Issuu

LITTLE BETTY SEA BAR • CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

SPARTAN VICTORIES

MBHS RACKS UP MOST STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

PAINTING FUTURES

PORTRAITS OF HOPE EMPOWERS WOMEN

WINTER 2026 MountainBrookMagazine.com Volume 10 | Issue 4 $4.95

kirby KOUTURE

KIRBY COX CURATES LOOKS FOR NFL, GLOBAL RETAILERS & MORE

2913 LIN DEN AVE NUE H OMEW O O D, AL ABAMA @ C H RISTO P HERCOLLE C TION C H RISTO P HER C OLLE C TION . COM

(205) 415-7536 GUNNDERMATOLOGY.COM GUNNDERMATOLOGY 32 CHURCH STREET, CRESTLINE 391 RELE STREET, MTN BROOK VILLAGE MountainBrookMagazine.com 1

More Alabamians Now Qualify for Prescription Drug Savings There’s good news for Alabamians living with limited income and resources. The Medicare Extra Help program—also known as LIS—expanded in 2025. If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may now qualify for full Extra Help benefits. This means you could pay lower or no premiums, reduced Part D drug copays and reduced or no Part D deductible for your prescriptions. Many people don’t realize they’re eligible—so it’s worth checking. For example, in 2025, individuals earning less than $23,475 per year (or couples earning less than $31,725 per year) may qualify as long as your assets are below the specified limits. You could save hundreds of dollars each year on the medications you rely on! To see if you qualify for Extra Help, call: The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.

Choose a Medicare plan with confidence. Medicare can be complex, and it’s normal to feel uncertain with so many parts and plans to consider. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama understands this and offers Medicare plans grounded in decades of experience and trust. For generations, Blue Cross has been a steady partner for individuals and families, providing coverage that gives you confidence and peace of mind as you navigate your healthcare choices. With a name you can depend on, you can feel secure making important decisions about your health. Blue Advantage® is a PPO and BlueRxSM is a PDP with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Advantage (PPO) and BlueRx (PDP) depends on contract renewal. This is a solicitation of insurance. Contact may be made by an issuer or insurance producer. C PlusSM is a Medicare Select Plan and is a private insurance plan regulated by the Alabama Department of Insurance. It is not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Blue Advantage (PPO) and BlueRx (PDP) are provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 1 Doctors refers to Medicare participating providers. Source: BCBSALMedicare.com/WhyBCBSAL 2 Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5 star rating system. Source: BCBSALMedicare.com/WhyBCBSAL 3 We are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST. From October 1 to March 31, the hours of operation are Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST. You may be required to leave a message for calls made after hours, weekends and holidays. Calls will be returned the next business day.

2 Winter 2026

How to Choose the Right Plan for You

Selecting the right Medicare plan is a crucial decision, and it’s important to consider several factors to ensure the best fit for your needs. Here are some considerations to help you decide: Is your doctor in the plan’s network?

What will your prescription costs be?

What are your overall monthly expenses?

Are you covered when you travel?

Are there extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing?

Simplified Plan Options Understanding that every individual has unique healthcare needs, Blue Cross offers a variety of plan options to ensure that you find the right fit:

• A Part C Medicare Advantage plan • Offers all-in-one coverage • Combines medical and prescription drug benefits with extras like vision and dental

• A Medicare Select Plan or type of Medigap Medicare Supplement plan • Provides fewer out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services

• A Medicare-approved Part D plan • Pairs with C Plus or Original Medicare • Helps pay for prescription drugs

Designed for Alabamians by Alabamians With 90 years of experience, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama offers trusted healthcare coverage. Our extensive network includes 90% of doctors and 100% of hospitals in Alabama,1 providing access to top-tier care statewide. We offer comprehensive plans that cover medical expenses, prescription drugs and include additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Our commitment to quality is reflected in high customer satisfaction and ratings, with Blue Advantage plans earning 5 stars for “Member Experience with Health Plan” and 4 stars overall in 2025.2 Our emphasis on customer service ensures you’re never alone in navigating your healthcare options. Choosing Blue Cross means peace of mind, with local resources and straightforward plans designed to make your Medicare journey simple and easy.

To get more information or talk to a local advisor, call 1-855-978-5219 ( TTY 711) or visit BCBSALMedicare.com/BA28, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST.3

Y0106_NTMAdvert226_M MountainBrookMagazine.com 3

FEATURES

FAITH IN FOCUS Portraits of Hope is helping women in need of a second chance see themselves, often for the first time, how the Lord sees them: redeemed, loved and created for a purpose.

80 HIT THE ROAD

Formerly a logging and sawmill town, Leavenworth, Washington, was renovated in the 1960s to attract more visitors. Now, this Bavarian-style gem in the Pacific Northwest is hard to beat when looking for traditional, Christmas charm that feels like it’s out of a movie.

86 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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

4 Winter 2026

IRACONSANDER "IRIS" BECKHAM-PAINTING BY ANASTASIA EGELI

ABSOLUTELY ALPINE

PHOTO BY TAYLOR HAGER

arts & culture

19 AL to NYC: Kirby Cox’s Ascent into Fashion 28 Read this Book: O’Neal Library’s 2027 Recommended Reads

schools & sports

31 Spartans on Top: Mountain Brook High School’s Athletic Victories 40 Five Questions For: Mary Raines Alexander, Fulbright Award Winner

food & drink

in every issue 6 Contributors 7 From the Editor 8 The Question 10 Instagram 13 The Guide 94 Chamber Connections 96 Out & About 110 Marketplace 112 My Mountain Brook

43 Coastal Cuisine: Little Betty Sea Bar’s Iconic Menu 52 Five Questions For: Kyle Biddy, Little Betty Sea Bar

home & style

57 Holiday Chic: Sanjeev and MaryAnn Hasabnis’ Home

MountainBrookMagazine.com 5

MOUNTAIN BROOK

contributors

MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL Michaela Bankston Anna Grace Breedlove Dave Domescik Avery Forrest Andrew Simonson Madison Smith Noah Wortham CONTRIBUTORS Hanna Allen Hattie Crawford James Culver Victor Demarchelier Krisztián Éder Adam Franzino Taylor Hager Andy Harrington Alvin Kean Wong Sebastian Kim Louie Kovatch Ethan Lowe Christian MacDonald Dan Martensen Josh Olins Marie Schmidt DESIGN Sydney Allen Jamie Dawkins Chrissy Gronke Morgan Lockhart Lavens Maginnis Miles Maginnis MARKETING Noah Brakefield Evann Campbell Octavia Campbell Rachel Henderson Junaid Khan Rhett McCreight Lauren Morris Tori Smith ADMINISTRATION Amanda Boothe Carlee Chappell Mary Jo Eskridge Alec Etheredge Stacey Meadows Kayla Reeves Jennifer Robertson Brittany Schofield 6 Winter 2026

Lauren H. Dowdle, Writer

An award-winning writer, Lauren lives in Hoover with her husband, children and four fur-babies. She writes for a variety of local, national and international publications. A graduate from the University of Alabama, Lauren played the tuba in the Million Dollar Band, which is how she met her husband. When she isn’t writing or chasing around a toddler, she loves to bake for friends and family.

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.

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.

Ashley Tiedt, Writer

Over the last 15 years, Ashley Tiedt has contributed more than 100 articles to various publications in Alabama. From debutants to tattoos, and addiction recovery to local artists, Ashley specializes in telling unique stories that engage and inform audiences. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Ashley started her career in broadcast journalism. She resides in Mountain Brook, Alabama, with her family.

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

ON THE COVER

Passion for Fashion

Kirby Cox's journey as a stylist has taken her from her Mountain Brook roots all over the world. Photo by Blair Ramsey Design by Miles Maginnis

I had a lot of fun creating this issue, readers. Every single person I had the pleasure of featuring taught me something new. Mountain Brook native Kirby Cox made her way from Alabama all the way to New York City, styling for top names in fashion such as Anthropologie, Free People, Lilly Pulitzer and more. She taught me that sometimes, the unconventional career path does indeed work out, and the only difference in “making it” is how hard you’re willing to work for your dream. This past summer, the AHSAA recognized Mountain Brook High School as one of the top schools in the state for athletic excellence. The Spartans tied for No. 1 with seven state championships during the 2025-26 academic year. Athletic director Andy Urban preaches consistency—something I learned can be even harder than achieving what it takes to win the first time. The brainchild of Mountain Brook resident Beverly McNeil, Portraits of Hope, Inc. is a Birmingham nonprofit serving Lovelady Center graduates during their transition from the Lovelady Center to independent life. The nonprofit works with numerous women and their families every year and has raised more than $1 million since its inception. At first, I didn’t think much of a painting of someone else until I passed by a mirror and paused to glance at the reflection looking back at me. I looked down on myself that day, especially with my messy bun and coffee-stained shirt. Frustrated, I ran into our interview muttering about how clumsy I was. Not long into our conversation, Beverly reminded me that everyone is created in God’s image—yes, I know, I thought. I went to Sunday School. Then, she challenged me to think about what that meant. If we’re all made in God’s image, then how do you think the Creator views His most precious creation? Talk about a mental whiplash, readers! She helped me change my view of myself that very instant. So, what if I have a bad hair day? That doesn’t dictate my worth. As you read this issue, I hope you’ll feel these lessons apply to every person. Whether you chase a dream, hit a milestone or just simply choose to wake up on a hard day and smile back at your reflection in the mirror, know that you are enough, you are needed and you make this world a better place. Forever in your corner,

annagrace@mountainbrookmagazine.com

MountainBrookMagazine.com 7

“ ” THE QUESTION

Where is the best place to get outdoors in Mountain Brook? Jemison Trail 100%! It’s the perfect combination of scenic and finished and you truly do see the beauty of Mountain Brook on all sections of the trail.

Jemison Parkway

The walk around the back side of Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church. There is a beautiful landing featuring one of the “brooks”… it’s great for dog walking as well.

Of course Jemison and I also love the trail behind MB Presbyterian church. The trees and water and a little bridge make for a beautiful and peaceful walk.

Cahaba river park!

My own yard. Full of birds, bees and butterflies.

