge in Homewood, where there will be music, food vendors, photo opportunities, family-friendly activities and more.

Those interested in staying up to date on the launch can follow @lulu.gribbin on Instagram.

“With the advancement in technology, AI, 3D printing and growing awareness of the needs that amputees face every day, I think the Lulu Strong Foundation can help drive game-changing outcomes in prosthetics and therapy technology,” Stephen says. “We have an opportunity to leverage the platform that Lulu has built through her message and resilience to help be a part of delivering

LULU STRONG FOUNDATION LAUNCH PARTY

Everyone is invited to attend the launch party for the Lulu Strong Foundation, which will take place on Friday, Nov. 28 from 4-8 p.m. at The Edge in Homewood. Attendees will enjoy numerous food vendors, music, family-friendly activities, photo opportunities and the ability to purchase new merchandise to support Lulu Strong. Tag @mountainbrookmag in your #lulustrong photos on Instagram, and we’ll share our favorites in our upcoming issue.

more changes in technology over the next five years than the industry has seen in the past 50 years.”

LULU’S LAW

Seventeen months since the attack, Lulu is now 17 years old, a junior at Mountain Brook High School and a national advocate for the amputee community. She has not taken one day for granted, and because of her humility, she is inciting a wave of heartfelt blessings nationwide.

In May 2025, after raising the need for more effective beach safety communication, Lulu was invited by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to the Alabama

State Capitol, where she signed House Bill 437—The Lulu Gribbin Shark Alert System Act—into law.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, “Lulu’s Law” went into effect in the state of Alabama.

“Lulu’s Law is a commonsense law,” Lulu says. “There’s not one already in place that allows beachgoers to know that there’s a shark attack in the water, so I believe that it will make the beaches safer.”

Operating like the Amber Alert system, under Lulu’s Law, individuals in a geofenced radius near a reported incident will receive an alert on their phone, encouraging them to get to safety and stay out of the water. The reach of the radius will depend on the county in which the alert was issued.

On Tuesday, July 8, the U.S. Senate, led by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama), unanimously voted to approve “Lulu’s Law.” If the act passes in the U.S. House of Representatives, it will become national law.

“What this commonsense law by the state of

Alabama and the federal government does is use technology that already exists to try and avoid events like what happened to our families in the future,” Stephen says. “As most people know, there was a shark attack 90 minutes before our shark attack, so using the Amber Alert technology to alert families of potential danger will hopefully limit events like the one we lived through.”

Even though Lulu’s life looks different than it did just over a year ago, she says at least one silver

lining has emerged: Amputees will get the muchneeded attention and funding that they deserve.

“With the Lulu Strong Foundation, I want to be able to fund the research towards these technologies, make them more accessible and help funding to make prosthetics lighter, more durable, more functional and more available,” she says, later adding, “It’s very important to me to normalize people with disabilities.”

BY HER STRENGTH

Lulu Gribbin has transformed her trauma into triumph, her fight for survival into a movement to help all amputees thrive. Each step she has taken is one towards advocacy and action, and because of her courage, an entire community is now being seen in a new light, illuminating a compounding hope across the nation.

Her story is one of strength. It remains a steadfast reminder that such is not measured by what one endures, but in the lives she touches on her rise.

To learn more about the Lulu Strong Foundation or how to donate, visit lulustrong.com. Follow @lulu.gribbin on Instagram for updates on the foundation’s launch and Lulu’s Law.

Nancy Glaub

Dual Enrollment English Teacher at Mountain Brook High School

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

An alumna of Mountain Brook High School, Nancy Glaub attended Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where she first discovered an interest in publishing. She ended up working a variety of jobs—editing, fact checking and writing— for Time-Life Books—a small software publisher, as well as United Airlines and Southern Progress. In the wake of her son’s death in 2008, she found her way back into the world by attending classes, which led to her earning master’s degrees in English and education. After student-teaching and subbing long-term at her alma mater, she was hired full-time and has since taught both American and British literature and currently teaches dual enrollment English. Here, she discusses her love for teaching and the impact teachers create in the hearts of their students.

Where did your passion for teaching originate?

For me, it blossomed in my love of learning. I am a perpetual student, enthusiastic reader and curious researcher. Teaching gives me the opportunity to keep learning alongside my students.

Looking back on all of the educators you had, who do you think had the greatest impact on you?

Ms. Betty Jacobs, a sociology teacher at Mountain Brook High School, and Father Schall, a Jesuit priest who taught government at Georgetown University, were wonderful teachers. Ms. Jacobs talked to us as if we were adults and opened our eyes to a world of ideas that challenged our assumptions. Father Schall used the Socratic Method of teaching— asking questions constantly of students to lead them to discoveries and insights. He also maintained very high standards and

expectations for his students, and he was hilarious, as was Ms. J.

What is the greatest gift an educator can pass on to his or her student?

The greatest gift, by far, is the awareness that learning is lifelong and that being intellectual is vastly different from being intelligent. I try to encourage my students to question and think critically.

What classroom memory has inspired you the most during your career?

I remember the creative writing class I took in high school, hearing and reading the poems and short stories my classmates wrote. I read one of my stories in front of the class, which was scary and exciting. Also, getting published in “The Muse,” the literary magazine that is still going today, inspired me to write.

Which lessons do you love teaching the

most, and how do your students fall more in love with the material during this time, too?

I think the most fun my students had this past school year was the day they spent working in small groups, looking at archetypal characters, situations and symbols. They searched their memories for examples from their favorite books, movies and TV shows, and they were able to identify plenty. Someone said to me it was their favorite thing they had ever done in class, which made me happy. Certainly, the point about archetypes was well made: They are timeless, ubiquitous and crosscultural. We talked a lot about archetypes with regard to “Beowulf,” which some would expect to bore students. I think “Beowulf” and Anglo-Saxon culture came to life for them when they were later able to connect it to another unit featuring J.R.R. Tolkien’s work through the archetypes.

FOOD DRINK&

BAY TO TABLE

After 16 years in business, Dyron’s Lowcountry remains a staple for lowcountry fare in the South.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY KASSADY GIBSON & BLAIR RAMSEY

BBy the stroke of the four o’clock hour, Chris Melville strolls into the dining room of Dyron’s Lowcountry, taking in the view of 85 seats to fill, plates to top, glasses to pour. He reaches over behind the helm, slowly lowering the light switch on the panel, bringing down the house lights to an amber glow that engulfs the room.

Retying the knot in his apron with a sharp tug, Chris waltzes back into the kitchen and douses his hands in warm, soapy water, meticulously scrubbing between each finger and thumb before drying them with a stark white towel. Around him, his cooks line up single file, eagerly awaiting

instruction.

Chris turns, pausing to look each in the eye. With a deep breath, he announces: “It’s showtime.”

His staff glides to their stations. The grill master turns up the dials, the blacktop hissing under the drizzle of oil. Another cook lines up knives, sharpening each one in a cadenced precision.

Aromas of smoked paprika mingle with the briny tang of the coastal preparations crisping to a golden brown in the hearth. The hour passes by in a minute.

Chris methodically moves from station to station, sleeves rolled high, tasting each sauce with a

fastidious palate. Under his guidance, the hums of the kitchen play like a symphony.

When the doors open, guests begin to spill into the dining room, filling each seat in the house. Some wear tuxedos, others ballcaps—but all come for the same reason: the finest Lowcountry fare west of the Carolinas.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Owning one of Birmingham’s most beloved restaurants wasn’t part of Dyron Powell’s original career trajectory. An Auburn University graduate, Dyron received his degree in economics and began

selling mobile homes for Cavalier Homes of Alabama.

While on a business trip in Tennessee, he met his wife, Sonya, whose uncle happened to own a mobile office unit that Dyron was visiting. He and Sonya have been inseparable ever since.

After tying the knot in 1998, the Powells purchased a steel business that built boat docks on Smith Lake. They ran it successfully for eight years before receiving the opportunity to sell it and seek a new venture.

Not long after, Dyron partnered with a friend in executive recruiting, prompting his family’s move to Birmingham. That industry, however, did not

“What we are is a community, and we love it. What makes us happy is giving people a great experience.

”

– Dyron Powell

lend itself to the creative opportunities he sought.

“I was at Shaia’s Menswear. He said, ‘What do you want to do?’ I said, ‘I think I want a restaurant,’” Dyron says.

