Mountain Brook Magazine, Summer 2024

FUNDING HOPE 49

Mountain Brook residents Lane and Kathryn Hagan are serving the special needs community through their nonprofit, Libby’s Friends.

See just who Mountain Brook’s favorites are in the winners of our annual vote.

HIGH ON BUENA VISTA 74 HIT THE ROAD

Make tracks this summer for someplace a little off the beaten path: Buena Vista, Colorado.

PHOTO BY LISA CHEEK

PHOTO BY UNTOLD IMAGERY

MOUNTAIN BROOK

EDITORIAL

Anna Grace Moore

Donald Mottern

Rachel Raiford

Mackenzee Simms

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham

CONTRIBUTORS

Lisa Cheek

Daniel Dennis

Rachel Owens

Blair Ramsey

Christiana Roussel

Kelsea Schafer

DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

Michaela Bankston

Octavia Campbell

Evann Campbell

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Lauren Morris

Viridiana Romero

ADMINISTRATION

Mary Jo Eskridge

Alec Etheredge

Stacey Meadows

Kayla Reeves

Brittany Schofield

contributors

Lisa Cheek, Photographer

Lisa is a Vestavia Hills-based photographer, who specializes in capturing diverse subjects and moments through her lens. Lisa excels in various genres including performing arts, portraits, headshots and branding. Through a blend of technical expertise and artistic vision, Lisa strives to deliver images that resonate with authenticity and capture the true spirit of her subjects. Her goal is to deliver quality work with exceptional service. To work with Lisa or view her work, visit lisacheekphotography. com or follow her on Instagram @lisa.cheekphotograpy or Facebook @lisacheekphotography.

Daniel Dennis, Photographer

Daniel is the co-founder and co-owner of Untold Imagery. He’s been practicing photography for many years, but he started pursuing it professionally in 2020. Daniel enjoys being able to compose an image in his mind and seeing it come to fruition through perfect lighting and composition. His primary focuses with photography are travel, food and branding. To learn more about Untold Imagery, follow the business on Instagram at @untold_imagery or visit untoldimagery.com.

Blair Ramsey, Photographer

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

Christiana Roussel, Writer

Christiana Roussel is a Birmingham-based, award-winning food, travel and lifestyle writer. Naturally curious, she relishes any opportunity to meet new people and explore new places. She is a proud member of the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier as well as the Industry Advisory Board of Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management. Her other interests include bourbon, bacon, a great wardrobe capsule, upland hunting, pork rinds, pilates and power walks that include four-leaf clovers and feathers. Follow her online at @christiana.roussel.

Mountain Brook Magazine is published quarterly by Shelby County Newspapers 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 Newspapers 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.

ON THE COVER

LLane and Kathryn Hagan–the founders of Libby’s Friends–often found themselves asking, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Their 9-year-old daughter, Libby, was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at birth despite Kathryn having no known complications during pregnancy or delivery.

After Libby was admitted to the NICU, the medical staff experienced a system-wide failure, administering to Libby a 100-times-overdose of insulin. This near-fatal overdose would have killed Libby had she not been intubated and has caused her an array of health conditions. Four years after Libby’s first near-death experience, Lane and Kathryn founded Libby’s Friends, which is a Mountain Brook-based nonprofit dedicated to relieving the financial burden associated with accommodating special needs lifestyles.

Since its inception in 2020, Libby’s Friends has awarded more than half a million dollars to deserving families. Interviewing Lane, I was floored by what happened to Libby. I noticed in Lane telling his story that he never once blamed God. Instead, Lane thanked God for allowing Libby to survive–to overcome every obstacle hurdled at her. Lane also seemed cheerful, explaining all of the wonderful ways Libby’s Friends has been able to bless such an underserved community.

Lane explained that while he may never know why God allows seemingly terrible things to happen to His people, everything is a part of His plan. According to both Lane and my spiritual beliefs, we are called to forgive those who hurt us, just as we, ourselves, have hurt others (Matthew 6:14).

As someone who is no stranger to grief, I felt so convicted. Here was this modern-day saint, whose daughter had experienced some of life’s greatest atrocities, and yet, he was joyful. If there’s one thing I must admit, readers, it is that forgiveness is not one of my talents. I ended up going home and ranting to God about what happened to Libby, who I had never even met. Here’s what I feel as though God told me, readers: There was only ever one good man of whom God let bad things happen (2 Corinthians 5:21).

When sin entered the world, we were separated from God, but because of Christ Jesus’ sacrifice, we can have eternal life (John 3:16). However, this does not mean the lives we live this side of Heaven will be easy, much less joyful. Nonetheless, through our faith–our own personal hotline to Jesus–we never walk alone in this life (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Readers, I hope if any of you are feeling disparaged, you will consider reading the Hagans’ story–beginning on page 49. If nothing else, I believe their testimony will refuel your faith in miracles.

Comeback Kick

The Mountain Brook High School Dorians win their first-ever national title.

Photo by Varsity Spirit and Universal Dance Association Design by Jamie Dawkins

“THE QUESTION

”

Where will your family be vacationing this summer?

We will be spending time at The Yacht Club.

-Hunter Blackburn

London!

-Daniel Dennis

Orange Beach, AL!

-Savannah Wayland

Making a trip to Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier National and Banff National!

-Jennifer Crosby

Alaskan Cruise in June and WDW in July.

-Allison Pollock Carmichael

Highlands, NC

-Kaylee Gunn

My son is taking me to Myrtle Beach. As a single mom, I can’t tell you how excited I am that he wants to take me on a vacation. I feel very blessed.

-Shelia Kent

My family and I are going back to Mexico Beach for a week because we love the quieter beaches. Seven adults and three kids—it will be fun!

-Eleanor Stenner

@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.

@dopefballhighlights

@hilbitesbham

Went and checked out the new(ish) @rougarouxbarmtnbrk in Mountain Brook Village and loved it so much I went back 24 hours later!

One of the most feared teams in Alabama. Say hello to Mountain Brook HS. The standard doesn’t change for this brotherhood. Keep the tradition alive.

@christiana.roussel

My spring 2024 travel column aligned with the five Birmingham-area magazines’ wedding issues, so I tailored the destinations accordingly. There’s a little something for everyone — proposal sites, bridesmaid and groomsmen getaways, and honeymoon ideas.

@solylunabham

Happy Pi Day! Grab a piece of our homemade vanilla flan topped with cajeta dulce de leche, Kahlua, and Rompope to celebrate!

SUMMER HAPPIEST HOUR

JULY 11

5:30-7:30 P.M.

Lane Parke

For a night out, join Lane Parke businesses for Summer Happiest Hour! This event will feature pop-up vendors, appetizers from local restaurants, beverages for purchase and more. Not only is this event free and open to the public, it is also a great night-out option that supports local businesses, too. Be sure to tag @mountainbrookmag in your #summerhappiesthour photos, and we’ll post some of our favorites in our upcoming issue.

THE GUIDE

AROUND TOWN

20

Mountain Brook Market Day

ALL DAY

Mountain Brook Village

Brought to patrons by the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, Mountain Brook Market Day is the perfect summer shopping shindig. Shoppers can peruse vendors and may even get discounted deals for the day, too. The chamber will have a tent set up in the village, in which chamber staff will be doing a shopping

giveaway! Purchasing Village Gold certificates is also a great way to get the most out of Mountain Brook Market Day. These gift certificates are strictly available for use at more than 70 Mountain Brook retailers, so by purchasing Village Gold, shoppers will be helping promote local businesses and keep tax dollars in Mountain Brook. To learn more, visit mtnbrookchamber.org/about-villagegold.

AUG. 17

Crestline Tent Sale

ALL DAY

Crestline Village

The shops of Crestline Village will be welcoming shoppers for back-to-school discounts and camaraderie as the village celebrates another wonderful end to the summer season. Be sure to stock up on all of your back-to-school clothes, shoes, school supplies and more at this event! Many Crestline retailers will also be accepting the community currency— Village Gold—which are gift certificates that can only be used at the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce’s participating Village Gold locations.

Purchase Village Gold for yourself, or buy it for a friend—either way, shoppers will be helping local retailers. Learn more at mtnbrookchamber.org/about-village-gold.

FRIDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER Storytime in the Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY Kids’ Art Camp

Thomas Andrew Art, Home & Faith 2856 18th Street South

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Gross Out Science Camp Camp Fletcher 5150 Fletcher Road

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY Summer Art Camp

Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard

SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE & JULY

Gross Out Science Camp Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive

MAY 3

Shelby County Arts Council

Student Music Recital

Shelby County Arts Council 105 West College Street

MAY 4 Art in the Village Mountain Brook City Hall

MAY 4

We Love Homewood Day Homewood Central Park

MAY 4 Art in the Lot

Trinity United Methodist Church

MAY 5

Hozier Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

MAY 5

Spring Scramble 5K 2839 18th Street South

JULY

MAY 10

‘Tails in the Trails Birmingham Zoo

MAY 11

Motherwalk & Run 5K

Homewood Central Park

MAY 11

Magic City Wine Fest Railroad Park 1600 1st Avenue South

MAY 12

Mother’s Day

MAY 18

Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue Meow-A-Thon Veterans Park 4800 Valleydale Road

MAY 19

Sean of the South “On the Air” Music Series

Shelby County Arts Council

MAY 22

Last Day of School for Mountain Brook Schools

MAY 27

Memorial Day

MAY 28-31

Enchanted Forest Morning Camp Birmingham Botanical Gardens

JUNE 5

Student Recital

O’Neal Library

JUNE 8

Run, Ride & Rumble for PTSD Awareness 4500 5th Avenue South

JUNE 8

The Molly Ringwalds Avondale Brewing Company

JUNE 9

Sean of the South “On the Air” Music Series

Shelby County Arts Council

Summer Camps

Check out these camps your kids will love this summer.

GYMNASTICS CAMP

Every week in June-July | 8 a.m.-noon or 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages: 3 and up

Mountain Brook Gymnastics mountainbrookgymnastics.com

HIP HOP CAMP 2024

June 17-21 | 9 a.m.-noon Ages: 5-11

Linda Dobbins Dance lindadobbinsdance.com

MASON MUSIC CAMPS

Vocal Performance Camp

July 8-12 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Ages: 10-15

SINGING SAFARI MUSIC CAMP FOR PRESCHOOLERS

July 15-19 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Ages: 3-5

MASON MUSIC CAMP FOR BEGINNERS

July 29-Aug. 2 | 8:30-11:30 a.m. Ages: 6-9

Mason Music (Mountain Brook Studio) masonmusic.com

NEW IN TOWN

CURRY CORNER

Local restaurateur Bhuwan Bashel will be opening an Indian restaurant, Curry Corner, at 2037 Cahaba Road in English Village. Cuisine including butter chicken, tikka masala, paneer masala, tandoori dishes, biryani varieties, pakoras and more

will be served. Be on the lookout for Mountain Brook Magazine’s announcement, welcoming Curry Corner to our community! Follow @mountainbrookmag on Instagram for updates.