Really everywhereanywhere. Anytime I walk or drive around Mt Brook I feel blessed to be able to live in such a beautiful area.

Love love the beautiful houses and scenery along Country Club Blvd! Bring a coffee from Church St and a friend for a walk and you’ve got a fall morning.

-Barry Smith

-Kelly Sorrells

-Krys Thomas Barrett

-Lori Young White

8 Winter 2026

-Paula Sevier

-Rhea Hill Pelekis

-Susan Gray

-Victoria Rogers Bolus

JohnBromberg@JBandCoJewelry.com For Appointment: 205.478.0455 JBandCoJewelry.com Thank you for voting us Mountain Brook’s Best Jewelry Store! MountainBrookMagazine.com 9

@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.

@heath_padgett Thankful for @mountainbrookmag and @annagracebreedlove for the fun article they ran this month highlighting a few areas of involvement! I am so thankful for these opportunities!

@mtnbrookschools A total of 16 Mountain Brook High School students have been named a 2027 National Merit Semifinalist!

@homewoodlife @villagedermatology Beauty Week is coming! Save the date for October 5–9 for our biggest beauty week of the year — including our lowest Tox pricing all year, specials all week long, raffles and more. Beauty Week Bingo is back on Tuesday, October 6! Join us for bingo, sponsored tables, a silent auction, raffles, and more — all benefitting @the.wellhouse. Tickets available soon!

10 Winter 2026

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks, @cityofhomewood, @mtnbrookal and @cityofvestaviahills joined together in SoHo Square Plaza to honor all 2,977 lives lost that fateful day. @nrutledge48 sang, “Taps,” and paid tribute to former police detective and United Airlines Flight 93 flight attendant CeeCee Lyles who, with the rest of the passengers onboard, fought back against the hijackers and successfully thwarted their plan to crash in the U.S. Capitol.

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THE GUIDE

LEGACY LEAGUE CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR DEC. 10 VIEWINGS FROM 10 A.M.-2 P.M. OR 4-8 P.M. Five beautifully-appointed homes in Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia Hills Presented by ARC Realty, the Samford University Legacy League’s 16th Annual Christmas Home Tour will feature five gorgeous homes in Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia Hills. Advance tickets are required and will be available for purchase in early November. Ticket sales go towards life-changing scholarships for Legacy League students who have experienced significant financial hardship and challenging circumstances. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit samford.edu/legacyleague. MountainBrookMagazine.com 13

THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN NOV. 10 Edgewood Tree Lighting and Sip & Shop Edgewood Business District NOV. 11 Veterans Day Celebration Samford University NOV. 12 Glasses Up for Down Syndrome B&A Warehouse NOV. 13-15, 20-22 & 27-29 North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

NOV. 26

Sam Lapidus Montclair Run 8:30 A.M. Levite Jewish Community Center 3960 Montclair Road

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Sam Lapidus Montclair Run donates a portion of

every race registration to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama. This fun, annual event invites participants to come dressed in their holiday best! To learn more or register, visit runsignup.com.

DEC. 6

The 2026 Holiday Parade Mountain Brook Village

As one of Mountain Brook’s most beloved traditions, the Mountain Brook Holiday Parade is back and will feature a parade of floats, fire trucks, bands, choral groups, dancers and of course, Santa Claus, himself! There will also be a “children’s village” with family-friendly activities, arts and crafts and photo opportunities with Santa Claus following the event. To learn more or inquire about having your float in the parade, contact chamber@mtnbrookchamber.org. 14 Winter 2026

NOV. 14 Medicare Made Clear: What You Need to Know Levite Jewish Community Center NOV. 14 MBAA Holiday Art Show Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church NOV. 14 Deck the Heights Heights Village NOV. 16 Mah Jongg Meet Up Mountain Brook Baptist Church NOV. 17 2026 Mountain Brook Battle of the Badges Mountain Brook High School Rec Field 1 NOV. 19 Tree Lighting Festival Vestavia Hills Civic Center NOV. 20 All is Bright Vestavia City Center NOV. 27 Bromberg's Tree Lighting Bromberg's

THE GUIDE NOV. 27-DEC. 24 Christmas Tree Farm Old Baker Farm DEC. 3 Writing Workshop with Miriam Calleja O’Neal Library DEC. 3 Homewood Christmas Parade & Lighting of the Star Downtown Homewood DEC. 3-13 “Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley” Homewood Theatre DEC. 4-6, 11-13 & 18-20 North Pole Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum DEC. 5 Breakfast with Santa Samford University

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. NOV. 19 | Crestline Village Come shop at these events to support DEC. 3 | Mountain Brook Village local businesses near you! DEC. 10 | English Village

You belong here.

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THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN DEC. 5 Bluff Park 8K Bluff Park United Methodist Church DEC. 5 Bluff Park Christmas Parade Bluff Park Community Park DEC. 5, 12 & 19 Christmas at the Station Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum DEC. 6 Holiday Parade & Party in the Park 3215 Endeavor Lane

STAY TUNED

Mountain Brook Pre-Chanukah Party Lane Parke

Each year, Chabad of Alabama celebrates the Hanukkah season with the lighting of a giant menorah and fun, family-friendly activities, food, music and dancing in Lane

Parke. As of press time, details about this event have yet to be released. Follow @chabadofalabama and @mountainbrookmag on Instagram to stay up to date on this celebration.

Holiday Gifting Holiday Gifting Birmingham

16 Winter 2026

Homewood

Hoover

Vestavia

DEC. 10-11 & 14-16 Hamilton Christmas Lunch & Tour American Village DEC. 12 Lights on the Bluff Church on the Bluff

VESTAVIA HILLS SHARES CARD Purchase here

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&CULTURE

ARTS

PASSION FOR FASHION From Free People to freelance: How Kirby Cox styled her life as a stylist. BY ASHLEY TIEDT PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY & CONTRIBUTED MountainBrookMagazine.com 19

ANDY HARRINGTON

From childhood, Kirby Cox knew she wanted a career in fashion. She was always excited to pick out her outfit or go back-to-school shopping for the essentials and pieces that made her stand out. In ninth grade, she interviewed a fashion designer based in Mountain Brook. “That was before I knew that being a stylist was a career,” she explains. “I feel like I didn’t know what a stylist was until Rachel Zoe came out when I was in high school. When her show debuted, I realized that could be an actual career path for me.” But what is a stylist? “I feel like, honestly, most people don’t even know

20 Winter 2026

what I do,” she says. “There’s a lot to learn about the industry, and there are many different types of stylists. I feel like overall we’re kind of misunderstood.” A fashion stylist plans outfits for fashion shoots and commercials, based on a creative deck put together by the shoot’s creative director. Additionally, they help during the shoot by pinning outfits and making sure all the models look perfect. Kirby earned a degree in fashion merchandising and interned in New York City with Marc Jacobs. While there, she felt strongly that the city wasn’t the right place for her. So, instead of looking for a job at the end of her internship, she returned home and

chose an unconventional route to her dreams. Free People had just opened at The Summit, and having always loved the brand, Kirby decided to get a job there. “It wasn’t what I thought I’d be doing after graduation, especially since I was able to intern with Marc Jacobs,” she recalls. “I knew that my ultimate goal was to style the Free People catalog, so I got involved in any way that I could, like speaking to corporate. I did anything and everything that I could do to pour myself into that, and because I knew they hired internally, I felt like I might get my shot.” Free People held a user-generated content contest, and the winner received a photoshoot with Free People. Kirby and her friends made a video, showcasing Free People’s unique style at Birmingham landmarks. “We went to the store and shopped,” she explains. “I helped style everyone. We ended up winning that contest, which ended up being another music video produced by the Free People team. So, I got to meet the creative director and all these other folks from Free People. It was a way into that world and another way to get in with them and grow with the company.” This would prove to be the beginning of her next chapter. She started an Instagram page showcasing her styling talent, which led to opportunities to personally style people in Birmingham and build her portfolio. “Then I saw there was a job opening for an assistant

stylist at the Free People office in Philly,” she says. “So, I took that portfolio and went to the recruiting event. As soon as I got back, I got the call that I was hired, and then within a month, I moved to Philly.” Within a year, Kirby styled a magazine alone. “That was like crazy! I wrote on a piece of paper that I want to style the catalog, and it happened,” she says, smiling. She stayed with Free People for two-and-a-half years before moving to Beholden, which is now Anthropologie Weddings. Kirby worked at Beholden for six years as its only stylist. “Everything that went on that website, everything that the company did, was styled by me,” she explains. “I learned so much, and I had so much fun. I traveled all over the world to Morocco, France, Italy, Spain. I mean, you name it, we went there.” Between all the travel and photoshoots, Kirby found herself missing Alabama and started to think about her days as a freelance stylist. She spent two years, while continuing to work at Anthropologie Weddings, figuring out how to make it work. She continued making connections in the fashion industry and saving her money, preparing to make a change. In 2024, she took a leap of faith. She left her job at Anthropologie Weddings and moved back to Alabama. “I was a senior-level stylist,” she says. “I had

MountainBrookMagazine.com 21

CHRISTIAN MACDONALD

everything you could have ever wanted in a styling job. When I quit, everyone was surprised. My boss asked me if it was a joke. It’s really funny looking back, but I wanted to try something else. I’m very close to my family, and I realized that you don’t get time back. If I look back on my life, I don’t want to think that I missed out on certain things just to be on

an airplane.” Intentionality is what keeps Kirby in business now. Throughout her career, she was intentional about making connections with photographers, creative directors and others in the industry. She had freelance jobs lined up before she left. She moved back to Birmingham and got to work.

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“It’s almost like nothing has changed except I live in Alabama now,” she says. “I keep meeting more people who’ve also decided to leave New York or L.A. and pursue a life elsewhere while still having their career.” The next time one flies out of BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport, she just might see Kirby flying to a new destination for another

KRISZTIÁN ÉDER

photoshoot, and stylists don’t travel light. “I’ve been on shoots where I travel with 20 pieces of luggage; we call them coffin trunks. They’re huge, like steamer trunks. I learned a lot about, you know, transporting luggage,” she says, noting how she must document each item she brings. For Kirby, one of the most important things in the

LAURA LANE salon

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MountainBrookMagazine.com 23

ADAM FRANZINO

SEBASTIAN KIM

“

ALVIN KEAN WONG

We make everything look beautiful, but it’s actually freezing cold when you’re shooting summer clothes or burning up when you’re shooting winter clothes. -Kirby Cox

”

LOCAL BANKING. LASTING RELATIONSHIPS. Personal service and local decisions from bankers who know your community, season after season.