For the first time, Dyron recalls knowing what he truly wanted to do. That serendipitous encounter led him and Sonya to purchase what was then Table, and begin conceptualizing their own restaurant.

“I hired Michael Bell from the Modern Brand at the time,” Dyron says. “We showed him the menu that I wanted to do, and he goes, ‘Well, you’re lowcountry.’ I said, ‘Like, South Carolina?’ He wanted to call it Dyron’s Lowcountry. I hated that idea. I said, ‘Mountain Brook is very small. If I do well, they’ll remember me, but if I do terribly, they’re also going to remember Dyron. That’s a name they won’t forget.’”

On June 9, 2009, Dyron’s Lowcountry officially opened in Mountain Brook.

When developing the menu, the Powells scrutinized every detail, ensuring that no matter one’s age, he could find something to eat that he loved.

“What I wanted to do when we came here—my mission statement, if you will—was I wanted it to be a community restaurant where it felt like people were eating in my dining room in an upscale feeling but unpretentious environment,” he says.

That is why the servers wear jeans paired with formal bistro aprons, and the tables are dressed in paper tablecloths, which are a nod to traditional Lowcountry boils along the East Coast.

“What we are is a community, and we love it,” Dyron says, later adding, “what makes us happy is giving people a great experience.”

THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS

However, what truly sets Dyron’s Lowcountry apart is its ever-changing menu and steadfast commitment to sourcing only the highest-quality ingredients. More than a decade ago, Executive

Chef Chris Melville joined the team and over time has established himself as one of the finest culinary talents in not just Mountain Brook, but the entire state of Alabama, arguably, the Southeast.

His philosophy is simple: If he cannot authenticate an ingredient, proving it was grown or sourced in Alabama, it will never enter his kitchen. Today, the restaurant’s tomatoes are procured from Trent Boyd of Harvest Farm in Cullman County. The various fish are sourced from fishermen in Bayou La Batre.

“I’ve shifted my focus from trying to be clever and reinvent cuisine and come up with things nobody’s seen and be cool to really being ingredientdriven and spend that energy and really try to source the best stuff that we can get our hands on,” he says.

Uniquely, he avoids ingredients coated with what he calls “environmental toxins.” One will not find non-stick anything—from baking sheets, to pans, to cooking spray—or seeds oils or even conventional flour in the restaurant’s kitchen.

Many types of flour, he notes, are coated with glyphosate—a chemical used as a desiccant on wheat. Chris believes many such chemicals are the leading cause of gluten sensitivities in the United

States.

But at Dyron’s Lowcountry, customers can rest assured every meal is crafted from the most honest, healthiest ingredients, thanks to Chris’ diligence.

A tapestry of fish, fowl and beef, entrées are complemented by delicate salads, hearty gumbo, rich desserts and a wine list boasting more than 70 different blends.

The Duck Confit is hard to beat. It is an amalgamation of cooked duck with fingerling potatoes, arugula, black cherries, crispy spring onion and saba-veal glacé.

“If you look at a lot of game preparations, you’ll see currants or cherries or pork reductions with juniper, typically,” Chris says. “That’s also known as a Cumberland sauce. This is a variation of that idea. The duck is a fatty animal. The tartness and the brightness of those flavors are a nice foil for the richness.”

Perfect confit, he explains, is achieved only by a crispy, outer skin with a tender, juicy meat inside. The potatoes, meanwhile, are rendered in the duck fat, creating a mouthful of sensation.

Another standout is the Country Captain, which features spiced quail with Villa Manadori balsamico and frisée.

“Think about the sea captains along the Atlantic seaboard—Carolinas, coastal Carolinas—and in the course of their trading with ports all around, they were exposed to and brought back African spices of various types,” Chris says. “So, Country Captain is sort of a proto-curry dish. Also in the Carolinas, they had, and still do grow a lot of rice. So, this was a dish attributed, I guess, to these seafaring country captains that were worldly even though they were living, you know. It would traditionally be a dish with chicken and rice and usually almonds and dried raisins like currants or sultanas, but we have elevated it a little bit by doing quail instead of chicken.”

A medley of snapper, lobster, rock shrimp, mussels, tomato broth, spinach and grilled bread, the Lowcountry Cioppino is another house favorite.

“A cioppino is typically from the West Coast, like the Bay Area, where it originated from the Italian immigrants that were there,” Chris says. “It was usually just the shellfish catch of the day in like a tomatoey broth. By using the Gulf Red Snapper and rock shrimp from Bayou La Batre, and then of course our locally sourced heirloom tomatoes, we make a good broth with that. We were kind of taking it and making it more from our backyard.

CHEF’S PICKS

Try these delicious menu items the next time you dine at Dyron’s Lowcountry:

SEAFOOD GUMBO

gulf shrimp, lump crabmeat, bayou la batre oysters, okra, andouille sausage & carolina gold rice

ORIGINAL WEST INDIES SALAD

‘old mobile style,’ gulf blue crab, vidalia onions & cider vinegar

GREG ABRAHMS’ RED SNAPPER

cheese grits, haricots vert, finger limes, citrus & dill beurre blanc

Now, granted, there’s lobster in that as well. We adopted it and put a southern twist on it.”

The cherry on top, however, are any of the decadent desserts: white chocolate bread pudding, crème brûlée, dark chocolate mousse, gelati and sorbeti and the fresh fruit pistachio cake. This cake, made with Kris Childs’ figs, Chilton County peaches and whipped crème fraîche, is a particular favorite.

After dinner drinks include a niche variety of handpicked coffees and teas, and an assortment of wines that will impress any local sommelier.

A FAMILIAL FOUNDATION

On a deeper level, Dyron hopes his restaurant fosters fellowship.

“We have the best community,” he says. “We have the best guests. I mean, they’re all so nice. They’re happy to be there. They feel a part of it. That’s what makes this place so special—our culture is all the way through.”

In a restaurant where the chef knows his farmers and fishermen, and the owner knows his guests,

dining feels like a step back into mom’s kitchen— one where all are welcome at the table. Dyron’s Lowcountry will always be a steadfast reminder that the best meals are those created with care.

Best of all, everyone is welcome here at Dyron’s table—a place where authenticity has no rival.

Dyron’s Lowcountry is located at 121 Oak Street in Mountain Brook. It is open Monday-Saturday from 5:30-10 p.m. For more information, visit dyronslowcountry.com.

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

5

Tyre Stuckey Founder of Market

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA HONTZAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Renowned for his restaurant concepts across the Southeast, Tyre Stuckey is changing the local foodie scene in Mountain Brook. The founder of the city’s only locally-owned gourmet grocery store, Market first opened in January 2025. The store boasts a niche, curated selection of pre-made meals from unique vendors, chef-inspired products, high-quality wines and more. Here, Tyre discusses his latest business venture and his goals for Market in the future.

What is your background in the food industry?

I’ve pretty much grown up in the restaurant world. After attending Auburn University, I joined Zoës Kitchen, where I helped open the fifth franchise in Florida, became director of training and eventually worked my way up to vice president, overseeing more than 100 locations. It was an incredible ride, but in 2015, I came back home to Alabama and launched Miss Dot’s with John Cassimus, serving fried chicken, collards, pecan pie and all the Southern comfort food I love. After five years, I switched gears again and opened Birds & Burgers in Alabaster—the state’s first gourmet drive-thru. Now, my focus is on Market—a gourmet grocery store designed to create a true, gourmet shopping experience.

How was Market first conceptualized?

I’ve always believed grocery shopping should feel like an experience, not a chore. Over the last three years, I’ve traveled across the country to food shows, building relationships with top vendors and bringing their best products back to

Birmingham. At Market, we cut through the “death by decision” of big-box stores by curating only the best—from snacks to meats to cheeses—so every choice is a good one. With a warm atmosphere, Italian music and a place that helps small vendors grow, Market inspires people to shop with joy and rediscover the love of cooking.

What makes Market’s line of produce or merchandise unique from other similar concepts in the greater Birmingham area?

What makes Market unique is the blend. We have 58 vendors, each focused on one or two things they do best, paired with food we make at our Alabaster restaurant— wraps, protein bowls, protein balls and desserts. Then there’s our cheese cooler, filled with the best from around the world, and a wine program where a $20 bottle drinks like a $40 one.

What is your favorite item Market sells in store?