STUDENTS’ CORNER

STUDENTS PERFORM AT CARNEGIE

Under the direction of James Rogers, Sarah Niedzwiecki and Dr. Michelle Smith, the Mountain Brook Junior High band performed in the New York Invitational Festival at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, March 19. The festival was created to offer young, aspiring musicians the opportunity to play on one of the world’s grandest stages. Mountain Brook Junior High was

STAY TUNED

OTEY’S FEST

As of press time, event details had not yet been confirmed about Otey’s Fest 2024, but the event will occur on Saturday, July 27. With live music, delicious food and beverages and more, this all-day festival is the perfect summer shindig. Last year, the event featured a “local beer” tent with varieties of local beverages including signature “Otey’s Tavern” cocktails. The Robert Randolph Band headlined the event, drawing crowds of hundreds. Be sure to follow

HALL

not only the only middle school/junior high school band chosen to perform, but it was also the only school from the state of Alabama to perform. The band performed all original music composed by Alabama composers Jon Bubbett, Robert W. Smith, Tyler Grant, Rob Grice and Johnnie Vinson.

@oteystavern on Instagram to stay updated on this event, and tag @mountainbrookmag in your #oteysfest photos this summer!

Share your news! Email submissions to annagrace.moore@mountainbrookmagazine.com to be considered for our next issue.

JUNE 10-14

Around the World Morning Camp

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

JUNE 11

21 Savage

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

JUNE 16

Father’s Day

JUNE 19

Juneteenth

JUNE 24-28

Backyard Wildlife Morning Camp

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

JUNE 27

I Love America Night Wald Park

JULY 8-12

Superhero Training Academy Camp

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

JULY 14

Sean of the South “On the Air” Music Series

Shelby County Arts Council

JULY 17

Denim Upcycling with Julie Maeseele O’Neal Library

JULY 26

Hootie and The Blowfish

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

AUG. 6

Barbie The Movie: In Concert

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

AUG. 14

Creed

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

AUG. 16

Train

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

AUG. 24

Back to School Bash

Patriot Park

Photo by Sean Hannon

ARTS CULTURE&

THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

Janet Sanders’s beautiful view on life is eloquently depicted through her art.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

HHuman ingenuity is intrinsically characterized through perspective–the art of depicting threedimensional reality within a two-dimensional medium. For Janet Sanders, perspective is both a way of painting and a metaphor for the best way to live life: appreciating the beauty within the mundane.

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Janet attended Henry Ford High School and was selected to participate in her school’s gifted art program. She would spend every Saturday at the Detroit Institute of Arts, studying foundations of drawing and painting from some of the world’s greatest artists.

“We’d sit in front of ‘Van Goughs’ and draw, and I thought nothing of it until I moved away and realized what I was missing,” Janet says.

After graduating, Janet attended what was then known as the newly renamed College of Creative Studies, studying pure design–the art of perspective. She says originally she wanted to be a car or

industrial designer, and learning to draw perspective improved her skill of drawing in tight spaces.

Around this time, Janet’s husband, George Sanders, got drafted to serve in Vietnam. To avoid the draft, he joined the air force, and he and Janet married and moved to his first deployment in Duluth, Minnesota.

After finishing his service with the air force, George went to college at the University of Minnesota in Duluth and studied cobol. He was later recruited to work for IBM, which moved him and his family all across the country.

Although Janet grew up in an art-focused community, she says her love for perspective art flourished even more as her family moved from place to place, helping garner her appreciation for industrial architecture.

“Drawing perspective is almost like being a little girl again,” Janet says. “You’re putting yourself into the picture. I like to paint paintings that transport

you to what might even be a European scene. People like that sort of thing here–being able to put themselves into the painting.”

While in Duluth, Janet fell in love with the community’s picturesque infrastructure. She became an interior designer for Ethan Allen, and later on, she started working at Glensheen Mansion–a historic estate first built in 1905 on the shores of Lake Superior.

Now owned by the University of Minnesota, Glensheen was donated to the college in 1979 as a historic house museum. Janet’s role managing the estate’s gift shop allowed her to preserve and showcase some of the founders’ artifacts, which amazingly, are still intact even after nearly 120 years.

Working in such an innately designed estate ignited Janet’s love for historic preservation, and possibly, the catalyst for much of her portfolio, too.

She and her family would spend the next 15 years traveling the country for George’s career, hardly spending more than a few years in any one place.

When it came time to retire, Janet and George settled in the quiet, quaint community of Crestline in Mountain Brook, where they have lived for the last 22 years.

“When we moved to Birmingham, I noticed it had the most beautiful architecture,” Janet says. “Mountain Brook Village looks like you’ve been there even if you haven’t. There are amazing buildings here.”

During her early years in Crestline, Janet enjoyed her living room window’s view of the Mountain Brook Art Association’s annual Art in the Village show, which is held each spring on the front lawn of Mountain Brook City Hall. She inquired about the show, and a local artist, Jean Black, invited her to become a member.

JOIN THE CLUB

Founded in 1981, the Mountain Brook Art Association is a community of two-dimensional artists, who live within a 25-mile radius of Mountain Brook, Alabama. This community–now with more than 150 members–serves to bring together both novices and experienced artists, celebrating talent and the pursuit of art fellowship. The association hosts workshops, where members can teach their crafts to others, as well as its annual spring art show that features the work of numerous local artists. To inquire about joining, visit mountainbrookartassociation.com.

Janet joined the Mountain Brook Art Association in 2006, and even today, she says it has been one of the best decisions of her life. She spent the next few years growing her reputation as a perspective artist and took every opportunity to surround herself with talented members.

Janet began studying under nationally-acclaimed artist Ron Lewis, who then taught adult art classes locally. Janet also began attending workshops, where she honed her talents and made more friends in the art community.

Janet served the Mountain Brook Art Association as hospitality chair from 2006-2009, then show chair from 2009-2010. In 2011, Janet was elected president of the Mountain Brook Art Association–a role she served in for three terms before stepping down and assuming her role as show chair, which she served in until 2022.

Today, Janet is the membership directory manager for the association and also oversees the organization’s newsletter content and design. She has also helped grow the association to more than 150 members.

What she is most known for, however, is bringing wonderful holiday shows to Brookwood Mall and The Summit, as well as the spring show to Mountain

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Brook City Hall. Janet also applied and became a docent at the Birmingham Museum of Art, where she worked for many years giving tours to people with visual impairments.

“Working with newly blind patients from Veterans Hospital, who are learning to ‘see’ art with their hands, or touring with children, who are blind from birth, is an even more intimate way to share my love of art,” Janet says.

No matter what role she is serving in or where she is living, Janet says one constant in her life has always been art. During both the highs and lows of her life, Janet draws her perspective of the world around her.

Strolling through her studio, one will see landscapes of Mountain Brook Village, Chez Lulu, Brookwood Presbyterian Church, Highland Bar and Grill, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Bottega and more. One of her latest pieces is a landscape of La Paz–a restaurant that inspired her to create the site of “the first date” of some of her customers.

Painting places is more than just landscapes on a canvas to Janet. They are her perspective–her preserving memories–of the beauty in mundane settings others often take for granted.

If everyone stopped and took a moment to look

around them–they, too, would notice the details

Janet paints into many of her landscapes. While some may see stop signs and the flow of traffic, Janet, sitting outside on a park bench in Crestline Village, will see the smile of a doting mother pushing her baby’s stroller across the crosswalk.

In nearly every one of her pieces, Janet paints in “a touch of red,” or a small, lifelike detail she noticed from observing the hustle and bustle of life. Many

times, this red is a lit “hot and fresh” sign of a bakery window or a coffee cup in the hands of a smiling patron.

Such a bold hue, this simple touch of red–a hallmark of Janet Sanders’ fine art–is a sweet reminder that no matter where one looks, he can find beauty everywhere with the right perspective.

To view Janet’s work or inquire about commissions, visit janetsandersart.com.

Summer Reading

Recommendations from Rachel

Owens

Children’s Librarian at the O’Neal Library

Beach Toys vs. School Supplies

By Mike Ciccotello | Children’s Fiction

Rachel Owens has been with the O’Neal Library Children’s Department for 15 years. She performs story-times for babies and lower elementary students, as well as a book club for emerging readers and their parents. Besides books, she spends her time immersed in music and the outdoors. Rachel and her husband also conduct hours and hours of library book quality control with their own littles, Isaac and Etta. Here, Rachel recommends her top five summer reading suggestions for children.

When Shovel and Ruler challenge each other to a sandcastle building contest, it’s a showdown between the fun-loving beach toys and the hardworking school supplies. The picture book crowd from preschool on up will delight in the punny wordplay and the clever personification of familiar objects. Lightly couched as summer fun vs. school year industriousness, an unexpected ending suggests that something in between the two is best.

Out Into the Big, Wide Lake

By Paul Harbridge | Children’s Fiction

Kate is spending the summer with her grandparents for the first time. Every day, she helps Grandpa drive his boat to deliver groceries to their neighbors all around the lake, including grumpy old Walter. When Grandpa falls ill, can Kate deliver the groceries alone...even to Walter? This warm tale centers around a brave young girl with Down syndrome, though any lower elementary listener can relate to the uncertainty and the thrill of being entrusted with big responsibility for the first time.

Ty’s Travels: Beach Day!

By Kelly Starling Lyons | Children’s Fiction

On a sunny summer day, Ty and his dad explore the backyard with a repeated chorus of, “What will Ty see next?” When a stray beach ball draws the pair into their neighbor’s yard, the sandbox becomes the setting for an imagination-filled “beach” day. The boys surf, splash and crab walk through this vibrant early reader about friendship and pretend play. What will they see next?

Ferris

By Kate DiCamillo | Children’s Fiction

No one writes humor and heart connection quite like Kate DiCamillo, and this latest title of hers—still hot off the press—is no different. Ferris’s household is wild: her Uncle Ted just moved into the basement to paint the history of the world; her 6-year-old sister Pinky is plotting a bank robbery; her best friend keeps playing the same song over and over on their piano; there’s a raccoon infestation; and her beloved grandma Charisse seems to be fading. When a ghost shows up to Charisse with a simple but strange request, it’s up to Ferris and the rest to prove that “every good story is a love story.”

Saving Sunshine

By Saadia Faruqi | Children’s Fiction

During a family trip to Florida for their parents’ work, twins Zara and Zeeshan argue so much that their parents take away their phones and force them to hang out together. Despite their common experience of prejudice, the siblings remain on each other’s last nerves...until they encounter a sea turtle in need of rescue. Will they look past their differences to form a team and help? Upper elementary students will find this compassionate gem an excellent choice to pack for vacation.