MEMBER FDIC | EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

24 Winter 2026

Serving Mountain Brook for Over 60 Years!

BTS

GOING GLOBAL Kirby Cox’s work has been featured in multiple, worldrenowned publications including Vogue, Vogue Italia, Women’s Wear Daily, The Knot, The New York Times and Harper’s Bazaar. Her styles were also featured on the cover of “The Expert Generalist: An Unpaved Road to Leadership.” To see more of her portfolio, visit stylebykirby.com. industry is knowing how to read the room. In a world full of creatives, one must know how to deal with all types of personalities and egos. “Understanding people is such a big part of the job and making people feel comfortable, but fashion in general is not very glamorous. We make everything look beautiful, but it’s actually freezing cold when you’re shooting summer clothes or burning up when you’re shooting winter clothes,” she explains. During shoots, one can find Kirby adjusting and pinning models’ clothes or working with hair and makeup to ensure everything highlights the outfits, guaranteeing the photographer gets the perfect shot. “Having a good attitude and having the things in your kit to make the experience more comfortable for everybody is also like a huge part of the job. When shooting, I have to make sure the clothes are looking good. So, I can’t be shy about stepping in and maybe messing up the flow of the shot to fix a rogue string or tag I forgot to cut,” she says. When the shoot’s over, she packs up the trucks, flies home and starts returning items to the stores. Kirby says she always tries to keep returns to a minimum, but if the shoot is for a perfume, for example, she will buy the clothes and jewelry based on the creative director’s vision. It’s been two-and-ahalf years since Kirby Cox started working strictly freelance, and she wouldn’t change a thing. To her, any dream is worth chasing if the result helps you fulfill your purpose.

Voted Mountain Brook’s • Best Pizza • Best Place for a Family Outing • Best Kid-Friendly Dining

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Thank you for voting us Best Kids Clothing Store in Vestavia!

MountainBrookMagazine.com 25

MARIE SCHMIDT

LOUIE KOVATCH

DAN MARTENSEN

For more information or to inquire about personal styling, visit stylebykirby.com. Follow her on Instagram, @kirbyjoanna, to keep up with the latest trends in fashion.

INTERNAL MEDICINE & PEDIATRICS Concierge Care for the Whole Family

TRUSTED PARTNER IN YOUR FAMILY'S HEALTH

205.380.8820 signaturehealth.com 26 Winter 2026

IN HOUSE CUSTOM JEWELRY MANUFACTURING

MountainBrookMagazine.com 27

ARTS & CULTURE

READ THIS BOOK

Reads in which to Revel Recommendations from

Carey Norris & Holley Wesley

Librarians at the O’Neal Library

Bread of Angels

As 2026 draws to a close, two staff members at the O’Neal Library have come together to celebrate some of the titles that brightened their year. Holley Wesley, an adult department librarian, and Carey Norris, a circulation department library assistant, have compiled a masterful list of books that are highly deserving of a spot on your 2027 “to-be-read” list.

By Patti Smith | Recommended by Carey Norris Punk-rock icon Patti Smith’s 2010 memoir, “Just Kids,” won a National Book Award. It followed Smith’s entry into the New York arts scene in the late 1960s and early ’70s and her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Her new memoir is more expansive but no less evocative and transporting, as it follows her childhood, which was marked by poverty and chronic illness, through her musical success and marriage to MC5 founder Fred “Sonic” Smith.

The Poppy Fields

By Nikki Erlick | Recommended by Holley Wesley A poignant meditation on grief and the power of community, “The Poppy Fields” is Erlick’s second novel after her breakout debut, “The Measure.” What if a (not so) simple medical procedure, taking up a mere month or so of your life, could make grief bearable, or even disappear altogether? Whatever it is, from the loss of a loved one or surviving a trauma to recovering from a life-changing injury, your mental anguish can be eased at “The Poppy Fields.”

North Woods

By Daniel Mason | Recommended by Carey Norris Daniel Mason’s thrilling book follows centuries in the “life” of a stretch of woods in western Massachusetts. The stories in North Woods have a wide variety of characters and tones. They can be exciting, wildly funny or unbearably sad. Characters range from a manic apple orchardist and his spinster daughters to a fraudulent medium, a slave catcher and a landscape artist. Despite all these engaging characters, nature is the protagonist here, not the setting.

The Beast in the Clouds: The Roosevelt Brothers’ Deadly Quest to Find the Mythical Giant Panda

By Nathalia Holt | Recommended by Holley Wesley Watching videos of the adorable antics of giant pandas today, it’s hard to imagine a time when many believed these beloved creatures to be a myth. This thrilling tale of exploration and adventure hurls the reader back to 1929, when President Theodore Roosevelt’s sons struck out into the Himalayas with a small team of scientists and naturalists to prove the panda’s existence once and for all.

The Reformatory

By Tananarive Due | Recommended by Carey Norris In 1950s Florida, 12-year-old Robert Stephens, Jr., kicks a white teenager who is harassing his sister. For this monstrous crime, he is sentenced to six months in the dreaded Gracetown School for Boys, a place from which many boys never return. Then, Robert starts seeing the ghosts of all the boys who have died there. Inspired by the same real-life school as Colson Whitehead’s “The Nickel Boys,” the institution here is horrific enough without any supernatural elements, but Tananarive Due’s thrilling-and-heart-wrenching literary horror uses them to examine how some evils are just too big to stay buried. 28 Winter 2026

Mountain Brook's

Best Real Estate Team

Left to Right: Leigh Anne Lambert, Amy Lee, Jen Stinson, Liza Roitman, Cindy Hodges, Ashley Lewis, Fred Smith, Langston Hereford, Amanda Dabbs, Donna Savage, Emily Williams, Cole Rudder and David Crane. Not Pictured: Katie McKibbin

THE FRED SMITH GROUP We are excited to share that we have been chosen as the area’s Best Real Estate Team... AGAIN! We are truly grateful to our clients who continue to support us and to refer us to colleagues, friends and family. Since 1995, our team has proudly represented buyers and sellers across the area, closing on well over 5000 properties. What sets us apart is simple: Teamwork. Experienced agents, marketing experts, and dedicated listing and closing coordinators uniquely position The Fred Smith Group to deliver the highest quality service in the Birmingham area. Our team has the Magic City covered! From pricing and marketing, to negotiations, we’ve got you covered and with Realty South’s trusted brand backing us, we serve you throughout your buying or selling journey. Our clients know they can rely on us for expert advice, quick results, and a seamless experience. Our reputation is built on results, trust, and a commitment to excellence. You can count on The Fred Smith Group - for every move you make!

MountainBrookMagazine.com 29

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SCHOOL

&SPORTS

MORE THAN WINS

Mountain Brook High School ties for No. 1 in Alabama with seven state championships. BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE PHOTOS BY HATTIE CRAWFORD, MOUNTAIN BROOK ATHLETICS & ETHAN LOWE MountainBrookMagazine.com 31

Winning at sports might not be their main goal, but the student-athletes at Mountain Brook High School have continued to take home state championships and set records. The Class 6A school was recognized this summer at the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) conference for their success during the past athletic calendar year. Mountain Brook won seven state championships during the 2025-26 season, which tied them for first place in the state with Scottsboro High School. The last time the school came in first in the state was during the 2023-24 school year when they took home 10 titles, says Andy Urban, athletic director at Mountain Brook Schools. They won state championships for boys and girls cross country, boys golf, girls indoor track, girls outdoor track and boys and girls tennis. All of those sports had previously brought home titles, making

32 Winter 2026

GOIN FOR

GOLD

it the 35th championship for girls tennis, 30th for boys tennis, 28th for girls cross country, 25th for girls indoor track, 18th for boys cross country, 15th for girls outdoor track and 11th for boys golf. That brought the school’s total championships to 208, which is more than any other school in Alabama. “We just have a high standard of success across the board, not just in athletics. We also do well in the arts and academics,” Andy says. “We have a lot of community support and a high standard of success, whether we’re winning a state championship or not.” Tennis head coach Carlee Petro Schaper was also named the National Federation of State High School (NFHS) Coaches Association State Coach of the Year during the AHSAA conference for girls tennis for the 2024-25 school year.

SPARTAN CHAMPIONSHIPS The following Mountain Brook High School sports teams won state championships during the 2025-26 academic year, tying the school for first place with seven total championship wins: Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Boys Golf, Girls Indoor Track, Girls Outdoor Track, Boys Tennis & Girls Tennis

MountainBrookMagazine.com 33

Anders found his match

Anders was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that was affecting his immune health and significantly impacting his overall development. His doctors determined his best treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, and luckily Anders found his match and received his transplant. Now Anders is reaching new developmental milestones and is starting to get back to being a normal kid.

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We are here in your neighborhood at Mayfair Medical Group and Over the Mountain Pediatrics. 34 Winter 2026

Behind each of those championships and accomplishments are the coaches and studentathletes who spend countless hours practicing and learning to be the best possible versions of themselves. While competing at a high level does require a good bit of individual preparation, it’s the team as a whole that wins, which was especially important and impactful with the girls track championship team this past year. One of the star runners on the girls track team was injured and couldn’t compete in the outdoor event, after having run indoors and scoring high. Seeing the rest of the team rally and come together to win despite losing her was inspiring, Andy says. “It’s very team oriented, and everyone has a role,” he adds. The boys golf team also had an impressive championship, finishing the 36-hole event at 32-under par. That tied the all-time state scoring record, which had previously been set by the 2018 Mountain Brook team. They also set a new singleday team scoring record in Round 1 with 25-under par. The girls tennis team won the championship for the ninth consecutive year, which is the second-

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longest streak by any school in the state. It was also the boys tennis team’s fourth state championship in a row. The boys and girls cross-country teams also swept the state championships, and it was the fourth title in a row for the boys and fifth consecutive state championship for the girls. “I enjoy seeing all of their hard work, from the coaches and student-athletes to the parents who do so much behind the scenes to make things work,” Andy says. “I also like to watch those sheer moments of joy they have in winning before they go back to the grind. Winning is very hard, especially in the Over the Mountain area.” Though they continue to bring home state championships year after year, Andy says they don’t talk about winning as their goal. Instead, they focus on putting in the work each day and supporting their team and the rest of the groups at the school. One way they’re making that goal a priority is by creating the student athletic advisory committee this year. Each sport nominates one student to be part of the committee, and that student attends monthly meetings to discuss what’s going on in the school, learn how they can better support each other, hear from speakers and create a conversation between the athletic director and students.