That would have to be the Linz meats, without question. I don’t know anywhere

else you can get it in Alabama. The harder question would be if I’m going to choose the ribeye or the filet!

Since opening day, how has the community responded to your brand?

Honestly, I never expected Market to take off this quickly. In just eight months, it’s been a wild success—far beyond what I imagined. People bring us ideas from trips to the Carolinas, California or Texas, and we do our best to source them. Every week we get more dialed in, whether it’s readyto-eat meals, holiday pies or new products. Looking ahead, one thing I’m really excited about is creating 24-hour access, so physicians, police officers or anyone working odd hours can shop Market like their own personal pantry. Watching this concept evolve has been so much fun, and I feel like we’re just getting started.

Market is located at 2411 Montevallo Road in Mountain Brook. It is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit marketonthego.com.

And Countless More to Come.

One year ago, Baptist Health made our community a promise: to bring a new day in healthcare to Central Alabama, built upon a faith-based foundation. Already, that commitment has meant more advanced care, stronger connections and more ways to keep our community healthy — and our journey together has only begun. Thank you for welcoming us and trusting us with your future. See how far we’ve come at BaptistHealthAL.com

HOME STYLE&

COZY OPULENCE

Accentuated with beautiful antiques, the Bennetts’ home perfectly reflects their personalities.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

TTruly, there’s no community that rivals “Mayberry,” an idyllic site of respite for residents both to grow up and grow old. In Mountain Brook, this charming hamlet is known as Brookwood Forest, and two homeowners, Davis and Jennifer Bennett, have called this community home now for 27 years.

The couple purchased this 1960s ranch house from the original owners who first built it. After the couple’s retirement, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis and Jennifer decided to remodel part of their home for a bit of added charisma.

Through a mutual friend, Jennifer became connected with Katrina Porter, who owns Katrina

Porter Designs in Mountain Brook. Jennifer shared her vision for a home rich in architectural beauty whose intimate details wouldn’t be overshadowed but would be accentuated through renovations.

Katrina then introduced the Bennetts to Phillip Dawson of Dawson Building. Funnily enough, Phillip actually grew up in Brookwood Forest.

Davis says working with Phillip was wonderful because he so expertly transformed their home without taking away the unique aesthetic of the original build. In September 2022, the group embarked on the near-five-month-long renovation process, which was completed in January 2023.

Face of the Home Entryway

Katrina sourced the entryway’s black marble stone from Triton Stone, carrying the design from the front porch to the entryway’s interior hallway. The stone indoors is just a polished version of the stone outside.

This 1960s home originally sported a rouge exterior, so rather than painting the brick, the Davises opted to mortar wash the façade, giving the home a more contemporary yet worn look. Their evergreen yard, compliments of landscape architect David Samano, frames the house in lush hues year-round.

Katrina prioritized the home’s feng shui in her renderings. She designed a passageway between the living room and open concept where the kitchen and keeping room now reside for easier access. She also incorporated floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in the living room to play host to the family’s rich history of books, trinkets and antique clocks—many of which were given to Jennifer by her father.

The kitchen now sports gorgeous black soapstone for the countertops—which, uniquely, was a point of contention for Jennifer. She did not want an allwhite kitchen and wanted this space to be rooted in

Scandinavian design: no upper cabinets, lots of open space, long countertops.

To save on square footage and maximize the floor plan, Katrina designed the former garage into what is now the couple’s mud room, laundry room and powder bath, and she even incorporated a walk-in butler’s pantry with open shelving.

Now two years later, the Bennett family’s home bears the mark of exquisite design and craftsmanship. Each carefully curated space elevates their daily lives, making their “forever” home feel both timeless and new, all thanks to two talented people, Katrina Porter and Phillip Dawson.

Kitchen

The original floor plan encased the house with much smaller rooms. The doorway segregating the keeping room from the kitchen was taken down to widen this space and give the kitchen more room. To Jennifer’s delight, Katrina maximized the number of windows for this area, allowing the space to be engulfed in natural light. During the remodel, Jennifer dreamed of having a new kitchen with an older feel, emphasizing her desire not to incorporate “industrial” finishes that would make this space feel sterile. Katrina hand selected each design element from the cabinets to the appliances to the Brandino Brass faucets, which are unlacquered brass and portray a “lived-in” finish that Jennifer loves.

Butler’s Pantry

As one of Jennifer’s favorite rooms in the house, the butler’s pantry is used now as an auxiliary prep space for when the Davises entertain company.

Mud Room

The mud room, along with the laundry room, powder bath and butler’s pantry, were drawn into fruition, repurposing the garage into a multi-functional space for the Bennetts to enjoy.

Living Room

Jennifer often finds herself admiring her lawn’s picturesque views while sitting on the living room sofa. The location of her Brookwood Forest home provides the perfect sense of respite from the hustle and bustle of her everyday life. Notably, the room’s floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were custom designed by Katrina to display the Davis family’s many mementos, including several antique clocks that were given to Jennifer by her father.

Antique Clocks

FROM TOP LEFT: This French ormolu clock dates back to the 1800s and is made of brass and crystal. In the middle, this Victorian clock plays the Westminster Quarters to mark the time. On the far right, this beautifully handcrafted clock is made of solid oak and was refurbished after being retired from a train station in Victorian London. First created in the 1700s, this Dutch grandfather clock below is intricately designed with marquetry and features a rocking ship in the face that moves with the pendulum.

Keeping Room

Part of the walls to either side of the fireplace were knocked out to widen the doorways. The fireplace itself was updated with a stuccoed design, making it a focal point for the open concept.

HAIR THE HEART

IN Matt Hill and Scott Terry’s joint business venture, Laura Lane Salon, is fostering connectivity in the community by prioritizing service above all else.

By Anna Grace Moore | Photos by Blair Ramsey

AAnother morning dawns over the old Trocadero Salon’s familiar façade, now newly christened with the moniker, Laura Lane Salon, in bright gold lettering. Swaths of golden light engulf the space in a warm embrace.

Inside, co-owners Matt Hill and Scott Terry stand hand in hand, pausing to take in the fruits of their labor. The marble-clad counter tops and floors glisten with a mirror-like reflection; the rows and rows of vibrant Oribe products stand as soldiers at attention along the shelves.

They have only minutes before opening hour. And yet, taking it all in, they stand silent, pausing to admire what haven they have created.

As the top of the hour strikes, cheerful salutations come flooding in through the front door, and soon, every seat in the house is full. Amidst the rustle of haircut capes, the faint chirping of silver shears and the steady whirring of dryers crescendos as laughter bubbles up between stylists and clients who swap stories that span lifetimes into single appointments.

Notes of eucalyptus shampoo and citrus hairspray waft into the air, enveloping the salon in a sweetscented decadence. One by one, clients’ chairs are turned to face the mirror, and each smile thereafter further lights up the room.

Hours fly by. As the last client waves goodbye, stepping out the door, Matt and Scott heave a heavy, but happy, sigh. Revered for nearly 50 years, Laura Lane Salon’s predecessor earned its status as a neighborhood icon in Mountain Brook Village.

Now entering into year 51, the beloved space now dons a new look, one whose design pays homage to the people who embody the “heart that goes into hair.”

The salon first opened its doors on Monday, Jan. 20, after only a 27-day-long renovation. Matt and Scott first happened upon the space after weeks and weeks of searching for the right fit to open their dream business—an immersive, salon-style experience.

After receiving the green light, the pair went to work, with Scott handling all of the space’s interior design himself. The dynamic duo worked tirelessly for hours each day and night, getting the space ready for opening day.

Together, they envisioned a posh, elevated space that felt just as open and inviting as it did luxurious. However, they knew their business would be about far more than mere beauty.

It would be rooted in heart, in the passion stylists carry for their clients.

“It really has been a testament to having the right intentions,” Matt says. “The hairstyling world has kind of changed over the last 10 years. It used to be very commission-heavy, meaning most people were employees. Now it’s very independent. We wanted to provide a place where people could run their own small, little businesses but that still felt like a fully realized salon. You know our brands. You know our work. What we were all missing was the community, and that’s what’s so special about here. There’s a lot of community.”

WHAT’S THE BEST ASPECT OF WORKING IN THE HAIR INDUSTRY?

You just connect with these people, and you go through divorces and marriages and deaths and breakups and all the things over these years and create these bonds. That’s my favorite part.