SCHOOL SPORTS&

COMEBACK KICK

The Mountain Brook High School Dorians win the team’s first national championship in school history.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY VARSITY SPIRIT AND UNIVERSAL DANCE ASSOCIATION

OOn Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) National Dance Team Championship, the Mountain Brook High School Dorians took home the gold in the “large varsity high kick” division and eighth place in the “gameday” division. Although the Dorians have participated in UDA for decades with multiple “top-ten” finishes, the team’s first-place win was the first in the team’s 23-year-history.

“What made that moment of winning so magical, besides the joy of a national championship, was that these girls were genuinely shocked,” Kari Kampakis, mother of Dorian, Marie Claire Kampakis, says. “They showed great humility and grace as they surpassed their wildest expectations.”

According to the Mountain Brook Schools article, “Dorians Win High Kick National Championship,” the UDA National Dance Team Championship draws more than 6,000 students, who compete among hundreds of teams every year–403 teams to be exact in 2024. This year, 981 coaches led these teams who represented 35 different states.

What is even more special about this win is that a former Dorian coached the team to victory. Anna Scofield, a 2009 alumna of Mountain Brook High School, is now the head coach of Mountain Brook High School’s dance team.

After graduating from Mountain Brook, Anna attended the University of Alabama, majoring in human development and family studies. She

started her career teaching special needs students, which led her to start teaching at Mountain Brook Junior High (MBJH) in 2016.

Anna’s former coach, Melissa Tuck–who was then teaching and coaching dance at MBJH–was looking to retire and wanted someone with passion to take over coaching the seventh grade dance team. Anna accepted the call to action, which she says was one of the best decisions of her life.

“Dance has been in my blood since my sister was on the Dorians, and it’s just been a full-circle dream,” Anna says. “It’s just been an honor to go back to the program that’s raised me. I owe a lot to my previous coach, Melissa Tuck, and my sponsor, Heather Fitch, for getting me there.”

After welcoming her now 2-year-old into the world, Anna took a step back from teaching but wanted to continue her passion for dance. She was later recruited to coach at MBHS, where several of the Dorians on this year’s winning team were actually some of her first dancers at MBJH.

Ann-Massey Bowman, who was one of Anna’s dancers at MBJH and is now one of the Dorians’ co-captains, says she was a very shy and reserved person before dancing under Anna’s leadership.

“She continually pushed us to dance outside of our box and find a real passion behind what we were doing,” Ann-Massey says. “Learning from her, I carried this new sense of confidence with me.”

Confidence is a key factor in the Dorians’ success, Anna believes. While at UDA Nationals, Anna made some quick changes before the team went on to perform, and amazingly, the dancers hit every note, kicking their way to victory.

Several of the Dorians’ mothers–the eversupportive dance moms–sing Anna’s praises as they have seen their own daughters blossom not just as dancers, but also as young, independent women through her coaching.

“As I watched Anna and the other seniors move up through the program, I could see how they gained more confidence, more maturity in handling challenges and were able to mentor some of the younger girls,” Maria Prelipcean, mother of Dorian,

Anna Prelipcean, says.

Several of the dancers joke that after placing fourth at the 2023 UDA National Dance Championship, their dance vendetta was born. Eva Andrews and Ann-Massey, who were both cocaptains this year, say what changed for the team started with adopting a winning mentality.

Together, they and Dorians’ captain Anna Prelipcean, focused on reshaping their teammates’ mindsets by reminding them not only of their passion, but also of their purpose as dancers. Passion is a dancer’s catalyst to ignite within her a love for dance, which is rekindled each time she performs.

A dancer’s purpose, however, is more meaningful.

Dancers are often “actors first” and dancers second because dance conveys a story–often that the heart so longingly wishes to express what words sometimes cannot.

“When I get scared or question my abilities before competing, dance has taught me to always think of doing it for your teammate beside you, and this turns my nerves into excitement,” Ann-Massey says of competing at nationals.

With both a reignited passion and a newfound purpose, the Dorians returned to UDA Nationals on a comeback kick, wowing the audiences with their artistic execution. While their flawless performance proved worthy of a win, the dancers say competing together–working as a team–provided the most joy on that special day.

“When we won, it was pure relief to know that everything we did paid off,” Eva says. “Knowing that everyone put their hearts into our routine and did it to the best of their ability is something I will forever be grateful for as a co-captain.”

Looking forward, Anna says she hopes the winning team’s camaraderie–among the dancers’ love of their craft–outlives their time together in high school. While performing and competing is always fun, Anna says winning does not mean

FOSTERING A LOVE OF DANCE

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN DANCE CHALLENGE THE DORIANS TO BECOME A BETTER VERSION OF THEMSELVES?

“Performing under pressure will benefit them and prepare them for challenges ahead as they move to the next phase of life.”

-PAIGE ANDREWS, MOTHER OF DORIAN, EVA ANDREWS

WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION TO THE DORIANS WINNING FIRST PLACE AT UDA NATIONALS?

“It was an adrenaline rush we’ll never forget and God’s goodness on display. The Dorians work so hard, and more importantly, they adore each other. They have a special camaraderie that shows in the way they dance together, and I believe that chemistry played a huge role in helping them make Mountain Brook history.”

-KARI KAMPAKIS, MOTHER OF DORIAN, MARIE CLAIRE KAMPAKIS

HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AS A DANCER UNDER COACH SCOFIELD’S LEADERSHIP?

“Mrs. Scofield has helped our team grow in tremendous ways! Throughout this year, she pushed us both mentally and physically, which led to us winning first place. Mrs. Scofield was consistent with our workouts and always made sure our mind was set on our end goal, which was nationals. Even though doing well in nationals was our highest priority this year, she also made sure that no matter what happens, she cares about us, and doing well for our team was more important than any title we would receive.”

-EVA ANDREWS, DORIANS’ CO-CAPTAIN

every child takes center stage.

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

1600

much without friends to cherish it with.

The most beautiful performances are always the ones in which dancers evoke such emotion from the audience, conveying a story with every turn.

Perhaps the most beautiful dancers are those who not only share a love of performing, but also a love for each other, thanks to the fellowship dance fosters.

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Lucy Good Mountain Brook Junior High Physical Education Teacher

Lucy Good attended Samford University, majoring in athletic training. When she graduated early, she used her leftover scholarship money to pursue her Master of Science degree in physical education at UAB and later on, her educational specialist degree in physical education. Lucy believes good teaching begins with a love of learning. Here, she talks about her love for Mountain Brook students and the importance of staying physically active.

How did you decide to teach physical education, and how did you end up teaching at Mountain Brook Junior High School?

After I became a certified athletic trainer, I started working at a local middle school. They had a physical education position suddenly open up and asked me if I was interested since I was currently in school, studying to be a teacher. I jumped at the chance to see what teaching was really all about. I taught for several years in the “over the mountain” area. When my husband got a job teaching and coaching at Mountain Brook High School, I was fortunate to get to know many Mountain Brook coaches, administrators and families. It felt as though I was reuniting with family when a physical education position opened up in Mountain Brook, and I officially became a Spartan!

Why is teaching physical education especially important to children and teenagers?

I think today’s kids are faced with so

many challenges that can make being physically active harder than it used to be. Whether it’s the pressure of succeeding in the classroom or the constant pull of technology and social media, kids aren’t getting outside or being as active as much as they did when I was a kid. Studies have shown that physical activity not only decreases the likelihood of chronic health conditions, but it also improves mood and confidence in children and teenagers as well. While not every student will love every sport we play, my goal is to help every student find at least one activity he enjoys.

What is your favorite aspect of being an athletic trainer?

I love getting to see the excitement on an athlete’s face when he is finally cleared to return to play after an injury. Knowing how hard an athlete has worked to overcome an injury makes it so incredibly special to watch his or her return to the field or court.

How do you hope to inspire your student-athletes?

My hope is that all of my studentathletes leave my class knowing that they always have at least one person in their corner cheering them on, even when it feels as though they are facing a challenge alone. I hope I have instilled in them the value of physical activity, not just for their physical health, but also for their mental well-being.

What experience or memory can you recall that really solidified your purpose as an educator and trainer?

I feel as though almost every day I am reminded why I love this amazing profession. There are certainly big things that I recall such as players coming to my wedding or former athletes visiting me. However, the small things such as a thank you note that appears on my desk from a kid who I just knew did not enjoy my overwhelming positivity at 8 a.m. on a Monday morning, are what remind me of my purpose.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LUCY GOOD

FOOD DRINK&

THE PO’BOY PROWL

Ed Stacey and Ryan Champion’s love for New Orleans cuisine is diversifying the Mountain Brook foodie scene.

BY ANNA GRACE

MOORE PHOTOS BY UNTOLD IMAGERY

SStrolling into The Rougaroux, one is immersed in a salty breeze and the twangy tunes of banjo-pickin’ bluegrass overhead. The hosts–whose smiles feel like a warm embrace–are eager to usher customers through their doors, welcoming both newcomers and longtime fans with the same tender salutations.

While new to Mountain Brook, The Rougaroux–the brainchild of restaurateurs Ed Stacey and Ryan Champion–first opened in Forest Park in October 2017. The New Orleans-style po’boy restaurant serves everything from house-made Boudin links, oysters Rockefeller, gumbo and more.

The dynamic duo first met while in school at McAdory High School and later reconnected to open up their first-ever restaurant concept, Hotbox.

“When Hotbox had grown and they were ready to expand, Ryan and Ed saw an opportunity in this market because there’s not many po’boy shops downtown and in Mountain Brook,” Molly Taylor, The Rougaroux’s general manager, says.

Both Ryan and Ed have deep ties rooted in New Orleans culture and wanted to bring their desire into Birmingham’s foodie scene. Ryan has actually spent more than 25 years in the food industry, creating cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants such as Commander’s Palace–the flagship Creole restaurant in New Orleans.

“We both have a special place in our hearts for the city,” Ed says.

Several years after the Forest Park location opened, one of Ryan and Ed’s friends and customers, Jay Friedman, began attending “Saints Sundays,” which were when The Rougaroux live-streamed the Saints’ games. He loved the cuisine and atmosphere and persuaded the restaurateurs to open up shop in the former Sneaky Pete’s building he owned in Mountain Brook.

On Jan. 12, 2024, The Rougaroux opened its doors for the first time at 2716 Culver Road. While this location sports more of a seafood-dive aesthetic, the menu’s authenticity has no rival.

In fact, the only differences between the Forest Park and Mountain Brook locations are the infrastructure. The Forest Park location’s building was built in the late 1800s, contributing to the eerie Cajun folklore-filled aesthetic.

“The rougarou is a shape-shifting boogeyman that takes on the form of a werewolf,” Ed says. “We like the dark, interesting nature of the figure, and

THE LEGEND OF “THE ROUGAROU”

According to The Rougaroux staff, in 16th-century France, unexplainable disappearances or eerie, unsolved mysteries were often blamed on “loup-garous,” which is French for “werewolves.” Much like during the Salem Witch Trials, villagers would round up outcasts or their own perceived scapegoats and put them on trial, accusing them of being werewolves. When Europeans started migrating to the United States–particularly Louisiana–the legend took a different form and name, rougarou; although over time, such figures became fables told to children. Legend has it that rougarous still prowl Louisiana swamplands–beware!

we put an ‘x’ on the end of the name to be indicative of the Cajun spelling and Creole cooking.”