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“I want to try to form those connections where they have a voice in what’s going on in the school,” Andy says. Whether or not the student-athletes continue to play sports after they graduate, Andy says he wants them to have a special experience during high school that they can share with friends and family now and in the future. He also encourages the coaches to be a part of that experience and support their peers and students outside of just their teams. “I’ve challenged our coaches to come to other events,” Andy says. “For example, our basketball coaches went to the football games. We want to have that community and connectivity with our students and coaches across the athletic department.” That level of support can be found across the school and community. Mountain Brook maintains a high standard of success from the mayor and superintendent to the school administration and parents. “There’s a culture of playing really, really hard and being the toughest team,” Andy says. “We try to make it very hard to beat us.” He drove home that principle before the school year started when he met with coaches and student-

38 Winter 2026

athletes to give them a preseason pep talk. “People should know they’re playing Mountain Brook before they ever see the scoreboard,” he recalls saying. “They should see discipline, toughness, humility, sportsmanship, preparation and class. Make your identity bigger than wins and losses.”

Voted Mountain Brook’s Best in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025!

MountainBrookMagazine.com 39

SCHOOL & SPORTS

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Mary Raines Alexander Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award Winner PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Mountain Brook High School alumna Mary Raines Alexander was recently awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award and will teach English in Taiwan for the 2026-27 school year. The Northeastern University graduate will work as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant for 10 months in Taichung, Taiwan, where she will also carry out a community engagement project and plans to volunteer with a local newsmedia company. Mary Raines majored in International Affairs with double minors in Mandarin Chinese and French and is excited at the opportunity to embrace a culture new to her and learn more about the country and the United States’ historic relationship with Taiwan. Here, she discusses her pride in receiving this honor and hopes as a new teacher. language. Instead, language learning can be a gateway to a different life and somewhat unreal opportunities. I also think that as an American, I hope to build on their understanding of Americans and the diversity of belief, thought and identity in our country; it’s not so easily dimmed What are you most looking forward to down to what is in the headlines. during this time? I’m most looking forward to creating a How do you feel your time in Mountain routine and life here. I think there’s Brook Schools helped prepare you for something so unique about creating a such a role? Looking back, I’m extremely grateful for Of all the places in the world where you routine in another country, like having a the education I got at Mountain Brook, favorite restaurant or coffee or tea shop. could teach English, why did Taiwan The people I’ve met here, from the students especially the support I had from my stand out to you? Since I began studying Mandarin back to my co-teachers to the other Fulbrighters teachers. I never felt as if they tried to limit in high school, I have wanted to go to in the cohort, are amazing, and I’m so my next steps or curiosity; rather, I think the support system I had from them is a Taiwan. When I was applying to Fulbright, excited to get to know them more. large part of the reason why I’m here in Taiwan was the immediate option for me. Beyond the obvious language practice I get How do you hope to make an impact on Taiwan today. If I can impart that same confidence on my students here, then I here, Taiwan’s nuanced history, from your students? know they will at least come to school each I really hope to ensure that my students Japanese and Chinese occupation, to its long path towards democracy, is feel confident and smart when learning day with a little bit more of an interest to English and know it’s not an impossible know, learn, do and see more. How did it feel to earn a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award? It was pretty surreal. I heard back from Fulbright back in April that I was an alternate, and it wasn’t until late July that I was promoted. So, one moment, I was living in Boston after graduating, and within a week, I moved back home to begin my visa process to head to Taiwan in August. It all happened so fast, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

40 Winter 2026

fascinating, and living here gives me the opportunity to understand how it bleeds into everyday culture. Also, as someone who wants to pursue a career in energy politics and East Asia, it’s important to me to live here and learn from the culture.

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&DRINK

FOOD

NEW TIDES

Little Betty Sea Bar brings a fresh seafood experience to Mountain Brook. BY HANNA ALLEN PHOTOS BY TAYLOR HAGER MountainBrookMagazine.com 43

When Jamey Shirah and his team opened Little Betty Steak Bar, they had seafood in mind. There was just one problem: They ran out of room.

When the space next door became available, the opportunity was clear. Instead of squeezing seafood into its steakhouse menu, the team created an entirely new concept: Little Betty Sea Bar, a seafood-driven restaurant that expands on the Japanese and Italian influences found at its neighbor.

Located next door to Steak Bar in Mountain Brook’s Lane Parke, Sea Bar is intentionally different from its sister restaurant while remaining part of the same family.

44 Winter 2026

Where Steak Bar is dark and masculine with the classic atmosphere of a steakhouse, Sea Bar takes a lighter approach. Natural light pours through a wall of windows, while shades of light green, blush, tan and white create a softer, more elegant setting.

MountainBrookMagazine.com 45

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Jamey describes the two restaurants as “yin and yang.” Sea Bar’s menu offers traditional seafood alongside sushi, sashimi and dishes that draw from Asian and Italian flavors. The restaurant also offers a market fish option, while small bites and shareable dishes create a more flexible dining experience. The restaurant’s current menu centers on seafood, including oysters, crudo and wood-fired specialties. “You can have the same quality experience, the same quality environment, same quality hospitality and in another really beautiful and stunning space,” Jamey says. “But it’s totally different.” That difference can be seen throughout the menu. One of Sea Bar’s biggest early successes has been its Wagyu fried rice. Jamey says the restaurant sold roughly 1,000 plates during its first three months, sometimes serving

about 30 orders in a single shift. For Jamey, some of the restaurant’s most memorable dishes are a little more unexpected. His personal favorite is the truffle bomb, which combines fatty tuna belly, truffle, soy and caviar. “It’s absolutely dynamite,” he says. “It’s probably maybe my favorite thing on the menu.” The baked king crab hand rolls have also surprised him. “I’m not the biggest crab fan on the planet, but those are just superb,” he says. Another standout is The Avocado, a dish that starts with a simple half avocado but adds crispy garlic, puffed rice and a wasabi vinaigrette. The Whole Crispy Branzino takes a similarly thoughtful approach. The fish is filleted and cooked in individual pieces before being reassembled on the plate to resemble a whole branzino, allowing diners to enjoy the presentation without having to

debone the fish themselves. Thai flavors add another layer to the dish. Behind each of these dishes is a simple philosophy: Start with good ingredients and let them speak for themselves. Sea Bar sources as much local produce as possible, including Gulf oysters and Chilton County strawberries, while also bringing in peaches from Georgia and other ingredients from across the Southeast. Executive Chef Kyle Biddy, who oversees both restaurants, spends considerable time seeking out highquality ingredients. “If you have really good ingredients, then you don’t have to do a ton to make them shine,” Jamey says. “Nature’s kind of the star, and we’re just trying to show her off a little bit.” That philosophy extends to the restaurant’s cocktail program, where drinks are designed to complement the food rather than compete with it. Sea Bar’s cocktails incorporate

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MountainBrookMagazine.com 47

fresh ingredients and flavors that reflect the restaurant’s Japanese, Italian and seafood influences, including yuzu, cucumber, smoked pineapple and grapefruit. Jamey’s favorite is the Lost Lake, a rum-based drink with passion fruit, pineapple and Campari that leans into a tropical, tiki-inspired flavor profile. “You want to figure out what the food is that you’re offering, how is it going to be cooked, what are those flavor profiles, and then you want to match your cocktails,” Jamey says. That attention to cohesion carries into the restaurant itself. Jamey grew up around hospitality, spending much of his childhood at his family’s commercial quail preserve. The property operated as a lodge, where he spent time around the kitchen, laundry room and guest rooms. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Georgia. When he lost the HOPE Scholarship

during his first semester, he began working in bars to help pay for school. He started working the door before moving into bartending and management and eventually opened his first bar, The Ivy, in Atlanta after graduating. Jamey still lives in Atlanta, where he has been based for roughly 15 years. His connection to Birmingham began with The Southern, which became the group’s first Birmingham business and helped the team build relationships in the city. Those relationships eventually helped bring Little Betty to Mountain Brook. Jamey says the decision to open the steakhouse came after John Evans, who owns the land where Little Betty is located, approached the group about opening a steakhouse. The two sides worked on the project for several years before it came to fruition. The move into restaurants was also part of a larger evolution for Jamey and his team. As he got older, married

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and had children, the bar and nightlife scene became less appealing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurants in the group also proved more resilient than some of its bars and nightclubs, reinforcing the decision to focus more heavily on food and hospitality. That history has shaped the way Jamey approaches Birmingham, a city he says has been home to the group for years. “I was really surprised at how many people out of the gate were so excited and grateful for us coming there,” Jamey says. Now, customers who live within just a few hundred yards of the restaurants return regularly, creating the kind of neighborhood connection

that Jamey says is essential to a restaurant’s success. “People from the community have to support you,” he says. “They have to believe in what you’re doing. They have to like what you’re doing, and you have to support them on the flip side of that.” That response has been especially noticeable with Sea Bar. Jamey says the restaurant’s reception has been even bigger than what the team saw when Little Betty opened. For Jamey, that relationship ultimately comes back to one word: hospitality. “Service is a sequence of steps that you follow to get food to the table and drinks to the table and check people out,” he says. “But hospitality is how

2823 18th St. S, Homewood 50 Winter 2026

you make them feel when they’re there.” At both restaurants, that feeling begins with the people who make up the restaurants. Jamey says the team looks for naturally hospitable people because genuine care for guests is difficult to teach. He describes the restaurant experience as a series of hundreds of small interactions, each one capable of adding to or taking away from how a guest feels. That feeling is what Sea Bar hopes to offer—not simply a meal, but an experience where guests feel welcomed, remembered and cared for. To view the menu or for more information, visit littlebettyseabar.com.