-Matt Hill

“ ” I think to be a successful entrepreneur, you have to have that heart. You have to have a heart for people. The work that you do is for others. Especially in retail or in service like this, it’s all about your people.

- Scott Terry

Today, the staff consists of 15 stylists, two techs and Scott, who serves as the business’ creative director. The sum of all the stylists’ years of experience amasses to more than 400 years.

Services include color, highlights, balayage, extensions, haircuts, blowouts, hair styling, deep conditioning and keratin treatments. Each stylist is an expert in color and cuts, with two specializing in men’s grooming and others whose talents shine in wedding and event hair.

“If you need something, somebody here can do it,” Matt says.

Now approaching its first anniversary, Laura Lane Salon has already earned some impressive accolades, including Mountain Brook Magazine’s award for “Best Salon” in 2025. Part of the reason it won, Scott says, is because the business is committed to

prioritizing its clients’ needs.

Not long after the salon opened, Matt and Scott were approached by one of the United States’ leading haircare brands, Oribe, whose products have been used in New York Fashion Week among other prestigious events.

Oribe’s marketing team approached the pair about carrying its products in store, which is significant because this luxury brand famously sources only a few, high-performing salons across the nation to carry its products.

To be selected is quite the honor.

Then on Tuesday, Oct. 7, Laura Lane Salon hosted national stylist Wayne Tuggle, who boasts more than 400,000 followers on Instagram, for a special hair cutting class. Similarly to Oribe, Wayne Tuggle’s representatives chose Laura Lane Salon because of

Matt and Scott’s priorities to service and style.

“I worked for Starbucks for many years,” Scott says. “I was a multi-store manager and helped open this market in Birmingham. Learning under Howard Schultz as a CEO was amazing. It was all about the experience, creating a third place that’s not work, not home, and we’ve really carried a lot of that into here.”

Long before Matt and Scott opened the salon, they spent years working in their respective crafts, finetuning their talents. Matt has more than 20 years of hair styling under his belt, and Scott has worked in business administration and marketing for the majority of his professional career.

The couple actually first met when they were each just starting out and tied the knot years later in December 2016. Though their origins were lighthearted, they weathered an earth shattering blow just a few years after they wed: Scott endured a health crisis that took everyone by surprise.

“It was the hardest part of my entire career, trying to juggle both caregiver, being fully booked,” Matt says, solemnly. “It was a tough few years, but we made it.”

When Scott recovered, he says he no longer took anything for granted, especially time and

SCOTT TERRY CONSULTANCY & DESIGN

After more than 20 years working in retail operations, training development, branding, acquisitions and interior design, Scott Terry launched his own business, Scott Terry Consultancy & Design, to curate interiors that balance practicality with beauty for both residential and commercial clients. To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit scottconsults.com.

relationships.

“We get to do this life at least once, so we need to focus on what are the things that we’re missing,” Scott says. “I was like, ‘I’ve always wanted to have a salon. Let’s work towards it.’”

Thus, the concept for Laura Lane Salon was born. In January 2025, the salon opened for the first time, and nearly every day since has seen a full house.

“Everything in here we designed because part of what Laura Lane is is a beautiful design space, too,” Scott says. “That inspires a lot for our clients and our hairdressers to do their best work. Everything is in the details.”

Uniquely, one will find a nod to the women both Matt and Scott love and admire in almost all of those details. In fact, that’s how the business was named.

“(My mother), Matt’s mom, his grandmother, his great-grandmother, his other grandmother, they’ve all just been really big people in our lives,” Scott says.

“The dining room table that’s in the entrance is actually from his great-grandmother. We anchored the salon with something old and established. It’s part of what makes it feel so welcoming here.”

Beyond all the details, Scott emphasizes truly caring about the people he and Matt serve on the daily is what will continue to fuel the business.

“I think to be a successful entrepreneur, you have to have that heart,” he says. “You have to have a heart for people. The work that you do is for others. Especially in retail or in service like this, it’s all about your people.”

Matt agrees, saying his intention for his clients has always been simple.

“I want you to feel better when you leave than when you came,” he explains.

That sense of peace is what he leaves behind with every client who first sits in his chair—a quiet confidence disguised in color or curls that lingers far beyond the final snip or spritz.

Looking forward, he and Scott are eager to continue serving their community for many more years to come. On a deeper level, they hope their dream business continues to foster connectivity among their staff and clients because at Laura Lane Salon, appointments aren’t transactions. They’re interactions between the artist and the art,

revealing the beauty in each reflection.

Laura Lane Salon is located at 2839 Cahaba Road in Mountain Brook. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit lauralanesalon.com or call 205-825-7661. Follow the business on Instagram (@lauralanesalon) to stay up to date on the latest happenings.

Après-ski

A Guide to Park City, Utah

By Kate Seaver | Photos Courtesy of Visit Park City, Washington School House Hotel, Riverhorse on Main & Zion National Park

Park City, Utah

The host of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Park City, Utah, has established itself as the winter destination in the Wasatch Mountains. Dubbed “for the ‘Mountainkind,’” the town boasts two main resorts for every type of winter fun. Relying as it does on the natural landscape all around, Park City emphasizes preservation and stewardship and provides a convenient, free public transportation system.

WHERE TO STAY

Although nestled among the mountains and the ski slopes, Park City is only a short 35-minute drive away from Salt Lake City International Airport, making it accessible from nearly anywhere.

Park City is home to two main ski resorts: Park City Mountain and Deer Valley. These resorts offer luxury homes, condos and lodges for whatever accommodation best fits your family.

La Maconnerie, a vacation rental home from the Deer Valley Ski Resort, comes well recommended as a home with ski-in/ski-out access and private hot tubs. Pendry offers a boutique luxury hotel experience to guests at Park City. Flagstaff Lodge, set beside the Silver Strike Express chairlift, welcomes its guests with an elegant and warm common space.

Outside of the resorts, the Washington School House Hotel is a boutique hotel that was originally built as a school in 1889 and named for President George Washington. This residence offers amenities such as a heated pool and spa and an outdoor lounge with a fire pit.

Washington School House Hotel

WHILE YOU’RE IN UTAH

uVisit Midway—a town 23 minutes away from Park City. Make sure to see the Homestead Crater, a geothermal hot spring, and Ice Castles, a man-made, interactive winter experience.

uMany of Utah’s national parks are still open in the winter, with the benefit of fewer crowds. Take a trip to the Mighty Five: Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park.

uUtah has the highest concentration of International Dark Sky Parks, and many of the previously mentioned national parks are also Dark Sky Parks, which are perfect for stargazing, viewing the Milky Way and astrophotography.

WHERE TO DINE

As a touristy town that commonly attracts even A-list celebrities, Park City has excellent restaurants for every taste.

At any time of day, try Bartolo’s: This Italian-inspired kitchen serves breakfast, brunch and dinner. Its website boasts the phrase, “The best Italian restaurant in Utah serving brunch!” Arguably, some of Bartolo’s best dishes are the blueberry pancakes, fettuccine alfredo and garlic bread.

High West Distillery offers tours of the distillery, as well as a general store and a saloon restaurant with a bar. To tour the distillery, make a reservation as spots fill up quickly. Note that the saloon and general store only welcome guests who are 21 years old or older.

One of the oldest restaurants on Park City’s historic main street, Riverhorse on Main serves authentic American cuisine. Reservations are strongly recommended at this four-star restaurant, where you’ll hear local musicians playing live music.

Specializing in American fare with “Brazilian flair,” The Bridge Café & Grill offers eclectic options that customers can chow down on while enjoying the picturesque views from the restaurant’s outdoor patios. Its convenient location on Main Street at the bottom of the town lift provides easy, ski-in and ski-out access to customers hopping on or off the lift.

The Bridge Café & Restaurant

High West Distillery

Riverhorse on Main -

Photo by AJF Photography

Zion National Park

WHAT TO DO

Although it’s known as a skiing wonderland, Park City offers countless winter activities besides just skiing and plenty of fun for families looking to take advantage of attractions off the slopes.

Try fat tire biking, where the bike’s large tires allow you to cycle over bike trails even when they are covered in snow. The whole family will enjoy experiencing the snow in a different way with snowmobiling at Uinta recreation or snow tubing at Woodward Park City. At Rancho Luna Lobos dog sledding, take a tour and play with the pups before experiencing a true dog sled ride in the snow. At Park City Mountain Resort, families can take a ride on both the Flying Eagle Zipline and the Mountain Coaster. Boulder Mountain Ranch has horse-drawn sleigh rides which are great for the whole family.

