November 2025 | Volume 13 | Issue 7
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SERVING VESTAVIA HILLS, HOMEWOOD, HOOVER, MOUNTAIN BROOK, TRUSSVILLE AND THE 280 CORRIDOR
VESTAVIA HILLS’ COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE VESTAVIAVOICE.COM | STARNESMEDIA.COM
Gaston Graduates
Police Capt. Joel Gaston finishes elite FBI leadership training.
See page 8
Dual Threats
On the horizon As the city marks 75 years, leaders and residents look ahead to growth, preservation and the next generation’s role in shaping Vestavia Hills By EMILY REED
V
estavia Hills just marked its 75th anniversary. Now the city is looking ahead to the next 75 years. The city is made up of several distinct communities — historic Vestavia Hills, Cahaba Heights, Rocky Ridge, Patchwork Farms and Liberty Park — each contributing to its identity and diversity. Vestavia Hills is projected to grow to nearly 50,000 residents in the coming decades, with new investment reshaping Liberty Park and development spreading east. But the city’s
future success will hinge on whether it can balance growth with the values that made it thrive in the first place. “The sustenance of our city economically and culturally required good planning and continued commitments to the institutions that were priorities for our founders,” City Manager Jeff Downes said. “An excellent education system, commitment to public safety and a careful use of resources that reflect the community’s priorities.”
See HORIZON | page 24
Quarterbacks Charlie Taaffe, Price LaMaster bring chemistry, creativity and leadership to Rebels offense.
See page 20
INSIDE Sponsors ............ 4 City ...................... 6 Schoolhouse.....10 Business ............ 12
Real Estate........ 16 Events ................18 Sports ...............20 Community ....... 21 An aerial view of the convergence of U.S. 31 and Columbiana Road in Vestavia Hills. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
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What we stand for: Vestavia Hills residents share what patriotism means to them By K ELLI S . H EW
ET T
I n Vestavia Hills, November means fla s linin . . students preparin or assem lies and nei h ors linin the streets or irmin ham’s eterans ay parade the oldest in the country. ut this year as the nited tates
approaches its th anniversary in we wanted to as a personal uestion hat does patriotism mean to you and how do you live it here in Vestavia Hills?
See PATRIOTISM | page 26
With Veterans Day celebrated this month, patriotic symbols will be evident in the city. But how do we live patriotically in daily life here at home? Local residents say true patriotism is about actions and in how we treat our neighbors. Photo by David Leong.
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