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MountainBrookMagazine.com 51

FOOD & DRINK

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Kyle Biddy

Little Betty Sea Bar Executive Chef PHOTO BY TAYLOR HAGER

On Tuesday, March 10, Little Betty Sea Bar opened its doors for the first time in Lane Parke. Located next door to its sister concept, Little Betty Steak Bar, the new establishment is led by executive chef Kyle Biddy and is the second concept from Revival Restaurant Group now open in Mountain Brook. Here, Kyle discusses the menu’s coastal influence and “must-try” items. Where did the idea for Little Betty Sea Bar originate, and what led the team to open next door to its sister restaurant? Once we opened Steak Bar we knew the natural progression would likely be a seafood concept to complement our footprint as a steakhouse. As it worked out, Melt was moving its location, and we secured first rights to the space adjacent to Steak Bar. That further drove home the idea that we could have a “dual” restaurant: steaks, pasta, a moody, date-night-andcelebration spot on one side and a brighter, lighter, seafood-focused love letter to the coast next door. It’s a rare opportunity that I would count as extremely lucky.

things I’ve never done to keep it exciting. I love where our menu landed. It’s balanced with a lot of raw and sushi items but also plenty of crispy, spicy and savory dishes, allowing guests to have a variety of experiences under our roof.

What do you consider the ideal menu pairing? I feel it’s important to involve our sommelier team for this question. The very talented Johnny Harrington, who has been with us since opening, and our recent addition, Carlos Cisneros, has truly cemented us as one of the top wine programs in Alabama. We were just recognized with our third Wine Spectator Award of How did you approach developing the Excellence, three years running. That being menu, particularly with Japanese said, I tapped Carlos for this one, and here is his response: “I would pair the Sticky Toffee influence? I took inspiration from my background Madeleines with Henrique’s y Henrique’s working in sushi programs at steakhouses Madeira. The Madeira in itself has a toffee, around the country, experiences dining at caramel-like profile. In my opinion, we don’t the beach, my favorite Japanese dishes and drink enough Madeira. This sweet dessert omakase restaurants I’ve visited. Benjie and wine from Portugal paired with a dessert Jamey Shirah are passionate about sushi, so like this is like syrup on pancakes.” we knew that would be a big part of our menu. From there, I started piecing together Which dish is unlike anything else you unique ideas, plays on dishes I’ve created in can order in Birmingham? The Avocado is one of our most visually other parts of my career and a handful of striking and unique dishes, which is 52 Winter 2026

certainly hard to match. We slice an avocado horizontally, hide a few surprises inside the cavity and garnish it with togarashi-puffed rice, crispy garlic chips, young cilantro and Maldon salt. The star is the sauce: our wasabi vinaigrette. It’s equal parts sweet and spicy, and it cuts through the rich avocado beautifully to create an amazing bite. What distinguishes Little Betty Sea Bar from other eateries in the area? Sea Bar brings a seafood experience to Birmingham unlike anywhere else in town— that’s our superpower. It begins with amazing hospitality from our service team. We open the door when you arrive, crumb the table after each course, have the most extensive sake program in town, ensure you don’t want or need anything during your time with us and pair that with great food. We’re hospitality driven at our core and love taking special care of guests who join us for any occasion. Little Betty Sea Bar is located at 1011 Jemison Lane and is open TuesdayThursday from 5-9 p.m. and FridaySaturday from 5-10 p.m. Call 205-3154080 or visit littlebettyseabar.com for more information.

MountainBrookMagazine.com 53

2026

IMPACT REPORT Kids. Kindness. Partnership. Impact.

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A Statement from Our Founders To o u r 1 7 C h a r i t y P a r t n e r s - T H A N K YO U . T h a n k y o u f o r t r u s t i n g u s , showing us where the needs are greatest, and getting up every day to do the work that changes lives. This has never been about the Sandlin Foundation doing it alone. This is about a community working together. -Sandy and Dwight Sandlin

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&STYLE

HOME

BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS Sanjeev and MaryAnn Hasabnis’ love for the community extends through their open doors and open hearts. BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY MountainBrookMagazine.com 57

When Sanjeev and MaryAnn Hasabnis set their sights on a 1967 fixer-upper in Mountain Brook, they never imagined the finished product yielding an opportunity to bless others in need. The Hasabnises’ home was featured on the 2025 Samford University Legacy League Christmas Home Tour after a friend of the family attended the couple’s “We’re 100 Party,” a celebration of Sanjeev’s and MaryAnn’s combined ages, in December 2024. Their family friend thought the couple’s newly renovated home would be the perfect showstopper on the tour, and after being approached with the idea, Sanjeev and MaryAnn happily accepted. The couple had just finished a 15-month-long renovation in May 2024; the process included a full gut job down to the studs, leaving only two rooms intact to the original floorplan. Sitting on three acres and spanning more than 7,000 square feet, the home is a patch of paradise secluded from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and yet, it is located mere minutes from the start of their daily commutes. The founder and principal designer behind MASH Design House, MaryAnn recruited fellow designer Nicole Roby of Rome Curate and homebuilder Bryan Noland of Streamline Home Services for the undertaking. The dynamic trio focused on paying tribute to the original bones while expanding the square footage to

58 Winter 2026

accommodate the newly blended family’s needs. An additional 10 feet was added both to the kitchen and patio, while two garages, an entertainment suite and a home theater were incorporated into the build. One of the most dramatic changes, however, took place in the entryway; its ceiling height was raised from nine to 18 feet to display part of the family’s extensive art collection. Throughout the home, MaryAnn focused on utilizing a neutral palette with silver and gold accents to create a clean aesthetic, allowing for her family’s more vibrant pieces to shine. The pride of their art collection, an original Rembrandt, “The Descent from the Cross,” adorns the den’s dextral wall and was procured from Park West Gallery. Other carefully curated pieces such as the den’s ottoman were sourced from Rome Curate, adding an upscale-yet-unpretentious look to each space without overwhelming the home’s personality. A labor of love, this design process was worth every month in anticipation for the family. Though it began with renderings of potential, it ended with the beginning of a new chapter for Sanjeev and MaryAnn—their home’s part in raising funds for need-based scholarships and the first of many of what the family hopes will be opportunities to bless others in the community.

2026 SAMFORD UNIVERSITY LEGACY LEAGUE CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR

Foyer Setting the tone for the rest of the home, the foyer creates a striking first impression; its soaring height draws the eye upward, placing emphasis on the Fraser fir in the corner and the original, triplet abstracts by Tim Yanke on the interior’s focal wall.

Taking place on Thursday, Dec. 10, the Christmas Home Tour will feature two different show times—10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 4-8 p.m. Attendees can purchase tickets for either viewing but will only be able to tour during their ticketed time block. This year, homes across Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia Hills will be showcased, and funds raised will directly go towards need-based scholarships for Legacy League students. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit samford.edu/legacyleague. MountainBrookMagazine.com 59

Den The heart of the home, the den is the site of fellowship within the home. While gorgeous details such as Rembrandt’s “The Descent from the Cross” or the marble fireplace elevate the visual appeal, the room’s feng shui adequately falls in line with the family’s daily lives. Many a hours-long Monopoly marathon have taken place on the center ottoman.

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Dining Room At the hearth, the dining room table is a gorgeously refinished classic from Birmingham Wholesale. Adorning the ceiling above, the chandelier is from Visual Comfort and exudes such an intimately lit glow that engulfs the room. The Simon Pearce Christmas tree figurines were sourced from Bromberg’s.

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Kitchen Desiring a clean aesthetic, Sanjeev and MaryAnn opted for a light and airy utilitarian space, meshing both beauty and practicality. Pairing white quartz countertops from Alabama Stone Works and metallic hardware from Brandino Brass, the kitchen perfectly complements the home’s more neutral palette. Adjacent to the kitchen is the family’s wine cellar, whose door the couple got to design and pick themselves.

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Living Room Naturally drawn to shades of green, MaryAnn incorporated a beautiful green suede sofa and matching chairs to anchor her living room. Details such as her Alabaster Solitaire tabletop game and her Spirit of Junior Miss Candelabra create such eye-popping talking points that perfectly enhance the room’s character.

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Master Bedroom MaryAnn’s love for two-toned accents shines through in the master bedroom; she layered neutral textiles and textured drapery for an added depth in her designs.

Patio One of MaryAnn’s favorite areas, the patio provides such respite on a long, busy day. Sitting outdoors, one can spot deer scampering along or hear the rushing waters of the nearby brook. MaryAnn herself designed the custom outdoor fireplace.

Rooted in Relationships. Growing Together. In Mountain Brook, we've found more than a place to live; we've found our people and our home. And we're committed to preserving and strengthening this special community for generations to come. MountainBrookMagazine.com 65

Home Theater Family movie nights at the Hasabnis house got a major upgrade with the added theater’s leather recliners and ginormous film screen.

Entertainment Suite The entertainment suite features an elongated wet bar and pool table perfect for hosting guests.

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FAITH FOCUS IN

Portraits of Hope is helping women in need of a second chance see themselves, often for the first time, how the Lord sees them: redeemed, loved and created for a purpose.

By ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE & CONTRIBUTED

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Portraits are more than a reflection. They’re tangible proof that each person is made in God’s image—the very foundation of Portraits of Hope, Inc., a Birmingham-based nonprofit founded by Mountain Brook resident Beverly McNeil. According to its website, “Portraits of Hope, Inc. provides support, encouragement, love and hope to women and their children facing life’s challenges after incarceration, drug addiction and domestic violence.” After her husband began working at the Lovelady Center, Beverly soon started volunteering there in 2019, first by leading a Bible study with some of the women. “I just fell in love with all of the ones I got to know,” she says. While volunteering, Beverly got the idea to create a coffee-table-style book of portraits of the Lovelady Center graduates. Having spent decades in the industry, Beverly first began selling portraits in

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1986 and later founded Portrait Brokers of America. Years later in 2008, she purchased the oldest and largest portrait commission company in the country, Portraits, Inc., soon representing thousands of artists across the nation. In 2019, she approached several artists about donating their time and talents to paint the graduates, and to her excitement, many agreed. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more artists came on board, making the trek to Birmingham to meet their models and visit the Lovelady Center or FaceTime them for their sessions. “They just couldn’t get over what they had seen and witnessed,” Beverly says. “They were so moved. There’s no other place like it. They really felt God’s presence there.” In 2022, Portraits of Hope, Inc. earned nonprofit status, the same year “Portraits of Hope” was published.