In January 2026, Sundance Film Festival will be held in Park City for the last time, before officially moving to Colorado.

Take the family to visit Utah Olympic Park—a real Olympic training center. Take a guided tour, or visit the museum from the 2002 Winter Olympics. Sign up for the Winter Bobsled Experience, and feel five G’s of force as a professional bobsled pilot drives you in a bobsled around the 2002 Olympic track! Participants must be at least 13 years old and weigh at least 100 pounds to participate in the ride.

When you’re exhausted from the adrenaline of the day, take a stroll down historic Main Street in Park City: art galleries, numerous retailers and a rotating calendar of events will welcome those who make the urban trek.

Of course, a vacation to Park City would not be complete without hitting the slopes. It’s important to note that Deer Valley is a ski-only resort, while Park City Mountain allows both skiing and snowboarding. As for renting gear, local outfitters will carry everything you need to rent or purchase, and some will even deliver equipment to your lodge. Both Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort also offer lessons and ski school for first-timers.

GIFT GUIDE

1. Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm

Featuring a captivating midnight blue dial that sparkles, this showstopping timepiece fuses the modernity of urban architecture with the infinity of the cosmos. Showcasing Hamilton’s ever-evolving craftsmanship and attention to detail, the dial brings the H-10 automatic movement into the spotlight. $1,295. Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers. 330 Rele St, Mountain Brook. 205.871.7060. bartonclay.com

2. Wondercide Rescue Pet Care

Relief that works with your pet’s biology. Powered by Pure Hypochlorous, Wondercide Rescue soothes discomfort, accelerates the body’s natural healing process and is even safe if licked. $17.99-$19.99. Fuzzy Buttz Pet Supply. 8274 Hwy 31, Calera. 205.690.8332. fuzzybuttzpetsupply.com

3. ShuShop’s Rooney Mini Platinum Glitter High Top

Add some sparkle to their step! ShuShop’s Rooney Mini Platinum Glitter High Top is the perfect gift for your little soul and is ideal for parties, holidays and everyday flair for $78. Little Soles. 4232 Dolly Ridge Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.970-6990. facebook.com/littlesoleschildrensshoes

4. Holiday Desserts

Wow the guests at your gatherings with pound cake, cupcakes or classic cake flavors. Custom desserts will be the star of every holiday party! Prices vary. Creations Galore & Moore. 8261 Hwy 31, Calera. 205.690.8399. creationsgaloreandmoore.com

5. Orbix Bowl

The versatile sprinkle bowl is hand-blown by Orbix Hot Glass. Orbix is an award-winning glass company in Little River Canyon National Preserve. It is available in store only at our stores in Homewood and Hoover. $69. Alabama Goods. 2927 18th St, S., Homewood. 5225 Peridot Pl, STE 109, Hoover. alabamagoods.com

6. Matching Christmas Pajamas by Lila + Hayes

Celebrate the season in style with matching Christmas pajamas by Lila + Hayes, available at The Lili Pad. Featuring festive Christmas tree prints, these cozy sets are perfect for picture-perfect holiday mornings and magical bedtime traditions. $65. The Lili Pad. 3138 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills. 205.298.1811. lilipadbham.com

7. Soaps and Skincare Products

These delightfully scented, plant-based soaps and skincare products are handmade daily in our local shops and makeries and make wonderful gifts! Our artisan soap bars, bath bombs, shower oils, body butters, body scrubs, laundry soaps, scent boosters and home fragrances all smell wonderful. $3-$59. Buff City Soaps. Multiple locations. See ad for details. buffcitysoap.com

8. 14-Karat, Yellow-Gold Emerald Ring

This elegant ring features a 0.57-carat, emerald-cut emerald set in a 14-karat, yellow-gold, antique-inspired setting, accented with 0.44-carat total weight of sparkling diamonds. $2,340 plus tax. Southeastern Jewelers. 5299 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham. 205.980.9030. southeasternjewelers.net

9. 4th Street Cheese Straws

4th Street Cheese Straws are made in Alabama, using their family recipe that has been enjoyed for decades. Perfect as a gift, snack or indulgence, this is a delicious treat with just a little heat and even a favorite of Lucy’s. It’s also available gluten-free. $25-$30. The Cook Store. 2841 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook. 205.879.5277. thecookstoremtnbrook.com

10. Mudtown Eat & Drink Gift Cards

Give the gift of great food! Buy $50 in gift cards, and get a $10 bonus card—perfect for teachers, coworkers, neighbors or anyone who loves local eats and good company. Mudtown Eat & Drink. 3144 Green Valley Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.967.3300. mudtownalabama.com

11. Raggio MD Antioxidant Serum 20% Vitamin C + E Complex

The “non-negotiable” regarding advanced skincare: featuring a potent, 20% Vitamin C antioxidant complex, this serum brightens your complexion, reduces wrinkles and supports your skin’s overall vibrancy and is a patient favorite in the Raggio MD Skincare portfolio. $164. Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery. 1920 Huntington Rd, Homewood. 659.272.0092. raggiomd.com

12. Overgrown Glass Vase

A little luxury goes a long way. With rich tones of white, black and gold, this striking glass vase is the statement gift they’ll treasure well beyond the holiday season. The Overgrown Glass Vase is a gorgeous home accent rich in dimensional depth. The vase is surrounded by sinuous brass branches, infusing an interior space with touches of nature. $799. Scandinavian Design Gallery. 3075 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover. 205.985.4507. scandesigngallery.com

13. Paper Clip Necklace and Earrings

M&M Jewelers, locally owned for 35 years, offers a stunning, 14-karat gold diamond paperclip necklace and earrings. A graduate gemologist is on staff for expert help with rings, repairs, appraisals, custom designs and watch services. Necklace - $2,700. Earrings - $475. M&M Jewelers. 440 Inverness Cors, Birmingham. 205.991.0593. mmjewelersbirmingham.com

14. Mahjong Set

Give the gift of timeless entertainment with a game that brings people together this Christmas season! Shop our selection of mats and tiles to find the perfect match for you. We also offer classes for those looking to learn the game! Items priced individually. Nona Ruth’s. 115 Watterson Pkwy, STE 101, Trussville. 205.655.6599. nonaruths.com

15. Birds Choice Feeders Green Solutions

This attractive bird feeder from its Green Solutions line is a maintenance-free, durable bird feeder constructed with recycled poly lumber material. It is easy to care for and easy to clean. $24.99. Sweet Peas Garden Shop. 2829 Linden Ave, Homewood. 205.879.3839. sweetpeasgardenshop.com

16. enewton Bracelets

A timeless combination of sophistication and shine, our enewton pearl and gold stack brings effortless elegance to your wrist. Featuring lustrous freshwater pearls paired with enewton’s signature gold-filled beads, this stack is the perfect balance of classic charm and modern luxury. It is worn beautifully alone or layered for an elevated, everyday look. $16-$125. Wrapsody. Hoover | Homewood | Trussville | Auburn | Madison. 205.989.7277. shopwrapsody.com

17. Faux Leather Bible Covers

These are available in a variety of colors and designs, featuring inspirational scripture, with options for both men and women. Each cover includes a secure zipper closure, lay-flat design, handle, pockets and pen loops for easy organization and use. $26.99. Montevallo Drug. 3990 Hwy 25, Montevallo. 205.665.1261. montevallo-drug.com

18. Woolbuddy Needle Felting Kits

Woolbuddy’s beginner-friendly kits provide all the materials needed to get started with needle felting. These kits are suitable for kids or adults. They include everything to create your own adorable wool creations. Starting at $15. Falcon Art Supply. 623 Main St, Montevallo. 205.665.2237. falconartsupply.com

19. Bromberg’s Exclusive Christopher Radko Children’s Hospital Ornament

Toot toot! This little fire truck is ready to roll into your Christmas decor. With its shiny red body, sparkling lights and a playful ladder, it’s the perfect addition for any toy lover. A percentage of the sales from this ornament will benefit Children’s of Alabama. $65. Bromberg’s. 2800 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook. 205.871.3276. brombergs.com