The name fit the bill for the historic building in Forest Park. Its sister location in Mountain Brook Village may not have the dimly-lit, mysterious atmosphere, but it does still have the same cuisine longtime fans love.

Not only is every dish made-from-scratch, inhouse daily, but many ingredients are also sourced from New Orleans-based businesses such as Cochon Butcher or Leidenheimer Baking Company. All of the restaurant’s seafood is caught fresh straight from the Gulf of Mexico.

“What we gravitate towards are the smaller neighborhood spots–cuisine you would find throughout the city,” Ed says of the menu’s inspiration. “Our menu is a combination of little things that we like. We just try to take little pieces from places we’ve enjoyed and incorporate those while also trying to keep our cuisine original to us, specifically.”

One such original item is the fried wild Gulf shrimp po’boy, which is served on 8-inch Leidenheimer bread and dressed in shredded lettuce, seasoned tomatoes, shaved red onions, dill pickles, Duke’s Mayo and Crystal Hot Sauce.

Delicious becomes an understatement when biting into one of these po’boys.

Another Rougaroux original favorite are the muffulettas, which are served on warm Gambino’s Italian Bread and spruced up with Cochon Butcher mortadella, genoa salami, capicola, provolone cheese and marinated olive salad. Although seafood is what The Rougaroux is known for, the staff claims even the pickiest of eaters will find something they enjoy on the menu.

“Everything on our menu is incredible,” Molly says. “The longest you’re going to have to wait in this restaurant is in line.”

For those not keen on seafood, Molly recommends trying the roast beef debris po’boy (think shredded roast beef that’s been slow-roasted and marinated in eclectic seasonings). Children will love the fried boneless chicken, grilled cheese sandwiches and fried shrimp–especially when paired with Creole fries or red beans and rice.

Several menu items customers will notice pay homage to New Orleans, itself. The Viet-Cajun Seafood dish–a nod to the Vietnamese influence in New Orleans-style cooking–combines Breaux Bridge crawfish, wild Gulf shrimp, Cajun spices, garlic butter, ginger, lemongrass and chilies.

CHEF’S PICKS BLACKENED CATFISH

Creole spice-seared catfish with corn, red pepper relish, smoked tomato aioli and charred lemon.

SURF & TURF

Half-dressed roast beef debris with provolone; half-dressed, fried wild Gulf shrimp; and remoulade.

OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER

Fried Bon Secour oysters with bacon, spinach, parmigianoreggiano, lemon zest and red pepper flakes.

The Ferdi Special, too, is a house-made tribute that cleverly blends roast beef debris, ham, provolone, shredded cabbage, shaved onions, Duke’s Mayo and hot sauce into a fusion-filled burst of flavor.

The Rougaroux is also known for their specialty cocktails such as The Roux Old Fashioned and Cathead Honeysuckle Mule–which, if you ask any of the staff, pairs nicely with the fried oyster Caesar salad. No matter one’s preferences, The Rougaroux caters to everyone’s taste palates.

Whether one is interested in dining in, carry-out or hosting their events at The Rougaroux, Molly says customers can always expect the “holy trinity” of good business: delightful staff members, delectable cuisine and in The Rougaroux’s case, a dauntless atmosphere embracing all things “rougaroux.”

“We are very passionate about what we do,” Ed says. “Ryan and I are both food nerds at heart, so we’re grateful to be in such a supportive community–Mountain Brook. Our goal is to put out a really good product that you all are going to enjoy.”

The Rougaroux is located at 2716 Culver Road in Mountain Brook, and it is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. each day. For more information, visit rougarouxbhm.com.

THURSDAY - MAY 23, 2024 - 11:00 AM |

AmFirst Credit Union Birmingham Squadron

Buffalo Rock

Building Specialties a division of Cook and Boardman

Eyster Properties

Greystone Tire and Auto

Just Call Kelly Team, Exit Realty Cahaba

Oasis Birmingham

Raindrop Car Wash

Shelby County Reporter

Summer O'Neal, Keller Williams Realty

Texas Roadhouse

WayFM

Wireless Realty Services, LLC

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Tory McKenzie Manager

of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Lane Parke

PHOTO BY JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS

Jeni’s was founded in 2002 in Columbus, Ohio, by James Beard Award-winner Jeni Britton. From the beginning, she had a vision that ice creams could be better and more interesting. She created a recipe that is truly unique in the world of ice cream–one that allows Jeni’s Ice Creams to build the brand’s own ice creams completely from scratch with an impossibly smooth, buttercream-like body and a super clean finish. To Jeni’s, it’s all about bringing a community together to make exceptional ice cream. Here, Tory McKenzie, manager of Jeni’s Ice Creams in Lane Parke, gives an insider’s scoop on the ice cream business.

When the owners were deciding where to open in Mountain Brook, why did they choose Lane Parke in particular?

Our goal is to serve amazing ice cream and build community wherever we go, which is why we are very intentional about where we open our shops. We look for walkable communities, where we can become part of the fabric of the neighborhood. Lane Parke fits the bill. It felt like the right location to grow our community in Birmingham.

How many ice creams are on the menu, and what is the most popular?

We have around 20 to 23 flavors available by the scoop at any given time. This includes our signature flavors–and customer favorites–such as gooey butter cake, brown butter almond brittle and brambleberry crisp. These three flavors always fight it out for the top spot when it comes to our most popular selections.

What ice creams or combinations of menu items would you recommend to newcomers and why?

It’s tough to choose, but right now I’d recommend pairing darkest chocolate with wildberry lavender on a buttercrisp waffle cone. If we added any more cocoa into our darkest chocolate ice cream, we actually legally couldn’t call it ice cream. It’s literally the chocolatiest ice cream you can find. It took us five years to get that flavor just right. It pairs beautifully with wildberry lavender, which is fruity and juicy and a great example of how we layer flavor. Our buttercrisp waffle cone is our unique recipe. It’s heavy with notes of butter, vanilla and this satisfying pop of salt that really helps offset the sweetness of our ice creams. It’s also what makes our shops smell so good!

What new flavors can Mountain Brook residents be anticipating from Jeni’s in the future?

This summer, we’ll be dropping some nostalgic ice cream flavors with a bit of a twist. This includes snow cone sorbet, sparkling cherry pie and burnt orange dreamsicle. Plus, fan-favorite flavor, double dough–our take on cookie dough ice cream–will return. All these flavors will be available starting June 6, 2024, and will be available in scoops and pints all summer long.

What is the best part of working for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams?

I’ve been at Jeni’s for eight years now. Curiosity and creativity are truly at the heart of everything we do. We work on flavors in our test kitchen for the better part of a year, sometimes more. When our ice creams are finally introduced to the world and people love it, it’s a great feeling. It all comes down to that connection. We are an amazing team of people, who truly care about making really great ice creams and bringing people together.

HOME STYLE&

BEAUTY IN ORIGINALITY

Steve and Jennifer Jinnette’s tudor-style home is the perfect personification of Mountain Brook architecture.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

TThere’s no place like home than in picturesque Mountain Brook–a social hub for community secluded within evergreen scenery. With its quaint, walkable villages and prominent school system, it’s no surprise how competitive the housing market is for aspiring residents.

Steve and Jennifer Jinnette–Mountain Brook residents since 2007–moved from Nashville, Tennessee, after Jennifer got a job working in Mountain Brook Schools. Steve, who was then working for Tanglewood Construction, says he was drawn to the suburb initially for the school system, but he and his family have stayed since moving because of the community.

Although he does not have a degree in architecture, Steve loves to draw and actually has built more than 700 houses–each one different–throughout his career. The Mountain Ridge Builders co-founder and owner bought their now home just before the market crash in 2008 and

tore it down before rebuilding his and Jennifer’s forever home.

“I have never built the same house twice,” Steve says. “At one point, I built the same design seven times in a row on one side of the street and five times on the other, but you couldn’t tell it was the same plan from the differences on the outside.”

Each of Steve’s builds have innately designed features to differentiate them from the next, and the Jinnettes’ tudor-style home is no exception. When first building, Steve built in a garage space fit for his vintage car collection.

The basement walls reach up to 14-feet-high, meaning the space can hold up to seven cars–eight if one includes the basement’s car lift. Between the traditional, upscale aesthetic of the home and the intricate features incorporated into the house, this magnificent home has the Mountain Brook touch–gorgeous detailing accentuated through original design.

Den

The Jinnettes’ fireplace is made of hand-cut, twoinch-thick stone from East Tennessee. Gazing up the stone work, one notices the cathedral-vaulted ceiling, which Steve accentuated with pine beams.

Kitchen

When designing the kitchen, Steve included a 10-footlong island, complete with leathered granite for an upscale yet unpretentious look. He and Jennifer chose a barnwoodlook for the cabinets, utilizing a two-toned gray palette. The kitchen’s faucets were imported from Europe.

Entryway

Strolling inside, one first notices the 20-foot-tall walls and the grandeur of the crystal chandelier overhanging the entryway. As one of the most interesting stylistic features of the home, Steve modeled the front doorway after a gothic theme–incorporating a peek way called a “speakeasy” into the door. Steve says he incorporated cast iron spindles into the staircase for an “old-world” feel.

Dining Room

The ceiling’s coffered design is accentuated by the oval medallion encircling the hanging chandelier. The pale blue hues contrast nicely against the cherrywood hues of the mahogany dining room suite.

Master Bedroom

Steve and Jennifer opted for a shaker canopy bed with a pencil post design to keep in tune with the tudor-style interior decor.

Living Room

The ethereal abstract against the pearl white bookcase helps elongate the 12-foot-tall ceiling’s height, emphasizing the beauty in traditional design. Both Steve and Jennifer were painted when they were each 3 years old, so they had their children’s portraits created at age 3, too.

Master Bathroom

Steve utilized dark emperador granite for the vanity countertops, contrasting the color with the ivory-colored travertine floor tile–which he chose for its heating ability at the press of a button. Steve chose traditionally designed vanities for the bathroom, incorporating ample space into an upscale aesthetic.

Hope Funding

Mountain Brook residents Lane and Kathryn Hagan are serving the special needs community through their nonprofit, Libby’s Friends.

By Anna Grace Moore | Photos by Lisa Cheek

FFaith is a funny thing. While one cannot see it, his belief in the unseen–a resounding trust often in a higher power–characterizes much of the answers humanity develops for life’s most puzzling questions.

Mountain Brook residents Lane and Kathryn Hagan’s testimony is rooted in trusting the Lord. Despite never getting answers to one of their lives’ biggest trials surrounding the life of their eldest child, Libby, they continue to have faith

in Jesus and trust in His plan. When Libby was born nine years ago, she was rushed to the NICU for what the doctors would later diagnose as pulmonary hypertension. Kathryn had no known complications during pregnancy or birth, so this came as quite a shock to the new parents.