Rosie Mullen-Painting by Ellen Cooper

Amy Brekle-Painting by Melissa Crawford

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Beverly McNeil and Marne Wood

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Beverly began touring different venues across the country, providing a platform for several graduates to share their testimonies. Everywhere they went, people heard the graduates’ stories, saw their portraits and immediately felt moved to help in some way. People began sharing what they had heard on social media, drawing in substantial-yet-unexpected donations. Today, the nonprofit has raised more than $1 million. These financial blessings, Beverly decided, would directly benefit graduates transitioning from the Lovelady Center to independent life. On portraitsofhope.charity, the nonprofit’s vision is to “highlight the difficulties these women and children must overcome in order to break the cycle of a life that has left them feeling worthless, broken and without hope. The goal of Portraits of Hope, Inc. is to help these women and children understand God’s clear message, ‘You are worthy,’ and to provide support as they transition to their new lives.” The Lovelady Center offers a nine-to-12-month program for women to undergo, and while the change graduates experience is often profound, there are still a mountain of hurdles for them to overcome post-graduation.

“The transformation that happens in a lady’s life there is unbelievable,” says Marne Wood, executive director of Portraits of Hope. Marne, a Mountain Brook resident herself, first became introduced to the Lovelady Center after she had the opportunity to meet several of the children living there years prior. After her own children got older, she slowly returned to the workforce parttime and reached out to Beverly about working at Portraits of Hope, Inc. Instead, Beverly connected Marne with the Lovelady Center. Marne’s first task was helping coordinate the Legacy of Love Dinner, the Lovelady Center’s largest fundraiser, allowing her to raise awareness of the wonderful things God was doing in these women’s lives throughout the greater Birmingham community. “That’s been really my part behind Portraits of Hope is bridging the gap from the Birmingham community with the Lovelady Center and graduate community,” she says. Finding well-paying jobs and stable housing remain graduates' utmost priorities, but without transportation, these goals are often unfeasible. A solution was found in First Fruits Ministries. This organization began partnering with Portraits

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of Hope, Inc. to become connected with graduates in need and provide them with reliable vehicles. Ashley Chasse, director of communications for Portraits of Hope, Inc., graduated from the Lovelady Center in 2021 and began working at Portraits of Hope, Inc. part-time. She was given $500 in financial transitional support to regain her driver’s license and to help with the down payment on her first reliable car. “I know firsthand what it looks like to find a good job, to find a career, and if you don’t have the right people and the opportunities, then you know that may not ever happen,” she says. Today, she now can help bless other graduates just as she was, and to her, that alone is enough. “It’s really brought me a lot of purpose and a lot of joy to have a job that means something. I can help other women overcome some of the same obstacles,” she says. The nonprofit’s reach extends far beyond its car program, however. Board member Kate McKnight recognized the importance of graduates developing meaningful relationships with others in the community and spearheaded the mentorship program, where a

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graduate is paired with a mentor to walk alongside her during each phase in transition. “It’s just beautiful to see the friendships that are formed,” Ashley says. “We’re seeing both the mentor gaining so much out of it and the mentee. It really goes both ways.” One mentor helped a graduate take her daughter to Six Flags for the first time in their lives. Other mentors have treated graduates to dinner, and for many of them, it was the first time they had ever experienced being out to eat. Marne says the Lovelady Center houses more than 500 women and 120 children, so transitioning from being amongst so many to independent life can be daunting. Even so, she believes these ties of fellowship strengthen each graduate’s resolve to face their challenges head on with the knowledge that they are never alone in their journeys. “I think another beautiful thing about Portraits of Hope is we are trying to extend the community,” Marne says. “When you graduate, if you move out, you can become very isolated. Isolation is fuel for relapse, addiction and depression.”

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The workforce development program is another facet of Portraits of Hope, Inc. Ignited in 2024, this six-week program is a paid internship for graduates to learn resume writing, interviewing skills, appropriate work attire and more. This program is designed to help graduates think bigger, attain the necessary skills and earn positions that pay more than minimum wage. During the final week of the program, graduates will get to work with the nonprofit’s partner employers, with the possibility of becoming hired at one of these locations. If they’re not, the nonprofit will continue to help these individuals network to find well-paying jobs. Regions Bank began partnering with Portraits of Hope, Inc. during its early days and has remained one of the nonprofit's biggest financial partners. The bank has also taught courses on financial literacy at the Portraits of Hope gallery. Alex Sherman, founder of Brothers Roasting Co., is also partnering with Portraits of Hope, Inc. and helped design Cup of Hope, the nonprofit’s in-house coffee shop. The coffee shop will be employed by graduates having undergone Alex’s training and will exclusively brew and sell retail bags of Brothers Roasting coffee. The goal is for graduates to gain valuable experience here before landing other long-term employment elsewhere. “We will train them, they’ll work and then the goal is they’ll have a very usable skill that can take them beyond Cup of Hope,” Marne says. These initiatives have created life-changing opportunities for many graduates who, prior to working with Portraits of Hope, Inc., would have never dreamed they would have. “If you don’t know what you’re capable of, a lot of that comes with a lot of shame if you went through addiction or domestic violence or whatever it may be,” Ashley says. “One of the beautiful things for me personally and with other girls that’s been through the internship with Portraits of Hope is that it’s really given me more confidence in who I am.” The cornerstone of Portraits of Hope, Inc. are the portraits themselves. Released in 2024, the second edition of “Portraits of Hope” features 65 portraits accompanied by each graduate’s testimony, 21 of which are new to this edition. The entire collection is a celebration of women reborn in Jesus Christ and the light faith carries in even the darkest depths of despair. “The portraits help them see themselves in a new light,” Ashley says. Beverly’s hope is for each graduate to see 76 Winter 2026

herself as God sees her—not for her past, but as a daughter of the Most High, loved beyond measure. “We want them to realize how beautiful they are inside and out,” she says. “They’re truly forgiven.” Portraits of Hope, Inc. also hosts community groups, Bible studies and workshops with graduates to foster fellowship. During the workshops, graduates can create works of art and get paid for them as well. “God created us to be creative,” Beverly says. Since its inception, the nonprofit has gained widespread attention nationally and now has a gallery in downtown Birmingham featuring the original portraits. Several have also been displayed at exhibits at Samford University, the Salmagundi Club in New York and the Booth Museum in Georgia. Although portraits are how the nonprofit got its start, Marne says its ultimate mission is to remove the stigma surrounding recovery. “The same issues that the women that went

“God created us to be creative.” -Beverly McNeil through the Lovelady Center have dealt with happen in all the communities of Birmingham,” she says. “Addiction doesn’t have barriers.” Ashley has felt this firsthand. Several years ago, she was reluctant to share her story of overcoming addiction. Today, she will tell anyone who will listen, even if only for the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ and how this love transformed her life. “Now, I just tell people because I know that’s

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what God wants me to do,” she says. “What would be the point of me going through all the hardships that I went through if I wasn’t going to use it for good?” Marne believes that portraits create avenues of possibilities—they open a window for people to view themselves how God and others appreciate them. “God created us to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever,” Marne says. “How can you do that? Well, serving yourself will never do that. When you get involved with Portraits of Hope and the Lovelady Center, you are living out what the Bible calls us to do: love others and walk alongside them.” Thanks to Portraits of Hope, Inc., Lovelady Center graduates are starting to view the world they once knew in a new light, and often for the first time, recognize the God-given purpose they are given to fulfill within it. Those interested in purchasing copies of “Portraits of Hope,” visit portraitsofhope. charity. To learn more information about the nonprofit and how to volunteer or donate, contact portraitsofhopebham@gmail.com. Brenda Anderson Bush-Painting by David Goatley

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HIT THE ROAD

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Formerly a logging and sawmill town, Leavenworth, Washington, was renovated in the 1960s to attract more visitors. Now, this Bavarianstyle gem in the Pacific Northwest is hard to beat when looking for traditional, Christmas charm that feels like it’s out of a movie. By Kate Seaver | Photos by Abendblume Pension, Colchuck’s, Hotel Pension Anna, Kristall’s Restaurant and Lounge, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, Leavenworth Sleigh Rides, Leavenworth Ski Hill, Rhein Haus and The Gingerbread Factory

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HIT THE ROAD

Have you ever dreamed about taking a trip to the Alps but never made it happen? Allow yourself to be introduced to Leavenworth, Washington, a town that provides the alpine experience without the hazard of applying for a passport. A Bavarianstyle village in the midst of the Cascade Range, Leavenworth is located between Seattle and Spokane. Although Leavenworth is worth visiting in every season, it especially shines during Christmastime, when the snow-covered town is bedecked in lights for the entire season.

HOW TO GET THERE Since the town lies in the heart of the mountains, it is helpful to arrange transportation to reach Leavenworth. Leavenworth is about two-and-a-half hours from Sea-Tac Airport (SEA), 40 minutes from Pangborn/East Wenatchee Airport (EAT) and three-and-a-half hours from Spokane Airport (GEG). Rent a car to drive to town, or take Wenatchee Valley Shuttles. The shuttles pick up from Sea-Tac airport and drop off in Peshastin, about four miles from downtown Leavenworth. Once you arrive, Leavenworth is a primarily walkable town, and Leavenworth Shuttle and Taxi can accommodate all other transportation necessities.

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The History of Leavenworth How did a town in the middle of Washington become the tourist destination it is today? Before it was a Bavarian village, Leavenworth was a logging and sawmill town that thrived along with the railroad industry. However, when the railroad was rerouted and the sawmill closed in the 1920s, the town struggled for many years. In the 1960s, town leaders had the idea to renovate the town to give it a Bavarian theme to draw in more visitors and help the town survive. Along with changing the appearance, they began festivals and events to cultivate the atmosphere they were creating. The renovation idea worked! The town began booming and growing to become the dreamy destination it is today. To learn even more about Leavenworth’s intriguing history and the Native American inhabitants prior to the settlers, visit Greater Leavenworth Museum during your trip. For more information before you go, visit leavenworth.org and leavenworthvacationhomes.com.