20. Sally Shoulder Bag

Sleek, structured and sustainably made, the Sally Shoulder Bag features a roomy interior, adjustable straps and a removable zip pouch to keep you organized. Finished with gold-tone details and a soft drawstring detail with a magnetic closure. $96. At Home Furnishings. 2921 18th St, S., Homewood. shopathomefurnishings.com

21. Diamond Earrings

These are natural diamond, inside-out-style hoop earrings made of 14-karat gold. All diamonds are hand selected for the perfect match. Come see the difference! We offer 25 percent off while supplies last. Cummings Jewelry Design. 3166 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills. 205.298.9144. cummingsjewelrydesign.com

22. Tyler Candle Set

Treat yourself or someone special with a Tyler Candle set. Enjoy the candle, detergent and room spray in our favorite Diva scent—or choose from other irresistible fragrances for a luxurious, gift-ready experience. Detergent - $61. Candle - $18. Spray - $18. Mum & Me Mercantile LLC. 8032 Parkway Dr, Leeds. 205.702.6677. mumandmeleeds.com

23. IQ Deluxe

This IQ Deluxe collection of solo player logic puzzles, featuring luxurious black packaging, combines style and gameplay. A perfect treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift to those who love elegance and brain-teasing fun. $22.99. Homewood Toy & Hobby. 2830 18th St, S., Homewood. 205.879.3986. homewoodtoy-hobby.com

24. Handmade Turkish Oushak Rug

Discover the beauty of Handmade Turkish Oushak Rugs, which are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Each rug features timeless craftsmanship with rich textures, offered in both soft neutrals and vibrant, eye-catching hues. Starting at $195. Crestline Pharmacy. 60 Church St, Mountain Brook. 205.871.0317. facebook.com/crestlinepharmacy

25. Holiday Cookies

For one cookie or hundreds, Cookie Fix will sweeten your holidays with special holiday flavors and traditional favorites. Cookies from $2.75. Cookie Fix. Hoover | Vestavia | Greystone | Homewood | Huntsville. cookiefix.com

26. Fine Art

Shop a stunning selection of handmade ceramics, pottery, woodworking, paintings, photography, jewelry and more. Each piece is crafted by talented artisans, making it the perfect place to find unique, meaningful gifts for any occasion. Prices vary. Blue Phrog Gallery. 955 Main St, Montevallo. 205.789.3033. Follow us on Facebook

27. Marky’s Kitchen Gift Cards

Give the gift of cravings fulfilled! Marky’s Kitchen gift cards are perfect for anyone who loves real, good food! Become someone’s lunch hero, and give Marky’s Kitchen gift cards this season. Marky’s Kitchen. 3134 Cahaba Heights Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.206.9036. markyskitchen.com

28. Lesley Evers Purse

Who doesn’t love options? Inspired by the iconic Bermuda bags of the 1970s, this Lesley Evers purse comes with a reversible cover to effortlessly change your look and reflect your own personal style. $128. Tula J’s Boutique. 226 Main St, Trussville. 205.655.5333. tulajboutique.com

29. Wooden Box & Assortments of Gold and Diamond Bracelets

This Mahog Walnut Copper Box from Laurens Cotten is complemented with a gorgeous arrangement of gold and diamond bracelets and will make the perfect gift this season. Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry & Collectibles. 1811 29th Ave, S., Homewood. 205.874.1044. wallaceburke.com.

30. Brown Origin Leather Boots

Turn heads this season with these chic, brown, platform ankle boots, crafted for both style and comfort. Featuring a sleek zipper detail and a bold-treaded sole, they’re perfect for effortless, all-day wear. $105. Blum Clothing. 410 Main St, Trussville. blumclothing.com

31. Candle Warmer

Candle lamps and lanterns from Candle Warmers Etc. use a soft halogen bulb to warm a candle from the top down, allowing you to enjoy the fragrance and ambiance of a lit candle without flame, soot or other pollutants. $35. Home Accents. 2750 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham. 205.621.2039. homeaccentsonline.com

32. Mudtown Eat & Drink’s 20-Year Anniversary T-Shirts

To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re offering special T-shirts in Comfort Colors, including short sleeve (Banana) for $27.50 and long sleeve (Bay Green) for $33. Our crewneck sweatshirts, which feature a map of all five of our restaurants on the back, are $40. Mudtown Eat & Drink. 3144 Green Valley Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.967.3300. mudtownalabama.com

33. Wind River Windchimes

From the first ring, the difference is clear. When you hang a Wind River chime, every breeze brings new enchantment. Each wind chime is designed and handcrafted in Virginia using premium materials, which are individually hand-tuned to precise musical scales for clarity and depth and are engineered to produce resonant, rich tones that carry beautifully through the air. $49.95-$225. Cedar Creek Nursery. Locations in Montevallo and Helena. 205.283.1221. cedarcreeknursery.com

34. Handcrafted Boxes

Handcrafted with bold, striped detailing and a rich interior hue, this decorative box is perfect for storing jewelry, keepsakes or simply displayed as an artful accent. $120. Christopher Collection. 2913 Linden Ave, Homewood. 205.719.3206. christophercollection.com

35. Water Candles

These flameless “candles” are a perfect, fire-safe alternative to traditional candles, featuring a gentle fountain that mimics a flickering flame. Interchangeable, decorative slip covers allow your water candles to change with the seasons. $20.99-$50.99. Jubilee Gift Market. 2979 Hwy 119, Montevallo. 205.665.2357. jubileegiftmarket.com

36. Signature HydraFacial

For the ultimate, self-care gift, treat someone special to a HydraFacial at Total Dermatology on First Avenue. This luxurious treatment refreshes and rejuvenates the skin, delivering that coveted holiday glow Birmingham’s beauty lovers can’t stop talking about. Total Dermatology. 1927 First Ave N., STE 100, Birmingham. 205.933.0987. totalskinandbeauty.com

37. EyeCare Max Pro LED Device

Dr. Dennis Gross’ EyeCare Max Pro LED device helps boost collagen to smooth lines and wrinkles and lift and firm the eyes. The device also visibly firms and lifts skin and evens skin tone and texture. $199. Woodhouse Spa. 125 Summit Blvd, Vestavia Hills. 205.905.7676. birmingham.woodhousespas.com

38. ShuShop’s Zaharan Mini Rose Suede Cowgirl Boots

Giddy up to Little Soles to grab a pair of Shushop’s Zaharan Mini Rose Suede Cowgirl Boots! Sport style and comfort from the halls of school to the streets of Nashville for only $84! Little Soles. 4232 Dolly Ridge Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.970.6990. facebook.com/littlesoleschildrensshoes

39. Apple Pie Filling

This tart-sweet pie filling features an heirloom Chilton County apple that turns from deep red to nearly black as it ripens, concentrating fragrance and flavor. Ready to spoon into your favorite crust, perfect for holiday baking. $24. FarmStand Stone Hollow Farmstead. Pepper Place & Homewood Locations. 205.777.5558. stonehollowfarmstead.com

40. Nest Candle

Mantooth Interiors is your home for all Nest collections and fragrances. Our large selection of holiday scents make the perfect gift for friends and family! $49. Mantooth Interiors. 2813 18th St, S., Homewood. mantoothinteriors.com

41. Cookbook, Mug, Tumbler and Hat

Bring breakfast joy to your holiday gifting! Spread the cheer with BBB favorites: John Currence’s Big Bad Breakfast Cookbook, a cozy Cahaba Heights mug, sleek tumbler and our signature BBB hat. These are perfect for breakfast lovers everywhere! Big Bad Breakfast. 4317 Dolly Ridge Rd, STE 101, Vestavia Hills. 205.947.1463. bigbadbreakfast.com/bbb-locations/cahaba-heights-al/

42. Julie Vos Iridescent Montana Blue Jewelry Set

Give the gift of radiant style with Julie Vos’ Iridescent Montana Blue set. The Rainbow Delicate Necklace, Demi Cuff and Statement Ring in a 24-karat gold plate create a stunning, unforgettable holiday surprise. Necklace - $135. Ring - $165. Bracelet - $280. Mum & Me Mercantile LLC. 8032 Parkway Dr, Leeds. 205.702.6677. mumandmeleeds.com

43. Medders Family Farm Peanut Butter

Medders Family Farm’s homemade natural peanut butter is a local favorite! Made right here in Montevallo, this award-winning peanut butter is available in a selection of classic and adventurous flavors. $8. Meri Moon. 618 Main St, Montevallo. 205.476.8052. Follow us on Facebook