It took Libby’s doctors three days to diagnose her condition, and even hours after she was born, doctors told Lane and Kathryn that she may not survive.

“On her 12th day of life, they gave her a 100-times overdose of insulin that would have killed her had she not been intubated that day,” Lane says. “They starved her brain of sugar for about 18 hours, which caused catastrophic brain injury, cerebral palsy, likely epilepsy and a laundry list of problems that have plagued her most of her life.”

The hospital experienced a systemwide failure in Libby’s care. First, the pharmacy only had adult-strength insulin on hand and were diluting it to meet Libby’s quantities; secondly, none of the staff members had insulin labeled as a high-risk drug.

Although the prescription was written correctly, the pharmacists sent back an adult-strength dose, not checking to make sure it was diluted for an infant. The nurse who pushed the drug also failed to check the medicine, resulting in Libby’s brain injury and near-death experience.

Prior to this near-fatal overdose, Libby had been receiving daily doses of insulin. Lane says every morning he would call the NICU for an update on Libby, and one morning, he noticed the nurse frantically dodging his questions on the other end of the line.

Lane and his father-in-law went up to

visit the NICU and saw the unit swamped with medical professionals; yet, no one could tell him what was going on. Several hours later, he and Kathryn were pulled into a meeting that would forever change the trajectory of their lives.

The neonatologist on staff explained Libby’s insulin injection had been mismanaged, resulting in her inability to walk, talk, eat or even hold her head up on her own for the rest of her life. Libby, whose life expectancy was then only three months, spent a total of 39 days in the NICU.

“We spent two years in litigation against the hospital because of her injury,” Lane says. “In August of 2016, we settled the case. That medical trust set up Libby for all the needs she would ever have. I never thought we’d catch up financially from the bills of her early days.”

Just as Libby’s life expectancy grew, the financial burden of paying for her medications, therapies, adaptive equipment and more grew, too. While insurance covered a portion of her medical expenses, there were still copays to pay.

Kathryn had to quit her job to be a full-time caregiver–a role she does not

GET INVOLVED

Those wishing to become involved with Libby’s Friends can begin by following the nonprofit on Facebook and Instagram @libbysfriends. Every month the nonprofit hosts events in which the public is invited to participate. Those interested in volunteering can contact libbysfriends@gmail. com. Anyone with a willing heart is welcome to join the cause.

take for granted–and Lane struggled to make ends meet, juggling the mountain of expenses stacking up every day. It was not until the family received Libby’s medical trust that they were able to breathe financially.

However, the medical trust was not the only silver lining from the Hagans’ lawsuit.

“The hospital changed the way they diluted insulin and sent it up to the NICU,” Lane says. “It had to be done differently than the way they did it for Libby. When we signed everything and the settlement was finalized, we made sure Libby’s Laws were instituted. I have not heard of any other insulin issues or children being harmed at that hospital since we were there.”

Lane says even after Libby’s Laws were instituted, he still felt God tugging on his heart to take Libby’s story a step further.

“I always knew in my career that I wanted to give back,” Lane says. “In the beginning of 2020, I started this idea of how to give back–the birth of Libby’s Friends. I called Libby’s very first early intervention physical therapist, who said, ‘If you can do this, you’ll be a Godsend to so many people.’”

In August 2020–four years after settling their case–Lane and Kathryn created Libby’s Friends, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to relieving financial burdens for families of children with special needs. In 2023 alone, the nonprofit raised more than $422,000 and awarded 241 grants throughout Alabama, and as of March 1,

2024, the nonprofit has raised more than $90,000 and awarded 60 grants.

“We have grown because of word-ofmouth recommendations from therapists, friends or families within the special needs community,” Emily Clifford, vice president of Libby’s Friends, says. “I feel that when a community takes care of the people who need help the most, everyone benefits.”

In fall 2023, Vestavia Hills High School’s student government association chose Libby’s Friends as the school’s charity of choice. The students ended up raising more than $132,000 in just a few short months.

Not long after did the Alabama Disability Conference award the Hagan family as the “family of the year” for making an impact in the special needs community.

“More of the ‘why’ that gets me going each and every day is each time I’m able to talk to a family in need,” Lane says. “Everybody has a unique story. Not everybody has a lot of people in their corner. I want to not just be the financial

resource, but also someone who listens to parents and gives advice and connects people with other foundations that can help beyond what we do.”

While the community’s support has been nothing short of miraculous, Lane says one of the biggest miracles in his life is not just that Libby has defied all odds, but also that his faith has been restored in miracles.

Over the years, Libby has been hospitalized numerous times for neardeath experiences including stints with septic shock, pancreatitis, pneumonia and more. In November 2023, one of Libby’s lungs collapsed, and the palliative care team explained if they were to intubate, Libby would spend many painful months recovering if she were to even survive.

Lane and Kathryn chose not to intubate, praying that if this were Libby’s time, the Lord would call her home easily and painlessly. God, however, had other plans–Libby made a full recovery in two weeks without having to be intubated.

- Jamie Moncus Former Chairman of the Board at Libby’s Friends

“Lane and Kathryn operate as the purest examples of servant leaders,” Emily says. “If they can turn one of the worst moments in their life into this incredibly impactful passion project, I can do my part in making sure we continue to help as many families in this state as possible.”

Emily, who used to be neighbors with the Hagans before joining Libby’s Friends, says she was inspired

by Lane and Kathryn’s resilient faith in the Lord and fervent desire to serve special needs families. Their character speaks volumes, which is why Emily believes Libby’s Friends has grown so successfully.

“I’ve learned to view our story as an opportunity to share about Libby and to share about God and what faith can do,” Lane says. “Libby is perfect in her abilities and her ways. I am a better person because of her.”

Lane says he doesn’t have a great answer for why bad things seem to happen to innocent people. He does not know why the Lord allowed Libby to endure so much, either.

Even still, he believes that Libby’s story is one of hope–one that will inspire many to bless an underserved community. If through their suffering more people come to know Jesus, Lane says he will never stop sharing the miracle that is Libby Hagan.

To learn more about Libby’s Friends, visit libbysfriends.org.

MOUNTAIN BROOK’S BEST OF WINNERS 2024

Who’s the best? We asked, and you answered. Thousands of votes were cast in Mountain Brook Magazine’s annual Best of contest. Read on to find out our readers’ favorites in Mountain Brook.

Photos by Anna Grace Moore & Contributed

FOOD & DRINK

BEST BAKERY

Continental Bakery 1907 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-870-5584

Runners Up: Church Street Coffee and Books, Olexa’s Catering, Café and Cakes

BEST BRUNCH

Dyron’s Lowcountry 121 Oak St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-834-8257

Runners Up: Crestline Bagel Company, Porch

BEST PIZZA, BEST KID-FRIENDLY DINING AND BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY

Davenport’s Pizza Palace

BEST BURGER

Porch

2 Dexter Ave. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-739-2083

Runners Up: Otey’s Tavern, Little Betty Steak Bar

BEST CASUAL DINING

Taco Mama Crestline 63 Church St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-414-9314

Runners Up: Porch, La Paz Restaurant & Catering

BEST CATERER

Taco Mama Crestline 63 Church St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-414-9314

Runners Up: Craft’s on Church Street, An Event at Vino

BEST CHEF

Porch 2 Dexter Ave. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-739-2083

Runners Up: Little Betty Steak Bar, Vino Gallery Bar

BEST COCKTAILS

Vino Gallery Bar 1930 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-870-8404

Runners Up: Porch, Little Betty Steak Bar

BEST COFFEE

Church Street Coffee and Books 81 Church St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-870-1117

Runners Up: Santos Coffee Mountain Brook, Continental Bakery

BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

Vino Gallery Bar 1930 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-870-8404

Runners Up: Little Betty Steak Bar, Porch

BEST ETHNIC DINING

Abhi Eatery and Bar 2721 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-783-1123

Runners Up: La Paz Restaurant & Catering, Vino Gallery Bar

BEST FRIENDLY SERVICE

Porch 2 Dexter Ave. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-739-2083

Runners Up: Vino Gallery Bar, La Paz Restaurant & Catering

Little Betty Steak Bar

BEST KID-FRIENDLY DINING

Davenport’s Pizza Palace 2837 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-879-8603

Runners Up: Craft’s on Church Street, Porch

BEST LUNCH SPOT

Otey’s Tavern 224 Country Club Pkwy. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-871-8435

Runners Up: Taco Mama Crestline, Craft’s on Church Street

BEST MARGARITA

Taco Mama Crestline 63 Church St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-414-9314

Runners Up: La Paz Restaurant & Catering, Craft’s on Church Street

BEST PATIO DINING

Vino Gallery Bar 1930 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-870-8404

Runners Up: Otey’s Tavern, Porch

and Books

BEST COCKTAILS, BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT AND BEST PATIO DINING Vino Gallery Bar

BEST PIZZA

Davenport’s Pizza Palace 2837 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-879-8603

Runners Up: Slim’s Pizzeria, Slice Pizza Crestline

BEST SWEET TREATS

Mountain Brook Creamery 2715 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-870-0092

Runners Up: Church Street Coffee and Books, Daughters Baking

COMMUNITY

BEST COMMUNITY EVENT Mystics of Mountain Brook Parade 56 Church St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-870-3577

Runners Up: Art in Village – Mountain Brook Art Association, Otey’s Fest

BEST LOCAL CAUSE

Libby’s Friends 3546 Westbury Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-529-8377

BEST UPSCALE RESTAURANT

Little Betty Steak Bar 321 Rele St. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-834-8674

Runners Up: Vino Gallery Bar, Sol Y Luna Tapas and Tequila

BEST WINE SELECTION

Piggly Wiggly Crestline 41 Church St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-802-9078

Runners Up: Golden Age Wine, Vino Gallery Bar

Runners Up: Magic Moments, Carrywell

BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY

Mayor Stewart Welch 56 Church St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-802-2400

Runners Up: George Jones of Snoozy’s Kids, Sri Koduri of Church Street Coffee and Books

MOUNTAIN BROOK’S

BEST REAL ESTATE TEAM

THE FRED SMITH GROUP

With over 100 years of combined experience, the Fred Smith Group has expertise in every area of greater Birmingham. We provide the highest level of personalized service to each client and employ an aggressive marketing plan unlike any other Realtor in the area. We believe in marketing beyond the sign and carefully manage every aspect of the transaction.

Our dedication, market knowledge and a personalized approach for each client are the cornerstone of our team.

Our team ensures that every aspect of your transact ion is carefully managed, from listing to closing and everything in between. We have a dedicated support staff that assist your agent with the listing, mark eting and closing of your purchase and sale. Every detail matters! We provide value and elite service that is unparallel and truly sets us apart.