Abendblume Pension

WHERE TO STAY Even the lodgings of Leavenworth stay on theme. Hotel Pension Anna is a family-run, old-world, Bavarian farmhouse with real German antiques. Every morning they provide a German breakfast at no extra cost, and it is right off Front Street, so you can easily walk anywhere you need to go. The business also has two other lodgings: Alte Kapelle, a genuine 1910 chapel renovated to be an inn, and Landhaus Erika, a boutique hotel inspired by Austria’s Tyrol region. Less than a mile away from Leavenworth is Abendblume Pension, a charming, country bed-and-breakfast with wood burning fireplaces where guests can curl up with a good book. Be aware, this B & B is reserved for adults only. Bavarian Lodge provides modern Bavarian charm with a variety of rooms to suit whatever needs your family may have. It’s full of heartwarming personal touches and features in-house dining at Woodsman Pub.

Hotel Pension Anna

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HIT THE ROAD

Rhein Haus

WHERE TO EAT Restaurants in Leavenworth fully lean into the Bavarian inspiration and offer a variety of American and German cuisine. Kristall’s Restaurant and Lounge is one of the oldest restaurants in Leavenworth, serving American, family-style food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be sure to try its popular burgers and onion rings. Colchuck’s is a family-friendly restaurant in the middle of downtown, and among their German selections, they serve sausages, schnitzels with a modern twist and German beers.

Colchuck’s

The Gingerbread Factory

Rhein Haus serves brats, schnitzels and pretzels. Be sure to eat on the four-seasons patio on Thursdays when they have live music. For a sweet treat, head to The Gingerbread Factory. This bakery has it all from cookies, ice cream and other delicious desserts to breakfast foods and lunch wraps. Kristall’s Restaurant and Lounge

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WHAT TO DO

Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

Leavenworth has something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a mountain adventure or a cozy vacation. For the adrenaline junkie, Leavenworth Ski Hill has it all in one place. The hill provides access to both Alpine and Nordic skiing, as well as snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing. Perhaps one of the best features is the sledding hill next to The Pub at the Club. Parents can sit with a drink and bite to eat while the kids sled to their hearts’ content. Another adventurous snow activity, snowmobiling, begins around mid-December, depending on the snow conditions. To experience, book a tour with Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours. For a more relaxing trip activity, catch a ride with Leavenworth Sleigh Rides. Sleigh rides can take up to six people and include a stop around a fire with hot cider. Make sure to bring your own blankets! To continue the Christmas cheer, book a visit to Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. Experience the reindeer up close, feed them by hand and climb into Santa’s sleigh. Tickets can sell out several months in advance for the most popular November and December tours, so be sure to book yours as soon as possible!

Leavenworth Sleigh Rides

Leavenworth Ski Hill

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5. Le Creuset 6.5 Qt. Dutch Oven

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10. Orbix Bowl The versatile sprinkle bowl is hand blown by Orbix Hot Glass. Orbix is an award-winning glass company in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. $69. Alabama Goods. Homewood | Hoover. alabamagoods.com.

11. HydraFacial The perfect gift? A refreshing, personalized treatment that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates for an instantly refreshed, healthy-looking glow. It’s the perfect way to give someone a little time for themselves and a glow they’ll love long after the holidays. Gunn Dermatology. Mountain Brook. gunndermatology.com.

12. LuLu Mac Sweatshirt The LuLu Mac Sweatshirt is topping every teen’s Christmas wish list! Cozy, cute, and effortlessly stylish, it’s the perfect gift they’ll wear on repeat. Starting at just $63, it’s a holiday must-have this season! GiGi’s. Cahaba Heights. gigisbham.com.

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15. Baby Ganz Collection Wooden Playset

Give little ones a gift made for discovery with Baby Ganz Collection wooden toy sets. Featuring charming designs for hands-on play, these timeless treasures encourage early learning while making sweet keepsakes for growing families. $29.99. Smitherman’s Pharmacy. Montevallo. Find us on Facebook.

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19. 24+7 Weekender Duffle in Ice Blue This is the perfect, machine-washable, lightweight travel partner with enough pockets and compartments to provide ultimate organization. The stay-together strap helps secure the shoulder straps, keeping them on your shoulder where they belong. The Blue Willow. Cahaba Heights. thebluewillow.com.

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20. Heritage Mahjong Tiles Timeless, refined, and effortlessly elegant. The Heritage Mahjong Tiles are a beautiful nod to tradition with a thoughtfully modern touch — crisp white faces, rich layered edges in soft sage and deep olive tones, and a printed burl wood tile back that gives each piece a warmly layered, heirloom-quality finish. $475. At Home Furnishings. Homewood. shopathomefurnishings.com.

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25. Montemaré For the woman who is always on the go, Montemaré is a gift that combines timeless style with everyday practicality. From chic crossbodies to thoughtfully designed travel bags, each piece makes staying organized feel a little more luxurious. Whether she’s heading to the airport, commuting to work, or planning her next getaway, Montemaré is a thoughtful gift she’ll reach for long after the holidays. $30-$220. Wrapsody. Hoover | Homewood | Trussville | Madison | Auburn. shopwrapsody.com.

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28. Yellow Gold Fashion Ring 14KT yellow gold fashion ring with 68 round diamonds weighing 1.08 carat total weight. Southeastern Jewelers. Hoover. southeasternjewelers.net.

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30. Lila + Hayes Pajamas Make Christmas memories even sweeter with matching Lila + Hayes pajamas for the whole family! Perfect for Christmas morning, holiday photos, and cozy traditions. These festive favorites range from $51-$74. The Lili Pad. Cahaba Heights. lilipadbham. com.

31. Petite Gold Cross Necklaces Necklaces featuring Ruby or Emerald with Diamond Accents. Call JB & CO for your appointment to let expert jeweler John Bromberg help you select the perfect gift. $1,650. JB & CO. Jewelry Boutique. Mountain Brook. jbandcojewelry. com.

32. Pomegranate Artpiece Puzzles Give the gift of creativity and relaxation with Pomegranate Artpiece puzzles. Featuring beautiful artwork and intricate details, these engaging puzzles offer a rewarding challenge for art lovers, puzzle enthusiasts and cozy nights in. $24.95. Falcon Art Supply. Montevallo. falconartsupply.com.

33. 14kt White Gold Sapphire & Natural Diamond Ring 1.79ct blue round sapphire with .68ct round natural diamonds. List price $6,300. 25% off sale price $4,725. Cummings Jewelry. Cahaba Heights. cummingsjewelrydesign.com.

34. Webkinz Plushies Give the gift of nostalgia with Webkinz plushies! These adorable, cuddly companions make delightful gifts for kids and collectors alike, offering soft snuggles, lovable personalities and timeless charm for every generation. Jubilee Gift Market. Montevallo. jubileegiftmarket.com.

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35. lola BLANKETS As the first retailer to introduce Birmingham to Lola blankets, Tracy-Barrett Interiors is thrilled to continue being your primary source for these luxe washable faux fur blankets! We listen to our customers’ requests and stock a variety of colors, patterns and sizes. Original Large $325; Medium $275; Baby/Travel $125. Tracy-Barrett Interiors. Homewood. Find us on Facebook.

36. Glo2Facial Give the gift of glowing skin and welldeserved indulgence this Christmas. Tanology’s Glo2Facial is a luxurious, personalized experience designed to leave skin radiant and refreshed. Gift cards are available for facials and our full menu of beauty services - the perfect gift of beauty, relaxation, and self-care. $200. Tanology. Cahaba Heights. tanologybeautybar.com.

37. Coffee & Wine Shop Meri Moon’s signature coffee roast, coffeethemed gifts and a thoughtfully curated wine collection. Not sure which bottle to choose? The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect bottle for any wine drinker. Prices Vary. Meri Moon. Montevallo. merimoon.com.

38. Cast Iron Alabama Servering Tray Whether you say, “Roll Tide,” or “War Eagle,” this enamel, cast aluminum serving tray is the perfect accessory to spice up your game day or tailgating dinners. $62.50. Christopher Collections. Homewood. christophercollection. com.

39. 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 Hills | Greystone | Homewood | Huntsville. cookiefix.com.

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Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce C O N N E C T I O N S

Ribbon Cuttings

New Members UAB Advancement Magic City Investigations Well Rooted Functional Medicine Park Place Capital Craze Graze HUM Concierge Agency, LLC Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Northwestern Mutual Liberty Liquor

Daughters Baking’s Fifth Birthday Party

Low Latency Communications, LLC Village Sportswear Ronald McDonald House Alabama Woody’s Bar + Food

Liberty Liquor

101 HOYT LANE 94 Winter 2026

MTN. BROOK, ALABAMA 35213

F i n d U s O n l i ne

Access our member directory

Upcoming Events

in Mountain Brook

crestline village open house NOV. 19 mtn brook village open house dec. 3

holiday parade december 6 english village open house dec. 10

NOV. 19 Crestline Holiday Open House DEC. 3 Mountain Brook Village & Lane Parke Holiday Open House DEC. 6 Mountain Brook Holiday Parade DEC. 10 English Village Holiday Open House

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

205 - 871 - 3779

WWW.MTNBROOKCHAMBER.ORG MountainBrookMagazine.com 95

OUT & ABOUT

MOUNTAIN BROOK MARKET DAY

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

On Saturday, July 18, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce hosted Mountain Brook Market Day, partnering with local businesses to incentivize shoppers to peruse some neat finds, get some great discounts and support local and family-owned businesses. 1.

Will Cousins and Claire

The Lunghino family

Daniel and Melanie Perkins

Hannah Pinckard, Shelby Haygood, Lindy Cheshire and Ashby Shelley

Kinsman Pace and Laurel Fulcher

Joya and Jim Pickle with Piper

Walker Pittman and Anne Miller

Laurann and Emilyn Dewaard with Lauryn Cobb

Joya Stewart, Tara Ingram, Virginia Brooks Ingram and Sarah Hydinger

10. Henry Waller and Luiza Calaca with Nick and Genevieve King 11. The Vaughan family 12. Katie and Matt Bennett 13. Zoe Portis and Elli Cox

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OUT & ABOUT

Thank you to all my amazing clients and friends. Serving Mountain Brook for Over 60 Years!