44. Hardcover Book

From coastal to contemporary, maximal to Mediterranean, tailored to textured, this inspirational lookbook guides beginners and enthusiasts alike through the most timeless interior design styles of the last century. $69.95. At Home Furnishings. 2921 18th St, S., Homewood. shopathomefurnishings.com

45. Steve Madden’s Riggs All Leather Boots

Own every step in sophistication with Steve Madden’s Riggs all-leather boots for women. Designed to impress and crafted for all day comfort, this footwear is available at Little Soles for $199. Little Soles. 4232 Dolly Ridge Rd, Vestavia Hills. 205.970.6990. facebook. com/littlesoleschildrensshoes

46. Dungeons & Dragons Rulebooks

For the D&D player in your life, these Dungeons & Dragons rulebooks make the perfect gift. Updated with new content and refined gameplay, these essential guides will inspire even more epic adventures at their next game night. $50. R.O.E. Hobby. 10870 Hwy 25, Calera. 205.319.7310. facebook.com/ROEHobby

47. Sublimated Tumblers

Give a gift that’s both personal and practical with these sublimated tumblers. Choose from ready-made designs for teachers, football fans and more, or create a custom design that’s uniquely theirs. They are perfect for the person in your life who can never have enough cups! $15. Winged Blossoms. 10876 Hwy 25, Calera. 205.690.7007. wingedblossoms.com

48. Kenra Professional Haircare Products

Take the salon home with Kenra haircare and styling products, which are designed to deliver exceptional results for every hair type. $25. Golden Glow Salon. 10878 Hwy 25, Calera. 205.690.7255. goldenglowsalon.com

49. Silky Candy Cane Bow Pajamas by Janie Marie

Cozy up in festive style with the Silky Candy Cane Bow Pajamas by Jane Marie, available at Gigi’s. These ultra-soft, pink pajamas feature playful candy cane bows—perfect for sweet holiday mornings and magical nights. $55. Gigi’s Tween. 3140 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills. 205.593.4586. gigisbham.com

50. Locally Roasted Coffees

Explore our locally-roasted coffee, featuring both whole beans and K-Cup pods. With a variety of rich and flavorful blends, you’ll find the perfect choice for any coffee enthusiast, no matter how they brew. $14.99. Adventurer’s Coffee Co. 10874 Hwy 25, Calera. 205.690.8945. adventurerscoffee.co

51. Keepsake Quilts

Commission a custom gift that will last for generations. Contact Melissa to start collaborating on a bespoke, edge-to-edge or custom-quilted design, or if you’re interested in creating your own keepsake, SK Quilts offers classes and studio space rental. Prices vary. SK Quilts. 717 Middle St, Montevallo. 205.965.2385. sixkidsquilts.com

Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

Find Us Online

Sign up for our weekly newsletter | Access our member directory

Tourism Luncheon

What an incredible turnout for our August Quarterly Luncheon! Our panel shared fascinating insights on the power of tourism in Alabama—from major concerts at the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater (Tad Snider, BJCC) to the exciting growth of sports tourism (Gene Hallman, Eventive Sports). We loved hearing from Lee Sentell on the “Sweet Home Alabama” brand and from Tiffany Holmes on the travelers the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook is attracting from across the country.

Nov. 4 Quarterly Luncheon

Nov. 20

Crestline Holiday Open House

Dec. 4

Mountain Brook Village Open House

Dec. 7 Holiday Parade

Dec. 11

English Village Holiday Open House

Jan. 21

Mountain Brook Chamber Annual Luncheon

Chamber Membership is a great way for businesses and individuals to support the community and get involved! Join today by scanning the QR code.

MOUNTAIN BROOK MARKET DAY

The Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce partnered with local retailers to host its annual sidewalk tent sale, Mountain Brook Market Day, which drew numerous patrons out for a full day of shopping, camaraderie and more on Saturday, July 19.

1. Charlotte Fulton, Courtney McGee, Mary Carson Collins and Catherine Mattox

2. Ann Harrison and Juli Carr

3. Elise Warren and Mary Michael Bowman

4. Tori Sulser, Annie Clark, Abbey Jenkins and Frances Dazzio

5. Dana Norton and Chris Moses

6. Abby Bradford with Sarah and Ann McIntosh alongside Reagan Bovenkamp, Morgan Elizabeth Stroud, Carleigh Schultz and Audrey McDonald

7. The Heppenstall family

8. David, Kim and Davis Henry with Jonathon Masters

9. Sophia Nadler and Erica Jacobs

10. Abby, Ashley and Mary Przybysz with Laura Morris and Esther Laiming

11. The Akin family

12. Cameron May and Meredith Yoxall

13. The Waitkus family

14. Laura Holt and Becky Tracy

15. Tom Brown and Henry

16. Julie, Mari and Elle Miller

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

OTEY’S FEST 2025

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

On Saturday, July 26, Otey’s Tavern held its annual namesake festival, featuring live performances by 8 Track Country, Yacht Rock Schooner and T.U.B, as well as a cookout, a bounce house, delicious burgers and more.

1. Morgan Bowen, Claire Dennis, Riley Richardson and Claire Berry

2. Harrison Hall, Teddy Grace Jackson and Ryan Wehner

3. Ann Parker and Mary Virginia Baldwin with Hadley Smith

4. Sophie Dishman, Blake Wheeler, Abigail Frazier and Megan Sumrall

5. Morgan Massey and Virginia Nelson

6. The Harper family

7. Makenzie Hartman, Meredith Credo and Sarah Edwards

8. Mac June and Sarah Aubert

9. Virginia Vascocu, John Clark Woodward and Will Aaron

10. Garrett Scott and Olivia McLean

11. Avery and Anne Scott Smith with Paige Wildt and David Lindsey

12. Emma Sanders and Colby Stafford

13. Hudson Lejeune, William Watts, Edward Reed and Charlie Carbonize

14. Brittany McBride, Rebecca Gagliostro and Katressa Cooper

15. Tyler Whitten and Jana Wilder

16. Maggie Allen and Caroline Mauro

17. Emma Lincecum, Mary Beth Whitlock, Lillen Byrd, Kylee Jackson and Sarah Floyd

18. Melanie and Chris Couch

19. Camille Singletary and Liza Gaster

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

PHOTOS BY MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS

On Monday, Aug. 11, Mountain Brook Schools celebrated local students’ first day of the 2025-26 academic year.

1. Frances

2. Sellers

3. Will and Phillip

4. Daniel and Thomas

5. Daniel

6. Jack and Henry

7. Sandson

8. Anne Hardy and Lilly

9. Carter and Wells

10. Eleanor, Anna and Lulu

11. Mary Grace

12. Ann Harper and Tallulah

13. Caroline and Grace

14. Audrey and Aubrey

VILLAGE DERMATOLOGY’S RIBBON CUTTING

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Village Dermatology’s newly renovated location in Office Park.

1. Latisha Lavendar, Demi Grabowski, Audrey Easterwood, Ella McAtee, Ashley Moss, Layton Hopkins and Hanna Hayes

2. Caroline Crabtree, Julia Tauscher, Jenny Sobera and Rachel Pflederer

3. Mackenzie Meeks, Kim Coker Halvorson, Jenny Sobera, Anna Rhoades and Jane Vickers

4. Shelby Weir, Lad Tucker and Lizzie Maymon

5. Luke Jr., Luke, Mary Burton and Amanda Lanier

6. Jane Vickers, Margaret Moore and Beth Lauriello

7. Rachel, Jackson and Pearson Pflederer

8. Jenny Sobera and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce

9. The Crabtree and Ford families

10. Audrey Easterwood and Jenny Sobera

11. The Sobera and Houston families

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MIXER

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce and Ray & Poyner Properties in English Village hosted a young professionals mixer to connect Gen Z and Millennials across various Mountain Brook industries.

1. Noelle Geeslin, Callie Blitz, Margaret Pope, Brooke Kline and Lizzie Henry

2. Piper Henley and Mary Claire Mathews

3. Katie Deerman, Liz Wiatt and Betsy Glenn

4. Anne Madison Adcock and Thomas Webb

5. AC Garrett and Mia Oliveira

6. Sean Tweedy, Thomas Stubblefield and Savannah Frickey

7. Annie Hughes and Faulkner Williams

TAPAS & TAPS 2025

BY

On Thursday, Oct. 2 in Lane Parke, Crawford Square Real Estate Advisors partnered with local Lane Parke retailers to host Tapas & Taps, featuring tents with food and beverage samples from local restaurants available for attendees. Proceeds from this event benefited Mountain Brookbased nonprofit Libby’s Friends.