BEST OUTDOOR SPOT

Otey’s Tavern

224 Country Club Pkwy. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-871-8435

Runners Up: Vino Gallery Bar, Lane Parke

BEST PASTOR

Keith Thompson of Canterbury United Methodist Church 350 Overbrook Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-871-4695

Runners Up: The Rev. Richmond R. Webster of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Tim Kallam of Mountain Brook Community Church

BEST PLACE FOR A FAMILY OUTING

Gilchrist

2805 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-871-2181

Runners Up: Porch, Craft’s on Church Street

BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY

Davenport’s Pizza Palace 2837 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-879-8603

Runners Up: Mountain Brook Gymnastics, Craft’s on Church Street

BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP

Canterbury United Methodist Church

350 Overbrook Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-871-4695

Runners Up: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Mountain Brook Community Church

HEALTH & FITNESS

BEST DENTAL PRACTICE

Mountain Brook Smiles 120 Office Park Dr. Suite 240 Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-423-9140

Runners Up: Crestline Village Dentistry, Alexander Dentistry

BEST DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE

Gunn Dermatology 391 Rele St. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-415-7536

Runners Up: Village Dermatology, Dermatology & Laser of Alabama

BEST DOCTOR

Dr. Holly Gunn of Gunn Dermatology

391 Rele St. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-415-7536

Runners Up: Dr. Jeremy Edgerly of Mountain Brook Eye Care, Dr. Austin Adams of Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic

BEST ESTHETICIAN

Amy Murrell of Gunn Dermatology 391 Rele St. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-415-7536

Runners Up: Anna Rose Mabile of Gunn Dermatology and Victoria Stockard of Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery

BEST DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE, BEST DOCTOR AND BEST ESTHETICIAN

Dr. Holly Gunn, Gunn Dermatology and Amy Murrell of Gunn Dermatology

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Tiffany Martin of Ignite Cycle

BEST FITNESS CENTER

Meta Fitness Studio

3150 Overton Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-783-1218

Runners Up: Ignite Cycle, X4 Fitness

BEST OPTOMETRY PRACTICE

Mountain Brook Eye Care 921 Jemison Ln. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205- 341-9595

Runner Up: My Eye DR.

BEST ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE

Weissman Orthodontics 36 Church St. Birmingham, AL 35213 205-803-1115

Runners Up: Hufham Orthodontics, PT Orthodontics

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

Tiffany Martin of Ignite Cycle 1091 Jemison Ln. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-603-7463

Runners Up: Kristi Walters of Kristi Walters Fitness, David Thomas of Total Fitness

BEST PHARMACY

Ritch’s Pharmacy 2714 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-871-1141

Runners Up: Crestline Pharmacy, Harbin Discount Pharmacy

The Spa at Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic

2700 U.S. 280 Suite 300 West Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-930-9595

Runners Up: Gunn Dermatology, Village Dermatology

SHOPPING & SERVICES

BEST NEW BUSINESS (OPEN ONE YEAR OR LESS)

Birmingham Mosquito Control 800 Shades Creek Pl. Suite 450 Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-202-9374

Runners Up: Slice Pizza Crestline, Archive by PM Method

BEST ANIMAL CLINIC

Village Pet Care P.C. 2921 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-582-2468

Runners Up: Pet Vet Express, Shades Valley Animal Clinic BEST PHARMACY Ritch’s Pharmacy

SERVING MOUNTAIN BROOK

FOR OVER 40 YEARS Wealth Management & Family Office Services

THE WELCH GROUP | WELCHGROUP.COM | 205-879-5001

Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment, or any non-investment related services, will be profitable or prove successful. A copy of our current written disclosure brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at welchgroup.com.

BEST BANK OR CREDIT UNION

Oakworth Capital Bank 850 Shades Creek Pkwy. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-263-4700

Runners Up: Synovus Bank, Bryant Bank

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISING GROUP

The Welch Group, LLC 3940 Montclair Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-879-5001

Runners Up: Diversified Global Investment Strategies, Ameriprise with Waverly Advisors

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR (TIE)

Brian Smith of Iron Legacy Wealth Advisors 201 Office Park Dr. Suite 300 Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-612-4507

BEST DANCE/ GYMNASTIC STUDIO

Linda Dobbins Dance

Josh Slocum of McClellan Wealth Management 800 Shades Creek Pkwy. Suite 310 Mountain Brook, AL 35209 205-209-9868

Runner Up: Cheryl Casebere of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

BEST BOUTIQUE

ALKMY 17 Dexter Ave. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-332-1302

Runners Up: B. Prince, Le Weekend

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

Heezie’s 81 Church St. Suite 101 Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-874-6278

Runners Up: Birmingham Mosquito Control, Mountain Brook Eye Care

BEST DANCE/GYMNASTIC STUDIO

Linda Dobbins Dance 525 Office Park Dr. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-902-3013

Runners Up: Mountain Brook Gymnastics, Steeple Arts Academy of Dance

BEST DRY CLEANER

Vogue Cleaners 2816 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 205-870-4412

Runners Up: Champion Cleaners, Utopia Cleaners & Laundry

BEST ELECTRICAL SERVICE

ELI Services

4232 Sicard Hollow Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-879-2997

Runners Up: Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, John’s Electric

BEST FLORIST/GARDEN SHOP

Leaf & Petal

2817 Cahaba Rd. Suite 2322 Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-871-3832

Runners Up: Oak Street Garden Shop, Mountain Brook Flower Shop Inc.

BEST GIFT SHOP

Heezie’s 81 Church St. Suite 101 Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-874-6278

Runners Up: ALKMY, A’Mano

BEST HVAC SERVICE

Guin Service, LLC 10 55th St. South Birmingham, AL 35212 205-595-4846

Runners Up: Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Alatec Heating and Cooling

BEST HAIR SALON

Oak Street Hair Group Inc. 125 Oak St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-879-3222

Runners Up: LinFox Salon, Wheelhouse Salon

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

Dana Wolter Interiors, LLC 2713 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-938-484

Runners Up: Jan Ware Designs, Jeremy D. Clark Studio

BEST JEWELRY STORE

Bromberg’s 2800 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-871-3276

Runners Up: Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers, Shalla Wista Studio

BEST FLORIST/GARDEN SHOP Leaf & Petal

SUNDAYS:

8:15 AM

10:30

10:30

BEST KIDS CLOTHING STORE

Children’s Edit 2003 Cahaba Rd. Suite 101 Mountain Brook, AL 205-202-3133

Runners Up: Mon Ami, Little Lavender

BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY

Caroline Dorris State Farm Insurance

2805 6th Ave. South Birmingham, AL 35223 205-322-3276

Runners Up: Cobbs Allen, Amy Smith Gardner State Farm Insurance

BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENT

Caroline Dorris of State Farm Insurance 2805 6th Ave. South Birmingham, AL 35223 205-322-3276

Runners Up: Margaret Ann Pyburn of Cobbs Allen, Margaret Brooke of Cobbs Allen

BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Holland Williams Photography 101 Hillsdale Rd. Birmingham, AL 35213 850-384-6709

Runners Up: Daniel McAllister Photography, Image Arts

BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Ray & Poynor Properties 2629 Cahaba Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-567-6091

Runners Up: LAH Sotheby’s International Realty Crestline, RealtySouth Crestline

BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT

Hillary Weiss – LAH Sotheby’s International Realty Crestline 2850 Cahaba Rd. Suite 200 Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-876-3052

Runners Up: Betsy French of Ray & Poynor Properties, Jake Callahan Birmingham Ray & Poynor Properties

BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE TEAM

The Fred Smith Group Realty South 105 Euclid Ave. Birmingham, AL 35213 205-368-2280

Runners Up: Scott Boudreaux Team LAH Sotheby’s International Realty Crestline, Roe + Walker Team LAH Sotheby’s International Realty

BEST KIDS CLOTHING STORE

Children’s Edit

BEST MORTGAGE GROUP

Adam Snable Guild Mortgage 2700 U.S. 280 Suite 290 East Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-370-9231

Runners Up: MortgageBanc/ Fairway Independent Corp, SouthPoint Bank Home Mortgage

BEST NAIL SALON

Jimmy’s Nails Crestline 81 Church St. Suite 103 Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-879-1077

Runners Up: Nail Tek, Foxy Nails III

BEST PEST CONTROL

Birmingham Mosquito Control 800 Shades Creek Pl. Suite 450 Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-202-9374

Runners Up: Athena Pest Control, Mosquito Marshals of Birmingham

BEST PLUMBING SERVICE

Guin Service, LLC 10 55th St. South Birmingham, AL 35212 205-595-4846

Runners Up: Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Sentry Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical

BEST SPECIALTY STORE

Heezie’s 81 Church St. Suite 101 Mountain Brook, AL 35213 205-874-6278

Runners Up: ALKMY, Village Dermatology

BEST LOCAL CAUSE Libby’s Friends

EYELID

HIGH ON BUENA VISTA

By Christiana Roussel | Photos Contributed

by Scott Peterson

Make tracks this summer for someplace a little off-the-beaten path: Buena Vista, Colorado.

Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to have fun exploring all this area has to offer.

Just a two-plus-hour drive from Denver is the small, charming mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado. You’ll soon learn how picturesque and engaging this town is. First, let’s start by discussing the pronunciation. Locals say, “BEW-na VIS-ta,” “Bewnie” or “BV” for short. Legend has it that the townspeople adopted this moniker because of the “bew” sound in ‘beautiful.’ To be sure, whatever nickname you give the place, we know you’ll have a fantastic Western adventure here.

Photo

Where to Eat & Drink

House Rock Kitchen—This spot boasts some of the best lunches, salads and creative bowls.

houserockkitchen.com

IG: @houserockkitchenbv

Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar (at The Surf Hotel)—Think upscale dinner options that are served Western casual. Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar is open evenings and Sundays for brunch. surfhotel.com/wesley-rose/ IG: @wesleyandrose

Eddyline Taproom & Brewery—Come here to hang with locals and enjoy some amazing area brews. eddylinebrewing.com

IG: @eddylinebrewing

Deerhammer Distillery— Riffing on traditional whiskey distilling, the team at Deerhammer puts their own twist on the process, producing single malts, four-grain bourbons and limited-run single barrel spirits. deerhammer.com

IG: @deerhammer

The Lariat—Refuel here after a morning hike, or come for dinner and stay for the live music. thelariatbv.com

IG: @thelariatbv

Cool River—Start your day here for hearty breakfast options that will fuel you for the day. coolriverbv.com

IG: @coolriverbv

Buena Viking—In their newly revamped brickand-mortar spot, the Viking offers up some of the best burgers in town. buenaviking.com

IG: @thebuenaviking

Where to Stay

The Inn: Railroad + Main—Located in the heart of downtown Buena Vista, the nine-room inn has been lovingly updated with all the modern amenities we appreciate in travel. The well-maintained exposed brick and reclaimed hardwood floors give this place charm on top of charm. High ceilings and fantastic views of the mountains are a total bonus.

theinnbv.com

IG: @theinnbv

The Surf Hotel & Surf Chateau—Wraparound balconies line this four-star boutique hotel, which is located in the South Main part of town on the banks of the Arkansas River. surfhotel.com

IG: @surfhotelbv

Mt. Princeton Resort—Just outside of downtown Buena Vista, Mt. Princeton Resort is home to some of the area’s famed hot springs. Guests can stay in resort rooms, suites and private cabins to enjoy full access to the variety of hot springs options on site.

mtprinceton.com

IG: @mtprinceton

Camping—There are plenty of sites available in the Chaffee County area; Cottonwood Lake is closest to town. Check out colorado.com/ articles/your-guide-to-camping-in-buena-vistasalida for the entire list to find your backcountry, RV or camp site.