I am honored to be named Best Real Estate Agent in Mountain Brook!

Voted Mountain Brook’s • Best Pizza • Best Place for a Family Outing • Best Kid-Friendly Dining

2837 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205.879.8603 • davenportspizza.com

Donna Savage 205-540-2777 MountainBrookMagazine.com 97

OUT & ABOUT

OTEY’S FEST 2026

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

On Saturday, July 25, hundreds of people flocked to Crestline to enjoy Otey’s Fest—Mountain Brook’s annual summer festival featuring live musical performances from Gri Cashio, T.U.B. and Panic Stricken. A portion of proceeds benefited the Phoenix Club of Birmingham. 1.

Madison Woodruff and Brice Doyle

William Dunn, Bella Martina and Katie Jones

JD Phillips and Jake Bius

Abby Maziarz, Kristen McLeod, Anne Bennett Hammons, Ashlyn Glover, Taylor Phillips and Grace Garrett

Marguerite Sprain, Eugenie Allen and Reed Gaston

Morgan Mokler, Emily Giles and Harrison Hodges

Mary Sluder and Carson Pilgrim

Ellie White and Jay Bailey

Mary Reed, Amelia White and Owen Knight

10. Sarah Brockway, Ruby Thornton, Bella Huynh, Meghan Tambirin and Hope Simmons 11. Marli West and Tate Redding 12. Emory Akridge, Catherine Beard and Olivia McKean 13. Betsie Taunton, Emeline Jones, Hannah York and Becca Love

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OUT & ABOUT

Thank you for voting us as Best Pharmacy in Mountain Brook!

Your Holiday Shopping Starts With Us Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season!

(205) 871-0317 - crestlinepharmacyshop@gmail.com - 60 Church Street, Mountain Brook MountainBrookMagazine.com 99

OUT & ABOUT

MOONLIGHT MOVIES

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE

On Friday, July 31, Lane Parke hosted Moonlight Movies, inviting local patrons to the green for a showing of “Ratatouille.” 1.

Samantha and Sheila Snoddy

Leslie and Caroline Keith

The Watkins family

The Walker family

Jared and Abigail St. John

The Thomas family

Tori Krupa

The Thorpe family

The Grant family

10. The Williams family 11. The Grant family 12. The Johnson family 13. The Wilson family

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OUT & ABOUT

MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS’ FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

PHOTOS BY MOUNTAIN BROOK SCHOOLS

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, students all across Mountain Brook headed back to school for their first day of the 2026-27 academic year. 1.

Eva Naramore and Toula Adams

Josh Rector and Peter McAtee

Gigi McGowan and Elizabeth Parker

Hartley DeShazo and Graves Saia

Rivera Farlow

Miller Penkava

Carmen Licud and Lorina Napoles

Fox Nielsen

Leigh-Anne Millican and Renee Smith

10. Margaret Morris, Finley Lucas and Woods Martin 11. Sherri Whitehead, Tam Nguyen and Hazel Johnson 12. Caroline Dabal, Mary Hamner Cook, Camilla Riddle and Betsy Springfield 13. Samantha Oliphant, Kathrine Miles and Anne Elliot Turner

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OUT & ABOUT

WE ARE PROUD TO

OFFER MANY DIFFERENT

TECHNOLOGIES SO THAT YOU CAN GET STRAIGHT TEETH IN A WAY THAT WORKS FOR YOU. 3507 Old Montgomery Hwy, Homewood, AL 35209 205.879.0557 • backusbraces.com

Voted Mountain Brook’s Best Accounting Firm YOUR PATH TO FINANCIAL SUCCESS STARTS HERE (205)-802-7212 • borlandbenefield.com

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MOUNTAIN BROOK CHAMBER LUNCHEON

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE

On Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Country Club of Birmingham, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel of city leaders and council members to present the “State of the City Address.” 1.

Shelia Kent

Cynthia Cardona and Samil Baker

Sydney Johnson and Brooke Kline

Michael Whitten and Warren Giardina

Madison Alcaraz and Avani Patel

Kim McGuire, Ann Sanders and Oliver Walton

Rob Irby and Kate Meriwether

Dylan Angeline and Jennifer Chewning

Jennifer Cornett, Shanda Williams and Heather Richards

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POOCHES ON THE PATIO

PHOTOS BY JAMES AND RACHEL CULVER

On Wednesday, Aug. 19 at Vino, both two-legged and four-legged friends convened together for a night of camaraderie in support of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. 1.

Beth Chambers and Ruby

Trisha Davidson and Lizzy

McCoi and Biscuit

Haley Pate and Christina

Billy and Joy Cornay with Schatzi and Bijou

Caden Helms and Luna

Sarah McNeil and Cooper Jackson

Daniel and Caroline Bobbitt with Bacon

Sherwin Marashi and Baeli Porter with Tilly

10. Debbie Elsey and Layla

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FIDELITY WEALTH MANAGEMENT

IT’S YOUR STORY. IT’S YOUR PLAN.

At Fidelity, no two wealth plans are the same. That’s because no two people are the same. By taking the time to get to know you and your full financial picture, we can help you create a comprehensive plan that’s as unique as you are. Birmingham Investor Center 216 Summit Blvd, Suite 218 Birmingham, AL 35243-3507 205.983.6101

Wealth Planning Overview

Investment minimums apply. Investing involves risk, including risk of loss. The Fidelity Investments logo is a registered service mark of FMR LLC. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917 © 2026 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 1066901.16.0

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SCOTT TERRY STUDIO RIBBON CUTTING

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE BREEDLOVE

On Thursday, Sept. 17, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Scott Terry Studio, which specializes in interior design, custom floral arrangements and art. 1.

Matt Hill and Scott Terry

Kim Holland and Jennifer Matroni

Jenn Wirt and Christen Dumas

Julia and Matt Hays

Matt Hill and Sarah Carter

Kayla Minor and Lindsay Moon

Ken Webster and Shawn McGowan

Ashley Fuqua Parker and Avani Patel

Ashley Fuqua Parker, Katrina Porter, Avani Patel and Amanda Davis

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MARKETPLACE

Marketplace Mountain Brook Magazine • 205.669.3131

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. Walkin applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)4449774. 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

Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256245-6500 •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 205991-4653 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!

A C Construction, 7101 N Highfield Dr, Birmingham AL 35242 seeks 7 FT, perm Central Alabma Assemblers in Wellness Mental Apply at nearest Health Services SWA, Office locations in acastillo@acCalera, Clanton, constructionllc. Pelham, and 280! 205-651-0077 Visit com Attn our website to learn Atanacio Castillo JP#3845211 more centralal bamawellness.org ETS Restorations 110 Winter 2026

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& 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)2097787 (205)683-3257 Software Engineers III eBusiness in Birmingham, AL: Email resume to Motion Industries, Inc. at: mottalentacquisition@ motion.com (Must REF: Job Title in subject line).

positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, AL). Dev, mnge & mentor current prods engins to root-cause & solve des issues & supp all ACX Refuse engin’g needs on produc line. Must be willing to travel domestically 5%. Please submit resume to legalcompliance@ gvwgroup.com. Reference job id: 9326335.

Manufacturing Engineer – positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, AL). Responsible for manufacturing eng’ing, industrial & Production process eng’ing Engineering related functions Technician – w/in scope of Positions offered by responsibility at HL Mando America Autocar. Corporation Please submit (Hogansville, GA). resume to Increase first pass LegalCompliance@ yield by improving gvwgroup.com. measurement Reference Job ID: systems & optimize 9737474. machining processes. MONTEVALLO Submit resume to Large 2BR Duplex cindy.smith@ on dead end hlcompany.com. street, Reference Job ID: carpenter type to work for some of 8445038. rent. (205)2138550. Current Products Lead P&F COIN Engineer, ACX – COMPANY: We

Pay The Highest Prices In Town! 561 First St. N, Alabaster, AL 35007 “WE BUY & SELL GOLD & SILVER” *Scrap/ Broken Jewelry *Gold & Silver Bullion * Sterling Silverware Sets * Vintage Watches *And More! Find Us On Facebook! 205624-3033 admin@ pfcoincompany. com For All Your Masonry Needs •Block •Brick •Concrete Repair •Brick Cleaning •Painting Call 205-6430729 or email srichardson642@ gmail.com to get your FREE ESTIMATES! 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 205369-6250 Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

Allison Insurance is honored to have been recognized as the Best Insurance Agency in Mountain Brook-a reflection of the trust our clients place in us every day. Whether you need personal insurance-including home, auto, or umbrella-or business insurance, we’re here to guide you with clarity and care.

We believe strong relationships are built on trust, consistency, and genuine service. Let us show you the difference a dedicated insurance partner can make.

205-738-7444

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MY MOUNTAIN BROOK BILLY PRITCHARD Mountain Brook City Council President

Eat Local

“Tree Hugger” & Coffee A “Tree Hugger” at Church Street Coffee & Books to go along with a cup of coffee from Brent’s Chevron in Crestline fuels me for my daily morning walk with my dog, Chase.

Fellowship in Community

Mountain Brook Chamber Annual Luncheon The annual luncheon celebrates all of our wonderful businesses and recognizes a special resident who has given so much to our quality of life in Mountain Brook through the Robert Jemison Award.

Sentimental Spots

Mountain Brook Gymnasiums Ever since the 1960s, I have spent countless hours in all the gyms first as a player, then as a coach and watchful parent, and now as a grandparent. I have many great memories of thrilling victories over the last 60-plus years.

Serving Local Patrons

Mountain Brook City Council I feel privileged to work alongside my fellow councilors and get to know such incredible volunteers, all of whom give so much of their time and talents to help make Mountain Brook a special place.

Get Outdoors

Alabama Veterans Memorial Our newest park, Alabama Veterans Memorial Park, has serene views! The Wall of Honor recognizes those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the liberties we have today.

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