1. Debrielle and Manuel Gutarra with Oso and Aurora

2. Avery Zapp with Mary Grace and Micah Flores

3. Tori Crupa and Tess Bray

4. May Green with Claire and Missy Sexton

5. The Hagan family

6. Jamie House and Joshua Towey

7. Kyle Biddy and Joe Mayhall

8. Keila Rojas and Aysha Mendoza

9. Rita and Charles Black with Teddy and Francie Benak

10. Charlie and Mary Kate Nowell

11. Annie and Rosie Tuberville

12. Kasani Bell and Najiyyah Waheed

13. The Allen family

14. Margaret Courtney and Ashley Brewer

PHOTOS

JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

BOLT FOR BREAST CANCER 2025

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

The Junior Board of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama held its annual Bolt for Breast Cancer races on Sunday, Oct. 5 in Crestline. More than 400 people participated in the 5K, and the one-mile fun run saw a record turnout of more than 550 people. Proceeds benefited the nonprofit and its fundraising efforts for lifesaving breast cancer research.

1. The Landmon, O’Farrell, Morton, Mitchell and Carter families

2. Callie and Dillon Bonds

3. Meadowbrook Burn Boot Camp Members

4. Virginia Cox and April Johnson

5. Willie Wise and Michael Carter

6. This Ain’t June’s First Rodeo

7. The Sosa family

8. Nala, Faniah and Noah Felton

9. Carol Mastroianni, Danielle Williams, Abigail Bryars, Brittany Swearengen and Michelle Awtry

10. Caroline and Courtney Cox with Janet Friday and Gail Greene

11. Lizzy Pardue and Haven White

Marketplace

Automation Personnel Services

Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

Bama Concrete

Now Hiring:

Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007

Now Hiring For Utility Positions

Starting pay

$15.14/hour

Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com

Central Alabma Wellness Mental Health Services

Office locations in Calera, Clanton,

Pelham, and 280! 205-651-0077

Visit our website to learn more centralalbama wellness.org

Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2

Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500

•TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V)

•800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours:

Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer

Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Part-time. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205-991-4653

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website

capstonedental assisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

ETS Restorations & Tree Service

“From street to walls, we do it all”

•Retaining Walls

•Concrete Work

•Demolition

•Landscaping

•Tree Removal

•Tree Trimming

•Bobcat Work

•Hardscapes

•Hauling

FREE ESTIMATES!!! CALL NOW (205)209-7787 (205)683-3257

Hill Brook Manor Apartments

300 Sumner Dr. Calera, AL 35040

205-668-2020

Affordable Living Apartments Available

1 BR for $665/month 2BR for $705/month

Software Engineers

III - eBusiness in Birmingham, AL: Email resume to Motion Industries, Inc. at: mottalentacquisition@ motion.com

(Must REF: Job Title in subject line).

Production Engineering Technician – Positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Hogansville, GA). Increase first pass

yield by improving measurement systems & optimize machining processes.

Submit resume to cindy.smith@ hlcompany.com.

Reference Job ID: 8445038.

Production Engineering Technician – Positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Hogansville, GA).

Increase first pass yield by improving measurement systems & optimize machining processes.

Submit resume to cindy.smith@ hlcompany.com.

Reference Job ID: 8445038.

P&F COIN COMPANT:

We Pay The Highest Prices In Town!

561 First St. N, Alabster, AL 35007 “WE BUY & SELL GOLD & SILVER” *Scrap/Broken Jewelry *Gold & Silver Bullion * Sterling Silverware Sets * Vintage Watches *And More! Find Us On Facebook! 205-624-3033 admin@ pfcoincompany.com

For All Your Masonry Needs

•Block •Brick

•Concrete Repair

•Brick Cleaning

•Painting Call 205-643-0729 or email srichardson642@ gmail.com to get your FREE ESTIMATES!

Pelham’s Newest Community!

Tower Homes Community, Huntley Ridge, is nestled conveniently near I-65, I-459 and Highway 31 and is now selling 3BR/2BA homes starting in the $320s. Call today to schedule a showing!

Now Hiring!

Termite Treaters and Inspectors

Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years.

BC/BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@charter.net or call 205-369-6250

Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

Vestavia Hills Shares

The Vestavia Hills Shares Card is a fundraiser par tnership between the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and Vestavia Hills Schools Shares Cards

can be used to receive deals at local businesses now through May 2026!

$30 Each

Bulk Orders available! Shares Cards make great gifts!

Contact Tracy Thornton at tracy t@vestaviahills.org for Bulk Orders

Sponsored by:

Piddlin Art & Antiques

Scan here to purchase

Save the card to your phone’s wallet or pick up a physical card at the Chamber Off ice

Davenport’s Pizza Palace

Participating Businesses

B Happy I Bandwagon Sports I Birmingham Therapy Services I The Blue Willow I Bricks & Minif igs

Bruster ’s Real Ice Cream I Burn Bootcamp I Cahaba Nutrition I Cartridge World I The Clotheshorse Clover + Bee I Darnell’s Fun Stuff I Davenport’s Pizza Palace I DeJa Vu Events & Design I Dear Emmaline

Elite Nutrition I Elite Skin I Family Medical Supply I Feathers Boutique I Fleet Feet

GameDay Men’s Health I Gigi’s I GLAM Beauty Boutique I Bridgett Glasgow-ERA King

HotWorx Vestavia Hills I Iz Cafe I Leaf & Petal I The Lili Pad I Little Soles

The Local Bourbon House & Eatery I McDonald’s-Vestavia Hills I Minette Boutique I Monograms Plus

Orangetheory Fitness I Peterbrooke Chocloatier I Piddlin Art & Antiques I Rocky Ridge Drug Co

Rolls Bakery I Romeo’s Sporting Goods I Salon 12 I The Smocking Bird I Society Wellness & Skin Spa

Sunshine Creamery I SURV Birmingham I Taco Mama Tanology I Taziki’s I Troup’s Pizza

Unless U Scoops I Vestavia Barber Shop I Vestavia Bowl I Vestavia Hills Nutrition I Vestavia Nails

Vicki’s Amish Traditions I Village Dermatology I The Window Source

MY MOUNTAIN BROOK

GRAHAM SMITH

First Female Mayor of Mountain Brook

Get Outdoors

Chief’s Woodland Trail

The new, half-mile Chief’s Connector Trail is perfect for runners or walkers who want to get deeper into the woods. After an extensive, multimillion dollar renovation, Jemison Park is exploding with new paths to explore, bridges to cross and flora to admire. Make a long day of it and challenge yourself to walk all of the Jemison Trail and connect over to Homewood’s Lakeshore Trail.

Staying Active Hoops Basketball

Alabama Hoops, founded by basketball icon and Mountain Brook resident Charles Newton III “Coach Newt,” along with other local families, have become so much more than a place to play ball. It’s a facility where everyone is welcome and teamwork and hard work are celebrated. It’s a slam dunk in my book!

Serving Local Patrons

Mountain Brook City Hall

Spiritual Bread

Saint Luke’s Church and The Chabad Center

Some of Mountain Brook’s local houses of worship are making community members’ lives a bit easier, all while using the proceeds to support outreach. Our family is a huge fan of the Wednesday night supper at Saint Luke’s Church, as well as the homemade challah bread made fresh every Friday at the Chabad Center. Best of all: one doesn’t need to be a member to partake.

I spend a great deal of time here, and you can, too! Whether it’s stopping for a game of chess, relaxing and reading a book near the pollinator garden, cooling off in the airconditioning on a hot day or a child cashing in a “Mayor’s Million Dollar Bill” (for candy), Mountain Brook City Hall is fully open to the public. If one has a question, concern or need, they are welcome to come in and ask. The staff will welcome each person with a smile.

Fellowship in Community Mailbox Culture

New baby? Marriage? Sickness? Holiday mailbox? Put a bow on it! We are a community that both celebrates and grieves together. The very best of our values are on display when we engage in the simple act of dressing up our mailboxes. We “shop local” for our bows, neighbors and streets come together to make sure everyone has what they need and often, our bows act as our communal rallying cry. We are truly stronger together.