IG: @visitcolorado

Even Keel Lodge—If you’re keen to stay in the heart of it all, check out one of the three “Hygge-Centric apartments” Buena Viking restaurant owners Evan and Anna Winger have outfitted above their new location. evenkeelbv.com

IG: @evenkeelbv

The Surf Hotel & Surf Chateau

Mt. Princeton Resort

Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar

Deerhammer Distillery

What Locals Love about Buena Vista

A quick poll of local residents turned up a long list of their favorite things they’d recommend visitors not miss while in town. Here are just a few:

• Don’t miss Gold Rush Days (Aug. 10-11, 2024) and the annual Gem & Mineral Show.

• Swing by Crooked Cauldron Company for handcrafted teas— we’re partial to the ones with Blue Lotus, which some say helps with relaxation, muscle pain and anxiety.

• Make plans to be a part of the Land Rover National Rally (Aug. 19-23, 2024), when the group traverses mountain passes and visits old mining towns. Last year’s event had vehicles from more than 20 states.

• Pop in to Buena Vista Shell/ Stedman’s Sodas, Sweets & Treats for house-made fudge and popcorn, Blue Bell ice cream and more.

• A favorite easy hike in the Arkansas Valley is Clinton’s Gulch, just past the Climax Mine—hike around the lake for spectacular views.

• Little Engine Eatery—This 501©(3) social enterprise food truck operation provides paid work experience and job training for neurodivergent people.

• Check out the Drone Training Park by the Rodeo Grounds: mountainwestuas.org

• Chocolatte is a must visit—There is a play area for kids, while the adults can relax with a cappuccino. Everyone will want one of their milkshakes or sundaes.

• We love visitors but really want everyone to respect the natural beauty of this area by following the Leave No Trace guidelines posted lnt.org (several residents mentioned this one)!

WHAT TO DO

Hiking/Biking/Rafting—Summer in Colorado is synonymous with being outside.

For a complete list of area trails, stop in to The Trailhead downtown and chat with a local, or check out alltrails.com/us/colorado/buena-vista to plan your trip in advance. thetrailheadco.com

IG: @thetrailheadco

Rent a bike from BV Bikes (bvebikes.com), and hit the trails. Want to off-road even more? Check out BV Jeeps to rent a jeep, ATV or Razor (bvjeeps.com).

IG: @BV_jeeps and @biv.bike.co

Go whitewater rafting with one of the local outfitters such as The Adventure Company (theadventurecompany.com) or Noah’s Ark Rafting. IG: @adventurecompany and @noahsarkrafting

Buena Vista Whitewater Park—This phenomenal public park area boasts water features for everyone from beginner to expert. You just need a SUP or small kayak to ride the waves. outdoorproject.com/united-states/colorado/buena-vistawhitewater-park

Other Things to Do

Pack Burro Racing—In 2012, Colorado designated pack burro racing as the official state Summer Heritage Sport. To the uninitiated, these events feature runners competing in races with a donkey on a lead rope. Thousands of runners from across the state participate in these events with the top three races taking place in Leadville, Fair Play and Buena Vista. This year’s 13.1 miles-race takes place on Aug. 11, 2024, but to be sure, there will be people training for the event all summer long. buenavistapackburrorace.itsyourrace.com

Comanche Drive-In—Movies start at dusk at the highest elevation drive-in in the United States, which is one of only 305 drive-in movie theaters left in the country! comanchedrivein.com

Hot springs—Yes, hot springs are a must-do, even in summer as the temps here are cool in mornings and afternoons. The Mt. Princeton Hot Springs were first visited by Native Americans who relished the healing warm waters. Miners chasing gold in the area soon discovered these springs, and in 1879, a group of them built a three-story hotel. The resort thrived until mining operations dried up and the Great Depression hit. However, the allure of these natural springs remains, and the newest iteration of the resort is an ideal spot to spend an afternoon and take in a spa treatment and dinner. mtprinceton.com

Historic St. Elmo—One of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West, this former mining town has stories to tell. Pack a lunch and tack on a hike in the area to make a day of it.

IG: @stelmocolorado

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

travel tips

At almost 8,000 feet in elevation, it is important to remember that your body may react differently to the change in environment. To avoid any discomfort, you are encouraged to follow these few guidelines:

• Drink lots of water —Don’t wait until you are thirsty before you hydrate. Consider adding sports drinks with extra electrolytes to your daily fluid consumption.

• Take your time —If your schedule allows, spend a night in Denver to start

Shop Downtown Buena Vista

Sundog Colorado—Some of the best vintage and new-to-you Western finds (think Native American artifacts, clothes, books, boots and more).

The Mercantile—A bit of everything from home décor to candles, art, frames and inspired gifts.

Little Elk Trading Company—A curated collection of Western furniture, Pendleton blankets, art and more.

Peace Love Dirt—Handcrafted, feel-good gifts imbued with the healing spirits of the area. Jewelry-making classes offered here by River Wilding.

BV Art & Photo—Showcases the work of local artists and photographers and is the perfect place to bring home a memory from your time in Buena Vista.

your acclimation process. This one step can reduce your chances of altitude sickness by 50-percent. Don’t want to wait to get to BV? Spend your first day doing something leisurely, such as taking in the shops downtown and enjoying the stunning vistas.

• Monitor your alcohol intake —It is easy to get tipsy quickly at higher elevations. While you are enjoying local breweries, distilleries and wineries, just be aware of how your body is reacting.

• Sunscreen & Layers —You are closer to the sun at this altitude, and the weather can change in an instant. Use plenty of sunscreen, reapply often and pack clothes you can layer easily.

Peace Love Dirt

Little Elk Trading Company

Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cuttings

New Member Spotlight

Alabama Flyers Inc.

Charlotte Christian Law, P.C.

Global Roofing Co.

Tribe Hair Co.

Forge and Flourish Coaching, LLC

Granger Thagard & Associates

Alabama Oncology Foundation

Levite Jewish Community Center

LEMOINE Program Services

Nowlin & Associates Wealth Management

St. John Executive Search

DSD Operations

Cantley & Company

Maid Brigade of Birmingham

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

Alabama Flyers, Jan. 22

Organic Cafe, Feb. 1

Chick-fil-A Eastwood Village, Jan. 24

Birmingham Mosquito Control, March 13

AUBURN UNIVERSITY EAGLES FOUNDATION GALA

On Friday, Feb. 23 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, the Auburn University EAGLES Foundation held its inaugural fundraising gala, whose proceeds benefited the EAGLES Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships to college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the EAGLES program.

1. Caroline Boswell with Olivia, Denise, Frank and Abby Slupe

2. Chris, Grace and Laura Davis

3. Jenny Hester, Katie Basden and Denise Slupe

4. Shannon Harris

5. Ellie Korotky and Coleman Morris

6. Sandi Meeks and Shannon Harris

7. Cole Stidfole and Kate Dean with Abbey and Logan Thrasher

8. Preston and Olivia Slupe with Cecile Brown and Caroline Boswell

9. Sarah Duckworth, Abby Slupe and Alex Marinos

10. Theresa Manry and Shannon Harris

11. Christopher Roberts, Grace Davis and Denise Slupe

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

CHAMBER CONNECT: HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR ORGANIZATION FROM FRAUD

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

On Tuesday, March 19, Jeff Taylor, Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking Group Fraud Forensics at Regions Bank, taught on fraud prevention during Chamber Connect.

1. Joseph Braswell, Hollins Rush and Jeff Taylor

2. Lionel Pickens and Greta Sandy

3. Megan Thomas, Shelia Kent and Emily Jensen

4. Shelia Kent

5. Tori Krupa and David Robinson

6. Jeff Taylor, Dan Bundy, John Boydstun, Will Kendall and Hollins Rush

7. Greta Sandy and Isa Dorsky

MOONLIGHT MOVIES

On Thursday, March 21 in Lane Parke, patrons came out and sat on the green to enjoy a showing of “Mamma Mia” for Moonlight Movies.

1. Elyse Wallace and Ella Grace McConnell

2. The Rhodes family

3. Anna Portante and Natalie Vizzina

4. Greg Olexa with Judy and Bill Lewis alongside Will, Hayley and Della deShazo

5. Katia Cruz and Ivan Carrieri

6. Ashleigh Hayes

7. Emmalee Tidwell

8. Aimee Legrowne and Brandi McIntyre

9. John Holcomb and Daisy Lopez

10. The Nelson family

11. Lillian Mejia and Kellen Bouchard

12. The Dill family

13. Manila Shinde and Mai Nguyen

14. Sarah DeSilvey, Jordan Carmichael and Tia Lynch

15. The Estes family

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

MOUNTAIN BROOK VS. MOODY BASEBALL

BY KELSEA SCHAFER

On Thursday, March 14, the Spartans defeated the Blue Devils 15-2 at home.

1. Billy and Gorbie

2. The Bolus family

3. Duncan and Rhiannon Sharpe

4. Stacy Barnett with Christy and Mary Carleton Baynes

5. The Russell family

6. Kerri and John Windle

7. Marisa and Beau Donovan

8. Jane Sellers with Amanda and Beck Neuendorf

9. Allie McAlister and Abigail Sharpe

10. Eden Crosby and Gabby Green

11. Christopher and Lily Cutshall with Hayes Windle

12. Brandy and Whitley

13. Hallie and Frances Fincher

14. Evelyn and Hugh Weinacker

15. Georgia Spotswood, Reese Gardner and Mary Harbin Porter

PHOTOS

MOUNTAIN BROOK EASTER EGG ROLL

PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER

On Saturday, March 30, the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce hosted numerous families on the grassy field by the O’Neal Library for the chamber’s annual Easter egg hunt.

1. Walker and Lela Owenby

2. The Wilson family

3. The Bassett family

4. The Bradford family

5. Caroline Curran

6. Bodhi

7. The Estes family

8. The Hagood family

9. The Haughton family

10. Ann Vaughan with Trip and Collier Sellars

11. Piper Van Pelt

12. The Parrish family

13. Danielle and Margot Russell

14. Millie, Bo and Henry Parrish

15. The Powell family

PUPPY PALOOZA

On Saturday, April 13 in Lane Parke, Puppy Palooza took place, featuring vendor booths, adoptable dogs, music, a bounce house and more. The event benefited the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.

1. Haley Glasser

2. Sam Ebert, Mary Baugh and Kathy Gallant

3. Cailyn Fikes

4. The Wall family

5. Murray Claire Choate with Jane Harris and Harper Hickam

6. Myeshia and Kyla Kobe

7. Kim Pratt

8. Taylor Cade and Jillian Dismukes

9. Jeanne, Justin and Jacob Breedlove

10. Emily Moore and Michael Blake

11. Gretchen McCreless

12. Latoya and Lacey Macon

13. Ruby Bachuca and Aina Cervantes

14. Lauren Holmes, Madison Grooms and Tori Krupa

15. Nicholas Holman

PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT

TODAY! (for 3,5, 0r 10 months)

Make a lifelong friend from abroad. Enrich your family with another culture. Select an exchange student from over 70 different countries. All families are welcome to apply. CALL PAMELA AT (205)577-9323 host.asse.com or email info@asse. com

Automation Personnel Services

Hiring IMMEDIATELY

For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla.

Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

B&B FARM/FLEA MARKET

$5 Set Up Fee 7am-3pm 41981 HWY 25 Vincent, AL 35178 FIRST & THIRD SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH Animals, baked goods, food trucks, boiled peanuts, and more!! Bring whatever you want to sale and come hang out!!

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

BRIAN’S TREE SERVICE

• TREES CUT FROM THE TOP DOWN! • SAFE TREE REMOVAL IN CONFINED AREAS! • STUMP GRINDING! • GENERAL LIABILITY

• WORKERS COMP

WWW.BRIANSTREE.COM 205-281-2427

Central Alabma Wellness

Mental Health Services

Office locations in Calera, Clanton, Pelham, and 280! 205-651-0077 Visit our website to learn more centralalbamawellness.org

$$$ WANTED $$$ PRIVATE COLLECTOR Buying Watchmaker Items! Buying Parts, Tools, Broken Watches and All Related Items!

30 Yr Member NAWCC

Please Call Dave 314-779-7380 References Available Upon Request

DONAVAN LAKES

FISHING CLUB & INN Marion, Perry Co. AL 2131 Eagle Grove Church Rd. Marion, Alabama 36756 • 8 Lakes • 17 Piers • Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish. • Camping, Nature Trails, Birding. Membership $1000 for 2024 Contact Thomas Wilson 334-247-2101 wils5789@bellsouth.net www.donavanlakes.org Outstanding adventure for the entire family!

SENIOR L2/L3 AUTOMATION SPECIALIST

Danieli Taranis LLC (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsbl for anlzng user needs & sftwr reqs. to dtrmne fsibilty of dsgn w/in time & cost constraints, dscssng & evltng potential situations that can arise insde the plant & correlating them w/fnctnlts of the MES or flat prdct cntrl app. to produce fnctnl reqs. for each prjct, obtnng & evltng info on factors such as rprting frmts req., costs, or secrity needs to dtrmne hrdwr cnfgrtn. HS diploma w/3 yrs of prior work exp. in the pos. off. or rel. dvlpng, tstng & comsng Lvl 2 Automation Systms & Lvl 3 MES Syst. Send resumes to r.woods@danieli.com

Property Real Estate Manager (live out). Sought by commercial real estate company. Worksite: Birmingham, AL. 36 months exp. req. in same job or, Private Household Management or, any other closely related. Supervise other service workers $28.82 per. hour. 40 hrs. weekly. No walk in’s. Mail resume with cover letter to: The Founder. The Hazelrig Companies. 3535 Grandview Parkway, Suite # 315, Birmingham, AL 34243.

AUTOMATION L1 PLC DEVELOPER

Danieli Taranis (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsble for dvlpng sftwr prjct for autmtn sys.; intnl tstng of sftwr app on autmtn sys; drawing up ad prep. of oprtr manuals; field check, assurance that all field elctrcl eqpmnt is cnctd to autmtn sys; motor mvments accrdng to data

sheet; mach. automatic mvmnts according to cycle diagram; monitor plant prdctvt. Bachelor’s in Cmptr Scnce or IT w/5 yrs of progress resp. prior wrk exp in the pstn offrd. or reltd. Mst knw (thru acad training or wrk exp) dvlpng MES autmtn sftwre using DELPHI XE2 & SQL ORACLE PL/SQL for bcknd dvlpmnt; dvlpng autmtn sftwre for steel indstry; SQL dtbse, Vsl Stdio Cde, Delphi 2005, Orcle dtbse, incl. Orcle ADF, Orcle SOA, & Orcle BPM. Resumes to r.woods@danieli.com.

Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500

•TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V)

•800-548-2546(T/A).

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

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

Production Supervisor

$50,000.00-$70,000.00/year 10hr shifts Mon-Thurs Oversees production operations. Sets objectives, organizes workflow, prepares schedules, assigns responsibilities, trains employees, ensures safety, schedules maintenance, submits performance reports. Skills:-Automotive Plant Experience -Experience as Production Supervisor or similar role -Experience with manufacturing machinery and tools -Advanced skills in MS Office -High School Diploma; Degree in a technical, engineering or relevant field will be an advantage Benefits: PTO, 401k w/match, Health/Dental/ Vision insurance, employee assistance, referral program, tuition reimbursement 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

2nd Shift Supervisor

$50,000.00-$70,000.00

2nd shift 2:30p.m.-1:00a.m.

Monday–Thursday Responsibilities:

•Be an effective Supervisor in a participative work environment •Ensure all Finishing Dept. goals and improvement objectives are accomplished per our commitments •Ability to optimize utilization of personnel, equipment, material,

and space to meet OMF’s daily, monthly and annual targets. Will be evaluated regularly on ability to continuously improve in all areas of responsibility.

725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

O-FLEX METAL FINISHING

Maintenance Technicians: Friday–Sunday 12 hour shifts 6:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Responsible for maintenance of O-Flex facilities & equipment across all lines & departments. Oversight of preventative maintenance programs. Coordinates continuous improvement activities with Maintenance Team Leader. Starting pay $19-$28 BOE 725 Keystone Drive Clanton, Al 35044

Quantum Logistics Hiring Class A Driver. Montgomery, AL. Full or part time. $.48-$.55 per mile. Paid weekly. BCBS Insurance. Home weekend EZ Pass and prepass. Safety & Fuel Bonus. Apply online www.qtmlog.com Call (334)2888106.

Nursing Assistant to help care for an elderly gentleman in Jemison requiring total assistance. PT-FT. To apply, call Ms. Peoples (205)688-1992 or (205)447-3005

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

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

Tax Advisor, International Tax and Transaction Tax Services (International Corporate Tax Advisory) (Senior) (Multiple Positions), Ernst & Young U.S. LLP, Birmingham, AL. Apply online, go to:ey.com/en_us/careers and click on “Careers - Job Search”, then “SearchJobs” (Job Number1472113).

Caliza LLC d/b/a Landing seeks a Senior Software Engineer in Birmingham, AL to contribute to the company’s core product platforms,

building APIs and systems. Req. MS + 2 yrs exp or BS + 5 yrs exp. Salary range for position: $170,000.00$200,000.00.

100% telecommuting role. Reports to company headquarters in Birmingham, AL. Can work remotely or telecommute. To apply, mail resume to:

Caliza LLC d/b/a Landing, Attn: HR, 17 20TH Street North, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35203.

Must Reference Job Title: & Code: 000012. EOE.

LEAD ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Danieli Taranis LLC (Chelsea, AL) to be rspnsble for dsgng, dvlpng, & tsting automtn sys for y steel mnfctrng eqpmnt & mchnry, Q-HEAT, Q-DRIVE, & Q-ONE tech, & dvlpng logic & parmetrs; inspctng exstng hrdwre w/in the plnt to prpre for installtn of drives & automtn sftwre; creatng elctrcl diagrms of autmtn sys, motor/sensr lsts for plnts, autmtn blck diagrms of plnt ntwrks, motor wrkng cycls sensr or transltr data sheets, plnt lyout & dtails of areas in AutoCAD frmt; creatng I/O lst for hrdwre dsgn & dvlpng autmtn sftwre; creatng opertor mnuals. Master’s in Elctrcl Engnrng or rel field w/2 yrs prev wrk exp in pos off or rel. Mst know (thru acdmc trainng or wrk exp) Ethrnet Confgurator & Profibus/ Profinet; Codesys; Target Monitor; Q-Drive Configurator parmtrztion; & indction heatng & Q-One tech. Wrks at clients’ manfctrng wrksites acrss contnntl U.S. Resumes to C.Hegarty@danieli.com

South Pointe Development

203 Shiloh Creek Drive Calera, AL 35040

Updating Waiting List: 3 BDR 2 Bath Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30 Multi-Family No Pets Allowed 205-668-1196.

Experienced Termite Technician or someone experienced in routeservice work and wants to learn new profession. Work-vehicle/equipment provided. Must drive straight-shift, have clean driving record/be 21/ pass background/drug test. Training provided. Insurance/401K offered. M-F 7:00-4:30 + 1 Saturday/month. Pay $13hr. Send resume to facsmith@charter.net

MY MOUNTAIN BROOK

BECKY HOLT

Executive Director of ALL IN Mountain Brook

A Family Community

All Things Mountain Brook

My family and I really enjoy the “typical everyday life” in Mountain Brook. Whether it’s celebrating special events (both big and small) at local restaurants, watching the live nativity during Christmas, walking around the Birmingham Botanical Gardens each season, helping with and attending charity events or sitting on a back porch with friends and family, Mountain Brook really does have it all!

Mountain Brook Schools

Cherokee Bend Elementary & MBJH

Cherokee Bend Elementary and Mountain Brook Junior High have provided our family with so many special memories over the years. One specific highlight is the CBS Red and Yellow Run a few years ago. My sister-in-law and I chaired the event, and our kids sure enjoyed the color powder while we were busy!

Strength in Community ALL IN Mountain Brook

On the Ballfield

Youth Baseball Fields

My family spends a lot of time at the baseball park during the spring. My husband, Tyler, grew up playing baseball in Mountain Brook, and it’s been a joy to watch him coach our son and now our nephew. Mountain Brook did a fabulous job of renovating the youth fields. The complex is not only aesthetically beautiful, but it is also well-designed and will serve Mountain Brook families and athletes for generations.

The Mountain Brook community is unique and very special to me. I have the honor of serving as the executive director of ALL IN Mountain Brook, an organization that focuses on protecting and enhancing the lives of Mountain Brook youth. From our police and fire departments, school system, city officials, businesses and worship communities, I see firsthand that Mountain Brook as a whole is committed to the support and safety of our children. As a parent to two outstanding kids, Jonathan and Maggie, I find such great comfort in this!

Eat Local

Mountain Brook Eateries

Mountain Brook has a number of amazing restaurants. My go-to dishes are a Rex Special pizza from Davenport’s Pizza Palace; cheese dip and guacamole from Taco Mama; chocolate almond ice cream from Mountain Brook Creamery; any fish dish from Dyron’s Lowcountry; a burger from Porch; or the lean turkey pita from Zoe’s. It’s too hard to narrow down much more!